veronica kuschenko

(SHE/HER)

Co-Vice President of Student Success

Veronica is a fourth year Psychology student pursuing Concentrations in Counselling and Mental Health, as well as Child and Youth Development. After completing her undergraduate degree, she plans to pursue a Master’s and PhD to become a Clinical Psychologist, specializing in working with children and adolescents. As a former Peer Tutor, she is excited to step into the role of Co-VP of Student Success this upcoming year. Outside of UPSA, she volunteers as a Research Assistant in the Social Cognition Lab, and as an Intake Coordinator at The Thought Centre. She loves spending time with her dog, baking, and travelling.

For Veronica, joining UPSA has been one of the best decisions she made in university, filled with kind and welcoming individuals. This club has provided her with many opportunities for both professional and personal growth. Being involved with UPSA has allowed her to contribute to student success, expand her leadership skills, create lasting friendships, and feel more connected within the York community. 

deanna buljan

(SHE/HER)

Co-Vice President of Student Success

Deanna is entering her fourth year of the Specialized Honours Psychology program. This is her third year on UPSA, and she is looking forward to another great year of supporting students and contributing to the psychology community. In the future, Deanna aims to become a Clinical Psychologist and work with children and adolescents. In her free time, she enjoys taking her dog for walks and playing soccer!

Deanna chose to join UPSA because of the welcoming and supportive community it fosters. She values the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals who are passionate about promoting student success and creating a strong sense of community within the psychology program.

pahirna pathmatoopan

(SHE/HER)

Vice President of Community Relations

Pahirna is a fourth-year Specialized Honours Psychology student who is passionate about making a positive difference in people's lives and fostering community growth and well-being. Known for her compassion for others, she has become a stronger advocate for mental health and is inspired to contribute on a larger scale. Currently, Pahirna aspires to work in Occupational Therapy, Counselling/Psychotherapy, or Public Health. She enjoys watching movies and TV shows, listening to music, playing games, and spending time with her loved ones. She enjoys being a lifelong learner, embracing new adventures, and meeting new people, so don't be shy to say hi! 

With hopes of improving student life at university and gaining professional experience, Pahirna joined UPSA as a Peer Mentor. Little did she know how much of a positive impact the club would have on her, as well as the amazing people she would meet. Being truly inspired by UPSA and its mission, she became a Community Relations Coordinator, where she actively supported and hosted academic and social events for students. After her time as an executive member that year, she aims to apply the skills and experience she gained to lead the current Community Relations team as Vice President of Community Relations. 

"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."

aivien shudimai mangahas

(SHE/HER)

Vice President of Marketing Department

Aivien is a fifth year Specialized Honours psychology Student who is passionate about building new connections and leaving a positive impact within and outside of the York community. She is currently pursuing to complete a Mental Health and Counselling Certificate alongside with a concentration on Applied Methods and Analysis. In the future, she aspires to pursue a Masters focused on Counselling, with hopes of becoming a licensed psychotherapist. As a former Marketing Coordinator, she hopes to continue promoting UPSA services in engaging and meaningful ways. She enjoys going to concerts, taking photographs, and going out for walks.

Aivien chose to be a part of UPSA to develop her leadership skills and to connect with like minded peers! UPSA has allowed her to step outside of her comfort zone and create long lasting friendships.

"Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day"

Isabella Fucile 

(SHE/HER)

Peer Mentor Coordinator

Isabella is a third-year Psychology student in the Specialized Honours BA program with plans to pursue graduate studies to become a Clinical Psychologist. She is passionate about understanding human behaviour and helping others feel supported and less alone in their challenges. As a Peer Mentor last year, Isabella discovered how much she enjoys connecting with and supporting fellow students. In her new role as Peer Mentor Coordinator, she is excited to continue fostering those connections and contributing to the growth and success of the Peer Mentor Program. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with friends, listening to music, and going on walks.

To Isabella, UPSA means community, support, and having a place to connect with others who share similar interests and experiences. As a commuter student at York, she knows that finding a sense of community on campus isn’t always easy. UPSA has given her the opportunity to meet amazing people, build friendships, and feel more connected to the psychology program. She chose to be part of UPSA because of the welcoming environment it creates and the opportunities it provides for both personal and academic growth. Being involved has been a meaningful part of her university experience, and she hopes to help others find that same sense of connection and belonging!

"Everything happens for a reason" 

Ayesha Shakil 

(She/her)

Peer Mentor Coordinator

Ayesha is a third-year BA Honours Psychology student and the Peer Mentor Coordinator for UPSA. After serving as a Peer Mentor last year, she is thrilled to step into this leadership role to foster a supportive, welcoming student environment. Ayesha has been deeply involved in student leadership at York University, having served as Calumet College’s Outreach Director, collaborated with York International and the CCSC Volunteer Crew. In her free time Ayesha also volunteers with Kids Help Phone as a crisis responder. Looking ahead, Ayesha aims to pursue counselling psychology or developmental psychology, she is driven by a passion for promoting mental health she hopes to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the wellbeing of others.

Ayesha chose to be a part of UPSA because she has always naturally gravitated toward supporting people, creating connections, and making spaces feel more welcoming and inclusive. To Ayesha UPSA felt like a club where she could actually put that into practice while being part of a community. She wanted to be involved in a space where she could use her skills in a meaningful way to support all her peers and contribute to something bigger than herself. It has also given her the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally, step into leadership roles with more confidence, and continue developing her ability to grow. 

"When your lost in the darkness, look for the light" - The Last of Us

Nafisa Quamrun Malisa

(SHE/HER)

Peer Tutor Coordinator

Malisa is an active Psychology student at York University who is passionate about supporting student success and inspiring others to reach their fullest potential. She enjoys working in collaborative environments, believing that teamwork fosters innovation and creates more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable initiatives. Now in her fourth year with UPSA, she is excited to collaborate with peer tutors, Calumet and Stong Colleges, and Psychology professors at York University to strengthen academic support for undergraduate Psychology students. She looks forward to another year of growth, learning, and making a lasting impact within the psychology community.

Malisa joined UPSA to find community and grow as a leader. 

"Dream Big!"

PAMELA LETASSEY

(SHE/HER)

Peer Tutor Coordinator

Pamela is a 4th year Honours Psychology student with aspirations of pursuing a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology and becoming a psychotherapist. She currently serves as a Peer Tutor Coordinator with UPSA after spending two years as a Peer Mentor, supporting students' academic and personal growth. Pamela is passionate about mental health advocacy, mentorship, and community engagement, and has volunteered with Kids Help Phone Cam’s Kids Ambassador program and as student Mental Health Ambassador in High School. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking and spending time with her loved ones. 

To me, UPSA represents a supportive academic and social community where psychology students can connect, share experiences, and grow beyond the classroom. It’s a space that bridges academic learning with real-world exploration of psychology through events, discussions, and peer support. It also reflects advocacy for student well-being and creating a sense of belonging within a large program where students can otherwise feel disconnected. I chose to be part of UPSA because I value the impact that peer support and student leadership can have on the university experience. Throughout my time at York, I have seen how important it is for students to have access to mentorship, academic guidance, and a welcoming community. UPSA gave me the opportunity to contribute to that environment while developing my own leadership skills. As a Peer Tutor Coordinator, I am excited to help connect students with academic support, foster meaningful peer relationships, and create opportunities that contribute to student success.

"You only are free when you realize you belong no place — you belong every place — no place at all.”- Maya Angelou

ISABELLA LAGANA

(she/her)

Community Relations Coordinator

Isabella is a student in the Honours BA Psychology program with a concentration in Counselling and Mental Health and aspires to become a Registered Psychotherapist. Alongside her studies, she is a Registered Health Coach and Nutrition Counsellor with a passion for helping others improve their overall well-being. In her free time, she enjoys practicing yoga and Pilates, reading, travelling, and spending time with friends and family. Isabella is actively involved in her community through volunteering at a local yoga studio, doing an independent research project at York University, and working within UPSA for a second year. Her achievements include receiving Oral Communication Awards, Honour Roll recognition, and the Principal’s Award.

I chose to be a part of UPSA because I wanted to get more involved in the York community and connect with other students who share an interest in psychology. I enjoy being part of a team and contributing to something that can make a positive impact on the student experience. Through UPSA, I’ve been able to build new connections, strengthen my relationship with the school, and become more involved in the psychology community. My goal is to help create a stronger and more connected psychology community at York by supporting events, creating resources, and providing students with opportunities to learn, connect, and get involved.

"You attract the energy that you give off, think positively, be kind and spread love"

Eddie Lollino

(He/Him)

Community Relations Coordinator

Eddie is entering his final year of the undergraduate psychology program. He enjoys reading/watching anything in the horror genre, and has a soft spot for puppetry and practical effects (80's!). He cares deeply about making people feel supported, and plans to pursue a career in law. Between restaurant work, studying, and his other volunteer roles at York University, he enjoys event coordination and bringing people together.

UPSA means community and an opportunity to grow. Through UPSA I've been able to meet incredible students pursuing a diverse selection of careers with amazing plans for the future that I would not have met otherwise. It was very refreshing to meet other passionate individuals that not only helped me to stay engaged socially but academically as well through sharing classes or working on academic events together. Working to support myself financially as a student made trying to feel connected to the university community a little bit difficult. After joining UPSA, I felt much more connected to my studies and the University community as a whole through the bonds I made with others and the students I had the privilege of helping. 

"The greatest danger to our future is apathy"

TAYLOR HANIEwicz

(she/her)

Community Relations Coordinator

Taylor is a fourth year student completing her BA Hons Psychology with dual concentrations in Psychology and Law, and Counselling and Mental Health. She is passionate about wellness and mental health, with research interests in positive psychology and the mind-body connection.

Alongside her studies, Taylor has gained meaningful experience through her involvement with UPSA as a GPA, Kids Help Phone as a crisis responder, and an integrative health clinic. These experiences have strengthened her interest in supporting mental health and holistic well-being.

Outside of academics, Taylor enjoys yoga and Pilates, reading, spending time with loved ones, long walks with her dog and traveling.

This is Taylor’s third year being a part of the UPSA organization. UPSA is meaningful to her as it has helped her find a community, meet like-minded people, and feel more connected within her program and at York overall. As a Core Coordinator this year, Taylor is excited to help organize and run events, create opportunities for students to get involved, and continue building a welcoming community for everyone.

"A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it, it just blooms"

Kayla Manabat

(SHE/hER)

Ambassador Lead

Kayla is entering her fourth-year of the Honours Bachelor's of Science Psychology program with a minor in HR. She is currently pursuing a concentration in Adult Development & Aging plus Psychology & Law, and she is also completing her certificate in Mental Health & Counselling. After completing her undergraduate degree, she plans to pursue her Master's to become a Psychologist, specializing in working with older adults. 

This is Kayla's first year on UPSA and she serves as their Ambassador Lead. Outside of UPSA, she volunteered with Calumet College Council, and she currently volunteers at a Long-Term Care Home supporting older adults with the expertise of psychology professionals.

To Kayla, UPSA allows her to connect socially and academically with those around her. She understands how York is a commuter school and how difficult it can be to build connections. Through her role at UPSA, it provides her with the opportunity to give back to and support the York Psychology community, especially for the lost, incoming Psychology students who she once was a few years ago. 

"Fun fact about me is that I learned how to solve a Rubik's Cube in less than 3 days :)"