Peer Mentors
Aahana Dube
she/her
As a dedicated psychology student at York University, Aahana is passionate about child and developmental psychology and driven to understand human growth and transformation. Outside academia, she enjoys writing, which honed her communication skills and allows her to convey complex ideas. Aahana does enjoy keeping up with current affairs, since an informed perspective is a valued one. She is committed to using her knowledge to drive positive change through research and advocacy. She is an excellent communicator and active listener, she thrives in collaborative environments that value diverse perspectives and innovative solutions.
Fun Fact About Me
-She loves exploring the streets of Toronto with her camera.
Aurore Maloh
she/her
Aurore is a third-year Psychology student in the Specialized Honours BSc Program. She is passionate about research in psychology and is currently a research assistant in a visual neuroscience lab, which explores how the brain processes visual information with brain imaging. She is very passionate about raising mental health awareness and is the co-president of The Happiness Plan club at York University. Outside of school, Aurore is a dance instructor for youth and also enjoys listening to music and spending time in nature. She hopes to create a welcoming environment and smooth transition for incoming students. Her future career goals involve becoming a clinical psychologist and having her own practice.
Favourite Quote
“Trust the process. We always end up right where we’re meant to be, right when we’re meant to be there”
Alina Khan
she/her
Alina is going into her 3rd year in the Neuroscience program. Some of her hobbies include reading, playing video games, going on hikes, and playing the guitar. She is currently a research assistant in Dr. Denise Henriques Sensorimotor lab which is focused on motor learning and reaching. Her experience with adapting to university has its ups and downs where she struggled with the jump in workload from high school to university, along with maintaining a work-life balance. Through the support of upper-year students, she was able to establish effective studying techniques and ways to get involved at York University. Her future career goals involve going to graduate school within the field of Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience.
Favourite Quote
"The only failure is giving up and not trying"
Baldev Sidhu
he/him
Baldev, pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Arts, is a second-year psychology student with an interest in mental health and social psychology research. He is dedicated to supporting fellow students as a peer mentor, based on his experiences as a first-year student at York. In addition to his academic pursuits, Baldev has volunteered with the Malala Fund, illustrating a commitment to global education and equity. Passionate about mental wellness and academic success, he aims to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for all students.
Favourite Quote
"Be the change you wish to see in the world"
– Mahatma Gandhi
Bianca Ciarallo
she/her
Bianca is a fourth-year BA Honours Psychology student at York University. She hopes to get her Master's in Education, Counselling Psychology and become a Guidance Counsellor. She has been a part of Calumet College Council since her first year and experienced different leadership roles. She also had the experience of being an Active Bystander Facilitator under The Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education and learned communication skills. Bianca enjoys reading, making friendship bracelets and baking in her free time.
Favourite Quote
"Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you."
-Dr. Seuss
Deanna Buljan
she/her
Deanna is currently going into her second year of psychology! She is constantly immersed in the study of psychology and loves learning about the brain and human behaviour! Her dream is to get a PhD in Clinical Psychology. In her free time you will find her playing with her dog or hanging out with friends. She loves playing soccer and has recently passed on this passion through becoming a soccer coach! She is an avid reader and always open to a good book suggestion! Deanna is an enthusiastic, outgoing and passionate individual who is looking forward to her experience as a Peer Mentor!
Favourite Quote
"If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change"
-Wayne Dyer
Flavia Martinez
she/her
As an international transfer student herself, Flavia wishes to help and support students from various backgrounds and with paths different to the common one, knowing the many challenges being different can pose. She believes in the importance of listening, and having a safe space to ask questions (even the ones one may think are not important!) and is looking towards completing a Masters in Counselling Psychology. She likes reading (both fiction and non fiction), playing board games (competitively), having long meaningful conversations and is very passionate about finding simple ways to increase happiness and mental health.
Favourite Quote
"I choose to make the rest of my life, the best of my life"
Grace Plante
she/her
Grace is a second year student in the BA Honours psychology program. Her career goal is to become a Speech Language Pathologist and get a Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology. She is very interested in linguistics, psycholinguistics, and cognition. In her free time she loves to read, write, and do visual arts.
Fun Fact About Me
My favourite animal is a red panda!
Giang Vu
she/her
Giang (pronounced as Zang) is a second-year international student majoring in Honors Psychology BSc. Currently, she is working with Associate Dean for Students, Dr Hamadeh, on a profounding project that aims at helping at-risk students navigate academic challenges and achieve success. And in the upcoming year, Giang will assume the role of Student Coordinator for York International. In addition to her passion for empowering others, she is dedicated to playing tennis and going to spin classes. Despite her adventurous and outgoing nature (having studied in 6 different countries), she takes pleasure in spending some alone time on self-discovery and introspection. Having encountered numerous obstacles as an international student both in the US and Canada, she is determined to use her experience to support those who are facing similar challenges in navigating student life.
Favourite Quote
"Always live your life the way you want"
Lisa Tuwe
she/her
Lisa is a third-year psychology student at the York University Keele campus. She plans to get her Master's in Psychology with the idea of becoming a psychotherapist in the future.
During her spare time, Lisa enjoys being involved in her community and is trying to find more opportunities in the mental health or psychology section. She also loves reading and watching K-dramas. She likes discovering and trying out new hobbies - she currently knits, draws, hikes and does gardening.
Favourite Quote
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take"
-Wayne Gretzky
Mannat Gill
she/her
Mannat is a fourth-year student currently pursuing her Honours BA in Psychology at York University. She is passionate about understanding human behaviour and cognition, especially in developmental and childhood psychology. Alongside her academic pursuits, Mannat has contributed to organizations such as SOCH and achieved a certificate in mental health training for diverse groups of people. She has also worked closely with high school students with special needs. During her leisure time, Mannat enjoys the outdoors with her dog, going on hikes to see waterfalls, or having picnics by the beach. She loves coffee, watching thrillers or rom-coms, swimming, painting, and listening to music. Mannat is an enthusiastic, outgoing, and passionate individual, always eager to expand her knowledge and experiences!
Favourite Quote
“Everything will be ok in the end, if it's not ok, it's not the end”
- John Lennon
Mysha Khan
she/her
Mysha Khan is a Psychology major with a strong interest in becoming a clinical psychologist. Passionate about helping others, Mysha is an excellent active listener and is known for her friendliness. When not studying, you can find her reading, listening to music, or painting. Known for being empathetic and a good communicator, Mysha is excited to support fellow students as a Peer Mentor, offering guidance and a friendly ear to those navigating their academic journeys.
Favourite Quote
"We know what we are, but know not what we may be."
- Hamlet
Pahirna Pathmatoopan
she/her
Pahirna is a second year Honours Psychology (BA) student. She has a strong passion for helping people and creating positive impacts on the community. While she loves studying psychology, she aspires to apply her knowledge and skills to address mental health through unique careers in social work or business. She is known as a great and friendly advisor, which inspires her to help on a larger scale. She has volunteered at her school as a reliable student leader where she developed strong relationships with teachers and younger students!
Fun Facts About Me
- Pahirna aims to visit as many countries as possible, as she loves exploring and embracing different cultures
- Outside of university, she enjoys spending time with family and friends at local outdoor spots
- She is also a huge fan of movies and music, so if you have recommendations, she is ready to hear them!
Favourite Quote
"Success doesn't rush. The greatest reward is the journey!"
Pamela Letassey
she/her
Pamela is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Her academic and career aspirations include maintaining excellent grades across all her courses and ultimately working in the mental health field, specifically in Clinical Psychology. Pamela enjoys cooking and baking, travelling, and playing the guitar in her free time. During her senior year of high school, she served as a Student Mental Health Ambassador and was an active member of the Mental Health Club. Additionally, she has previous volunteering experience with the Alzheimer's Society of York Region. Pamela's main goal as a peer mentor is to create a safe and inclusive space, in order to help students thrive in university and their overall mental well-being.
Favourite Quote
"Whatever you choose to do, leave tracks. That means don’t do it just yourself. You will want to leave the world a little better for your having lived.”
-Ruth Bader Ginsberg
Saloni Sohal
she/her
Saloni is a fourth year Psychology student pursuing a BSC. She plans on attending law school soon while also exploring more psychology options for the future. Saloni enjoys volunteering as proved by her experience with Brampton Civic Hospital, Distress Centre of Greater Toronto, and Knights Table. In her free time she enjoys going to the gym to work on her fitness goals and exploring new music.
Favourite Quote
“There is beauty in the struggle"
Tahirah Alphonso
she/her
Tahirah is entering her second year in the BA Psychology Honors program, with interests in concentrating on either human resources or mental health. As an international student, she has navigated the challenges of living in Canada independently and enjoys experiencing new situations. Driven by a passion for supporting and communicating with others, Tahirah is eager to connect with new psychology students and provide comforting support throughout their academic journey. Her hobbies include weightlifting, nature, and music!
Fun Fact About Me
- She has studied in 6 different countries growing up!
Vaidehi Bhingaradia
she/her
Vaidehi is a third-year psychology major with a passion for reading, volleyball, and music. Specifically, she loves listening to Gracie Abrams. She balances her academic pursuits with hobbies that keep her engaged and inspired. As an experienced peer mentor, Vaidehi is committed to guiding fellow students through the transition to university life, offering support and encouragement along the way. With aspirations to become a forensic psychologist, she is dedicated to making a difference in the field of mental health and criminal justice.
Favourite Quote
"Scars remind us where we've been. They don't have to dictate where we're going."
- David Rossi (Criminal Minds)