The Counselling Centre’s student staff play a crucial role in supporting student mental health. All student staff are trained and receive ongoing support from The Counselling Centre. They host a variety of programming, including one-on-one support, chat-and-chill style events, art drop-ins, and more!
Student staff roles include Peer Supporters and the 2SLBGTQIA+ Wellness Ambassadors. Roles are active from September to April, annually.
Peer Supporters are trained upper-year students who offer one-on-one mental health support. Peer Supporters have lived experience with mental health and understand the challenges of being a student. The Peer Support Program is confidential and open to all students. You can meet with a Peer Supporter during their drop-in office hours to discuss whatever is on your mind, whether that is stress, relationship issues, mental health, etc. Peer Supporters can help you learn resiliency and coping strategies as well as assist in finding other resources.
Email: Peer.Support@smu.ca
Hi everyone! My name is Malak Hatem (she/her), and I am the Peer Supporter for the upcoming year. I am a third-year Science student majoring in Psychology, with plans to pursue a career in medicine. I'm also currently working as a Residence Assistant, where I enjoy creating a welcoming and inclusive community for students. I love meeting new people, learning from different perspectives, and finding opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. Outside of school, I'm passionate about acting, singing, and playing the piano. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and family, listening to music, and watching movies. I'm looking forward to getting to know you all and working with you this year
Hi! My name is Raeden (she/her) and I am the Athletics Peer Supporter for this year! I am a 4th year student double majoring in Management and Human Resource Management, with a certificate in Sustainability Business. I am also on the varsity track and field team, where I compete in hurdles and jumps. I enjoy working with my peers to create a safe, welcoming, and positive environment within athletics and the community. I value building connections, uplifting others, and fostering a culture where everyone feels supported, included, and encouraged to succeed! Outside of track and school, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, trying new coffee shops around Halifax, being active outdoors, and reading.
The 2SLGBTQIA+ Wellness Ambassador hosts wellness-related programs for the Queer and Trans community at Saint Mary’s. Join them for the bi-weekly Queer and Cozy Crafts and Games to meet others in the community! You can also chat one-on-one with them about your experiences, gender affirming care resources in the community, name change forms/processes and more.
Email: 2SLGBTQ.Wellness@smu.ca
The Student Wellness Champion provides mental health supports and resources to help students manage stress, reduce anxiety, and navigate challenges. They offer mental health and wellness programming, support navigation, and awareness programming. Talk to them to learn more about what services are available on campus, in the community, and through the province.
Email: Wellness.Champion@smu.ca
Hello! My name is Lyra Telles (he/him) and I am working as the Student Wellness Champion this year. I am a fifth-year student at SMU completing my BSC in Environmental Science with a minor in Geography. I really enjoy working with students and seeing them learn and succeed through their time here. I am also currently employed as a Peer Success Coach and have worked as a Residence Assistant in the past. Outside of school I enjoy spending time outside doing activities such as hiking, snowboarding, and rock climbing, as well as reading, writing and spending time with friends.
counselling@smu.ca
The Counselling Centre atSaint Mary's UniversityO’Donnell Hennessey Student CentreFourth Floor, Room 406923 Robie StreetHalifax, Nova ScotiaB3H 3C3Phone: 902-420-5615