Wellness Resources

Student Coordinators

Hannah Hill

Hello! My name is Hannah Hill, and I’m one of the PEERS for the Class of 2026. I’m originally from Opelika, AL, and I went to Auburn University for my undergraduate degree. I’ve lived in Mobile for three years now, and I love it down here! For hobbies, I like to go on walks, make flower arrangements, and hang out with my friends. It’s been an honor getting to serve in this role so far, and I’m looking forward to the upcoming year as a PEERS supporter!

Sam Motz

Hey! My name is Sam, and I am an M4 at South. I was born and raised in Huntsville, Alabama, and I went to Auburn for undergrad. I got my degree in Biomedical Science and then took several gap years prior to starting medical school. I love aviation, playing board games, watching legitimately all the TV shows I can manage, and hanging out with my friends. Medical school is a really challenging experience and I feel like we all need help sometimes. Whether it is life, school, or both that is overwhelming I have learned that having a true friend to talk to is invaluable. This is the role I hope to fill, to whomever needs it, while volunteering as a PEER Supporter.

Avery Thomas

Hi, my name is Avery Thomas! I am an M3, and I went to the UAB as an undergrad where I studied neuroscience. I enjoy spending time with my cat Omar, reading, crocheting, baking, finding great coffee shops, taking hot girl walks, and playing board games with my friends. Life really hit me hard during my M1 year making the transition to medical school in a new city even more challenging. I could not have made it through it without the support of others especially our wonderful support here at the Whiddon COM. I decided to join PEERs because I wanted to help others through similar challenges and show them the awesome resources South has to support them.

Class of 2026

Bree Cobine

Hello! My name is Bree, and I’m currently an M4 at the Whiddon COM. I am originally from Auburn, AL and went to Auburn University for undergrad! I love running, playing tennis and spending time with friends! I’m excited to be able to help support anyone who may need some help during their journey through medical school!

Lauren Kate Dodd

My name is Lauren Kate, and I am graduating in 2026. I am passionate about maintaining good mental health both for myself and others, and I got my undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience. I am very happy to be a resource for my fellow students and anyone else as a part of the PEERS program.

Mary Faragalla

Hi! My name is Mary, and I am a M4 student! I was born and raised in Mobile, AL, and I also attended South for undergrad! Go Jags! I enjoy pickleball, baking, going to the beach, and taking long walks outside in my free time! I wanted to become a PEER Supporter so I could provide the essential support that helps others navigate the challenges and demands of medical school. My own journey through med school has been very challenging, and I couldn’t have made it without the support of those around me. I am eager to offer that same support to others!

Emily Hartsell

My name is Em, and I’m an M4 from Huntsville. I enjoy yoga, the great outdoors, hitting the climbing wall, and time spent with good friends. I’m also a huge nerd for sci-fi novels and board games. Medical school is really tough and can quickly become overwhelming, but it’s easier to overcome the challenges with a little help from our friends. I’m volunteering to be a PEER Supporter so that I’ll have the training and resources to be the best support system I can be.

Macy Kreitz

Hey everyone! My name is Macy Kreitz. I am originally from Muscle Shoals, AL, and then went to The University of Alabama for undergrad. I love to cook and bake, my cat Mindy, and to spend time with friends and family. I have loved my time at Whiddon COM so far and have personally experienced the value that South places on both community and faculty/student-led support. This environment has helped me to both grow and now serve as a PEER supporter. I really look forward to extending that same support I needed coming into medical school to other classmates through this program.

Mohammad Waqas

My name is Mohammad, and I’m currently an M4. I joined PEERS because I’ve seen first-hand the impact that mental health can have, and I want to help my classmates get through them and flourish. I’m excited to be part of a supportive, enthusiastic group of like-minded people who are committed to improving their comrades’ well-being. Outside of school, I enjoy walking, cycling, and reading Russian literature—my favorite novel is Alexander Kazbegi’s The Patricide!

Matthew Westerfield

My name is Matthew Westerfield. I am a member of the class of 2026. My main hobby is going to the gym. I live with my dog Sherlock. I wanted to be a PEER Supporter because every time I've gone through something trying, I've had people there for me. I want to be there for anyone who needs it. I want you guys to always feel like y’all can reach out to me and we can set up a time to talk.

Class of 2027

Paras Ahuja

My name is Paras Ahuja and I am a part of the class of 2027! I truly feel that we study and serve others the best when we have the opportunity to stay mentally healthy. Through the PEERS program, I hope to share my experiences of declining mental health during times of stress due to studying and all of the tips I have gained along the way from my mentors. I am so glad to have the opportunity to be someone my future classmates can speak to when they would like to share their stresses so that we can discuss how none of us are alone in this journey! Can't wait to meet many classmates and make new buds this year!

Nia Booth

Hi! I’m Nia Booth, a third-year medical student (M3). I studied biology at Tuskegee University, and as a military brat, I’ve lived in many places, but if I had to pick a hometown, I usually say Bellevue, Nebraska. Having hobbies is my hobby! I love exploring a bit of everything (reading, dancing, painting, growing plants, working out, and more). My biggest frustration in life is only having one consciousness, I wish I could experience and do it all! I’m deeply passionate about the power of community. Life is so much better when we support each other, and I’m always grateful for the opportunity to uplift those around me.

Jade Crabtree

Hello! My name is Jade and I'm originally from Virginia. I studied Biology and Chemistry at VCU and then got my Master's in Biomedical Science at UAB. I'm an avid houseplant collector and love all things nature. My enthusiasm for peer mental health support stems from my own mental health journey and my experiences in harm reduction and mutual aid. Everyone needs help sometimes, and I look forward to being a resource to all of my peers and offering any support that they may need!

H. Lien Inman

Hello! My name is Lien, and I am an M3 student from Pensacola, FL. I went to South for undergrad and have grown to know and love the area over the past few years. I love to paint, and have a cat named Eggroll! Mental health is an important concept to me - needing lots of care and devotion, and I'm happy to help build up resilience to the tough goings of life and be a listening ear during the hard times (or even good)!

Grace Lavender

Hiii! My name is Grace Lavender. I was originally born in Togo, West Africa, but grew up in Gadsden, AL. I attended South for undergrad. What brings me joy is spending time with my community, reading, and being outdoors while blasting Afrobeats in my ears. I know life can be hard, and medical school can be even harder. But I also know that every single person on this journey is more than capable of conquering those hard things! I'm a PEER so I can have the opportunity to be in your corner and remind you of your greatness as you conquer it.

Destyni Newson

Hello! My name is Destyni Newson, and I am an M3.  I’m from Tuscaloosa, AL, and I completed a dual degree program at UAB, earning my bachelor’s in Biomedical Sciences and a master’s in Public Health. In my free time, I love traveling, spending time with family, and watching TV shows. I became a PEER because I know how demanding medical school can be, and I believe a strong support system is essential. My goal is to help create a culture of trust and empathy, and to be someone my peers can come to. I’m excited and honored to serve in this role and look forward to supporting others throughout the year!

Joe Pavelites

My name is Joe Pavelites, a current M3 at the Whiddon COM and HPSP recipient. I love to cook, bake, and fix any machine I can get my hands on. While getting my Master's degree, I learned a couple of hard lessons about how important it is to reach out and find support academically and emotionally. The PEERS program is a way of paying forward the incredible support I have received in my own life.

Fion Chang

Hello! My name is Fion and part of the class of 2028. I love drawing and crafting and always on the lookout for a good mystery/detective show. Growing up in a culture that largely disregards mental health concerns, I learned the hard way the importance of self-care, not just physically but also emotionally. Having had my own mental health struggles, I hope to use my experience to help those in a similar situation or just to be an open ear to let out some pent-up emotions.

Margaret Lloyd

Hi! My name is Margaret Lloyd and I’m an M2 originally from Gulf Shores, Alabama. I love new experiences—one of my favorites was moving to Montana for two years and learning how to live in the snow—but I’m very excited to be back in Alabama for medical school! In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my cat Zhirok, running, swimming, and playing pickleball. I’m a little obsessed with finding balance in medical school—whether that’s making time for friends, hobbies, or getting a full 8 hours of sleep (yes, it’s possible!). I truly believe that taking care of yourself is essential to thriving in medical school. Through the PEERS program, I hope to help create a warm and welcoming environment where you feel safe, supported, and not alone. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—I'd love to support you in any way I can!

Seth McClendon

Hi! My name is Seth McClendon, and I’m an M2 here at the Whiddon COM. I’m from Alexander City, AL and attended undergraduate at Huntingdon College before getting a master degree at Boston University. I enjoy cooking, bird-watching, and playing pickleball. Medical school can be both an arduous experience and an exciting one. You will experience many highs and lows during your time here, and it is important to remember this is to be expected! We’re here to make sure you have all the resources you need as we all hold on for this crazy ride. Feel free to reach out at any time with any concerns, and I’ll do my best to help get you where you want to be!

Chris Novellino

Howdy! My name is Chris Novellino. I am from Birmingham, AL and I graduated from Auburn University. I am an M2 at the Whiddon College of Medicine. I love to pray, workout, play pickleball, and hang out with friends in my free time. Before I began medical school, I worked at an in-patient pediatric psych unit. I met a lot of kiddos struggling with their mental health. My time in the unit has given me a passion for serving my fellow peers who might also be struggling with their mental health. I hope to utilize my role as a PEER to foster an inclusive and supportive environment among the Class of 2028!

Kelly Nguyen

Hi! My name is Kelly Nguyen, and I was born and raised here in Mobile, AL. I graduated from UAB in 2022 and spent a couple of gap years in Birmingham, AL. I am passionate about board games (Catan is my favorite), hosting, traveling, amusement parks, and connecting with people. As a first generation Asian-American and college graduate, I’ve had to navigate many new transitions, but starting medical school was one of my most rewarding and challenging transitions. My first year was filled with self-reflection, learning how to med school, and leaning on the incredible support of my family, classmates, and friends. I hope to be able to provide that same support for others if things feel overwhelming. I’m always here if you need someone to talk to or just a listening ear!