Staff Peer Counselor
Phillip Diouf (he/him)
Major and Year
Psychology and Social Sciences, seventh-year student
Other Campus Roles
Sustainability Council Student Member; Developing Native Pollinator Garden on campus; Former Editor for Abington Review
Hobbies/Interests
Gaming, playing piano, exercise, meditation, mindfulness, and collecting gemstones
Why I Became a Peer Counselor
I have some experience with counseling in the past, deeply enjoy helping other people live their lives, and consider myself qualified to help.
Languages in Addition to English
Russian, some German
Senior Peer Counselors
Ja’nasia Hansome (she/her)
Major and Year
Psychological and Social Sciences, Criminal Justice minor, third-year student
Other Campus Roles
First Generation Scholar and member of National Society of Leadership and Success
Hobbies/Interests
I love being outdoors and enjoying nature. I enjoy going on hikes, especially to find rivers, waterfalls, or anything with a nice view. I also enjoy photography, trying new things, and journaling/blogging!
Why I became a Peer Counselor
I’ve always had an interest in understanding and connecting with others on a deeper level. I also enjoy helping those in the best way I can! I believe being a Peer Counselor would allow me to connect with peers, as well as prepare me for becoming a Forensic Psychologist.
Lamar Robinson (he/him)
Major and Year
Psychological and Social Sciences, third-year student
Other Campus Roles
Resident Assistant at Lion's Gate and Peer Career Advisor at Career and Professional Development
Hobbies/Interests
Trumpet player in the concert band, loves video games and anime
Languages in Addition to English
Proficient in French
Why I became a Peer Counselor
I became a peer counselor to gain the experience that I need to be an effective clinical therapist for adolescents as my future career.
Cay Smith (she/her)
Major and Year
Psychological and Social Sciences, English minor, fourth-year student
Other Campus Roles
This past year I’ve been working as a research assistant on campus and will hopefully continue throughout my remaining semesters! As well as, working on my own research project with one of my professors!
Hobbies/Interests
I absolutely LOVE trying new coffee shops, especially if I have a great book to read. Although, when it’s really nice out, I adore the park and will spend hours upon hours outside. I’ve also just recently been learning to crochet!
Why I became a Peer Counselor
After college and graduate school, my career goal is to work with individuals struggling with eating disorders and helping through not only a traditional psychological approach, but also through understanding nutrition. By becoming a Peer Counselor, I hope to be able to connect with those around me, helping them have the best experience on campus possible, and learn alongside my peers the best methods to help those for when I graduate and practice independently.
Darya Volchik (she/her)
Major and Year
Psychological and Social Sciences, third-year student
Other Campus Roles
I am currently working as an administrative support at the transportation and ID department at Penn State Abington. I also became a part of Schreyer Honors College last semester and continue to work hard in that field.
Hobbies/Interests
I love art, I've been drawing/painting ever since I was 10 years old. I am also passionate about ice skating since I used to play ice hockey when I was in middle school. I love to read books and I also like to travel; I’ve visited many countries around Europe.
Why I became a Peer Counselor
Most of my life I have been absolutely fascinated by all of the aspects of psychology and everything that gets involved with it. Becoming a peer counselor is a dream come true; I am very excited to have the opportunity to help anyone who is looking for support.
Languages in Addition to English
Russian and Belarussian
Peer Counselors
Kyleigh Byers
Major and Year
Psychological and Social Sciences, third-Year Student
Other Campus Roles
I am currently the President of the Student Government Association here at Abington and am heavily involved in student life and experiences! I also am participating in two ACURA projects here on campus under the PSS umbrella!
Hobbies/Interests
I am a huge reader and constantly have a book on me or stacked up in huge piles around my room and desk. You can always find me at a live show or concert enjoying music and performance. I love finding interests I share with others, so feel free to ask me about anything!
Why I became a Peer Counselor
I became a Peer Counselor because I truly care about the well-being of Abington’s students. I have always been passionate about counseling and will continue my education in the future to do it professionally. Mental health support is so essential and anything I can do to expand it on our campus is important to me.
Hailey Gamble
Major and Year
Double Major in Criminal Justice (B.A.) & Psychological & Social Sciences (B.A.), Third-Year student
Other Campus Roles
Outreach Coordinator for SAAC, PSU 1 Peer Mentor, Schreyers Honors Student, Member of the National Society of Leadership & Success, Student Athlete for the softball team, Student Worker at the Athletic Building
Hobbies/Interests: I love to read, go hiking, hang out with friends and family, and play video games! I also love to work and make money, so when I’m home I work a ton at my local juice café!
Why I became a Peer Counselor
I became a peer counselor as I have always loved being someone a person can come to for anything. Being able to understand what a person is going through and give them a glimpse of hope, light, or love has always been something that has filled my own cup in life. This position allows me to do that while gaining some experience for my future career as a forensic psychologist and for other aspects of my life. As a student-athlete, I’ve had my fair share of witnessing and experiencing how mental health can affect a person whether good or bad. Therefore, I’m also using this position as an opportunity to help fellow athletes and break the stigma on our mental health!
Emily Ungaro
Major and Year
Psychological and Social Sciences B.A., Third-year Student
Other Campus Roles
Member of National Society of Leadership and Success
Hobbies/Interests: I love listening to music, going to the beach, and being with friends and family.
Why I became a Peer Counselor
I decided to become a peer counselor because I love helping others and giving advice. I can relate to others as well because I have had my own hardships to deal with and overcome. I look forward to being able to guide others as well as learn more helpful information to use for myself and my loved ones. Also, I will be able to start learning more about my field and getting experience through this program.
Languages in Addition to English
Spanish
Cameron Wofford
Major and Year
Psychological and Social Sciences major, Third-year student
Hobbies/Interests
My hobbies are reading and drawing/writing mostly. I also am very passionate about coffee, so I'm always looking to try new kinds of coffee! I enjoy collecting lots of different things and taking walks!
Why I became a Peer Counselor
I became a peer counselor because my career goal is to become a therapist, I think it would give me some good practice and help me give the right kind of guidance. I think being a peer counselor will allow me to become a better therapist in the future and help me connect with people around me.