Meet the UniHealth Peer Health Educators
Marcos Armenta Jr
Marcos Armenta Jr. (he/him) is a fourth-year Psychology major and Kinesiology minor who is striving to become an athletic trainer or sports analyst. Marcos is an active member of the WC Men’s Baseball program on the pitching roster. His goals include developing positive changes to the campus environment by eliminating stigma surrounding mental health and educating his peers on the value of mindfulness. In his free time, Marcos enjoys going to car meets and investing in his auto detailing business.
Bree Brasher
Bree Brasher (she/her) is a third-year Social Work major who hopes to become a trauma therapist, working in the area of suicide prevention for law enforcement and their mental health units. On campus, Bree works as a Library Student Assistant and serves her peers through Student Accessibility Services; she is also a member of the Physics Club. Off-campus, Bree supports child development at the Boys and Girls Club of Whittier. She is excited to share with the WC community, the results of her upcoming fall research project on multigenerational trauma. Personal goals for her collegiate experience include building connections, gaining experience, and learning more about her chosen field. Outside of academics, she enjoys matcha, exploring, hiking, and is a part of a running club.
Elias Loya
Elias Loya (he/him) is a third-year Psychology major with an Anthropology minor, who aims to become a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), with a concentration on children and teens. On campus, Elias is a member of the Psi Chi chapter and works as a Library Student Assistant at Wardman Library. Elias plans to learn more about his field with the hope of making a positive impact within his community by eliminating the stigma around seeking mental health services. Some of his hobbies include thrifting, playing guitar, and expanding his vinyl collection.
Gia Prado
Gia Prado (she/they) is a third-year Psychology major who aspires to become a Psychiatrist, drawing inspiration from her own experience with chronic illness, and recognizing the impact of medications on the human body. She serves the WC community as a Residential Advisor and the Science Circus Educational Program; she is also a Cauffman Fellow, working on AI research and application within academia. Gia is a self-care advocate and aims to create safe and inclusive spaces wherein students feel comfortable to engage in discussions about their mental health. Born in Stockholm, Sweden, and raised in Portland, Oregon, Gia loves to travel in her free time and has been to more than five countries. Beyond her academic pursuits, Gia enjoys running and cooking plant-based meals in her free time.
Elaine Rios
Elaine Rios (she/her) is a fourth-year Psychology and Child Development major who plans to become a clinical child psychologist. On campus, she has worked as a facilitator for the summer Science Circus Education program and served as a notetaker in Student Accessibility Services. In her home community, she has supported food insufficiency challenges and has been a blood donor. Her goal at Whittier College is to learn more about her major and gain experiences in mental health while establishing relationships with peers/mentors and learning to support others. During her free time, she enjoys watching movies, going to the beach, and spending time with friends and family.
Hejira
Hejira (she/her) is currently a third-year student, double majoring in Biology and Chemistry. Hejira envisions a career path in research medicine and affirmative care. She currently works as a lab technician in the chemistry stockroom and is a member of the Social Justice Coalition on campus. In her home community, she has volunteered for mobile harm-reduction homeless-outreach projects, overdose prevention education programs, an orchid society, and a community free bike shop for at-risk teens. Driven by her goal to deepen engagement with the sciences and to explore her creative side at WC and in the vibrant atmosphere of Los Angeles, Hejira is committed to improving intersectional healthcare and holds a passion for promoting holistic wellness. Outside of her studies, she finds enjoyment in music, fashion, literature, and exploring esoteric subjects.
Malika Tadesse
Malika Tadesse (she/her) is a first-year international student from Ethiopia. She has chosen to major in Business Administration, with a concentration in Finance. Her dream is to represent herself on a global scale by changing the lives of her community through financial and mental wellness. Malika has a strong volunteer background, working with people of various cultural identities through several non-profit organizations. On campus, Malika serves as the Vice President of the Global Poets Club and is a Religious Literacy Intern at the Department of Religious Studies. In her free time, she enjoys watching anime and is a huge My Hero Academia fan.
Giovanni Sebastian
Giovanni Sebastian Valeriano Rivas (he/him) is a second-year international student from Peru pursuing his dreams of excelling in the medical field with a major in Biological Sciences with a Pre-Med focus. His goals include building stronger relationships and gaining knowledge that promotes meaningful ideas toward community wellness. On campus, Giovanni is a member of the Pre-Health Club and has volunteered on projects in the Theatre Department and through Residential Life. Outside of classes, he enjoys learning new things, socializing with friends, participating in sports, and traveling to continue his personal growth.
