ACES PEER HEALTH EDUCATION
Mission Statement
Empowering students to commit to their health and wellness through peer education
What We Do
ACES peer health educators are essential in disseminating health & wellness information to the U of U campus community. We work within an area of wellness (i.e., sexual wellness, harm reduction, violence prevention, mental wellness) to develop and implement relevant programming for our peers. We collaborate in small and larger teams to create meaningful ways for students to think about their health and wellness. Some of these ways include:
- Facilitating wellness workshops & trainings
- Assisting with creation of health education marketing content
- Staffing mobile STI testing clinics (when in-person)
- Providing peer-to-peer wellness counseling
Scholarship
Each ACES member receives a $1000 scholarship each academic year, paid in two installments (one in fall, one in spring).
Program Funding
The ACES Peer Health Education Scholars program is supported by the University of Utah Parent Fund.
MEET OUR ACES
Cathleen
Zhang
Harm Reduction
Cathleen
Zhang
Harm ReductionPronouns:She, her, hers
Major: Economics, Sociology
Where are you from? Naperville, IL
Favorite Study Spot? MHC Library
Favorite Hobby? Napping, Reading
How would you define wellness? I think wellness begins with a positive mental state, which influences every single aspect of health.
Major: Economics, Sociology
Where are you from? Naperville, IL
Favorite Study Spot? MHC Library
Favorite Hobby? Napping, Reading
How would you define wellness? I think wellness begins with a positive mental state, which influences every single aspect of health.
Alice
Anaya
Harm Reduction
Alice
Anaya
Harm ReductionPronouns:She, her, hers
Major: Health Promotion and Education - Community Health
Where are you from? Los Angeles, California
Fun fact: I have visited more than 30 states and want to visit all 50! I love to travel to national parks and monuments to hike and explore.
How would you define wellness? A state of being that creates balance in our lives by striving for attainable healthy goals to push ourselves to be proactive and happy in all aspects.
Major: Health Promotion and Education - Community Health
Where are you from? Los Angeles, California
Fun fact: I have visited more than 30 states and want to visit all 50! I love to travel to national parks and monuments to hike and explore.
How would you define wellness? A state of being that creates balance in our lives by striving for attainable healthy goals to push ourselves to be proactive and happy in all aspects.
Alice
Snelling
Harm Reduction
Alice
Snelling
Harm ReductionPronouns:She, her, hers
Major: Biochemistry, International Studies
Where are you from? Belmont, CA
Favorite Study Spot? MHC Library
Fun Fact? I've been studying Mandarin Chinese on and off for about 9 years, and I've studied abroad in China twice.
How would you define wellness? Wellness to me is taking care of yourself mentally and physically and finding happiness in the process. Wellness includes setting specific goals for improvement but also being happy with who you are right now. This is a continuous process pursued individually and with the support of friends and community.
Major: Biochemistry, International Studies
Where are you from? Belmont, CA
Favorite Study Spot? MHC Library
Fun Fact? I've been studying Mandarin Chinese on and off for about 9 years, and I've studied abroad in China twice.
How would you define wellness? Wellness to me is taking care of yourself mentally and physically and finding happiness in the process. Wellness includes setting specific goals for improvement but also being happy with who you are right now. This is a continuous process pursued individually and with the support of friends and community.
Bianca Porras
Laura
Harm Reduction
Bianca Porras
Laura
Harm ReductionPronouns:She, her, hers
Major: Pre-Nursing with a minor in Health
Where are you from? Lima, Peru
Fun fact: I only apply hand lotion to the back of my handsand never on the palms.
How would you define wellness? A daily practice of caring for and learning more about yourself, which will look different for every individual.
Major: Pre-Nursing with a minor in Health
Where are you from? Lima, Peru
Fun fact: I only apply hand lotion to the back of my handsand never on the palms.
How would you define wellness? A daily practice of caring for and learning more about yourself, which will look different for every individual.
Brenda Payan
Medina
Harm Reduction
Brenda Payan
Medina
Harm ReductionPronouns:She, her, hers
Major: Materials Science & Engineering
Where are you from? Price, UT
Fun fact: I don't have any fingerprints on my right hand.
How would you define wellness? Wellness, to me, is continuously working towards a lifestyle that is sustainable, especially building habits and practices that help me feel content in what I am accomplishing and how I am treating myself.
Major: Materials Science & Engineering
Where are you from? Price, UT
Fun fact: I don't have any fingerprints on my right hand.
How would you define wellness? Wellness, to me, is continuously working towards a lifestyle that is sustainable, especially building habits and practices that help me feel content in what I am accomplishing and how I am treating myself.
Alexia
Arredondo
Sexual Wellness
Alexia
Arredondo
Sexual WellnessPronouns: She, her, hers
Major: Kinesiology with an Emphasis in Exercise Science; Minoring in Chemistry and Pediatric Clinical Research
Where are you from? West Valley City, Utah
Fun fact: In my free time I love to golf and rock climb!
How would you define wellness? I define wellness as an ever changing cycle of growth, prosperity and fulfillment. Wellness is the center that drives the choices we make in pursuit of healthiness, happiness, and acceptance within ourselves.
Major: Kinesiology with an Emphasis in Exercise Science; Minoring in Chemistry and Pediatric Clinical Research
Where are you from? West Valley City, Utah
Fun fact: In my free time I love to golf and rock climb!
How would you define wellness? I define wellness as an ever changing cycle of growth, prosperity and fulfillment. Wellness is the center that drives the choices we make in pursuit of healthiness, happiness, and acceptance within ourselves.
Cloe
Butler
Sexual Wellness
Cloe
Butler
Sexual Wellness Pronouns:She, her, hers
Major: Health, Society, & Policy; Gender Studies
Where are you from? Portland, OR
Fun fact:I have been to Tanzania but never been east of Utah in the United States!
How would you define wellness? To me, wellness is multidimensional, and so much more than being physically healthy. Although it definitely includes this, wellness also encompasses being healthy mentally and in relationships. Advocating for needs and wants is another part of wellness that is often overlooked.
Major: Health, Society, & Policy; Gender Studies
Where are you from? Portland, OR
Fun fact:I have been to Tanzania but never been east of Utah in the United States!
How would you define wellness? To me, wellness is multidimensional, and so much more than being physically healthy. Although it definitely includes this, wellness also encompasses being healthy mentally and in relationships. Advocating for needs and wants is another part of wellness that is often overlooked.
Elnaz Tahmassebi
Sexual Wellness
Elnaz Tahmassebi
Sexual WellnessPronouns:She, her, hers
Major: International Studies
Where are you from? Salt Lake City, UT
Fun fact: I love to travel and read and am planning on doing a study abroad next year.
How would you define wellness? I define wellness as taking care of your mental, emotional, and physical needs, even when it's hard. Wellness is using whatever resources that are available to you in order to achieve that.
Major: International Studies
Where are you from? Salt Lake City, UT
Fun fact: I love to travel and read and am planning on doing a study abroad next year.
How would you define wellness? I define wellness as taking care of your mental, emotional, and physical needs, even when it's hard. Wellness is using whatever resources that are available to you in order to achieve that.
Ashley
Sand
Sexual Wellness
Ashley
Sand
Sexual WellnessPronouns:She, her, hers
Major: Psychology and Community Health Education
Where are you from? Seattle, WA
Fun fact: I’ve flown through the Grand Canyon in a helicopter.
How would you define wellness? Actively pursuing a balance that maintains your health.
Major: Psychology and Community Health Education
Where are you from? Seattle, WA
Fun fact: I’ve flown through the Grand Canyon in a helicopter.
How would you define wellness? Actively pursuing a balance that maintains your health.
Kinzey
Brice
Sexual Wellness
Kinzey
Brice
Sexual WellnessPronouns:She, her, hers
Major: Kinesiology
Where are you from? Hawley, PA
Fun fact: I learned how to ski when I was two years old.
How would you define wellness? To me, wellness is finding a balance between physical,emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual health. Knowing how to manage your wellbeing and seek out help when necessary is an important part of living a healthy life.
Major: Kinesiology
Where are you from? Hawley, PA
Fun fact: I learned how to ski when I was two years old.
How would you define wellness? To me, wellness is finding a balance between physical,emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual health. Knowing how to manage your wellbeing and seek out help when necessary is an important part of living a healthy life.
Ethan
Ramos
Violence Prevention
Ethan
Ramos
Violence PreventionPronouns: He, him, his
Where are you from? West Jordan, Utah
Fun Fact? I have a twin sister with a separate birthday than mine.
How would you define wellness? Taking time out of each day for yourself! Whether that be watching your favorite streamed show or buying something nice for you. TREAT YO SELF!
Where are you from? West Jordan, Utah
Fun Fact? I have a twin sister with a separate birthday than mine.
How would you define wellness? Taking time out of each day for yourself! Whether that be watching your favorite streamed show or buying something nice for you. TREAT YO SELF!
Shalini
Kasera
Violence Prevention
Shalini
Kasera
Violence PreventionPronouns:She, her, hers
Major: Biology, HBS
Where are you from? Millcreek, Utah
Fun fact: I love performing Indian classical dance.
How would you define wellness? Wellness is the ability to step back from the chaotic hustle of life and recognize and address the very human needs we all have. As it turns out, we are not machines.
Major: Biology, HBS
Where are you from? Millcreek, Utah
Fun fact: I love performing Indian classical dance.
How would you define wellness? Wellness is the ability to step back from the chaotic hustle of life and recognize and address the very human needs we all have. As it turns out, we are not machines.
Melody
Liu
Violence Prevention
Melody
Liu
Violence PreventionPronouns:She, her, hers
Major: Pre-Nursing, Minor in Ecology & Legacy, and Medical Humanities
Where are you from? I am from Redwood City, California, but I lived in Shanghai for the first 12 years of my life before I came to the US.
Fun fact: I can pretty much learn one new song just by listening to it once.
How would you define wellness? Having a good relationship with yourself, others around you, and the world you thrive in.
Major: Pre-Nursing, Minor in Ecology & Legacy, and Medical Humanities
Where are you from? I am from Redwood City, California, but I lived in Shanghai for the first 12 years of my life before I came to the US.
Fun fact: I can pretty much learn one new song just by listening to it once.
How would you define wellness? Having a good relationship with yourself, others around you, and the world you thrive in.
Eleanor
Asma
Mental Health
Eleanor
Asma
Mental HealthPronouns: She, her, hers
Major: Social Work
Where are you from? Lake Bluff, IL
Fun fact:I am a certified wilderness first responder!
How would you define wellness?Wellness is actively pursuing a healthy lifestyle by making decisions every day that better one's mental, emotional, and physical well being.
Major: Social Work
Where are you from? Lake Bluff, IL
Fun fact:I am a certified wilderness first responder!
How would you define wellness?Wellness is actively pursuing a healthy lifestyle by making decisions every day that better one's mental, emotional, and physical well being.
Will
Slattery
Mental Health
Will
Slattery
Mental HealthPronouns: He, him, his
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Where are you from? Boise, ID
Fun fact: I have a 12-year old turtle named Tommy who roams the yard and eats the grass.
How would you define wellness? Wellness is staying actively focused on improving and maintaining your mental wellbeing, physical health, and positive relationships in your life.
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Where are you from? Boise, ID
Fun fact: I have a 12-year old turtle named Tommy who roams the yard and eats the grass.
How would you define wellness? Wellness is staying actively focused on improving and maintaining your mental wellbeing, physical health, and positive relationships in your life.
Diana
Fierro
Mental Health
Diana
Fierro
Mental HealthPronouns:She, her, hers
Major: Biology, Emphasis in genetics and genomics
Where are you from? Utah
Fun fact: I love hiking and matcha tea 🙂
How would you define wellness? The practice of mental, physical, and emotional growth.
Major: Biology, Emphasis in genetics and genomics
Where are you from? Utah
Fun fact: I love hiking and matcha tea 🙂
How would you define wellness? The practice of mental, physical, and emotional growth.
Madeika
Vercella
Mental Health
Madeika
Vercella
Mental HealthPronouns:She, her, hers
Major: English Literature
Where are you from? Provo, UT
Fun fact: I am trilingual! I speak English, French, and Haitian Creole.
How would you define wellness? Honoring your emotional and physical health!
Major: English Literature
Where are you from? Provo, UT
Fun fact: I am trilingual! I speak English, French, and Haitian Creole.
How would you define wellness? Honoring your emotional and physical health!
Sakina
Masud
Mental Health
Sakina
Masud
Mental HealthPronouns:She, her, hers
Major: International Studies, Emphasis in Human Rights, Health & Kinesiology, Emphasis Community Health
Where are you from? I am half Pakistani half Irish and I have lived in SLC my whole life!
Fun fact: I have been a preschool teacher for the past 4 years and have absolutely loved it!
How would you define wellness? Wellness to me is a fluid state in which mental health, physical health, spiritual health, social health, and emotional health are all balanced and prioritized. Wellness is a personal state that changes as we learn more about ourselves and experience new things in this world.
Major: International Studies, Emphasis in Human Rights, Health & Kinesiology, Emphasis Community Health
Where are you from? I am half Pakistani half Irish and I have lived in SLC my whole life!
Fun fact: I have been a preschool teacher for the past 4 years and have absolutely loved it!
How would you define wellness? Wellness to me is a fluid state in which mental health, physical health, spiritual health, social health, and emotional health are all balanced and prioritized. Wellness is a personal state that changes as we learn more about ourselves and experience new things in this world.
Cooper
Gale
Harm Reduction
Cooper
Gale
Harm ReductionPronouns:He, him, his
Major: Kinesiology
Where are you from? Denver, CO
Fun fact: I personally know 2 Olympic athletes.
How would you define wellness? The pursuit of holistic enrichment toward one's entire being.
Major: Kinesiology
Where are you from? Denver, CO
Fun fact: I personally know 2 Olympic athletes.
How would you define wellness? The pursuit of holistic enrichment toward one's entire being.
Lexy
Nestel
Sexual Wellness
Lexy
Nestel
Sexual WellnessPronouns:She, her, hers
Major: Health Promotion and Education, Minor: Nutrition
Where are you from? Ogden, UT
Favorite Study Spot? Marriott Honors Community
Favorite Hobby? Exercising (running, biking, swimming, hiking, skiing...playing Just Dance)
How would you define wellness? When you are doing things you love that make you feel energized, happy, confident, and healthy.
Major: Health Promotion and Education, Minor: Nutrition
Where are you from? Ogden, UT
Favorite Study Spot? Marriott Honors Community
Favorite Hobby? Exercising (running, biking, swimming, hiking, skiing...playing Just Dance)
How would you define wellness? When you are doing things you love that make you feel energized, happy, confident, and healthy.
Connor Simper
Sexual Wellness
Connor Simper
Sexual WellnessPronouns: He, him, his
Major: Health, Society, and Policy
Where are you from? Salt Lake City, UT
Fun fact: You will often find me running up City Creek or biking down Emigration Canyon. I am passionate about public health outreach. I work as a part-time Harm Reduction Specialist at One Voice Recovery, the largest syringe exchange in the state. As a volunteer, I am a counselor at Utah Aids Foundation and screener at the 4th Street Clinic.
How would you define wellness? Wellness for me is having healthy relationships with individuals and connecting with my greater community.
Major: Health, Society, and Policy
Where are you from? Salt Lake City, UT
Fun fact: You will often find me running up City Creek or biking down Emigration Canyon. I am passionate about public health outreach. I work as a part-time Harm Reduction Specialist at One Voice Recovery, the largest syringe exchange in the state. As a volunteer, I am a counselor at Utah Aids Foundation and screener at the 4th Street Clinic.
How would you define wellness? Wellness for me is having healthy relationships with individuals and connecting with my greater community.