Peer Support

Hey! My name is Jamielee, but I am happy to go by Jamie. My pronouns are she/her. I am a third-year Psychology student in the Concurrent Education stream. In the future, I look forward to either teaching kindergarten, or working within the therapy field, as I am very passionate about mental health and wellbeing. This is my first year working in the Peer Support program, and I am very excited to meet new people, as well as learn from them and the program. In the meantime, I love going thrift shopping, hiking with my dogs, painting with friends, listening to music, and binge watching any form of reality TV! 

Hi! My name is Christina, my pronouns are she/her. I’m a fourth-year Psychology student with a minor in Gender Studies. This is my first year working as a Peer Supporter and I’m very excited to be a part of the team! I am extremely passionate about wellness and accessible mental health services, with the hopes of one day becoming a therapist. I love reading, watching movies and TV shows, hanging out with friends, listening to music, and nature. I really look forward to meeting new peers and building a great sense of community! I look forward to seeing all the lovely new faces during drop-in and one-to-one programming!

Hi! My name is Noah.

I use he/they pronouns, and I am in my fourth year at Nipissing. I am majoring in English, and I love art, music, cooking, and gaming. I hope to see you at Peer Support!

Hi there! My name is Lauren, and my pronouns are she/her. I’m a fourth-year Psychology student with a minor in art. I am passionate about art and wellness, and hope to one day be an art therapist. I love nature, music, travel, my friends and family, and my dog Mabel. In my free time, you’ll probably find me crafting, watching YouTube videos, or on a bike ride or stroll enjoying the fresh air! I love meeting new people and I look forward to meeting you!

Hello! My name is Jadzea, my pronouns are she/her, and I’m a fourth year Psychology student. I am beyond thrilled to join the Peer Support team for a third year and continue giving back to our school by supporting the mental wellness of my peers. When I’m not studying or working at the Drop-In, you can likely find me walking the trails with my dog, curled up with a fantasy novel and some good tunes, or doing something crafty!

Hi, my name is Dia. I'm a second-year Psychology student. This is my first year working as a Peer Supporter. I place a high value on mental health and wellness. In my spare time, I enjoy playing basketball and love wandering through the wonders of nature whether its hiking in the mountains, taking a stroll by the beach, or simply lying in a meadow and watching the clouds drift by. I believe there's a certain magic in the great outdoors that rejuvenates the spirit. I am looking forward to meeting you in Drop-In or One-to-One Peer Support since I like to interact and socialize with new people.

Hello, my name is Erin. My pronouns are she/her. I am a third-year Psychology student, minoring in Legal Studies. I’m in my third year of working in the Peer Support Program. I enjoy outdoor activities like going on walks, long-boarding, and visiting new places. My hobbies include video games, working on my car, going to the gym, and caring for my house plants. I look forward to meeting you in Peer Support.

Hi! My name is Hannah, and I am a third-year Psychology student. I love traveling, adventure, and making art! I also just love doing anything with my friends, family, and 2 dogs. I hope to see you drop in sometime!

Peer Support creates an environment where an individual can connect with another individual through shared lived experience. Being able to genuinely say to someone, “I hear you; you are not alone in what you are going through” provides a sense of comfort and connection. Peer Support fosters a welcoming, non-judgemental, safe space where true meaningful connections develop.

These connections are often built on a foundation involving empathy, encouragement, compassion, understanding and hope. Peer support also involves information sharing and referrals to resources, walking alongside another person while empowering them to help themselves and self-direct their own path to recovery. Peer support engages individual strengths and the approach of working “with” instead of “for” the individual to help them to achieve their wellness goals.

Peer Support allows for individuals to be able to communicate on a common ground - an environment where there is no hierarchy. This type of support compliments more traditional clinical approaches while providing a powerful recovery tool and option for individuals who may be feeling isolated or experiencing stigma. A peer support interaction can be empowering and uplifting for the person seeking support and it can also be mutually beneficial for the person providing peer support.

Being able to connect with like-minded individuals through shared lived experience allows for a sense of “togetherness,” feeling supported and listened to. The message of hope and recovery is always at the forefront of the work being done in peer support.