Do you need someone to talk with? One of your options on campus is to connect with and receive support from a Peer Counselor.

What is a Peer Counselor?

A Peer Counselor is a Colby student who is trained and supported by Colby Counseling Services. PC’s create an intentional space for meaningful social connection on Colby’s campus.  They are here to listen and to provide one-on-one support for their fellow students as they navigate their College experience. 

It is important to note that meeting with a PC is not a substitute for professional counseling and students who are in need of clinical services should reach out to a licensed mental health professional. 

Connecting with a Peer Counselor

For more information or to schedule an appointment with a Peer Counselor is by sending an email to  [email protected]

Outreach Programming

The Peer Counseling Program is dedicated to improving the overall well-being and resiliency of our fellow students on the Hill. One of the ways we serve the campus community is through our outreach programming.

Upon request, the PC program offers presentations and workshops that address important topics such as self-care and mindfulness, sleep hygiene, and procrastination. If you are interested in a program or workshop for your organization/club, please email us at [email protected]

Interested in becoming a Peer Counselor?

Being a Peer Counselor provides valuable experiences that will help one improve their active listening and communication skills, relationship building skills, and professional presentation skills.  It also offers a unique experience for your graduate school application, as well as meaningful opportunities to connect with and to help your fellow students. 

Those who would be a good fit for the PC program are:

  • interested in connecting with their peers and building a supportive community on campus
  • invested in helping others
  • committed to building strong empathic listening and communication skills
  • enthusiastic about designing and facilitating mental health related programming for the campus community
  • dedicated to working effectively within a collaborative team environment

The PC program recruits a new training class each spring. Interested in being an additional support system for your peers during the 24-25 academic year? Fill out this Google Form.

Contact

To contact Peer Counselor Services, email [email protected].

Administrative and clinical support

Alfonso Ortega Psy.D

Alfonso Ortega Psy.D

Director and supervisor of Peer Counselor Program

[email protected]

Raan Mae Hudson

Raan Mae Hudson

Hello! I’m Raan Mae Hudson (she/her), and I am a sophomore double-majoring in educational studies and psychology. My goal as a peer counselor is to convey the message that there will always be someone willing to help in your time of need. As cliché as it might sound to some, I really do believe that, and I want to do my best to spread that message as a peer counselor. I have experience as a Yad b’Yad fellow at Waterville High School, and I am excited to become a member of the CCAK program. In my free time, I enjoy cracking jokes, writing poetry, and dancing off beat.

Maria Carrasco

Hi!! I’m Maria Carrasco (she/her) and I’m a senior majoring in Psychology with a potential minor in Education. I’m originally from Colorado, and I joined this program because I want to be someone others can talk to and feel supported by. I love working with others and making people feel heard. Outside of school I love listening to music, making crafts, and spending time with friends and family. You can also find me volunteering with Hope’s Place at the Hospice center in Waterville. I’m really looking forward to being a peer counselor and offering support however I can. <3

Faith A. Uko

Hello! My name is Faith Uko (she/her) and I am a senior from Silver Spring, Maryland, majoring in Science, Technology, and Society (STS). I am excited to serve as a Peer Counselor and support you in your Colby journey. In addition to this role, I work with the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life (ORSL) as a Black Spirituality Fellow and sing in both an Acapella group, Mayflower Chill, and a newly created Gospel choir called the Glorifiers. In my free time, I enjoy reading, watching movies, and cheering. I look forward to meeting and speaking with you!

Anja Franck

Hello, everyone! My name is Anja Franck (she/her). I was born and raised in Portland, ME. I am a senior double majoring in education and psychology. I am incredibly passionate about connecting with others and helping them feel safe & empowered. In addition to Peer Counseling, I volunteer with Hospice Volunteers of the Waterville Area (HVWA) and a local Montessori school. I also enjoy playing spikeball, thrifting, weightlifting, and spending time with my friends and family. I am excited to be a source of support to you all. 

Contact Counseling

Icon of an envelope with an arrow, symbolizing email or message sending.

[email protected]
207-859-4490

Garrison-Foster Building, 2nd Floor