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Co-Pilots: Peer Health Coaching

What is peer health coaching?

 Interested in being a Co-Pilot? Apply here! Applications close 

Transitioning to college, just being in college, and preparing for post graduate life can be challenging. Is there a goal that a peer coach could help you address that would make your life just a bit easier? Want to talk to someone, but aren’t ready to go to the Counseling Center? Schedule an appointment today to talk to a peer to help you reach your goals!

 Schedule a meeting with a Co-Pilot: Schedule Here!

Now offering ProjectConnect!

ProjectConnect is a peer-facilitated program led by our trained Co-Pilots that helps students meet and get to know students outside of their social group, and build stronger community on campus. Students meet in groups of 4-6 over the course of six 1-hour sessions and engage in a series of thought-provoking questions and fun activities, ending with sharing a meal or coffee together at a local establishment. 98% of previous participants said they would recommend ProjectConnect to a friend and for that reason we are thrilled to be piloting our first round of groups starting the week of February 20th!

Click here to complete our interest form and see current ProjectConnect groups available!  New groups will also be added throughout the semester, so if you do not see a time/date that works, please fill out the interest form anyways so we can do our best to find a group that fits your needs!

Mission Statement

Through one-on-one conversation and connection, the Co-Pilots are a peer group that offers a validating space for students to discuss their wellbeing goals. While providing holistic wellness coaching, the Co-Pilots invite students to normalize conversations about emotions, assist in breaking down stigmas, build personal development, and promote a healthier lifestyle within the University of Dayton community.  

Values
  • Advocacy
  • Dependability
  • Empathy
  • Inclusivity
  • Respect

Topics that we cover:
  • Relationships and relationship changes (finding different friends on campus, getting involved, dating, etc)
  • Changing daily behavior (making healthier food choices, starting to engage with physical activity, drinking one less beer on the weekend, developing a healthier sleep schedule, creating a self-care routine, etc)
  • Creating a new time management system
  • Managing stress and building resiliency
  • Struggling to make a decision
  • Not sure? Email us at copilots@udayton.edu and we can help you find the best resource for you.
Coaching is:
  • Creating opportunities for you as a student to think strategically about your life choices
  • Creating space for you to think about your values and what choices you can make to revitalize your daily experiences
Coaching is not:
  • Offering specific advice
  • The Co-Pilot sharing their own experiences as a guide for how you should make your choices
  • Counseling

How does it work?

Register for an appointment on this Google Calendar to meet with a Co-Pilot.  For some, you might only want to meet once - maybe that’s all it will take to get you on a path to success.  For others, you might want to meet multiple times to work toward your goal.  However many times you’d like support in achieving your best self, we will be here to support you!  There is no cost associated with meeting with a Co-Pilot.

Meet the Co-Pilots!
Brianna Comstock (she/her/hers)

Co-Pilot Liaison

Hometown: Clarendon Hills, IL

Major: Communications, concentration in public relations concentration; marketing minor 

Year: Sophomore

About Me: Hi! My name is Brianna but most people call me Bri and I am a second-year here at UD. Other than being involved in Co-Pilots, I also co-host a podcast that runs out of the Brook Center known as “Upstream UD.” My hobbies include reading, writing, and running. 

Why did I join Co-Pilots: I joined Co-Pilots because I am a firm believer in the idea that the body and mind are interconnected and have large effects on each other. While this might seem like common knowledge for some, I feel that this is a topic that is not properly discussed on college campuses. This is many of our first times living alone and things can get hectic! So I want to be a helping hand for anyone who is struggling to find a balance. I look forward to meeting with students of any grade level!

Kate Ramsey (she/her/hers)

Co-Pilot Liaison

Hometown: Lexington, KY

Major: Biology

Year: Junior

About Me: Apart from Co-Pilots, I am also on the executive board for Colleges Against Cancer and I am a Crisis Counselor for the Crisis Text line! In my free time, I enjoy reading, croqueting, and spending quality time with my friends!

Why did I join Co-Pilots: I joined Co-pilots because of the sense of community it brings to campus. Being a Co-Pilot means I have the opportunity to help my peers better there mental and physical wellbeing which is a really special role to have at UD! 

Julia Fabian (she/her/hers)

Hometown: Avon, OH

Major: Psychology

Year: Junior

About Me: Member of UD Miracle

Why did I join Co-Pilots: I joined Co-Pilots because I want to help my peers reach their goals, and understand how to make choices that will help them succeed. Being an advocate for mental health is what I’m passionate about, and I want to increase awareness around these topics!

Mary Horvath (she/her/hers)

Hometown: Lebanon, OH

Major: Early Childhood Education, Psychology Minor

Year: Senior

About Me: I am one of the one-on-one and Project Connect Coordinators from Copilots! I am also a part of UD Miracle Exec and am a member of Kappa Delta Sorority on campus. Some of my current hobbies include reading, playing soccer, working out, watching tiktok, and playing poker (even though I’m bad at it). I also enjoy Dr. Pepper, my planner, and my cat, Willow. I am organized, positive, and a good listener!

Why did I join Co-Pilots: I joined Copilots because I have learned methods to help my own anxiety and depression and want to share my knowledge to my peers as well as learn and grow in my education on all things health and well-being!

Patrick Szubryt (he/him/his)

Hometown: New Lenox, IL

Major: Entrepreneurship, Marketing Minor

Year: Senior

About Me: Hello all! Along with Co-Pilots, I’m also involved with Chaminade Scholars, Entrepreneurship Club, and work as a Lead Supervisor at the Recplex! I really enjoy playing piano, rock climbing, reading, playing volleyball or soccer, and listening to motivational speakers! 

Why did I join Co-Pilots: I joined Co-Pilots in order to better serve Dayton’s student population when it comes to struggles related to holistic wellness (mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, etc.). Additionally, I wanted the opportunity to learn more about topics related to holistic wellness in an effort to better apply them to my life as an aspiring entrepreneur! 

Abi Battrell (she/her/hers)

Hometown: Wilmington, OH

Major: Psychology

Year: Sophomore

About Me: I love spending time with my friends and meeting new people. I enjoy adventuring outside and exploring new places. My hobbies include writing, yoga, and getting tattoos.

Why did I join Co-Pilots: I joined Co-Pilots because I wanted to be a resource of support for my peers on campus, educate others on the importance of mental health, and create a positive impact on the UD community.

Abby Caputo (she/her/hers)

 

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA

Major: health sciences with a concentration in community health

Year: Junior

About Me: I am a sophomore at Dayton and love helping others. Some other things I am involved in are Chi Omega and Habitat for Humanity on Campus. 

Why did I join Co-Pilots: I joined co-pilots because I wanted to be a part of a group that educates others on health and wellbeing. I want to be an outlet for others and leave a positive impact!

Anna Guerra (she/her/hers)

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Major: Psychology

Year: Senior

Why did I join Co-Pilots: I became a Co-Pilot so I could better understand the importance of maintaining a healthier mental and physical well-being and apply that towards helping my peers. During these challenging and transitional times as a college student, I believe we owe it to ourselves to be the best version of ourselves and aim to reach our full potential. My goal is to invite those who may be struggling and take the proactive steps in creating a safer and brighter future. 

Anthony Cusumano (he/him/his)

Hometown: Macomb, MI

Major: Pre-Medicine, Medicine & Society minor

Year: Senior

Why did I join Co-Pilots: I joined Copilots because I wanted to be able to change the UD community on a level that professional groups here cannot. I hope to facilitate my peers’ growth into a more physically and mentally healthy lifestyle and help them with whatever they might need.

Autumn Doleno (she/her/hers)

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA

Major: Psychology

Year: Junior

About Me: Some things I’m interested in besides psychology and co-pilots is I love the arts and I love listening to and finding new music! 

Why did I join Co-Pilots: Hi, I’m Autumn Doleno and I joined Co-Pilots because I think a major issue that students face is the fact that it's really easy to feel alone throughout the college experience. Being a Co-Pilot, I hope to act as a resource for those who are struggling to navigate this period in our lives and hope to further bring together UD’s community.

Betty Sanders (she/her/hers)

Hometown: Covington, OH

Major: Psychology

Year: Senior

About Me: Hello, my name is Betty Sanders. I am a Junior Psychology major from Covington, Ohio. In my free time I love to hike, spend time with my dog, do yoga, read, and volunteer at the Crisis Text Line. I am particularly passionate about mental health and reducing the stigmas surrounding it, as well as helping those who have mental health issues or who just need someone to listen to them.

Why did I join Co-Pilots: joined Co-Pilots because I want to help others be the best version of themselves. I believe that this can be achieved through peer education, discussions concerning mental health and wellbeing, advocating for others, goal setting and maintaining a mindful approach to life. I want to be there for others as they navigate college life, and no matter the circumstance I hope to provide them with the proper resources that they need to fulfill their full potential in all areas of their lives.

Caroline Sullivan

Hometown: Boston, Massachusets

Major: Sociology

Year: Junior

About Me: Other than Copilots, On campus, I’m involved in acapella, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, and Spectrum. In my free time; I can be seen writing in my journal, drinking a cup of tea at Heritage or rehearsing in the Fitz practice rooms. 

Why did I join Co-Pilots: joined Co-Pilots in order to become an advocate for health and wellbeing for other students. I understand how difficult it can sometimes be to reach out for help, but I feel the difficulty is lessened when the person helping is a student who knows firsthand what it's like to be in college.

Cici Williams (she/her/hers)

Hometown: Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

Major: Communications

Year: Senior

Why did I join Co-Pilots: I wanted to advocate for the minority. I wanted people to be able to come to me with things they may not have been able to talk to other people about because they can’t relate to the topics they’re struggling with. I also wanted to become more educated about mental health so that I can help my track and field teammates deal with the things they’re going through.

Cintia Kirjak (she/her/hers)

Hometown: Cleveland, OH

Major: Psychology, Management minor

Year: Senior

About Me: I am a research assistant on campus and love spending time with friends and family. 

Why did I join Co-Pilots: I joined Co-Pilots because I am interested in the well-being of my peers and want to be a support system to those who feel they need one. 

Ella Donnelly (she/her/hers)

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

Major: Psychology, Sociology and Family Development minors

Year: Senior

About Me: I am involved in research on campus and also the dive club. I like to read and spend time with my friends.

Why did I join Co-Pilots:  I joined Co-Pilots to become a stronger advocate for mental health and to bring awareness to various mental health issues. I want to help my peers work through any roadblocks to attaining their goals.

Emma Clark (she/her/hers)

Hometown: Springfield, OH

Major: Psychology

Year: Senior

Why did I join Co-Pilots: The reason why I joined Co-Pilots is because I am interested in being a part of the peer-educator group. I find the well-being of my fellow peers to be very important to me, and I love being able to be a part of that support system. Mental health is very important and I greatly enjoy being there for others who need support if they choose!

Grace Appelbaum (she/her/hers)

Hometown: Buffalo, NY

Major: Psychology

Year: Junior

About Me: I am a part of Psi Chi on campus and I also work in Frericks with the equipment managing staff. I love being outside and spending time with my friends, as well as meeting new people!

Why did I join Co-Pilots: I joined Co-Pilots because I think that the mental health and well-being of my peers is very important! I believe everyone should feel supported and know there is someone there for them to help reach their goals!

Grant Miller (he/him/his)

Hometown: Cincinnati, OH

Major: Health Sciences, Medicine in Society minor

Year: Senior

About Me:  I am involved with UDEMS, and I enjoy video games, getting outside with friends, and golf. My biggest driving factor is getting into PA school and advancing my ability to care for those in need.

Why did I join Co-Pilots: I joined Co-Pilots so that I can help the community and saw it as a great way to get involved. I want my peers to be able to face any challenge they receive and am willing to help in any way!

James Brown IV (he/him/his)

Hometown: Canton, OH

Year: Sophomore

Major: Psychology

About Me: I am a first year from Canton, Ohio and I am involved in the University Honors Program, Powerlifting Club and Resident Housing Association. Outside of school activities I really enjoy running and hiking.

Why did I join Co-Pilots: I joined the Co-Pilots because I wanted to spread awareness about the importance of maintaining positive mental health on campus and have the opportunity to help my peers with this process.

Kate Schreel (she/her/hers)

Hometown: Kettering, OH

Major: Premedicine, Disability Studies and Sociology minors

Year: Junior

Why did I join Co-Pilots: I wanted to be part of Co-Pilots to create a safe and welcoming space for students on campus to find their true selves. I know that making that first step towards growth is difficult, and I want to be there for anyone ready to take it on.

 

Keelin Kelly (she/her/hers)

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Major: English

Year: Senior

About Me: I am a high jumper on UD’s Track and Field team which takes up most of my time, but when I’m not in class or at practice, I love cooking for my friends and watching my classic comfort movies and TV shows.

Why did I join Co-Pilots:  I joined Co-Pilots to help my peers create healthy habits that will help them find success in college and beyond!

Libby Chevalier (she/her/hers)

Hometown: Brighton, MI

Major: Biology & Psychology, Neuroscience Minor

Year: Senior

About Me: My name is Libby Chevalier, and I am a junior majoring in biology and psychology, along with a minor in neuroscience. On campus, I am involved in AED, Psi Chi, and psychology research. I enjoy reading, listening to music, and exercising in my free time.

Why did I join Co-Pilots: I joined Co-Pilots because I wanted to be a part of a peer education group that advocates for and supports students’ mental and physical health. I’m hoping to give back to my peers and provide a space that is accessible and approachable.

Maria Wellmann (she/her/hers)

Hometown: Baltimore, MD

Major: Health Science, concentration in Exercise & Movement, Psychology & Family Development minor

Year: Senior

About Me: My name is Maria, and I am a fourth-year health science major with a passion for mental health. Some of my favorite things are being outdoors and staying active, listening to music, and going on random adventures.

Why did I join Co-Pilots: I joined Co-Pilots because I am passionate about the importance of self-care & wellness and always aim to destigmatize mental health struggles. Co-Pilots gives me the opportunity to act on this passion actively within the UD community!

Mia Huckleberry (she/her/hers)

Hometown: Cincinnati, OH

Major: Psychology, Biology minor

Year: Junior

About Me: I am involved in organizations/clubs such as Black Action Through Unity and Women of Remarkable Distinction. I like to listen and explore music. I also like to learn about psychology and mental health.

Why did I join Co-Pilots: I joined the Co-Pilots because I want to be able to give back and help the community of UD. To be able to create a comfortable space where mental health and well-being goals can be discussed is something that I am passionate about. 

Truly Isaacs (she/her/hers)

Hometown: Waynesville, OH

Major: Psychology, Sociology minor

Year: Junior

About Me: I am involved in Fraternity and Sorority Life here on campus. I am a sister of Kappa Delta. Some of my favorite things to do in my free time are to shop, read, and hang out with my family and friends.

Why did I join Co-Pilots: I joined Co-Pilots because I am interested in being a helpful resource and role model for other students within our community. I am also interested in being an advocate for those who struggle with stress, anxiety, or even just daily conflicts like goal-making and organization, etc. These are all things that I am very passionate about and I enjoy being able to give back to my peers and our amazing community.

Veronica Vasko (she/her/hers)

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Major: Psychology

Year: Junior

About Me: Some other things that I am a part of on campus, besides Co-pilots, are Club Dance and Women in Business. Dance is a healthy way for me to destress when I am feeling overwhelmed and build stronger relationships with those who share the same love for dance as me. I also enjoy singing, playing the piano, hanging out with friends, and going to the gym during my free time as ways to promote my wellbeing both mentally and physically.

Why did I join Co-Pilots: I decided to become a Co-pilot because as a freshman l wasn’t quite aware of all the mental health resources on campus that could benefit me. Because of this unawareness I want to help promote these resources to incoming students and existing peers. I understand that college brings on many changes in friendship dynamics and living spaces, so I hope to help out as an open listener and advocate for my peers' wellbeing. I also want to explore the counseling side of Psychology and see this as a great opportunity to start having one-on-one conversations as a way to begin my path in the field of psychology.