Peer Advisors

Charting Paths, Building Futures

What is a Peer Advisor?

Each first-year student is assigned to an upper-class student who is trained to serve as a source of information, point of first contact, and conduit to programs and services. Peer Advisors coach each student in the formation of the personal success plan and act as an advocate for student success. The personal success plan provides a framework for establishing specific, reasonable, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely goals for the first semester. It is much more probable that success will be realized when students have direction and purpose.

Who are the Peer Advisors?

Peer Advisors (PAs) hail from as close as right here in Springfield, MA to as far as Florida! PAs undergo over 150 hours of training in order to better support first year students. PAs have a strong focus on helping their advisees, and work to make YOUR transition as great as it can be!

How do I apply to be a Peer Advisor?

If you are interested in applying to be a Peer Advisor, click on the link below to learn more about the application process or attend an information session!

Apply to Be a PA

Please be aware that if you change your major, your Peer Advisor will change. Bookmark this page to revisit if you change your major to get to know all of the Peer Advisors for 2024-2025!

2024-2025 Steering Committee

Alyzza Alicea

Hi, my name is Alyzza. I am a senior Psychology major at Western New England and a second year Peer Advisor on the Steering Committee. I'm from Enfield, Conn. Some of my favorite pastimes are playing volleyball and any kind of art project. I'm looking forward to meeting you!

Ashley Figueroa

Ashley Figueroa, a senior from Charlton, Mass., is pursuing a degree in Biomedical Engineering with a concentration in Biomaterials and a minor in Chemistry at Western New England University. This is her third year in the Peer Advising program, and she is currently a member of the Steering Committee. Alongside being a Peer Advisor, Ashley is also the vice president of the Society of Women Engineers as well as being a member of the Biomedical Engineering Society and the Class of 2025 Council.

Abigail Marasco

Abby Marasco is a senior at Western New England University, working to earn a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. Upon graduation Abby aspires to pursue a career in law enforcement as a state trooper. Abby has been a member of the Peer Advising program for three years and is excited to take on the role as a Steering Committee member for her last year in the program! In addition to being a part of the PA program, Abby is also a student-athlete on the women’s basketball team, a Life Skills mentor, a member of the 2025 Class Council, and member of the Criminal Justice Association.

Jayden Montagna

Hello, I am Jayden Montagna. I am a junior Mechanical Engineering major from Agawam, Mass. Some of the extracurricular activities that I am involved in on campus include the Peer Advising program as a steering member, and being a member of the WNE men's soccer team. I like to spend time with friends and family, as well as participate in any sort of competitive activity.

Noah Perault

Hello! My name is Noah Perault and I am a senior majoring in Business Analytics & Information Management, dual minoring in Enterprise Resource Planning with SAP and Finance, and working towards certificates in both SAP and SAS. My hometown is Dalton, Mass. In addition to being a Steering Committee Member and a third year Peer Advisor for our Peer Advising Program, I am also the second year Treasurer & Finance Committee Chair for our Student Senate, a Peer Tutor, and a member of the Beta Alpha Psi Honor Society, the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society, the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society, and the Mortar Board National College Senior Honor Society. I hope that you enjoyed your summer, and I look forward to meeting you!

Luci Robertelli

My name is Luciana Robertelli, and I am a senior from Utica, N.Y. My major is Health Studies with minors in Psychology and Athletic Coaching. I am also on the women's ice hockey team, and I am a third-year Peer Advisor!

2024-2025 Peer Advisors

Blanca Amaya

Hello! My name is Blanca Amaya, and I am from Springfield, Mass. I'm also a commuter. I am a Criminal Justice major with a minor in Political Science. When I'm not busy on campus, I enjoy spending time with my partner and family. I like learning new things, listening to music, and laying in the sun. On campus, I am the Legislative Chairperson for the Student Senate, vice president of United & Mutually Equal, a member of my class council, and an active member in all of the Bold Media clubs. I look forward to meeting you!

Paige Bailey

Hi! My name is Paige Bailey, and I am from Poughkeepsie, N.Y. I am a sophomore here at WNE, studying History with a minor in Communication. I am a part of the Bible Study here on campus, along with the historical society. I enjoy reading, hiking, and spending time with my dog, Bella!

Taylor Berube

Hi everyone! My name is Taylor Berube, and I am a sophomore Pre-Law major from Bristol, Conn. I am the vice president of the dance team here at WNE and I am also on the 2027 Class Council. I love country music and the beach! I am very excited to get to know all of you and I look forward to a fun year ahead!

Emma Birmingham

My name is Emma Birmingham, and I am a junior Political Science major with a minor in International Business. I am from Enfield, Conn. I am a member of the women's ice hockey team, SAAC, and Captain's Council.

Autumn Bissonnette

Hi, I'm Autumn! I'm a Mechanical Engineering major from Wales, Mass. I am a commuter student but stay very involved on campus! I'm a Peer Advisor, treasurer of the 2026 Class Council, Director of Finance for the Campus Activities Board, Class of 2026 Representative in Student Senate, Co-Chair of Security for the 2024 Spring Event, and an OGL for the 2024 SOAR!

Rach Brenzel

Rach Brenzel is a junior Secondary Education and Mathematical Sciences major from Westfield, Mass. In their free time, they enjoy reading, thrifting, spending time at coffee shops, and being with friends and family.

Jessica Brown

Jessica Brown is a senior Health Studies major in the 3+3 Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. She is involved in various clubs in organizations across campus. She has had roles as a Peer Advisor, Orientation Group Leader, class president, and others! Jess works on campus running the recreation department in the CAHLC and loves what she does! Ultimately, Jess wants to pursue a career in OT, focusing on patients who have sustained brain and spinal cord injuries. She is very excited to return to the PA program and can't wait to meet her new advisees!

Jackie Casalone

I am from Enfield, Conn., I commute, and my major is Psychology. For fun, I like to go hiking and hang out with friends. I am also a Student Ambassador on campus, and I work at Starbucks off-campus back in my hometown.

Emma Cassell

Hi, my name is Emma Cassell, and I am from Westfield, Mass. I am currently a Business Management major at Western New England, and I enjoy playing tennis, golf, and spending time with my friends and family during my free time.

Jess Cloutier

I'm from Easthampton, Mass. I am a Law and Society major, and I'm very interested in the law and how it impacts the criminal justice system. Aside from peer advising, I am an Arts and Sciences representative on Student Senate, the treasurer of the 2027 Class Council, and a member of the Omicron Kappa Delta National Leadership Honor Society.

Shaina Cooney

Hi! My name is Shaina Cooney. I am a Health Sciences major from Montgomery, N.Y. I am a part of the women's basketball team. On campus in addition to being a Peer Advisor, I am a Life Skills Mentor, a member of Student Council, a part of SAAC as an executive board member, a Lifeguard on campus, and was recently named a Skookum recipient for the 2024-2025 academic year. I love basketball, working out, hiking, going to the beach, taking walks with my dogs, and spending time with my family.

Clara Donivan

Hometown: Greenfield, Mass. • Major: Secondary Education - English • Clubs: Ultimate Frisbee and Cupola (yearbook) • Organizations: Student Ambassador - Events Team

Brianne Dube

My name is Brie Dube, and I am a senior Health Studies major at WNE. I am also in the 3+3 Occupational Therapy program, and I am starting the graduate school portion in the fall of 2024. I am from Lewiston, Maine, and I have a sister that goes to school here as well! Outside of Peer Advising, I am on the women's ice hockey team and in the Pre-OT club.

Leah Dube

Hi, I am Leah Dube, and I am a sophomore here at Western New England. I am double majoring in Elementary Education and Psychology. I am from Lewiston, Maine, and I am on the women's ice hockey team. I like to play sports and spend time with friends and family.

Jordan Dunham

Hi! My name is Jordan, and I am a junior Criminal Justice major here at WNE. My concentration is in Victim Studies and Criminal Investigations. I am from Easthampton, Mass. and I plan to work as a police officer when I graduate. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, staying active and going for hikes, and working as a 911 dispatcher for a local department. I love helping people and having an impact on my local and school community.

Aleksandra Dzietczyk

I’m Aleks from Queens, N.Y. but moved to Springfield, Mass. nearly 7 years ago. They like to play video games, read, hike, and hang out with friends and family. Aleks is also a part of the Accounting Association and part of the Beta Alpha Psi Accounting Society.

Andrew Ferrara

Hi, I'm Andrew Ferrara! A Neuroscience major from Ludlow, Mass. I love dogs, particularly Arubian Cunucus. I'm also vice president of Neuro Club.

Justin Gould

My name is Justin Gould, I'm from Hadley Mass., and I am a sophomore Electrical Engineering major. In my free time, I like to go to the CAHLC and play basketball or go swimming. When I’m not doing that, I’ll be in band or tutoring in the math center.

Katherine Greenwood

My name is Katherine Greenwood, or Kat for short. I am from West Haven, Conn. I am a Marketing Communication/Advertising major and love theatre and music, which I continue my passion for here at WNE with the Stageless Players and Golden Voices.

Christopher Hibson

Hello, my name is Chris. I am going into my sophomore year, and I am from New Haven Conn., and I am currently a general Business major. I am a member of the men’s ice hockey team and a new PA.

Camden Kaufmann

Major(s): Political Science & Criminal Justice • Hometown: Springfield, Mass. • Hobbies: Bowling, Gaming • Involvement: Student Senate, Class Council, and PA :D

Becca Kilday

Becca is from West Greenwich, R.I. and is majoring in Industrial Engineering. She enjoys sewing and traveling and is on the women’s wrestling team at WNE. She is also part of the Society of Women Engineers and treasurer of the Gardening Club. Most importantly, she can't wait to be your PA this year!

Kaitlyn Labitan

My name is Kaitlyn (Kat) Labitan and I'm from Linden, N.J. I'm a senior in the MS Pharmacogenomics/BS Neuroscience (Course Intensive) program and I also have a BA in Psychology. Outside of PA, I am one of the vice presidents for the Neuroscience Club and a member of the WNE cheerleading team.

Callie LaRose

Callie LaRose is a senior Psychology major with a Criminal Justice minor from Sanford, Maine. On campus, Callie is the president of her Class Council program, along with being a part of the Alumni Ambassador Program. In her free time, Callie loves to go on road trips with friends, go to concerts and hockey games! When Callie is home she volunteers at the Big Brother, Big Sisters of America program along with hanging out with her siblings and niece along with playing with her dogs!

Meghan Lemieux

Hi! My name is Meghan Lemieux, and I am from Middletown, Conn. I am a sophomore at WNE, and I am majoring in Civil/Environmental Engineering. I am also a part of the E-Board for SWE here at WNE. When I am not studying or doing homework I love to read or just spend time with my friends!

Emaleigh Lindsay

Hey everyone, my name is Emaleigh Lindsay! I am from Westfield, Mass. and I'll be a junior Pharmacy major heading into my first year of pharmacy school. I love to dance, hang out with my friends and family, and take my dogs on hikes and then Starbucks to get them a pup cup. I am also on the dance team at school; last year I was the vice president for the team, and I am so excited to be president this upcoming year! I can't wait to meet you all!

Jenna Lynch

My name is Jenna Lynch and am a sophomore. I am from Brookline, N.H. and am majoring in Biomedical Engineering with the goal to go to O&P school for prosthetics. I enjoy hanging out with friends, being outside, working out, and just chilling out watching Netflix. I play for the women's ice hockey team, am part of SWE, and am now excited to be a Peer Advisor!

Kaila Mank

My name is Kaila Mank and I am a rising senior! I am a Marketing Communication/Advertising and Entrepreneurship double major with a certificate in SAP and working toward one in Social Media Marketing! I am from Raymond, Maine, have three dogs, two Yorkies and a Cavapoo, and I have three brothers. Some hobbies of mine would be hanging out with my boyfriend, friends and family, watching a good comedy movie, or binging Friends! On campus I am a Lead Student Ambassador in Admissions, I am part of ODK as well as Skookum, I am a Peer Advisor AND one of the social media interns for Aramark, our dining hall! I am an extreme extrovert and love being involved and talking to people! Looking forward to meeting you! :)

Redding Martison-Bequette

I am a Civil Engineering major with a math minor. I am a Peer Advisor and part of Class Council. I also work as a math tutor at the Math Center. I am from San Jose, Calif.

Jordan Morgan

I’m from Hamilton, Ontario, Psychology major, and I am a member of the men's ice hockey team.

Emma Novajasky

Hometown: Farmington, Conn. • Major: Sport Management • Minor: Athletic Coaching • Hobbies: Golf, traveling, reading • Involvement: President of Sport Management Association, Life Skills Mentor, Beta Gamma Sigma E board, Cohen Scholar

Clayton O'Connor

I am from Schenectady, N.Y. Sophomore Business Analytics and Information Management major, second-year Peer Advisor, men’s wrestling team.

Michael Pereira

Computer Science & Information Technologies double major from East Longmeadow, Mass. I moved here from R.I., and love clam chowder. Interested in computer building, software development, language learning, camping, scouting (I am an Eagle Scout), biking, filmmaking, and exploring. Active in the E-Boards of Band, Drumline, Dungeons and Dragons, and Association of Computing Machinery clubs.

Hunter Perry

Hi everyone, my name is Hunter Perry. I am a Biomedical Engineering major from Durham, N.H. I am a member of the men's soccer team at WNE. In my free time, I like to watch sports, listen to music, and hang out with friends.

Lexi Piacenza

Hello everyone! My name is Lexi Piacenza, and I am a Finance and Accounting double major from Middletown, Conn. In my free time, I love to travel, shop, hang out with my family and friends, and go to the beach. I am the treasurer of the Western New England dance team and have been dancing for 16 years! Can't wait to build some connections with you all and have a great school year.

Madelyne Pope

Hi! My name is Maddie, and I am a second-year Peer Advisor. I am from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and play on the women's ice hockey team here at WNE.

Jacob Roy

I am from Brookline, N.H., am a Biomedical Engineering major, and play lacrosse.

Steven Savoie

Boylston, Mass. Mechanical Engineering, enjoys fishing, cooking, being active. Involved in the WNE Upper Room Christian Fellowship.

Carli Simons

Hi, I am Carli Simons from Windsor, Conn. I am a senior Mechanical Engineer involved in Class of 2025 Council and secretary for SWE. I enjoy going to the gym and hanging out with my friends.

Chris Sitnik

My name is Christina (Chris) Sitnik and I am a sophomore Secondary Ed Mathematics major. I am from Springfield, Mass. and enjoy camping, rock climbing, and music. I am involved in the Stageless Players, GBTV, and the Bowling Club.

Mikayla Souza

HI! I am Mikayla from Middletown, Conn. I am a Political Science major with a minor in Public Administration/Campaigns and Elections. In addition to being a Peer Advisor, I am also on the Student Senate, cheerleading performance team, Orientation Group Leader, and the College of Arts and Sciences student advisory board.

Adedunni Soyele

Hi! I am Adedunni Soyele, I am from Lagos, Nigeria and I moved to the U.S. in my junior year of high school. I am a Mechanical Engineering major with interests in engineering design and engineering management. I am involved in a number of activities on campus; I am the secretary of ASME, I am a mentor for U&ME connections program, a Student Ambassador and I am part of clubs like BSU and the International Club. I enjoy doing things like trying new restaurants, seeing new places, playing tennis, baking and watching movies. I can't wait to meet you all!

Amie Teixeira

I'm from Ludlow, Mass. I am a Secondary Education History major. I like to read, crochet, and play tennis.