Peer Success Leader Profiles
Current Peer Success Leaders (PSLs)
Aaron Albin, he/him/his
BSN2, College of Nursing (Norfolk)
Part-time traditional student, optimist, LGBTQIA+, healthcare worker, adaptable.
Being in healthcare, helping people is something i enjoy doing! I’m more than willing to be a resource for anyone and give advice/tips for studying!
Callie Backman, she/her/hers
BSN2, College of Nursing (Norfolk)
Goal-oriented, adaptable, motivated.
I am a second-year student here in Norfolk! I am originally from the Columbus area! I completed my nursing prerequisites through Southeast CC in Lincoln!
Linden Barnett, she/her/hers
Masters of Physician Assistant Studies, 2nd year, College of Allied Health Professions
Friend, Hard working, outgoing.
I am a full-time student from Kansas City. I went to undergrad at UNL and studied biochemistry. I can't wait to help you all on your UNMC journeys!
Natalia Batchenkova, she/her/hers
G1, MD-PHD Scholar, College of Medicine (remote/online student)
NIH GPP grad student, industry/government focused, homeowner, first-gen student.
Experienced in navigating hostile lab/work dynamics and living big on shoestring budgets. I’m happy to share strategies learned!
Farzana Bithi, she/her/hers
MPH in Epidemiology, 2nd Year, College of Public Health
International student, first-gen graduate student, medical doctor, student leader, public health researcher.
I’m an MD from Bangladesh and now a 2nd-year MPH student at UNMC. I love mentoring peers on research, campus involvement, career planning, and thriving as an international student.
Ashton Boyer, she/her/hers
PT2, College of Allied Health Professions (Kearney)
Traditional student, family-oriented, volunteer.
I am happy to assist you with time management skills, prioritizing self-care, getting involved in and around campus, and helping you manage the stress of school!
Aspen Brandich, she/her/hers
BSN2, College of Nursing (Kearney)
Balanced, curious & reflective, practical.
I am a full-time student enrolled in the traditional nursing program on the Kearney Campus. I can help with study habits, time management, self-care strategies, managing stress, and course content.
Jackie Burkey, she/her/hers
MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP Program, College of Nursing 2nd Year (Omaha)
Full-time student, nurse, listener, friend.
Let's talk about life! Balancing your time can be tough, but I'm here to support you through the stressful moments. I'm eager to discuss strategies for time management, work-life balance, or any other concerns you may have. I can’t wait to meet with you!
Lia Cool, she/her/hers
Radiography 2nd year, College of Allied Health Professions (Kearney)
Driven, empathetic, motivated.
My academics have always been very important to me, and I can help you with study habits, time-management, and stress relief strategies!
Libby Davis, she/her/hers
BSN2, College of Nursing (Lincoln)
People-centered, cat lover, encourager, outdoor enthusiast.
Life can be overwhelming at times, but you're not alone! I'm here to make you feel seen and supported! Let's find out what works best for you!
Dipanwita Das, she/her/hers
PhD, College of Medicine (Omaha)
First generation grad student, international student, foodie, goal-driven, mental health supporter.
I would love to assist you with time and stress management, mental health and challenges in life. I love to be a listener and help navigate through any challenges as a team. I value selfcare as equally as work life balance.
Abbie Jo Gaube, she/her/hers
RAD2, College of Allied Health Professions (Omaha)
Bachelor's in Health Science, certified in mental health training, faith leader.
As a full-time student with a part-time job and a former student athlete, I offer support in time and stress management, self-worth and building strong teamwork skills.
Elyssa Griess, she/her/hers
BSN2, College of Nursing (Omaha)
Sigma International Honors Nursing, Certified Nursing Assistant, Supplemental Instructor, AFSP Executive Volunteer Engagement Chair, Sign Language, LGBTQ+.
Driven honors student and rehabilitation CNA, dedicated to YOU achieving your highest academic goals in balance with personal life. Reach out anytime! Together, we'll empower your future-healthcare professionalself.
Ella Hagen, she/her/hers
PT2, College of Allied Health Professions (Omaha)
Friend, Supplemental Instructor, volunteer, optimist.
I am an approachable and enthusiastic student that is passionate about mentoring, volunteering, and spreading positivity. I enjoy good movies, music, reading, and building friendships with everyone I meet.
Peyton Hatcher, she/her/hers
PT2, College of Allied Health Professions (Omaha)
Traditional student, out-of-state student, organized, optimist.
I am here to help you figure out a great balance between school and life while focusing on important topics like self-care, study tips, and stress management.
Haley Hellwege, she/her/hers
CAHP, Radiography 2nd year (senior) (Kearney)
Organized, postive, goal-driven.
In addition to the information above, I am also a part time LRT at a Orthopedic Clinic. I am always available to reach out to with questions!
Maddie Helm, she/her/hers
M3, College of Medicine (Omaha)
In-state, researcher, foodie, book lover.
I am passionate about helping students find balance in their academic and personal lives. I would love to share techniques for time management, effective studying, and meaningful involvement. My goal is to empower students with the skills and strategies they need to succeed while maintaining their well-being.
Linda My Huynh, PhD, she/her/hers
M3, College of Medicine (Omaha); UNMC alumni-graduate studies
First-generation student , UNMC alumni, Vietnamese/Chinese American , homeowner. Completed my PhD, spring 2024.
Work-life balance, organization, and time management are what have gotten me this far!
Namratha Jampana, she/her/hers
PA2, College of Allied Health Professions (Omaha)
International student, foodie, Telugu-/Hindi-speaking, painter, optimist.
I’m a second-year PA student at UNMC, passionate about mentoring peers through effective study techniques and building confidence in clinical reasoning, communication, and problem-solving across diverse healthcare topics.
Kalani Kerkman, she/her/hers
BSN2, College of Nursing (Lincoln)
Organized, motivated, healthcare worker.
I am in my second year at UNMC-Lincoln, but I'm originally from Omaha. I love working with kids and all things active and outdoors! I can help with stress management, time management, study skills, and organization.
Toni Kolbo, she/her/hers
PT2, College of Allied Health Professions (Kearney)
Wife, dog mom, book lover.
Full-time student navigating marriage, commuting to school, and passing classes! I would love to chat with you about balancing school while maintaining good health and wellness.
Piper Kramer, she/her/hers
BSN2, College of Nursing (Omaha)
LGBTQIA+, part-time worker, CNA, traditional student, honors program.
School is a stressful and difficult time for most, so never hesitate to reach out and get the insight you need to advance your education and career in a judgment-free zone
Kelsey Larsen, she/her/hers
PT2, College of Allied Health
Supplemental Instructor, volunteer, wellness advocate, outdoor enthusiast.
As a full-time student, I value balance and enjoy helping others manage their time, build confidence in their coursework, get involved, stay active, and prioritize wellness.
Tristan Larson, she/her/hers
PT2, College of Allied Health Professions (Omaha)
Traditional student, volunteer, researcher, optimist.
I am a full-time student who loves to be involved. I am passionate about the pillars of wellness and living a balanced lifestyle! I would love to help with time management, resources, getting involved, or simply discussing self-care.
Lauren Longyear, she/her/hers
PA2, College of Allied Health Profession (Omaha)
Non-traditional student, out-of-state, runner.
In addition to learning the PA curriculum, I can help with time management, study techniques, and test-taking skills.
Madi Mishou, she/her/hers
BSN2, College of Nursing (Kearney)
Coach, goal-oriented, empathetic, caring.
I am a full-time student on the Kearney campus. Nursing school is full of stressful times but I am excited to help build good habits, school-life balance, stress releiving activities, as well as academic success!
Jake Mullendore, he/him/his
BSN2, College of Nursing (Lincoln)
Family oriented, hardworker, ourdoorsman.
I am a full-time student enrolled in the traditional nursing program in Lincoln. I am here to help you succeed and excell in nursing school! You can do anything you work hard for! I can help explain course content in new ways and give fresh ideas on how to study.
Paiton Nash, she/her/hers
BSN2, College of Nursing (Kearney)
Driven, passionate, family-oriented.
I’m a full-time BSN student in Kearney, and I’m here to support you! Whether you need help with study strategies, stress management, or finding balance, I’m happy to share tips to help make your journey at UNMC a positive and successful experience.
Kamrie Peterson, MSN, MBA, RN (she/her/hers)
DNP, College of Nursing (Lincoln)
Parent, first-generation student, non-traditional student, healthcare worker.
I have dealt with different personal situations that can affect school, ie. having children, marriage, divorce, and failing a course. Currently work full-time in addition to being a graduate assistant and attending class.
Taelyn Pritchard, BSN2, College of Nursing (Kearney)
she/her/hers
First-generation student, goal driven, family oriented.
Goal setting and discipline help me stay focused, manage my time effectively, and perform well in school, while also allowing me to maintain balance and make space for personal time.
Rebekah Rapoza, she/her/hers
G2, MD-PhD, College of Medicine (Omaha)
Research, rural student, life-long learner, advocate.
I am a full-time student on a physician scientist track passionate about research and medicine, community engagement, and work/life balance. I love sharing time-management strategies, promoting wellness, and cultivating strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Sydney Renning, she/her/hers
PT2, College of Allied Health Professions (Omaha)
Out-of-state student, dog lover, sports fan, family-oriented.
I am here to help you develop study skills, schedule time wisely, and help you better manage your stress as you embark through your graduate program!
Tanner Ruda, he/him/his
PT2, College of Allied Health Professions (Omaha)
Traditional student, volunteer, researcher.
I am happy to help you with campus questions, with classes, mental health, or anything else that life may throw your way during your time at UNMC!
RaeLynn Sugden, she/her/hers
BSN2, College of Nursing (Lincoln)
Goal driven, optimist, listener, book lover.
Balancing school, life, family, and work can be overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone! I'm here to help you develop effective study habits, time-management skills, and self-care strategies that work best for you!
Emily Tostenson, she/her/hers
PA2, College of Allied Health (Omaha)
Health and wellness enthusiast, extrovert, cheer leader.
I love weightlifting! The gym has become my social hour while in school. I enjoy helping others grow their time management skills, balance, and confidence in themselves!
Leah Vanderhorst, she/her/hers
PA2, College of Allied Health Professions (Omaha)
Farmer, positive, New Yorker, funny, caring.
SI’s work closely with professors and students to help better explain challenging concepts. SIs are a valuable resource to students, allowing the same information presented in lectures to be re-explained in terms that students may understand better.
Callie White, she/her/hers
BSN2, College of Nursing (Omaha)
Organized, rural Nebraskan, book lover.
I am a full-time student navigating many life changes. My goal is to help with time management and study techniques while encouraging you to support your mental health and maintain work/life/school balance!
Duncan Works, he/him/his
M3, College of Medicine (Omaha)
Traditional student, advocate, research, self-care, volunteering.
I am a native Nebraskan medical student with plans to go into Med-Peds and complete a fellowship in either Hematology/Oncology or LGBTQ+ Medicine.
