Peer Counselors actively listen, foster empathy, and create spaces for social connections
within the campus community. Trained and supported by Counseling and Psychological Services, they aren't a substitute for therapy but offer support, resources, and guidance
on everyday student issues. Individuals needing clinical services or facing crises
should seek licensed professionals for assistance.
We are located on the Kennesaw Campus in the Carmichael Student Center, Wellnest, room 261.
Peer counselors are comprised of undergraduate KSU students that provide an active listening space that promotes empathy and connection for the KSU community. The peer counselors have been trained in an array of areas pertaining to student support, resources, and emotional wellbeing. Peer counselors are here to assist you in navigating your student experience.
What training have they received?
Mental Health First Aid, Kognito, QPR, Safe Space, Naloxone and Recovery Ally, Bystander
Intervention, Inclusive Awareness, Mental Health 101 and NASPA Peer Education Certifications.
How can I schedule an appointment with a Peer Counselor?
The schedules of availability for the peer counselors will be listed in the Navigate System. Please follow the prompts to schedule your appointment today. In person appointments are in the Well-Nest (room 261) located on the 2nd floor of the Kennesaw campus Student Center.
Are the appointments in person?
Virtual and in person appointments are available.
How long are the appointments?
50 minutes
How can they help?
Peer counselors provide support by providing you with resources on campus, academic support, stress management, time management, navigating and adjusting to college, and making meaningful social connections.
Is it Confidential?
Yes. An exception to this would be if you are an imminent risk to yourself or others. The Peer Counselors work under the Counseling Center at KSU and adhere to safety policies and procedures of students.
Disclaimer: In the event it is determined that the peer counseling services is not the best treatment option, you will be referred to the Peer Counseling Coordinator and/or a licensed professional to determine the best plan for you moving forward.
Hi, my name is Aaliyah and I am a psychology major here at KSU. I enjoy running and going to the gym, watching telenovelas and true crime shows, thrifting, and listening to music. I became a peer counselor because I want to be an advocate for mental health and reduce the stigma on campus. I love to help where I can and provide a listening ear to those who may need guidance. My strengths are in helping with stress and time management, combatting microaggressions, and practicing self-care. As your peer counselor I will strive to be relatable, supportive, and provide resources you may need.
Courtney EverettWork Study Student
Work Study Student
Hi! My name is Courtney Everett (she/her), and I am a junior Psychology major with
a double minor in Statistics and Child Advocacy Studies. At KSU, I am heavily involved
in the psychology department, research, and different student organizations. In my
free time, I enjoy writing, reading, listening to music, and watching movies, anime,
and shows. I am very happy to meet and talk with all students, especially when discussing
stress management, time management, roommate/friend conflict, loneliness and community
engagement, and academic concerns. I look forward to meeting you!
Nikki WendtStudent Assistant
Student Assistant
Hello everyone! My name is Nikki Wendt, and I am a senior majoring in Psychology with
double minors in Biology and Data Science & Analytics. Outside of my coursework, I
am passionate about my work in psychology research. To unwind, I enjoy hiking, doing
yoga, and spending time with my golden retrievers. As a peer counselor, my goal is
to provide a safe and comfortable environment for fellow students to discuss a variety
of topics, such as managing exam and presentation anxiety, handling classroom conflict,
navigating campus resources, and learning how to get involved in on-campus activities.
Anna ShoupStudent Assistant
Student Assistant
Hi y’all! My name is Anna and I am a senior Psychology student born and raised in Atlanta. When I am not in the Well-Nest I enjoy hiking and camping, reading, cooking, photography, and visiting thrift and antique stores. As a peer counselor, I can relate to managing stress, feelings of isolation/loneliness, and self-esteem/confidence, but am here to listen and talk beyond these.
Mary MartinStaff Therapist, Health and Wellbeing & Part-Time Instructor of Social Work
Staff Therapist, Health and Wellbeing & Part-Time Instructor of Social Work
MK Martin, LCSW, RYT-200
MK began her career in higher education at KSU in January of 2017 in Counseling and
Psychological Services, where she served as a therapist assisting students navigating
complex mental health concerns. Through her work as a clinical social worker, she
developed an interest in student leadership and development. In 2021 she joined the
Student Advocacy department where she served students within the Dean of Students.
She served as a member of the Behavior Response team (BRT), assisted students in navigating
medical withdrawals and re-entry back to campus and developed outreach events for
students. MK returned to CPS in August of 2023 to develop and coordinate the KSU Peer
Counseling program. She serves as part time faculty at KSU where she provides supervision
for MSW students and teaches the Addiction with Individuals and Families course. She
also serves as a clinical supervisor for therapists and coordinates the Mental Health
Initiative at KSU. She takes a collaborative approach when working with students and
colleagues by identifying their strengths, building trust, using empathy, humor and
patience. In utilizing this collaborative approach in working with students, she hopes
to assist you in finding your voice, resilience, and empowering you to navigate the
collegiate experience successfully. MK worked in an array of capacities in the field
of social work before entering higher education. She worked in Pennsylvania and Arizona
as an AmeriCorps volunteer, served as a case manager in psychiatric facilities leading
groups, facilitating family sessions, and performing discharge planning. She also
served as a therapist in a residential facility treating women with complex trauma
and substance misuse, served refugees resettling in the Atlanta area and a case manager
for older adults. Her clinical areas of specialization include providing clinical
supervision, relational trauma, self worth and perfectionism, eating concerns, and
how to manage life transitions. In her free time MK enjoys eating tamales, reading mystery novels, dancing, arranging
flowers, spending time with her cat, hiking, thrift shopping, traveling, musical and
cinematic adventures, and spending time with loved ones.