WIT Peer Education

Wellness Information Team (WIT) graphic

Wellness Information Team (WIT)

The Wellness Information Team (WIT) is a group of GVSU students ready to connect with you about wellness! We can chat about nutrition, sexual health, and general wellness (like stress!)

 

Request a Presentation

Ask WIT a Question

Meet the Team 

WIT Cart Schedule

Check back here in the fall, when the WIT cart returns to campus!


Two WIT peer educators with pickle ball rackets and matching shirts
Two WIT peer educators behind the WIT cart
Image of three RecWell staff at Transitions event stage.
Image of two RecWell staff by a table full of fun wellness supplies in front of "Trans Week of Visibility" projected on a screen
Two WIT peer educators in front of Nutrition 101 presentation doing a food demo
WIT peer educator standing behind the WIT cart near Fresh Food co. dining hall
Image of nine RecWell wellness staff during their end-of-year banquet
Image of two WIT Peer Educators tabling in Kirkhof behind the WIT cart and the on-campus registered dietitian behind a spinning wheel

Request a Presentation

Use the RecWell Service Request Form to request a presentation. Be sure to check "Wellness Presentation" on the form. In the "Event description" let us know what type of presentation you are interested in. You can choose from the presentations below, or you can request a customized presentation. 

General Wellness

Your Wellness at GVSU

Your Wellness at GVSU: Explore your wellness in each of the 8 dimensions while learning about resources here at GVSU that can help in your journey to well-being.

Workshop platform: In-Person or Virtual

Run time: 30-45 minutes 

Audience: Students 

Slideshow intro slide with title "Emotional Wellness" and lots of geometric shapes.

Emotional Wellness: Take a deep dive into emotional wellness. Learn characteristics, expand your emotion vocabulary, get resources and more.

Workshop platform: In-Person or Virtual 

Run time: 60 minutes 

Audience: Students 

Nutrition 101 Presentation

Nutrition 101: We'll cover the basics of healthy eating: calories, how to read a food label, what's an actual serving size, and skills and tips for healthy eating.

Workshop platform: In-Person or Virtual

Run time: 60 minutes 

Audience: Students 

Image of title page that says "Sleep, Nutrition, and Exercise: How to make healthy behavior change"

Sleep, Nutrition, and Exercise: See how these three areas of health can transform your well-being. And at the end, set some goals to make changes for a healthier you.

Workshop platform: In-Person or Virtual

Run time: 60-90 minutes 

Audience: Students/Staff/Faculty

Image of presentation title that says Body Neutrality: Acceptance of your body as it is in neutral tones.

Body Neutrality: What is body neutrality, why is it important and how can you implement it in your everyday life.

Workshop platform: In-Person or Virtual

Run time: 30-45 minutes (flexible)

Audience: Students or Staff

black, white and yellow color scheme with black and white arrows. text says "Finding rest in the grind" by WIT Peer Educators.

Finding Rest in the Grind: Feeling like you're stuck in the revolving door of hustle and grind. School, work, life, repeat. Let us help you rest!

Workshop platform: In-Person or Virtual

Run time: 30-60 minutes (flexible)

Audience: Students or Staff

Setting Boundaries Presentation

Setting Boundaries: Support your well-being by learning how to set boundaries for yourself in work, school, and social life.

Workshop platform: In-Person or Virtual

Run time: 30-45 minutes 

Audience: Students 

Image of black and white presentation slide "Wellness, Activism and Identity"

Wellness, Activism, and Identity: Take a look at how your identity and activism efforts intersect with your wellness. Originally created for the MLK Jr day of service.

Workshop platform: In-Person or Virtual

Run time: 30-60 minutes 

Audience: Students 

Sexual Health

Presentation intro slide with text that says "LGBTQ+ Sexual Health" with a rainbow image behind it.

LGBTQ+ Sexual Health: Learn about sexuality, affirming language, barrier methods, how to prepare for a sexual health clinic visit and more.

Workshop platform: In-Person or Virtual 

Run time: 60-75 minutes 

Audience: Students 

mile high club presentation

Mile High Club: Learn about safer sexual health practices, but do it like you're talking about the airlines. From take-off to landing, you're sure to have fun and learn a lot!

Workshop platform: In-Person or Virtual

Run time: 45-60 minutes 

Audience: Students 

What We Wish Presentation

What We Wish: Did your high school sex ed class leave you wanting more? Join us to talk about some of the stuff that was left out: lube, pleasure, virginity, communication, and more!

Workshop platform: In-Person or Virtual

Run time: 60 minutes 

Audience: Students 

Sex Ed Trivia Presentation

Sex Ed Trivia: How much do you know about sexual health and sexuality? Join us for a fun filled presentation to test your knowledge, and maybe learn some weird tidbits, too!

Workshop platform: Virtual 

Run time: 30-45 minutes 

Audience: Students 


Meet The Team

A woman in bright neon safety vest, hat, and gloves standing in front of a body of water

Katie Swiderek

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Major: School Psychology

Year: Graduate Student

Semesters on WIT: 1

Why did you want to become a Peer Educator? I wanted to become a Peer Educator because I'm really passionate about all aspects of wellness—whether it's nutrition, exercise, managing money, or taking care of the environment. I love the idea of helping others learn about health, identify resources, and make choices that align with their personal health goals. This role lets me connect with people, build a supportive community, and inspire healthier lifestyles. Additionally, it helps me grow personally and develop leadership skills. Being a Peer Educator is a great way to share what I love and make a positive difference in others' lives.

Campus Involvement: SASP Member

Top Tip for Being Well: Have fun with it! Find stuff that genuinely excites you whether it's finding a new trail with a view, making a new meal, having a coffee with a friend, paying off a credit card, or composting!

3 Bucket List Items:

  • Visit Greece
  • Own a cabin in the U.P.
  • Have a mini farm (ducks, chickens, goats)
Smiling woman with hands on hips in front of sunset over a body of water

Annah Stang

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Major: Marketing

Minor: Applied Communication, Theatre

Year: Junior

Semesters on WIT: 1

Why did you want to become a Peer Educator? It is so important to have discussions about health and wellness on a peer-to-peer level. We are all trying to navigate this busy time in our lives, and taking care of your body and mind can make everything easier!

Campus Involvement: Colorgaurd in Laker Marching Band, Student Senate, Women in Business Vice President, Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority, Alpha Psi Omega- Theatre Honors Society, LGBT+ Resource Center Front Desk, Resident Assistant, Cook Leadership Academy

Top Tip for Being Well: Build an hour of rest or "you" time into each day. :)

3 Bucket List Items:

  • Skydiving
  • Traveling to Germany
  • Work in Nonprofit
Smiling girl sitting on rocks by the ocean

Josie Kasmauskis

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Major: Applied Food and Nutrition

Minor: Spanish

Year: Senior

Semesters on WIT: 7

Why did you want to become a Peer Educator? I love to learn and share wellness information, and help others in their path to find the lifestyle that makes them feel the best.

Campus Involvement: La Tertulia (Spanish Club), Food and Nutrition Association, Swim Club

Top Tip for Being Well: Don't feel guilty about doing something "unhealthy," just feel proud of whatever you are doing to better your wellness. You can always keep improving, but it should be a fun process!

3 Bucket List Items:

  • Go scuba diving
  • Hug a cow
  • Visit another Spanish speaking country
Girl standing under trees decorated with lights

Katelyn Kawabe

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Major: School Psychology

Year: Graduate Student

Semesters on WIT: 1

Why did you want to become a Peer Educator? To help people better understand health and wellness

Campus Involvement: Peer Educator

Top Tip for Being Well: Try to stay on a consistent sleep schedule

3 Bucket List Items:

  • Visit all the national parks
  • Visit different countries
  • Visit the White House
Girl posing in front of mountains in the distance

Pranitha Presingu

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Major: Masters in Health Informatics

Year: Graduate Student

Semesters on WIT: 1

Why did you want to become a Peer Educator? In simple three words - Engaging in campus activities, networking, promoting healthier choices.

Campus Involvement: My campus involvement includes joining student organizations or clubs, volunteering at events, and mentoring peers.

Top Tip for Being Well: My top tip for being well is an innate drive to improve self-care.

3 Bucket List Items:

  • Overnight Camping
  • Stargazing
  • Engaging in fun activities, outdoor games with international students.
Person smiling in front of hanging LGBTQ+ pride flag.

Sara Blease

Pronouns: She/they/theirs

Major: Elementary Education

Year: Senior

Semesters on WIT: 3

Why did you want to become a Peer Educator? I love helping people! I'm passionate about mental health and supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

Campus Involvement: Co-Facilitating Bi-Furious for the LGBTQ+ Center and volunteering annually for GV's Haunted Arboretum.

Top Tip for Being Well: Communication is fundamental in all of your relationships; take the time to make sure your needs are being met and that your boundaries are being respected. It isn't selfish to prioritize yourself.

3 Bucket List Items:

  • Go sky diving
  • Write a novel
  • Travel to all 50 States
Woman smiling with sunglasses, looking into the distance

Robyn Settle

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Major: Women Gender and Sexuality Studies

Minors: Nonprofit Administrations and African American Studies

Year: Senior

Semesters on WIT: 1

Why did you want to become a Peer Educator? I wanna be apart of a community that focuses on mental health and wellness for students at GVSU. Meeting new students around campus working with students is exciting I'm always willing to sign up! I've been working with students ever since I started working, and to see that I can help them in anyway makes me feel that I am bringing some type of change. Mental health is a very important aspect to your health and I wanna be able to share what I know with more students around campus !! Empowering students and giving back is my end goal!

Campus Involvement: Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy, Event Services employee, Student I&E Engagement employee, Taskforce member, Urban Dynamic member, Gear up Student Lead, Campus navigator.

Top Tip for Being Well: Take your time with completing tasks, always make time for yourself and relax. Spend time with friends and family, and explore as much as you can!!

3 Bucket List Items:

  • Visit France
  • Become a professional boxer
  • Visit different African American museums around the world
A woman sitting in front of mountains in the background

Priyan Isabel Maddela

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Major: Health informatics and bioinformatics

Year: Masters

Semesters on WIT: 3

Why did you want to become a Peer Educator? I love to learn, educate others about health and wellness, and help them in their journey of becoming the best version of themselves

Campus Involvement: Student Manager at campus dining

Top Tip for Being Well: Try new things, journal, and push yourself through difficulties using resources

3 Bucket List Items:

  • To travel around the world
  • To work as a dentist in USA
  • To learn how to play the piano
Girl taking selfy in front of sunset/sunrise

Lainey Otten

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Major: Psychology and Writing

Year: Senior

Semesters on WIT: 2

Why did you want to become a Peer Educator? One of my top passions is to make learning about sexual health less uncomfortable and Fun! I feel everyone has the right to be educated about what wellness, especially sexual wellness and what it means to them. Crafting the perfect mix of wellness and humor to make conversations about sexual health and mental health less taboo. Joining the WIT team allows me to not only learn skills for myself but teach my peers the skill they need to be happier and healthier.

Campus Involvement: GVBoxing Club & Fishladder

Top Tip for Being Well: Find the people that make you want to be a better person. One of the most fulfilling things is watching not only yourself but your friends grow into the people they want to be. Having a good support system and people that you feel comfortable having deep conversations with allows you to learn more about yourself.

3 Bucket List Items:

  • Get my motorcycle license
  • Travel to New Zealand and Thailand
  • Publish a book
Woman smiling at camera, standing amongst purple tulips

Sarika Vemana

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Major: Health Informatics and Bioinformatics

Year: Graduate Student

Semesters on WIT: 1

Why did you want to work for Recreation and Wellness? I wanted to become a Peer Educator to learn, share knowledge and support people around me, helping create a positive and informed community where everyone can succeed.

Campus Involvement: I was always interested in dancing which made me join student club (KAGE) and also volunteered for the mental screening during the awareness week in March. 

Top Tip for Being Well: Prioritize getting enough sleep every night, as it significantly impacts your physical health, mental clarity, and overall well-being. 

3 Bucket List Items:

  • Experience beautiful aurora in Norway
  • Spend a night at a best star-gazing spot
  • Being fluent in at least 5-6 languages
Girl smiling at camera, sitting amongst sunlit wheat grass plants

Lael Herron

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Major: Nursing

Year: Sophomore

Semesters on WIT: 1

Why did you want to work for Recreation and Wellness? I am eager to learn more about the various aspects of wellness and share my knowledge with those around me. I have a deep passion for mental health and aspire to support individuals who are struggling or simply curious to learn more!

Campus Involvement: I am a part of the Pre-Nursing Association and a WIT peer educator

Top Tip for Being Well: Letting everything out can greatly improve your well-being, whether it's talking to someone you trust or writing everything down. Expressing your thoughts and feelings helps you process emotions and reduce stress!  

3 Bucket List Items:

  • Rescue an animal
  • Visit all 50 states
  • Tour Italy
Boy sitting in car with seat belt, smiling at camera

Jacob Greig

Pronouns: He/him/his

Major: Cardiovascular Sonography

Minor: Business

Year: Junior

Semesters on WIT: 1

Why did you want to work for Recreation and Wellness? To provide wellness tips for other students at GVSU. Mental health is something that is very important to me.

Campus Involvement: I am a resident assistant on campus and involved in many student organizations such as Alpha Phi Omega and Hunger and Homelessness Club

Top Tip for Being Well: Find time for yourself and things you enjoy.  

3 Bucket List Items:

  • Travel to Italy
  • Sky Dive
  • Travel to all 50 states.

For more information about the WIT Peer Educator role, check out the job description!

Thank you past WIT Peer Educators!

Image of five RecWell staff behind the Ask WIT cart in Lubbers stadium. One is wearing a turkey costume.
Image of two WIT peer educators presenting Your Wellness at GVSU
Group of past and current WIT Peer Educators smiling at the camera
Group of people sitting in chairs, painting, behind sign saying "Paint and Sip Ryleigh"
Image of five WIT peer educators at the climbing wall.
Two WIT peer educators tabling at Kirkhof posing for the picture
Peer educators and supervisor Katie posing for picture in front of blue backdrop and balloons


Page last modified August 7, 2024