2024-2025 Peer Educators

Our Peer Educators Aim to:

  • Destigmatize mental health diagnoses and the use of mental health services on campus
  • Introduce and connect students to the University Counseling Center
  • Provide education about student mental health and holistic wellness
  • Engage in responsible dialogue and action around multiculturalism and social justice
  • Serve as student leaders on campus

Katie Fitzgibbons

Katie Fitzgibbons (she/her)

Katie Fitzgibbons loves being a peer educator because it's a way to get involved on campus and leaves her feeling like she's making a positive impact! Katie has always wanted to help people, whether it be physically or mentally, and being a UCC Peer Educator gives her that opportunity at GVSU. Katie is currently a junior studying Biomedical Science and wants to go into the field of child psychiatry. Katie's favorite self-care activities are watching Grey's Anatomy and taking naps.


Lexie Medford (they/them)

Lexie Medford is a senior studying Psychology and Sociology. They hope to attend graduate school to become a sociology professor and researcher in the future. They are a member of the Cook Leadership Academy, Psych Club, work as a research assistant for their professor, and are returning for their second year as a UCC Peer Educator. Lexie's very passionate about mental health advocacy, and outreach opportunities are their favorite aspect of being a Peer Educator! Outside of school, Lexie enjoys spending time with their chocolate lab, Sequoia, hiking and exploring National Parks, attending concerts, and visiting local coffee shops.

Lexie Medford

Usha Pendapalli

Usha Pendapalli (she/her)

Usha Pendapalli is a graduate student studying Health and Bioinformatics with a background in Dental Surgery. Usha is passionate about healthcare and believes that mental health is just as important as physical health. As a Peer Educator, she is eager to share knowledge, along with learning from others! Usha loves interacting with people and exploring new perspectives. In her free time, you can find Usha shopping and spending time in nature for self-care.


Karly Polash (she/her)

Karly Polash is a sophomore at GVSU studying Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychology with a minor in Biology. Karly hopes to earn her Ph.D. in neuroscience and work as a neuropsychologist with a focus on helping those struggling with drug addictions. Outside of working at the UCC, Karly serves as the Membership/PR Officer for the GVSU Psychology Club, a Freshman Honors Mentor for the Frederik Meijer Honors College, and is a member of the Women in Medicine and Science group on campus. This is her first year as a Peer Educator, and she is excited to become involved with the UCC as well as other students around campus! In her free time, she can be found traveling, hiking, reading, trying out local coffee shops, and spending time with friends. Her favorite self-care activity is her pasta and movie nights with her friends. 

Karly Polash


Page last modified September 17, 2024