Student Health and Wellbeing
Wellness Ambassadors
Wellness Ambassadors are student employees of SHAW, trained as Certified Peer Educators. They are dedicated to supporting their peers by promoting holistic wellness and providing guidance in areas such as mental health, stress management, and self-care.
Welcome to the Wellness Ambassadors program at Oberlin College! Our ambassadors are a diverse group of students dedicated to promoting health and wellness across campus. Through peer-to-peer support, workshops, and outreach, they empower their fellow students to thrive in all eight dimensions of wellness: emotional, physical, social, occupational, intellectual, environmental, spiritual, and financial.
Schedule with a Wellness Ambassador
You will need to create a free account to schedule an appointment (if you have scheduled with the Writing Center or the Speaking Center, you already have an account). Please email wellnessambassadors@oberlin.edu if you have issues logging in or scheduling an appointment.
Jenny Wei (she/her) ’27
Year & Major: Class of 2027 studying Neuroscience, Biochemistry, and Mathematics
Biography
Why I Became a Wellness Ambassador: Human flourishing has always been at the heart of my research and service. I wanted to explore how we can foster this on a local level at Oberlin College. That passion is what led me to become a Wellness Ambassador!
My Favorite Dimension of Wellness: I am most passionate about the mental dimension because it takes courage and a will to embrace both the good and the bad to come to terms with yourself, and as a result, others.
My Favorite Wellness Tip/Practice: Never go to bed uncomfortable with yourself! Always go to bed being able to smile, and to do so, meditation is a good tool to help. Meditation takes you deep into the heart, allowing you to slow down and reflect in a space free of judgment and the constraints of time—just you and your feelings.
Take a moment to think back on your actions throughout the day and observe them from a new perspective, as if through the eyes of an impartial observer. Use introspection to answer your own questions: "Hmm, so this is what prompted me to take that action."
You can put on some relaxing music and meditating even just a few minutes will leave you feeling better than you did a moment ago!
Hobbies & Interests: In my free time I like to play the guzheng, paint, study, volunteer, and learn how to do new things!
Fun Fact: My two German shepherds can sing and match pitch with me!
Salma Ahmed (she/her)’25
Year & Major: 4th year studying Psychology and Politics.
Biography
Why I Became a Wellness Ambassador: I became a Wellness Ambassador to help foster a supportive campus community where students feel empowered to prioritize their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. I’m passionate about promoting resources and practices that make wellness accessible and meaningful for everyone.
My Favorite Dimension of Wellness: I am most passionate about the social dimension of wellness because it emphasizes building strong relationships and creating a sense of belonging. I believe that fostering connections within a community is essential for personal and collective growth.
My Favorite Wellness Tip/Practice: One of my favorite wellness practices is taking short dance breaks. Moving to my favorite music helps me boost my energy, improve my mood, and stay grounded throughout the day.
Hobbies & Interests: In my free time, I enjoy dancing, watching video essays, and trying new restaurants.
Fun Fact: I have an extensive and growing earrings collection and am very passionate about it. Also, this picture is from my Winter Term in México!
Rebekah Grande (she/her) ’27
Year & Major: 2nd Year studying Classical Voice Performance with an Integrative Concentration in Pedagogy, Advocacy, and Community Engagement
Biography
Why I Became a Wellness Ambassador: I have always had a passion for helping my peers achieve a more well-rounded sense of personal wellness. We all need some help along our journey, and I would love to be a part of it.
My Favorite Dimension of Wellness: I am most passionate about the mental health (emotional) dimension because it is something that affects EVERYONE, and I want to do whatever I can to help people through whatever their struggles are. I have been working on various mental health awareness-related projects since I was 15, and I never intend to stop!
My Favorite Wellness Tip/Practice: My favorite wellness practice is journaling! I am an AVID journaler and have started to realize the health benefits it has on all areas of my life. I sleep better when I don't have racing thoughts, I am not walking around burdened by the anxiety of trying to remember something, and I genuinely feel more open and vulnerable.
Hobbies & Interests:In my free time, I enjoy hiking, reading, Candy Crush, attending concerts, writing, exploring new places, and drinking coffee!!
Fun Fact: At the moment, I have only climbed 2 of the major Adirondack Mountains, but by the end of my life, I plan to have conquered all 46!
Rachael Diaz Sanz (she/her) ’28
Year & Major: First-Year studying Computer Science and Mathematics.
Biography
Why I Became a Wellness Ambassador: I was part of an organization that focused on community mental health in the past, and I am very passionate about helping people during tough times, as people have helped me.
My Favorite Dimension of Wellness: I am most passionate about the social dimension of wellness because in my experience, having a community of people who support and want the best for me has helped me manage stressors and set goals for myself.
My Favorite Wellness Tip/Practice: When I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed, I like to go for a walk and listen to music. It helps me to process my emotions, appreciate the nature around campus, and get some steps in.
Hobbies & Interests: In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, hanging out with my friends, playing viola, and catching up on Netflix shows.
Fun fact: I can move my pupils independently of each other.
Addie Malley (she/her) ’28
Year & Major: First-Year studying Psychology and Business
Biography
Why I Became a Wellness Ambassador: I became a Wellness Ambassador to be able to help support other students and increase their knowledge in how to live balanced lives.
My Favorite Dimension of Wellness: I am most passionate about the physical dimension because as a competitive swimmer my physical health is very important for all aspects of my life.
My Favorite Wellness Tip/Practice: Take a deep breath to recenter yourself.
Hobbies & Interests: In my free time, I enjoy swimming, drawing, and hanging out with friends.
Fun Fact: I’ve been swimming competitively since seventh grade!
William Sansusi (he/him), ’27
Year & Major: 2nd year studying Biology and Sociology, pre-med
Biography
Why I Became a Wellness Ambassador:
I became a Wellness Ambassador because I’m passionate about fostering a supportive campus environment where students feel empowered to prioritize their well-being. I believe wellness is a journey, not a destination, and I want to help others find balance and fulfillment in their daily lives.
My Favorite Dimension of Wellness:
I am most passionate about the emotional wellness dimension because I believe in the importance of self-awareness, healing, and creating space for honest conversations about mental health, especially in communities where these discussions are often overlooked.
My Favorite Wellness Tip/Practice:
One of my favorite wellness practices is journaling. Writing down my thoughts and emotions helps me process experiences, track my personal growth, and gain clarity on things that might otherwise feel overwhelming.
Hobbies & Interests:
I enjoy tap dancing, reading books, listening to music, and making Pinterest boards in my free time.
Fun Fact:
I am a citizen of both the United States and Nigeria.
Gabriela Cantero (she/her), ’28
Year & Major: First-Year studying Neuroscience and Writing & Communications
Biography
Why I Became a Wellness Ambassador:
As someone passionate about understanding how different aspects of life can influence overall wellness, I decided to become a Wellness Ambassador to support the community in fostering a healthier lifestyle, seeking meaningful resources and strategies to enhance well-being, and inspiring a culture of self-care.
My Favorite Dimension of Wellness:
I am really passionate about intellectual wellness and thinking about strategies to reduce the stress and pressure involved in academic settings. I would love to help people improve their organizational skills and overcome issues underlying learning, like procrastination, demotivation, and insecurity.
My Favorite Wellness Tip/Practice:
When I feel lazy or unmotivated to do my tasks for the day, I turn on my LED bedroom lights in “party” mode, put on some Brazilian music on my headphones, and start dancing around the room as if I were at a concert (detail: I don't know how to dance, but that's okay).
Hobbies & Interests:
In my free time, I really like to cook (even though 90% of my recipes are totally different from what I expect). Specifically, I love reproducing common foods such as pizza, cake, sweets, and traditional foods but with healthier and less caloric ingredients. It's very interesting to see how eating tasty and different foods, but healthily, is possible.
Fun Fact:
I have read the book "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green more than 60 times in 3 years.
Izzy Clauss-Ehlers (she/her) ’25
Year & Major: Senior (class of 2025) studying Major - Biology and History, Pre-Med track, minor in Russian Eastern European and Eurasian studies
Biography
Why I Became a Wellness Ambassador:
I wanted to bring ways for students to engage in wellness in fun and effective ways. Being a student at Oberlin can be very stressful at times. Being able to decrease this stress is why I became a wellness ambassador.
My Favorite Dimension of Wellness:
I am most passionate about the physical dimension of wellness because it allows me to be in tune with my body. It is a grounding experience, and I feel more powerful the stronger I become.
My Favorite Wellness Tip/Practice:
I am a firm believer in talking walks to clear your head and experience the outdoors.
Hobbies & Interests:
In my free time, I love to craft, bake, and cook.
Mekhiah McFadden, ’27
Year & Major: Second year studying Psychology and Law & Society
Biography
Why I Became a Wellness Ambassador: I became a Wellness Ambassador because I am passionate about mental health awareness and ensuring that BIPOC communities have access to the resources and support they deserve. Through advocacy and education, I strive to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to prioritize their well-being.
My Favorite Dimension of Wellness: I am most passionate about the emotional wellness dimension because mental health is deeply connected to how we navigate life, build relationships, and care for ourselves. Advocating for emotional well-being allows me to help others feel supported, validated, and equipped with the tools to prioritize their mental health
My Favorite Wellness Tip/Practice: One habit I practice to enhance my wellness is journaling, which helps me process my emotions, reflect on my growth, and release any stress or anxiety I’m carrying. Writing allows me to check in with myself, set intentions, and create a sense of clarity and balance in my daily life.
Hobbies & Interests: In my free time, I enjoy reading, journaling, exploring new music, and cooking.
Fun Fact: I am the oldest and youngest sibling
Dante Fitts (they/she/he), ’26
Year & Major: Junior studying Art History and Comparative Literature
Biography
Why I Became a Wellness Ambassador:
It can be hard to navigate an academic environment amidst national and global conflict, especially when dealing with becoming a healthy adult. Since this is something I struggle with, I want to be able to support those around me who may be feeling the same and try to share ways I have coped. I hope that in this position I will hear from a lot of different students and get a more comprehensive perspective on how to support wellness on campus and the different things students are dealing with right now.
My Favorite Dimension of Wellness:
I am passionate about the communal and interpersonal dimension of wellness, wherein we foster and facilitate a space for those around us to be their best selves. I think this comes with empowering people to change the structures around them and rethink their relationship with communities at large.
My Favorite Wellness Tip/Practice:
My favorite wellness practice is crafting (cross-stitching at the moment)! Doing something material with my hands is super grounding for me, and I am usually left with a cute little object I can gift to someone or keep for myself. I also like to journal if there is something bothering me that I want to think through.
Hobbies & Interests:
In my free time, I like to read, cook, write, craft,