Wellness Resources

Student Coordinators

Nia Booth

Hi! I’m Nia Booth, a fourth-year medical student (M4). I studied biology at Tuskegee University, and as a military brat, I’ve lived in many places, but if I had to pick a hometown, I usually say Bellevue, Nebraska. Having hobbies is my hobby! I love exploring a bit of everything (reading, dancing, painting, growing plants, working out, and more). My biggest frustration in life is only having one consciousness, I wish I could experience and do it all! I’m deeply passionate about the power of community. Life is so much better when we support each other, and I’m always grateful for the opportunity to uplift those around me.

Kelly Nguyen

Hi! My name is Kelly Nguyen, and I was born and raised here in Mobile, AL. I graduated from UAB in 2022 and spent a couple of gap years in Birmingham, AL. I am passionate about board games (Catan is my favorite), hosting, traveling, amusement parks, and connecting with people. As a first generation Asian-American and college graduate, I’ve had to navigate many new transitions, but starting medical school was one of my most rewarding and challenging transitions. My first year was filled with self-reflection, learning how to med school, and leaning on the incredible support of my family, classmates, and friends. I hope to be able to provide that same support for others if things feel overwhelming. I’m always here if you need someone to talk to or just a listening ear!

Avery Thomas

Hi, my name is Avery Thomas! I am an M3, and I went to the UAB as an undergrad where I studied neuroscience. I enjoy spending time with my cat Omar, reading, crocheting, baking, finding great coffee shops, taking hot girl walks, and playing board games with my friends. Life really hit me hard during my M1 year making the transition to medical school in a new city even more challenging. I could not have made it through it without the support of others especially our wonderful support here at the Whiddon COM. I decided to join PEERs because I wanted to help others through similar challenges and show them the awesome resources South has to support them.

Class of 2027

Paras Ahuja

My name is Paras Ahuja and I am a part of the class of 2027! I truly feel that we study and serve others the best when we have the opportunity to stay mentally healthy. Through the PEERS program, I hope to share my experiences of declining mental health during times of stress due to studying and all of the tips I have gained along the way from my mentors. I am so glad to have the opportunity to be someone my future classmates can speak to when they would like to share their stresses so that we can discuss how none of us are alone in this journey! Can't wait to meet many classmates and make new buds this year!

Jade Crabtree

Hello! My name is Jade and I'm originally from Virginia. I studied Biology and Chemistry at VCU and then got my Master's in Biomedical Science at UAB. I'm an avid houseplant collector and love all things nature. My enthusiasm for peer mental health support stems from my own mental health journey and my experiences in harm reduction and mutual aid. Everyone needs help sometimes, and I look forward to being a resource to all of my peers and offering any support that they may need!

Lien Kimbell

Hello! My name is Lien, and I am an M4 student from Pensacola, FL. I went to South for undergrad and have grown to know and love the area over the past few years. I love to paint, and have a cat named Eggroll! Mental health is an important concept to me - needing lots of care and devotion, and I'm happy to help build up resilience to the tough goings of life and be a listening ear during the hard times (or even good)!

Destyni Newson

Hello! My name is Destyni Newson, and I am an M4.  I’m from Tuscaloosa, AL, and I completed a dual degree program at UAB, earning my bachelor’s in Biomedical Sciences and a master’s in Public Health. In my free time, I love traveling, spending time with family, and watching TV shows. I became a PEER because I know how demanding medical school can be, and I believe a strong support system is essential. My goal is to help create a culture of trust and empathy, and to be someone my peers can come to. I’m excited and honored to serve in this role and look forward to supporting others throughout the year!

Joe Pavelites

My name is Joe Pavelites, a current M4 at the Whiddon COM and HPSP recipient. I love to cook, bake, and fix any machine I can get my hands on. While getting my Master's degree, I learned a couple of hard lessons about how important it is to reach out and find support academically and emotionally. The PEERS program is a way of paying forward the incredible support I have received in my own life.

Class of 2028

Fion Chang

Hello! My name is Fion and part of the class of 2028. I love drawing and crafting and always on the lookout for a good mystery/detective show. Growing up in a culture that largely disregards mental health concerns, I learned the hard way the importance of self-care, not just physically but also emotionally. Having had my own mental health struggles, I hope to use my experience to help those in a similar situation or just to be an open ear to let out some pent-up emotions.

Grace Lavender

Hiii! My name is Grace Lavender. I was originally born in Togo, West Africa, but grew up in Gadsden, AL. I attended South for undergrad. What brings me joy is spending time with my community, reading, and being outdoors while blasting Afrobeats in my ears. I know life can be hard, and medical school can be even harder. But I also know that every single person on this journey is more than capable of conquering those hard things! I'm a PEER so I can have the opportunity to be in your corner and remind you of your greatness as you conquer it.

Margaret Lloyd

Hi! My name is Margaret Lloyd and I’m an M3 originally from Gulf Shores, Alabama. I love new experiences—one of my favorites was moving to Montana for two years and learning how to live in the snow—but I’m very excited to be back in Alabama for medical school! In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my cat Zhirok, running, swimming, and playing pickleball. I’m a little obsessed with finding balance in medical school—whether that’s making time for friends, hobbies, or getting a full 8 hours of sleep (yes, it’s possible!). I truly believe that taking care of yourself is essential to thriving in medical school. Through the PEERS program, I hope to help create a warm and welcoming environment where you feel safe, supported, and not alone. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—I'd love to support you in any way I can!

Shannon McAuliffe

Hi guys! My name is Shannon, and I’m an M3 from Fairhope, AL. I earned my undergraduate degree in biomedical sciences at UAB before heading home to attend medical school at South. Some things that bring me joy are working out, spending time with my family, baking, listening to a good album or podcast episode, and beach days! I truly believe that the first priority we should all have on our journey to becoming doctors is to fill our own cups, because you cannot take care of others if you are not taken care of yourself. That being said, I know that’s incredibly hard to do at times, and I’m here to be a listening ear when you need it. Feel free to reach out at any time to chat, and we’ll tackle whatever you’re dealing with together!

Seth McClendon

Hi! My name is Seth McClendon, and I’m an M3 here at the Whiddon COM. I’m from Alexander City, AL and attended undergraduate at Huntingdon College before getting a master degree at Boston University. I enjoy cooking, bird-watching, and playing pickleball. Medical school can be both an arduous experience and an exciting one. You will experience many highs and lows during your time here, and it is important to remember this is to be expected! We’re here to make sure you have all the resources you need as we all hold on for this crazy ride. Feel free to reach out at any time with any concerns, and I’ll do my best to help get you where you want to be!

Lydia Motamed

Hi! My name is Lydia, and I am an M3! I was born and raised in Birmingham, AL. I graduated from South Alabama in 2023, then worked as a Registered Behavior Technician for a Mobile-based company during my gap year, so I’ve been in this area for a while now. I enjoy staying active, mainly walking and running, as well as photography, watching silly reality TV shows, and playing with my cat Nibbles. Medical school is hard, and it can be incredibly difficult to balance all the moving parts of life on top of being a student (which is difficult to balance by itself). As a PEER, I hope to support my classmates through the ups and downs of medical school. Feel free to reach out anytime – I am happy to support you as best I can!

Chris Novellino

Howdy! My name is Chris Novellino. I am from Birmingham, AL and I graduated from Auburn University. I am an M3 at the Whiddon College of Medicine. I love to pray, workout, play pickleball, and hang out with friends in my free time. Before I began medical school, I worked at an in-patient pediatric psych unit. I met a lot of kiddos struggling with their mental health. My time in the unit has given me a passion for serving my fellow peers who might also be struggling with their mental health. I hope to utilize my role as a PEER to foster an inclusive and supportive environment among the Class of 2028!

Mary Frances Powell

Hi! My name is Mary Frances Powell and I am an M3. I am from Birmingham, AL and graduated from Ole Miss with a degree in Dietetics and Nutrition. In my free time, I love to cook (meal prep is my jam), exercise, watch anything Ole Miss sports related, and try new breweries/wineries. Any place where I can bring my golden retriever child, AJ, is a place you'll find me! I am an advocate for recognizing when you need a mental health break and leaning on your support system. During my M1 year, I experienced a loss in my family. It was a stark realization that life's ups and downs don't stop when you're in medical school. I am here for anyone trying to navigate the demands of both grief and school, as well as any other personal stress that life brings!

Bea Richardson

Hey friends, Bea (like “bee” just with an ‘a’ at the end) here! If you don’t know me, I look forward to hopefully getting to know you! I am from Montgomery, AL. I went to Sewanee for my undergraduate degree in biology and played soccer as well. I love to play pickleball, cook, walk, and spend time with my kitty, friends, and family. I hope to be a listening ear and a safe place for anyone in their time of need. Having had my own challenges with mental health and adjusting to ever changing environments, I am here as a resource, or just to be a friendly face to talk to if that’s what is needed!  

Class of 2029

McKenzie Brown

Hello! My name is McKenzie Brown, and I am an M2 this year from Argo, AL. My hobbies are diamond art painting, reading, watching sports (I love softball!), and going on long walks with a good podcast! Due to personal and family experiences, being an advocate for mental health is extremely important to me. My goal is to be an extra support system to everyone going through the challenges of medical school. No matter the time, please feel free to reach out – you are not alone in this journey.

Jonah Celeski

Hey! My name is Jonah. I’m an M2 who grew up in Huntsville, AL, and graduated from UAB in 2023. In my free time, I enjoy being outside, hands-on projects, reading, and hanging out with family. Welcome to medical school! It’s hard. It’s going to challenge you like never before and with a unique pressure you’ve never encountered before. It’s also going to show you that you can overcome an extremely hard thing. My goal this year is to help you remember and embrace the latter, while respecting the stone-cold fact of the former. Please reach out anytime if you need support, someone to talk to, or a really good chocolate chip cookie. I make the best ones, and I will challenge your grandmother anytime.

Jayne Freeman

Hello! My name is Jayne Freeman and I am a member of the 2029 class of Whiddon COM. I am originally from Auburn, Al where I also attended undergrad. I love to walk, play pickleball, and share meals with friends. Medical school can feel isolating at times, and it is so easy to feel like you have no one you can turn to. Thankfully South Alabama has so many wonderful mental health resources for its students, and I am excited to be a part of the PEER Supporters that helps students feel seen and heard. Please do not hesitate to reach out!

Vanessa Georgiadis

My name is Vanessa, I am 32 years old, and I am a second-year medical student. My journey to get here was certainly not linear, but I am loving - almost - every second of it. I love connecting with people and building lasting friendships, which is what drove me to PEERS in the first place. Some fun facts about me are that I was born and raised in Brazil, I love solo travel, and I am the oldest person in my class. Go Jags!

Peyton Jacobs

Hey guys, my name is Peyton Jacobs. I’m originally from Birmingham and I went to undergrad at Auburn University, two things that are entirely unique to me out of everyone at the Whiddon COM (just kidding). I enjoy reading, intramural sports, and especially watching football. Along with being a PEERS member I’m also the Treasurer of the Wellness Council. My experience helping develop Wellness events made me also want to aid the wellbeing of fellow students in other ways, and I believe being a PEERS member is an incredible way to do so. If you need someone to talk to or point you in the right direction when it comes to our campus resources, I will listen and help out however I can. That being said, feel free to reach out!

Lauren Musachia

Hi everyone! My name is Lauren Musachia, and I am an M2 here at Whiddon COM. I am originally from Houston, TX, but grew up primarily in Birmingham, AL. I ran cross-country and track at Emory University, where I graduated in 2023 with degrees in Neuroscience and Chemistry! I love anything and everything artistic—from discovering new music and reading fun books to painting and watching movies. I also love running and exploring the outdoors (I’ve been backpacking out west 4 times!). I joined the PEERs team because I firmly believe that life is meant to be lived in community. Having faced my own fair share of mental health struggles, I know how heavy it can feel to carry the weight alone, especially in medical school. I’m committed to being a safe space for rest, empathy, and support as we navigate the jungle that is medical school together!  

Johnny Nathan

Hi! My name is Johnny Nathan, and I am an M2 at the Whiddon COM. I am originally from Birmingham, Alabama and attended the University of Alabama for undergrad, where I majored in biology. In my free time, I enjoy playing golf and going on walks with my dog, Lulu. The transition into medical school was challenging for me, and I relied heavily on the support of my classmates to get through those first few weeks. I know firsthand how isolating medical school can feel at times, which is why I want to be someone who my classmates can turn to for support and encouragement.

Dylan Peterson

Hey! My name is Dylan Peterson, and I’m an M2 from Spanish Fort, AL. I graduated from Auburn University, and during my gap year I worked for a federally qualified health center in Mobile. Outside of school, I enjoy playing chess, tennis, and cooking. I believe resilience and community are necessary for managing stress, adapting to challenges, and maintaining balance so we can consistently show up for ourselves and our patients. I hope to help create a supportive environment where people feel comfortable reaching out, building healthy habits, and leaning on each other. I’m always happy to help however I can!

Shelby Simone

Hi! My name is Shelby Simone and I am an M2. I am from Navarre, Florida and earned my bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from UCF. In my free time, I enjoy painting, drawing, weightlifting, golfing, going to the beach, and spending time with family and friends. I am also a big animal lover and have a cat named Bow Bow, who has been a great source of comfort during medical school. I wanted to become a PEER because I know medical school can be challenging, and the support of my friends and classmates helped me through some of the toughest moments of my first year. I hope to provide that same support and encouragement to others as they navigate their own medical school journey.

Trinity Upshaw

Hi! My name is Trinity Upshaw, and I am a second-year medical student and a proud Fisk University grad where I studied Biology and Spanish. Outside of school, you can usually find me dancing, cooking, painting, or doing a little retail therapy. I also love to sew and even make wigs! Starting medical school can feel like a lot, especially when everything is new and a little overwhelming. I remember what it felt like, so I really hope that I can be someone you can come to–whether you need advice, a pep talk, to vent, or to even laugh for just a minute. You aren’t in this alone, and I’m here for you!