Wellness Resources

Student Coordinators

Hannah Hill

Hello! My name is Hannah Hill, and I’m one of the PEERS for the Class of 2026. I’m originally from Opelika, AL, and I went to Auburn University for my undergraduate degree. I’ve lived in Mobile for a year now, and I love it down here! For hobbies, I like to go on walks, play pickle ball, and hang out with my friends. I’m super excited to serve my fellow classmates this year being part of the PEERS program and look forward to the year ahead!

Sam Motz

Hey! My name is Sam, and I am an M3 at South. I was born and raised in Huntsville, Alabama, and I went to Auburn for undergrad. I got my degree in Biomedical Science and then took several gap years prior to starting medical school. I love aviation, playing board games, watching legitimately all the TV shows I can manage, and hanging out with my friends. Medical school is a really challenging experience and I feel like we all need help sometimes. Whether it is life, school, or both that is overwhelming I have learned that having a true friend to talk to is invaluable. This is the role I hope to fill, to whomever needs it, while volunteering as a PEER Supporter.

Yulong Stokes

Hi everyone, my name is Yulong Stokes, and I’m an M4. I’m from Dickson, TN, but have lived in Mobile for the past six years as an undergraduate (and medical student) at South! I decided to become a PEER Supporter because mental health is something that is often overlooked, and students may not know who to talk to or what resources are available. I’m always happy to chat or listen, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you see me around.

Class of 2025

Danner Butler

My name is Danner Butler, and I am currently an M4 at South Alabama. I am from Mobile, but I attended undergrad at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, where I studied Biochemistry and Mathematics. When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy being in the outdoors and running. I have always relied upon community throughout my scholastic career, and I would love nothing more than to share my experiences and offer an ear to anyone who needs it!

Virginia Farley

Hi! My name is Virginia Farley, and I am a fourth-year medical student at South Alabama! I was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, but moved to Tennessee for college. There I attended Sewanee: The University of the South and majored in Biochemistry and minored in Psychology. My hobbies include weightlifting in the gym, going to the beach, pool, or lake (any body of water!), and playing with my cat Sylvester. I wanted to become a PEER Supporter because I know how hard it can be to open up about struggling, whether it’s from what life throws your way or from medical school. Having someone to listen and talk to can truly make a difference, and I would love to be that positive and caring person for anyone who may need it.

Peter Ledet

Hi! My name is Peter Ledet, and I am a fourth-year student at USA. I grew up in Baldwin County and moved to Tuscaloosa to attend the University of Alabama where I majored in Biology with a minor in Spanish. Outside of school, I enjoy trying new restaurants, going to the beach, spending time with friends and family, and hanging out with my pup, Gumbo. Making sure we prioritize our own mental wellbeing is a critical aspect of becoming a successful physician. Throughout medical school, my classmates and friends have been such a major support system helping me to keep moving forward! I am excited to join PEERS so that I can be a part of that support system for others, listening to and talking with anyone who needs it!

Rachael Motamed

Hi! I’m Rachael, a current M4 from Birmingham, AL. I went to Birmingham-Southern College for undergrad, where I majored in chemistry. For fun, I enjoy playing soccer, running, kickboxing, hiking, and making art. I am excited to be a part of the PEERS team to help create a supportive community that empowers our growth and success at Whiddon COM. I have been lucky to have had great mentors, classmates, and teammates that have believed in me and shaped me into who I am, so I know personally how pivotal this support and community is.

Natalie Simpkins

Hey y’all! I’m Natalie, a current M4 at Whiddon COM. I’m originally from Opelika, AL, and went to UAB for my undergrad (c/o 2021), where I majored in Neuroscience and minored in Sociology. In my spare time, I love playing sports (catch me on all the intramurals), fangirling over Star Wars, shopping at TJ Maxx and DSW, and hanging out with my favorite people (and my cat, Winx). Transitioning into medical school is one of the most challenging things I’ve done. Socially, mentally, physically, and even medically, it was a feat to stay afloat. It was then when I realized just how important having a strong support system and taking care of yourself first is. I joined the PEERS program to help be an aid for medical students who are transitioning into and who have been in medical school for some time in their mental health journey. I made it through to the other side, and it’s an absolute honor to be a resource and a friend in tough times.

Peter Whitehurst

Hey! I’m Peter, an M4 here at South. I’m from Dothan, Alabama, and went to the University of Alabama to major in Biology and minor in Environmental Studies. I love being outside and playing sports and am currently one of the intramural sports chairs for my class. I am incredibly excited to be a PEER Supporter because these past couple of years I have become more aware of my own and others’ mental health and the impact it has on our ability to succeed. Medical school is extremely challenging, but I believe in the community and culture we have here at South and I would love to do anything I can to help all of us achieve our dreams of becoming physicians.

Class of 2026

Bree Cobine

Hello! My name is Bree, and I’m currently an M3 at the Whiddon COM. I am originally from Auburn, AL and went to Auburn University for undergrad! I love running, playing tennis and spending time with friends! I’m excited to be able to help support anyone who may need some help during their journey through medical school!

Lauren Kate Dodd

My name is Lauren Kate, and I am graduating in 2026. I am passionate about maintaining good mental health both for myself and others, and I got my undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience. I am very happy to be a resource for my fellow students and anyone else as a part of the PEERS program.

Mary Faragalla

Hi! My name is Mary, and I am a M3 student! I was born and raised in Mobile, AL, and I also attended South for undergrad! Go Jags! I enjoy pickleball, baking, going to the beach, and taking long walks outside in my free time! I wanted to become a PEER Supporter so I could provide the essential support that helps others navigate the challenges and demands of medical school. My own journey through med school has been very challenging, and I couldn’t have made it without the support of those around me. I am eager to offer that same support to others!

Emily Hartsell

My name is Em, and I’m an M3 from Huntsville. I enjoy yoga, the great outdoors, hitting the climbing wall, and time spent with good friends. I’m also a huge nerd for sci-fi novels and board games. Medical school is really tough and can quickly become overwhelming, but it’s easier to overcome the challenges with a little help from our friends. I’m volunteering to be a PEER Supporter so that I’ll have the training and resources to be the best support system I can be.

Macy McCollister

Hey everyone! My name is Macy McCollister. I am originally from Muscle Shoals, AL, and then went to The University of Alabama for undergrad. I love to cook and bake, my cat Mindy, and to spend time with friends and family. I have loved my time at Whiddon COM so far and have personally experienced the value that South places on both community and faculty/student-led support. This environment has helped me to both grow and now serve as a PEER supporter. I really look forward to extending that same support I needed coming into medical school to other classmates through this program.

Nick Vester

Hi all! I come from Dothan, AL, but have been living in Mobile for the last 10 years. I’m currently a M3, but prior to starting at the Whiddon COM I was a Physician Assistant for 7 years in psychiatry. I loved working as part of the mental health team and plan to ultimately become a psychiatrist following med school. I wanted to join PEERS because I wanted to utilize my years of working in mental health and my desire to see us all thrive in a challenging part of all our lives.

Mohammad Waqas

My name is Mohammad, and I’m currently an M3. I joined PEERS because I’ve seen first-hand the impact that mental health can have, and I want to help my classmates get through them and flourish. I’m excited to be part of a supportive, enthusiastic group of like-minded people who are committed to improving their comrades’ well-being. Outside of school, I enjoy walking, cycling, and reading Russian literature—my favorite novel is Alexander Kazbegi’s The Patricide!

Matthew Westerfield

My name is Matthew Westerfield. I am a member of the class of 2026. My main hobby is going to the gym. I live with my dog Sherlock. I wanted to be a PEER Supporter because every time I've gone through something trying, I've had people there for me. I want to be there for anyone who needs it. I want you guys to always feel like y’all can reach out to me and we can set up a time to talk.

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!

H. Lien Inman

Hello! My name is Lien, and I am an M2 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)!

Avery Thomas

Hi, my name is Avery Thomas! I am an M2, 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.

Joe Pavelites

My name is Joe Pavelites, a current M2 at the Whiddon COM and HPSP recipient. I love to cook, bake, and garden when med school allows. 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, to my classmates.