Peer Educator Profiles

Hi, my name is Jennifer Frederick. I’m a senior double major in psychology and women and gender studies. This is my second year as a CAPS Peer Educator and I’m thrilled that I can be a part of such an amazing program. I also work as a senior coordinator of media services at TCNJ’s library and am co-president of Psi Chi, the psychology honor society on campus. I enjoy reading, drawing and painting, and spending time outdoors. I hope to go to graduate school after I finish studying at TCNJ. Until then, I hope to continue to make an impact on campus through the CAPS programs.
Hi, my name is Alexis McLaughlin! I’m the girl on the left, in this picture. I think I’m a pretty eclectic person; favorite sports include badminton, boxing, and surfing, and favorite hobbies of mine are definitely writing, drawing, and of course, just watching T.V. I’m very much a “people’s person,” and am usually the attentive ear to my friends, when they need someone to listen.  This was really the biggest draw to C.A.P.S., for me. I absolutely love to listen to others when they need to vent, and lend some good advice whenever I can. And the human mind, as a whole, just fascinates me. Reading emotions, deciphering people’s actions, and just helping people through anything they’re dealing with are rewarding endeavors for me, and, yeah, I’m just really happy to be a part of something I really think highly of.
Hi there! My name is Katrina Notarmaso.  I am a junior majoring in Political Science with minors in Spanish and International Relations and am a returning CAPS Peer Educator. I think that the best part of this program is the opportunity to positively affect the lives of other students on campus, while learning more about yourself and the world around you. Being part of such a dedicated team has provided me with unforgettable experiences and I encourage everyone to learn more about us, attend some of our programs, and become a Peer Educator!
Hi! I’m Shilpa Nandwani and I’ll be a junior in the fall of 2012. I am a math and elementary education major hoping to teach math to middle school students. I love to dance, bake, and I definitely see attending a culinary school in my future! I hope that being a CAPS Peer Educator will give me a chance to help at least one other student at TCNJ in any way. While I help my peers, I hope to learn more about myself at the same time!
Hi, my name is Julie Newman! This is my first year as a CAPS Peer Educator and I could not be more thrilled! I am looking forward to working with my fellow PEs and the TCNJ community to promote positive well-being. I am a senior psychology major with a clinical and counseling specialization and would love to have my own clinical practice when I grow up! In my free time I love to go to the beach, exercise, spend time with my friends and family, and do any outdoor activity when the weather is warm and sunny!
My name is Allie Ranck and I will be a sophomore here at TCNJ. I’m studying Urban Education and Spanish and I hope to be an elementary school teacher in the future. I’m from Springfield, Pennsylvania, right
outside of Philadelphia. As a CAPS Peer Educator, I hope to be able to
help fellow students here at TCNJ and am very excited to be a part of
this group!
Hi!  My name is Sam Breeman, and I’m a Junior majoring in Special Education and English.  This is going to be my first year as a CAPS PE, and I’m really excited to get involved with the program!  I’m also a mentor with the CCS program and the Communications Coordinator of TCNJ’s Best Buddies chapter.  I love photography, art history, dancing, working at summer camps, and overall just having fun!
Hi! My name is Pooja Padgaonkar and this is my first year as a CAPS Peer Educator. I am a sophomore biology major originally from Edison, NJ. I am really excited to work on different programs and projects with my fellow PE’s and get involved on the TCNJ campus! During my free time, I like laughing with my friends and family and trying new foods! I look forward to a year with great programs, entertaining people and lots of fun!
Hello, my name is Nkechi Oparaocha and I am a sophomore Business Management major and Communication Studies minor. This will be my first year as a CAPS Peer Educator and I definitely look forward to the experience. What initially captivated me about this role was the opportunity to assist, enlighten, and uplift my peers in the journey toward fulfilling their subjective aims and purpose in life. I am convicted by my belief in the power of encouragement via support systems and hope that my participation in this program will constructively impact our campus community. At some point in the near future, I hope to establish my own nonprofit organization, catering to the academic and artistic needs of disadvantaged youths. In spare hours of the day, I enjoy singing, dancing, writing, running, and composing music of my own. I look forward to meeting you all and helping in any way that I can.
Hi, I’m Katie Burke! I’m a sophomore History/Secondary Education student and this is my first year with CAPS. I’m really involved in a lot of different clubs around campus, so if you have any questions about pretty much any activity, feel free to ask me! I hope to teach high school history classes in the future. I love listening and helping others, so let me know if you ever need anything or anyone to talk to. :)
Hey, my name is Sean Wire and I am an upcoming sophomore looking forward to starting in the fall as a new CAPS Peer Educator. I am double majoring in Psychology and Criminology and excited to put my interest in the human mind to work in a positive way that will have a real impact on students and the TCNJ community as a whole. I believe it’s important to use personal experience to help others in a similar situation and I cannot wait to start doing that, start making a difference, and start making friends among this fantastic group of people!
Hi! My name is Alana Jorgensen , and I am so excited for my first year as a CAPS Peer Educator. I am currently a Junior Psychology major with minors in Marketing and Spanish. I hope to be a Clinical Psychologist one day, but I am keeping busy with Peer Educators, Peer Mentors, and serving on the Community Standard Board until that day. I love to read, write, spend time with my friends, volunteer with CONTACT of Mercer County, and listen to music when I get free time. I look forward to working with my fellow PEs to be able to promote self-awareness and well-being on campus.
Hi! My name is Carrie Fippinger and I am a junior Psychology and Early Child Education Major at TCNJ. This is my second year as a CAPS PE. I am so thankful to be part of a program that works to fight stigma about mental illness and helps to educate the campus community. CAPS Peer Eds run so many programs and workshops that I genuinely feel passionate about. I am definitely a people person and as a member of this organization I have had the opportunity to meet so many new and interesting individuals that I wouldn’t have come across otherwise. My interest include reading, relaxing with friends, working out (occasionally) and meeting new people! In addition to being a  CAPS Peer Educator I am a Community Adviser as well as a member of Sigma Kappa sorority.  If you have any questions about our organization feel free to approach me on campus! I’d be more than happy to stop and chat.
Hi, my name is Upasana Madan! I’m a Senior, double majoring in Biology and Women’s and Gender Studies.  This is my second year as a CAPS Peer Educator and I’m looking forward to continuing to make a tangible difference on campus. Being a part of an organization that allows me to be a part of something bigger than myself and give back is extremely fulfilling. I hope to learn as much as I can this year and integrate my knowledge as a CAPS PE in my future.
Hi, my name is Iris Chiu! I am a junior majoring in Psychology with a minor in music. As an intern, I’m volunteering with CAPS Peer Educator this year by helping with processing workshop requests, organize the processes, and help out with some events. I’m also part of the TCNJ Orchestra, TCNJ Mediation Program and off-campus prison tutoring. I wanted to volunteer with CAPS because I wanted to get to know the CAPS Peer Educators program better, as CAPS is an invaluable resource for students on campus. Peer educators can serve as a wonderful bridge to the service. It’s great to see so many peers passionate about ensuring the well-being of the campus because life can be difficult sometimes. And CAPS Peer Educators really aims to show: You’re not alone! That in itself, hopefully will be the first step in comforting those in troubled times.