Peer Support Advocate Program
The Peer Support Advocate Program is composed of 14 students per phase, who are selected annually by their classmates to be advocates and serve as peer counselors based on their records of service, diversity, and good academic standing. Advocates serve for a one-year term and are assigned to one of 7 advisory colleges so that they can participate in Advisory College lunchtime sessions, coordinate social aspects of the colleges, hold informal support sessions, and invite confidential inquiries. Peer Support Advocates receive guidance from College Advisors, veteran advocates, School of Medicine Wellness Coaches, and the Office of Student Affairs so that they can help their peers resolve common academic, administrative and personal problems.
What can I expect?
- Respectful and validating conversation
- Social and emotional support
- Linkage to on-campus and community resources
- Privacy
- Being met where you are at
- A response within one business day
What should I not expect?
- Professional counseling
- Medical advice
- Emergency help
Requesting Peer Support
Use the Peer Support Submission Form to submit a request for Peer Support through the Peer Support Advocate Program. After submitting the form, an advocate will reach out to you within 24 hours during normal business hours (M-F 8AM-5PM). Please refer to the information above for what type of support you should expect to receive. The form is Onyen protected and requires you to log in to view it.
Your Advocates
Foundation Phase
Co-Chief Advocates
Morgan Ray
she/her/hers
Hello! My name is Morgan and I am super excited to serve with CJ as one of your Foundation Phase Chief Advocates. I went to Appalachian State University for undergrad but grew up in Elizabeth City, NC. I spent my gap year in Hayesville, which is in southwestern NC, working at a family med clinic. My favorite hobbies include hiking, snowboarding, reading, knitting, and yoga. I also love having fun, planning activities/events, and laughing, so I am ready and excited to serve as a Chief Advocate!
Hi!! I’m CJ and I’m so excited to serve as your chief advocate along with the amazing Morgan! I grew up on the water in Carolina Beach, NC and got my degree in Neuroscience and Music from Duke University before coming over here to the lighter shade of blue. I worked as an ocean rescue lifeguard at the beach for 6 years before coming to med school and also love to just be by the beach and surf whenever I can. I’m also one of the biggest Taylor Swift fanatics you’ll probably ever meet. So excited to work with the other advocates and help continue building our community at UNC!
Cefalo College
Hey y’all, my name is Jesse! I grew up in Asheville, NC, before coming to UNC for undergrad. After graduating in 2018, I completed the master of physiology program at NC State, worked as a medical scribe around the triangle, and spent time as a clinical research coordinator. In my free time, I enjoy playing board games and caring for my small menagerie of animals! Everyone’s path to and through medical school is different, and my goal as a peer support advocate is to help y’all make the most of your time here at UNC SoM!
Hello! My name is Kayla and I’m from Raleigh, NC. I graduated from UNC in 2020 and spent my gap years working as a scribe then as a research coordinator. Outside of class, I enjoy playing soccer, reading, and dabbling with various forms of arts and crafts. I’m super excited to be an advocate for Cefalo College and foster a supportive community!
Cross College
Hello! My name is James Noh and I am a current MS1 at UNC and one of your Cross College Advocates. I am originally from Tampa, Florida, but went to Davidson College for undergrad so have been in North Carolina. Outside of school, I love staying active, whether it be playing basketball or golf, weight training or running. As a Tampa native, I am an avid Bucs and Lightning fan. I look forward to supporting you all as a Cross advocate!
Hi everyone, my name is Catherine. I grew up in Easton, Maryland but graduated from UNC Chapel Hill in 2023. Outside of being a med student, I like running, hiking, and trying new Crumbl cookie flavors. I am so excited to be a Cross advocate, welcome the next class of medical students, and support my peers while in this role. Please reach out if you need anything!
Dent College
Hi everyone! My name is Erica, and I am so excited to be a Peer Advocate for Dent College! I am from Chapel Hill, NC and attended UNC for undergrad (feel free to reach out for all things Chapel Hill). In between college and medical school, I worked as a medical assistant in Washington, DC and in Richmond, VA. In my free time, I love to read, spend time with family and friends, try new fitness classes and cheer on the Tar Heels. I can’t wait to meet you all!
Hi my name is Morgan and I’m from Cary, NC. I graduated from UNC in 2020. During my gap years I worked as a medical assistant, earned my masters, and taught English in Madrid, Spain. In my free time, I love to play soccer, run, cook, and watch a good movie! I’m so excited to be a Dent college peer advocate and look forward to serving my peers in this role!
Dimock College
Hi y’all! I’m Graham, and I’m excited to serve as a Dimmock College peer advocate! I’m originally from Asheville, NC and attended NCSU for undergrad, where I studied Biomedical Engineering and minored in Piano Performance. I’m most passionate about accessibility, whether that be to educational accommodations or healthcare at large. In my free time, I enjoy watching and playing soccer, spending time outdoors, playing guitar, board games, video games, and hanging out with my two cats.
Hi there, friends! I’m Chancey Fitch, originally from sunny Bakersfield, California, but I took a detour to the Tar Heel State for my undergrad at UNC Chapel Hill—Go Heels! I’m all about adventure and soaking up the great outdoors—whether it’s camping under the stars, kayaking through scenic waters, or zip-lining through treetops, count me in! When I’m not out exploring, you’ll find me diving headfirst into the arts and culture scene. I’ve worked at a performing arts center and am absolutely obsessed with music, visual arts, culinary creations, dance—you name it! I’m super social, love making new connections, and can’t wait to help everyone crush it during the foundation phase. Let’s make this an awesome journey together!
Simkins College
Hi everyone, I am so excited to be a Simkins peer advocate this year. I have lived in Chapel Hill most of my life and call this place home. I am excited to share this great town with everyone and be here for anyone who needs help, whether it is a food recommendation around town or a medical school topic. Outside of school, I enjoy hiking, surfing, rock climbing, and gardening. If there is anything I can do to help, feel free to reach out.
Hey everyone! I’m Alex and I am looking forward to being your Simkins peer advocate. I am originally from the Chapel Hill and did my undergrad at UNC so if you need any recs in the area let me know! Congrats on starting med school, I am excited to meet every one of you and help make the experience as best as possible. In my free time I enjoy running, painting, cooking, surfing, and hanging out with friends and I’m really looking forward to learning more about what you all enjoy too! If you have any questions or just want to chat, please reach out.
Smithies College
Hi!!!! I’m Langley and I am pumped to be one of the Smithies college advocates! I’m from Goldsboro, NC and attended Duke where I studied Neuroscience and Medical Sociology. Following graduation, I moved to Boston to work in a clinic as part of a gap year program. Outside of perusing First Aid, I love to hang out with my dogs, go to spin classes, and make charcuterie boards. I can’t wait to work with Sriram planning events for our fellow Smithies and getting to know everyone in the next year!
Hi everyone! My name is Sriram Srinivasan and I’m from Cary, NC. I went to college in Orlando at the University of Central Florida and graduated in 2024 with a degree in Biomedical Sciences. Outside of class, I love playing basketball, listening to music, and trying new foods. I am so excited to be back in North Carolina and serving as your Smithies college advocate for the coming year. I look forward to getting to know all of you and please feel free to reach out to me at any time!
Williamson College
Hi everyone, I’m Emma! I am originally from Christiansburg, VA but I went to UNC for undergrad and have been here ever since. When I’m not studying you can catch me listening to true crime, reading, doing some sort of craft, scoping out the next restaurant I want to try, or heading to the gym. I believe that community is extremely important and I am so excited to serve as a peer advocate to create community in UNC SOM. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can help in any way!
Hi, my name is Chloe Brown. I’m from Lexington, NC. I did my undergrad at UNC Charlotte (Go Niners!) where I majored in Biology. I have a cat named Jinkx, and in my spare time I like to read, perform aerial acrobatics, and rock climb.
| Your 2025-2026 College Advocates | Chief Advocate | Cefalo | Cross | Dent | Dimock | Simkins | Smithies | Williamson |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application Phase | Brianna Ramirez | Arjun Juneja Katherine Poulos |
Annie Bright Katherine Li |
Nina Mehta Kelsey Rich |
Sierra Parkinson Sean Lafata |
Emily Huber Odai Mansour Katrina Bootes |
Ryan Trate Spencer Saunders |
Hyoungjun Sim Sara Jacob |
| Individualization Phase | Chelsea Onyeji | Katherine Poulos | Jack O’Hara | Gianna Jones | Sean LaFata | Carolina Trang Vo | Meg Johnson | Sara Jacob |