Peer Support Navigators

Valerie Stark

PSN Director

Hey friends! My name is Val and I grew up in Southern California. I went to UCSD where I ran cross country and track. I took a couple gaps years afterwards to teach English in Spain and work as a medical assistant back home. I also love music, singing, dancing, and hanging with friends. I joined Peer Support Network because I’ve found talking about conflicts or issues with people I trust and feel supported by has always really helped me work through problems in a healthy manner and given me comfort and hope. I love being a listening ear for my peers and would love to be a supporting voice if needed for anyone here.

Megan Sherwood

PSN/WAC Liaison

Hi everyone! My name is Megan. I’m originally from Kentucky and graduated from Centre College in 2017. I wanted to join Peer Support Network because taking several years between undergrad and med school and moving to a new city has shown me how important my support system is through all that transition. While there are definitely amazing times in med school, dealing with any challenges can feel overwhelming and at times isolating. Remember that you are not alone in whatever you might be going through and that this incredible team of Peer Support Navigators is here to support you!

Jessica Griff

I grew up in Boca Raton, FL, and went to the University of Pennsylvania for undergrad. During my free time, I enjoy walks around Brickell Key, a good reality TV show, and snacking on Trader Joe’s latest products. I wanted to be a Peer Support Navigator because I have witnessed a close family member struggle with mental illness and through that experience realized the value in finding people you can trust to help guide you. I would be honored to be that person for someone.

Annie Oler

Hi! I’m Annie, and I’m an MD/MPH student born in Miami and raised in Riverwoods, IL. I attended Northwestern University for undergrad, where I majored in Psychology and minored in Global Health Studies. In my spare time, I love dancing, yoga, meditation, reading, trying new recipes and restaurants, and spending time with my friends and family. I’m so excited and honored to be serving as a Peer Support Navigator. I got involved with PSN because my transition to medical school was really challenging socially, emotionally, and academically. Overcoming difficult experiences in medical school has motivated me to support others facing similar struggles. I’m always happy to talk and share my personal experiences, and I hope to be a source of encouragement for other students.

Gray Kelsey

Hi all! My name is Gray, and I am an MD/MPH student from Lyme, NH. I graduated from Dartmouth College in 2013 with a major in studio art and minor in environmental science. I took a long and winding path to Miller that included environmental advocacy work, outdoor guiding, the Peace Corps, Planned Parenthood and more. Medical school is challenging, and no student is immune to the feelings of imposter syndrome. I am excited to be a peer support navigator because I want to contribute to creating a Miller community that nurtures and uplifts all members.

D. Akeim George

I am originally from Nashville, TN and went to Duke for undergrad. I am a peer support navigator because I think that having people to talk to in similar situations is incredibly valuable for managing the difficulties that come with being a medical student. As future physicians, it's important for us to be comfortable expressing concerns about our own well-being so that we can be at our best when taking care of others.

Grace Seo

Hi! I grew up in New York and went to Cornell for my undergraduate degree, and studied Biology and Global Health. I spent a few years afterwards working on global health research in NYC and Haiti prior to coming to UM. I joined the Peer Support Network because having a strong support network has been essential to my own happiness and success during medical school. Particularly for first-generation students, navigating academia can feel foreign and challenging, so I want to be there for other students through the inevitable ups and downs of these 4 years.

MaryJo Bekhash

I’m MJ and I’m a neuroscience major from Naples, Florida. I am happiest catching sunsets, spending time outside, and sharing my baking with friends. I have always been passionate about mentorship. I know this journey can sometimes feel isolating and overwhelming but there is no need to go through it alone! Medical school is hard enough and if my experience and perspective can help in any way, then I’m happy to provide that support!

Anny Santana Beard

Biomedical Sciences at University of Central Florida Orlando, FL

Hobbies: Yoga, baking, reading, traveling, brunch, binge watching Netflix

I became a peer support navigator because of past struggles that I’ve gone through while in medical school. Dealing with hardship outside of school while trying to maintain the “high standards” we all have for ourselves is incredibly difficult. Feel free to reach out and remember you’re not alone!

Gabriella Rodriguez

Hi, my name is Gabi Rodriguez! I am from South Florida and majored in Biochemistry and Nutrition at the University of Miami. My hobbies include going to concerts, hanging out at the beach, taking spin classes, and spending time with my family and friends. In medical school, I experienced several external stressors including issues with my health and the health of my family. These experiences taught me the value of a support system and allowed me to develop my sense of resiliency. I became a peer support navigator because I want to pay forward the help I once received and support classmates through their own medical school challenges.

Zachary Cromar

Hi, I'm Zack. I was born and raised in the west. After high school I traveled around the United States and spent two years in Peru on a mission. Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my wife and kids, bike riding and longboarding along the beach, as well as traveling. I became a peer support navigator because of my own unique struggles while in medical school. It can be very difficult to be a medical student sometimes, especially since we all have unique challenges. I hope to be a support for other medical students going through unique struggles. Do not hesitate to reach out and remember you’re not alone!

Erin Albertini

Hi! My name is Erin in the MD/MPH program. I am originally from Winston Salem, NC and I attended the University of Notre Dame for undergrad, where I studied Sociology with a minor in Latino Studies. In my free time, I love to bake, watch movies, take walks, and spend time with friends and family. I joined the Peer Support Navigation team to support and give back to the community that has helped me overcome the various social, emotional, and academic challenges of medical school. I hope that my experiences and the advice I received to cope in difficult moments will guide me in assisting other members of our community.  Knowing that there is someone there to listen and empathize with you is so important, and I hope to promote a sense of togetherness as a member of PSN.

Erin Carr

My name is Erin, and I was born and raised in Miami Beach. I attended the University of Florida where I studied Microbiology & Cell Science and Spanish prior to enrolling at Miller in the MD/MS in Genomic Medicine Program. I love to travel, bake, and hang out with my family, friends, and 2 dogs in my free time. I joined PSN because I am where I am today in part due to the continuous support of my peers. Medical school can be a lot, and this year has been particularly challenging for me. Speaking to others has helped me tremendously, so I want to be there for my peers and lend a hand when they need it most.

Brandon Apagueno

Hi guys! My name is Brandon. I was born and raised here in Miami, Florida. I attended the University of Florida for undergrad where I studied Psychology and then went on to study at Georgetown University for graduate school where I obtained a Masters in Physiology and Biophysics. Although this was a very enjoyable time in my life, like most students, I faced many struggles that sometimes made this journey seem impossible. However, through being vulnerable and talking to my peers and mentors, I was able to get through these difficult times and is why I am now so grateful and excited to be able to be that person for someone else.  I hope to help my classmates feel that they are not alone in this journey and know they always have someone to talk to!

Courtney Cho

Hi everyone! I’m from Los Angeles, CA and went to the University of Southern California for undergrad. In my free time, I love to cook, run, dance, and try new restaurants. During college, I leaned a lot on my peers and family, and know that a social support network can mean a world of difference. As a Peer Support Navigator, I hope to be that social support for someone. I am happy to share my own experiences of overcoming personal and academic challenges and look forward to strengthening our Miller family.

Gabi Lee

My name is Gabi, I was born and raised here in Miami, and I studied Medical Anthropology as an undergrad at UM! I’m excited to join the PSN because the support of my peers and family have been so vital to my success and feeling balanced in medical school. I hope I can be that support for others if you need someone to talk to about academic struggles, relationships, or anything else going on!

Karen Lee

My name is Karen, and I was born and raised in South Korea until I moved to Portland, OR. I studied Biochemistry at Boston College and then worked in clinical research for several years before joining Miller. Right before medical school started, I lost someone significant in my life, and since then every milestones were filled with mixed emotions. It was a constant challenge trying to balance my personal life with medical school's unique struggles. I understand that sharing your story can be intimidating, especially in the beginning of the school year when you're surrounded by unfamiliarity. But when you do decide to share them with others, you'll be surprised to find heartfelt support in unexpected places just like I did. I joined Peer Support Network to be one of the many outlets for whoever needs a listening ear, and to remind you that you're never alone.

Lynn Leveille

I was born in Malaysia and grew up across six countries in Africa, Asia, and North America. I received my undergraduate degree from UCLA in 2014. Post-graduation, I worked as a hospital revenue cycle consultant in San Francisco, then pivoted and completed Columbia University’s Masters Direct Entry to nursing program. Just prior to medical school I worked as a GI transplant, and later COVID, nurse at the Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC. I am excited to join the Peer Support Network to be of service to my fellow peers, to listen, to encourage and to help them navigate the challenges of medical school.

Margarita Lujan

Hey! I'm Margarita, a Miami native and first gen medical student. I Neuroscience with a minor in German at UM for undergrad, and love going to the beach. I joined PSN to help you! Whether you need someone to lend an ear about school, relationships, or even the latest TV shows, I'm here for you. I love to help people, and I'm always available to listen and provide any assistance I can. Medical school can be really tough and can impact so much around you. I hope that if you’re ever in need you feel free to reach out anytime. I’m more than happy to share my own personal experiences or just listen so we can overcome life’s ups and downs together.

Alana Moore

Hi all! My name is Alana Moore and I'm originally from the Northern Virginia/ DC Area. I went to the University of Connecticut for undergrad where I studied Physiology and Neurobiology. In my free time I love to run, go to the beach, play soccer, pickle ball and spike ball with my friends- all the activities! Med school has been a journey in its own right with lots of highs and lows between balancing the stress of academics and personal discovery, losses, and maintaining relationships. I've been lucky to find so much support in my peers in the harder moments where we can find the humility to admit that things are hard and we are struggling/ burnt out and it's an aspect of medical education that unfortunately a lot of us don't always get to see. I'm happy to share my lessons learned or serve as a listening ear or shoulder to lean on at any time because what we do is equally as rewarding as it is challenging and you're never alone in whatever this journey makes you feel!

Anthony Maristany

Hey everyone! I'm Anthony and I was born and raised in Miami. I attended UM for undergrad where I received a degree in Neuroscience. I then went on to complete my graduate degree in Biomedical Sciences here at Miller. In my free time, I enjoy reading, cooking, and dancing. Like many other students, I have faced numerous adverse events that have been difficult to deal with alone. Being vulnerable and speaking to friends and peers truly helped me get through those tough times and not feel alone. I joined this team because I aspire to provide a space for other students to be vulnerable, feel supported and heard throughout their time in medical school. I aim to use my past experiences to impart hope and resilience on anyone who might need it.

Anisa Sookhoo

Hey everyone my name is Anisa Sookhoo and I am from West Palm Beach, Florida. I attended Florida Atlantic University where I majored in Neuroscience and Behavior and minored in Spanish Language and Culture. I am a massive foodie so in my free time I love trying different restaurants in Miami! I joined as a PSN because not a lot of people understand the unique challenges we go through as medical students. I want to be there for others and let them know that they are not alone. Sometimes just having someone to talk to can make all the difference.

Eileen Malecki

Hey! My name is Eileen, I grew up outside Chicago and went to undergrad at William & Mary. In my free time, I love checking out new museums, exploring Miami on a good run, and enjoying the great outdoors! I joined PSN because I am excited to create welcoming spaces to share our experiences in medical school and normalize talking about the tough stuff. I hope to be a listening ear and really look forward to chatting with classmates!

Caitlyn Chong-Yen

My name is Caitlyn, and I am an MD/MPH student born and raised here in Miami. I went to the University of Central Florida for college and in my free time I love to read, travel, and spend time with my dogs. I joined PSN because I know from personal experiences that medical school is a challenge itself, but it also can amplify stress in other areas of our lives. I’ve found it so important to reach out to others during difficult times, and I hope I can do the same for other students!

Taylor Carto

Hello, my name is Taylor. I'm from Michigan and graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in chemical engineering. In my free time I enjoy reading, working out, time at the beach, going for walks, and exploring fun markets. I joined peer support network because I truly believe that it takes a village to survive and thrive in medical school; both during your most successful and exciting moments and the isolating times as well. I hope I can be a part of your village whether you need a listening ear, a helping hand, or just a friend to talk to. We're in this together!

Bailey Discoll

Hi, I'm Bailey and I grew up in Rhode Island (the smallest state in the US)! I stayed there for college, where I studied Neuroscience at Brown University. I then worked in sleep and memory research for a couple years at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston before coming to Miller. I am a huge fan of the peer support model and have mentored students in college experiencing mental health struggles. I continue to lead peer support groups for those with eating disorders. This year, I have struggled with multiple concussions which have changed my outlook on medicine and life in general. Feel free to talk to me about anything! Of particular interest, I am happy to help with mental health concerns/resources, being the first in your family to attend medical school, and navigating illness (especially concussion) while in school. My favorite non-medical things to do are sing, play piano, dance aimlessly, and read about fat activism, sleep, astrology, and romance.