our team

Toby (he, him,his) // stress, friends and family, personal identity

Hi everyone, my name is Toby Turla, and I am one of the three co-founders of Peer2Peer. Sonam, Sage, and I founded Peer2Peer in March 2020 when we recognized the importance of peer support and human interaction during the start of COVID-19. To me, mental health means taking the time to hit pause and process. We're presented with challenges every day and it's important to recognize how obstacles can change our feelings and thoughts. Peer2Peeer has been a way for me to share my lived experiences and make students feel validated in their experiences as college students.

Sage (he, him, his) // anxiety, mental health, loneliness, transferring

Hi, my name is Sage! I am one of the original co-founders of Peer2Peer, and it is so exciting to see the program continue to develop over the years after I have graduated. I am currently in medical school down the road at the school with a darker shade of blue and am unfortunately no longer functioning as a Peer Responder. However, I would still love to be a resource for anyone interested in learning about peer support or developing peer support within new environments!

Joseph (he/him) // Academics/future schooling and life plans, peer/classmate/roommate struggles, relationship issues, family issues

Hey there! My name is Joseph Flesch, and I’m a Junior majoring in Psychology! I am a first-generation college student, huge Swiftie, and I am involved with the Healthy Heels Network and Campus Recreation. I love watching new TV shows and movies, checking off all of the Tar Heel traditions, and exploring all of the amazing food on Franklin Street. Being part of the community here at Carolina is very important to me, and I want to provide the biggest impact that I can by helping others. As a member of a research lab, and an employee with Campus Recreation, I interact with new people every day and try my best to provide a safe and inclusive environment. I’m here to talk through anything, so please reach out; I love meeting new people and supporting in any way I can!

Camryn (she/they) // mental health, anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, LGBTQ+, self-identity, imposter syndrome, relationship issues, experiencing loss

Hi everyone, my name is Camryn! I’m a Junior from Thomasville, North Carolina majoring in Psychology. I’m involved in a few different organizations on campus, and am hoping to join a dance team soon as well! When I’m not in class, I will probably be listening to music, baking, reading, or hanging out with my friends. Growing up, I was always a person of support for my peers and would be more than happy to extend this to any of you that would need it! I want our community here at Carolina to be as accepting and welcoming as possible, so let me know if you’d want to chat! As someone who has lived through a multitude of experiences with mental or self-identity struggles, I know these things can make you feel alone. Whatever is on your mind, you can always feel free to reach out to me. I hope to make a safe space to be open for anyone who might need it, so let’s chat! :)

Bobby (he/him/his) // mental health/feeling overwhelmed/school is hard/disappointment/stress over low productivity/LGBTQ+ issues/coming out/acceptance/fitting in/disordered eating/difficulty managing conflict/making time for self-care

Hi! I’m Bobby. I’m a sophomore undergrad who’s still figuring out life here at UNC. I live in Avery and plan on taking a Health Policy and Management Major. I joined Peer2Peer because there is nothing I appreciate more than someone who listens to me nonjudgmentally when something is weighing on me. I want to be that person for you. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I value all identities and am willing and ready to listen to anything you would like to discuss, vent, or unburden yourself of; if it is on your mind, then it’s not too small to talk about.

Gargi (she/her/hers) // identity, relationships, wellness strategies, imposter syndrome, loneliness, transitions, anxiety

Hi, I'm Gargi! I'm a freshman studying computer science and biostatistics at UNC. I'm from Morrisville, NC, but have also lived in Michigan and in Pune, India. I enjoy long walks and hikes with friends, and (lots of) reading. As a new student at UNC during a pandemic, I've struggled at times to feel connected to my peers, and know that it's a complicated time to be a student. I hope to be a friend and resource as a Peer Responder, and I'm eager to talk through anything that's on your mind!

David (he,him,his) // social & test anxiety, relationships, school, managing stress, mental health, depression, friends & family

Hello, I'm David! I'm from Concord, NC and I am a UNC alum! I’m currently in my first year of medical school at the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine in Miami, Florida. Most of the time I'm either studying, cooking, or at the gym. I am a huge advocate for mental health, particularly among men, and it was one of the main reasons for my decision to attend medical school. Through high school and undergrad there were many instances where my mental health had taken a hit. I have learned so much in the process that I wish I would have known then. I would love to share the knowledge and experience that I have in order to help others deal with their struggles and come out better for it on the other side! I have personal and family experience with a vast range of things mental health and I really want to help share things in order to make it easier on anyone I can!

Christina (she, her, hers) // anxiety, stress, self-advocating, life transitions, building support systems

My name is Christina and I am a graduate student in the Gillings School of Public Health. As part of a Navy family, I moved a bunch growing up but call Philadelphia home. I love reading, coffee, running, and spending time with friends and family. I am happy to talk to peers about adjusting to living in a new place, neurodiversity & navigating school, the nonlinear process of healing from trauma, as well as any and all of the daily challenges and victories we experience as students

Aidan // sexuality (LGBTQ+), vulnerability, managing life changes/adjustments, depression, anxiety, addiction, managing mental health, imposter syndrome, managing school stressors

Hey! :D I am Aidan, a junior undergraduate student studying Psychology and Human and Organizational Leadership and Development (HOLD)! I am currently apart of a lab in the School of Education and am leading an independent research study. After undergrad I am hopeful of going to graduate school for a PhD in Clinical Psychology. I grew up in rural Illinois primarily raised by a single mother who got laid off during the '08-'09 recession and put herself through school while supporting my brother and I. Growing up, I was surrounded by addiction and a lot of what that can entail. As I got older, I started realizing that my sexuality differed from those around me and it took me a while before I could accept myself as gay. The community was very conservative and religious and I simply didn't fit into their picture. After my first year of high school, I moved to Gastonia, NC with my dad and bonus-mom. There I fell in love with North Carolina and met "my people"! Moving schools was challenging because I went from knowing everyone in my small community in Illinois (pop: 2500) to knowing no one in Gastonia (pop: 75,000)! It was lonely at first, but I sought help, made (and am making) some amazing life-long friends, and I ultimately made Gastonia my own. When not working on academics, I enjoy to watch and participate in theatre, hike NC with my friends, travel, and spend time with my dogs (that I miss greatly being at college).

Robert (he, they) // anxiety, depression, intimate partner violence, CPTSD/trauma, addiction, mania, isolation, LGBTQ+, transferring, video game habits

Hey! I'm Rob, and I'm a fourth-year undergraduate student studying Human Development and Family Studies. I'm passionate about social work and enjoy connecting with people more than anything. I like to read, write, and listen to music in my free time. If you're looking for someone to chat with about virtually anything, please reach out! I would absolutely love to meet you.

Carlo (he, they) // mental health, depression, anxiety, grief & loss, stress, child of immigrants/cultural identity, LGBTQ+, career & life transitions, work-school-life balance, conflict resolution, imposter syndrome, meditation & self-care strategies

Hello, my name is Carlo! I'm a first-generation grad student in UNC's online MPH program with previous experience in peer mediation and conflict resolution. After graduating from Virginia Tech in 2017 with a dual degree in Psychology and Biochemistry, I took a gap year to travel following the loss of a close family member. I relocated to Chicago in 2018 and worked in the pharmaceutical industry for a little over three years before moving back to my hometown in Northern Virginia. I realized I was unhappy in that job and decided to leave in order to pursue a career pivot towards mental health research and advocacy, which is the reason I'm back in school now! Currently, I work full-time as an Admissions Coordinator in the College of Professional Studies at The George Washington University in addition to being a full-time remote student. This role allows me to work closely with applicants and new students, so I'm excited to be able to connect and work with fellow UNC students through Peer2Peer as well. I also sing with the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC and volunteer with Kamayan Coalition, a nonprofit focused on issues at the intersection of LGBTQ+ and Filipinx/a/o American identities. My hobbies include travel, plants, cooking, and collecting vinyl records; but you can usually find me watching K-dramas, making Spotify playlists, and trying new restaurants in my free time!

Christopher (he, him, his) // stress, time-management, self-efficacy, interpersonal relations, wellness strategies

Hey all!! My name is Christopher, I’m a first year student from Asheville, NC. I’m currently planning on double majoring in Exercise and Sports Science and Psychology at UNC. In my free time I love new food, getting outside, working out (especially running), and watching movies with friends! As one of 9 children in my family (including step-siblings), I’ve got extensive experience with family and friend relations, and the importance of finding time to be with only yourself. Running competitive Track throughout my life, I’m also no stranger to shaping your inner-voice, time management techniques, and finding the value in failures.
My biggest passion in life is learning people’s stories and listening to every experience, major or minor, that people encounter. I look forward to talking to anyone and everyone about any topic, ranging from passions to mental health to tv shows!

Gabby (she, her, hers) /// anxiety (mild, severe, temporary, or chronic), depression, OCD, relationships, body image, identity, self-confidence

Hi, my name is Gabby! I'm a junior here at Chapel Hill studying Psychology with minors in Neuroscience and French. I consider myself an artist at heart: I love all kinds of music and am dedicated to the visual arts. I'm well acquainted through past experience with various difficulties one could encounter with mental health. As a peer responder, I'd like to provide help however I can to people struggling with mental health, even if only through an open mind and heart. If I can, I'd like to provide a moment of comfort to people struggling and help them on the path to healing.

Aubrey Ella (she/her/hers) // anxiety, ADHD, learning disability (accompanied by an IEP 1st grade- 5th grade). Parental divorce, substance abuse, personality disorder, addition of step-parent and family

Hey! My name is Aubrey Ella. I am a junior Psychology and Exercise & Sport Science major. I am from Wilmington, North Carolina and love spending time at the beach, especially sponging (a fancy name for boogie boarding ;)). I also love being active whether that be through running, going to the gym, competing in random competitions, or anything else (except ball sports- I don't mesh well with those due to a severe lack of hand-eye coordination but I applaud others with these skills). As a peer responder, I feel as though my strengths are engaging in conversations about anxiety and stress, navigating friendships and other interpersonal relationships, developing healthy coping skills, dealing with toxic and harmful family situations, addiction, and the development of healthy and positive school habits. I look forward to talking with some of you!

Grace Fu (she/her/hers) // international student, self-identity, building friendships, life uncertainties, religion, on-campus life

Hello! My name is Grace Fu. I am a Junior majoring in Nutrition of Public Health on a pre-med track. I am a devoted Christian, and I like to play guitar, draw, and play video games. I moved from China to the United States when I was 13, so I am very familiar with both Western and Eastern cultures. I am patient, empathetic, and a good listener, and I am eager to help students who may need support with their mental health, self identity, friendship building, or any other life questions/uncertainties. Whatever you want to share, I'm here to listen. I am always willing to do my best to comfort my peers and bring them peace and joy.

Grace Nieters //

Hi! My name is Grace and I'm a junior psychology major, and originally I'm from Advance, North Carolina. I'm a big believer that in seasons of stress, we should always prioritize our own wellbeing, especially when it comes to navigating college and everything associated with it. I would love to help talk you through what self-care and stress relief can look like! In my free time, I love to read, write, and go for long walks - especially with my dog Buddy!

Gilda Ferrie //

Hey! My name is Gilda Ferrie. I am a freshman double majoring in economics and music. I grew up in Melbourne, Australia, and have only been living in the US since the beginning of this year. In my spare time, I love hiking, going to the beach and working out. I also love animals, back home I have three cats, a dog and a lizard. I am eager to help students who may need support with the following issues; anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, parental divorce and life transitions. Coming from a family where my mother, aunt and grandmother, all who lived with me, suffered from bipolar disorder, alcoholism and substance abuse, I have a lot of personal experience with mental illness and family conflict. I recognize the importance of having someone to talk to and having coping mechanisms in place. From my life experience, I have learnt, and been taught, a lot of healthy skills that can help mitigate the mental anguish that unfortunate circumstances can place on us and I'd love to share some of them.

Hannah //

Hi, my name is Hannah and I’m double majoring in Psychology and English! I love helping new friends, especially those I wouldn’t otherwise have run into. I have a lot of experience with adapting to new schools/environments, after moving out at 16 to go to a boarding school. I also have personal experience with anxiety, depression and PTSD, as well as the process of finding a new therapist. I am also super into music, ballroom dance, and activism on campus, so feel free to reach out if you’d like to talk about any of those as well! Please let me know how I can help you have a better experience at UNC!

Anna //

Hey! My name is Anna Trotter and I am a senior undergraduate student. I am majoring in Exercise and Sport Science and would love to be an occupational therapist. Throughout my college journey, I have faced various struggles, challenges, obstacles and barriers and have become such a stronger person. I want to use my story and experience with mental health, struggles as a college student, life, identity, and others as a way to spread awareness. I am an amazing listener and would love to be there for others!

Royal // international student, mental struggles in Asian community, depression, anxiety, stress, managing academic perfectionism and school stressors

Hi everyone! My name is Royal, and I'm a junior majoring in Neuroscience. As an international student in America since my sophomore year in high school, I have a lot of experience with transitioning and adapting to a new academic and cultural environment. I also have personal experience with depression and anxiety as my mental health issues have taken a hit many times throughout high school and college, which is why I'm very passionate about mental advocacy, especially within the Asian community. At my lowest, I learned a lot about coping, healing, self-care, and asking for help. Therefore, I'm beyond happy to be a resource for anyone wanting to talk and needing help with well-being, navigating schools with mental health challenges, and campus mental resources (therapy, group counseling, etc.). I'm pretty introverted, so I spend most of my time reading and playing jigsaw puzzles in my room, but this makes me a really good listener! Importantly, I'm very patient, empathetic, understanding, deliberate, perceptive, and people-orientated. I look forward to talking with some of you!

Justin // mental health, loneliness, identity, academics, experiencing loss

Hi there! My name is Justin and I've from Chapel Hill, where I've lived my whole life. I'm currently a sophomore majoring in Biostatistics and minoring in Chemistry, with aspirations of becoming a physician. If I'm not studying, you can find me reading, watching TV, and playing ukulele (with the Carolina Ukulele Ensemble!). I became a peer responder because I've had a hard time with my own mental health while in college. In particular, I've struggled with feeling directionless and dealing with the loss of a close friend at UNC. I'd be happy to talk with you about anything on your mind, as I've always appreciated having someone to talk things through with. I'd love to chat, so reach out! :)

Meet Our Team!

Our Team

Our Team Bios