PLHC Peer Mentors
Incoming first-year PLHC students and sophomore admits are grouped with a PLHC Peer Mentor. Peer Mentors are a valuable resource; they offer the student perspective, share in experiences, guide first-year students through their transition to college, and aid sophomore admits as they join the PLHC community. Peer Mentors are hired from each of the undergraduate colleges at UVM and represent an array of disciplines and majors. Students are chosen based on their leadership experience and motivation to think deeply about what it means to be a member of the PLHC community.
Interested in learning more about becoming a Peer Mentor? We encourage you to connect with a current Peer Mentor to hear how this experience has helped our students develop leadership and organizational skills.
Mission Statement
The PLHC Peer Mentor Program supports students in achieving personal and academic success through meaningful peer mentorship and programming. Grounded in the PLHC pillars of leadership, service, wellbeing, research, and community, we foster connection, purpose, and growth throughout the college journey.
Programming
Peer Mentors plan creative programming and events centered around wellbeing, healthy social life, and academic curiosity and intellectual life. Past favorites include community wide pancake breakfasts, apple picking at Allenholm Farm in beautiful South Hero Island, and open mic nights. Some annual Peer Mentor events are “Wintering”, held in February when things get a little cold and grey outside, and the famous kickball tournament in May. Mentors also arrange many more activities during the year and serve as guides during registration and tutors with Chemist-TEA study sessions before general chemistry and organic chemistry exams. These are just a few of the events PMs host for the entire PLHC community. PMs also lead smaller events tailored to the needs of the mentee groups they serve.
Interested in becoming a PLHC Peer Mentor?
We will be hiring Peer Mentors to work with incoming first-year students for the upcoming academic year, 2027–2028, during the spring semester. If you enjoy helping others and are passionate about the PLHC community, this position will afford an opportunity for you to gain valuable leadership skills, international mentor certification through the College Reading and Learning Association, and network with staff and faculty.
Apply Now to be a PLHC Peer Mentor!
Peer Mentor Applications for the 2027-2028 Academic Year will open in the spring. Check back then for more information!
Any questions about the application or program should be directed to Martha Lance at mblance@uvm.edu and Mary Casey at mary.casey@uvm.edu.
Meet the Peer Mentors
Aggie Krempasky
Hello! My name is Aggie Krempasky and I am a sophomore from Raleigh, NC. I love meeting fellow southerners and chatting about how to survive the winters. I am majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Psychology on a pre-med track within the College of Arts and Sciences. On campus I am a part of Ballet Viridis, but I love exploring all of the clubs UVM has to offer. My favorites have been the yarn club with the PM team and Chicks on Sticks. In my free time I love hiking, baking, skiing, and really anything with friends. I'm so excited to meet you all!
Ashley Bush-Nickerson
Welcome everyone! My name is Ashley Bush-Nickerson and I’m from Pawcatuck, Connecticut. I am a junior Molecular Genetics major in CALS with a minor in Chemistry. I conduct undergraduate research on the human immune response to Dengue Virus within the Diehl lab in the department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (MMG). At UVM, I am the publicist and perform for Jazbaa, our Bollywood dance team, and an on the board of MMG club. Beyond academics, you can often find me outdoors by the mountains or lake, creating art, and writing poetry. If you have any questions please reach out at abushnic@uvm.edu anytime. I am excited to meet you all!
Bailey Krishnamurthy
Hi everyone! My name is Bailey and I’m a sophomore from Wilmington, Delaware. I’m majoring in Secondary Science Education with a concentration in Chemistry and love meeting fellow CESS students! I’m a camp counselor during the summer and love to read, play piano, and go to the beach. At UVM, I’m a member of Chicks on Sticks and UVM Teacher Club. Outside of school I enjoy listening to music, trips to the lake, hanging out with friends, hiking, and exploring Burlington. If you have any questions, need anything, or want to chat, feel free to reach out at bekrishn@uvm.edu. I’m so excited to meet you all!
Chloe Kalp
Hi everyone! My name is Chloe (she/her), and I’m a senior from Central Massachusetts majoring in Public Health (CNHS) with a minor in Biology. On campus, I am an officer for Chicks on Sticks, a club for female and non-binary skiers and snowboarders. I love being surrounded by mountains, and you can find me out there in every season! I am planning to apply to medical school after graduation and currently work as a medical assistant at the Community Health Centers and as a Volunteer Doula at the hospital. Outside of school, I love animals (I am currently fostering dogs and cats) and exploring the Burlington food scene (ask me for restaurant recs)! If you have any questions or want to connect, please reach out at ckalp@uvm.edu! Can’t wait to meet you :)
Cooper Hartog
Hi all! My Name is Cooper Hartog and I’m a Junior from New York City. I am majoring in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology with a minor in animal science and a certificate in place-based education. On campus I am the religion and spirituality chair at UVM Hillel, where I help to lead services, plan events and spread Jewish joy on campus. Outside of School I work at one of the local synagogues as a 5th grade religious school teacher as well as the Jewish life specialist at the summer camp I have been going to for 10 years. Also, I love Rubik’s cubes, Magic the Gathering, board games, baking and going on random adventures. If you have any questions, just want to chat or go on a side quest feel free to reach out, my email is: chartog@uvm.edu. I’m excited to meet you all!
Ella Saccio
Hi everyone! My name is Ella, and I am a PLHC Peer Mentor, as well as a junior environmental science major at Rubenstein School! My concentration is metagenomics and my minor is linguistics. I am originally from Bennington, Vermont, and I absolutely love most outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and backpacking! Here at UVM, you might find me at Taekwondo club, VT wind ensemble, SJP, or various Rubenstein events! When I'm not in school, I love running, reading, playing video games, gardening, and spending time with friends. I look forward to representing my fellow students in the Patrick Leahy Honors College and exploring the many opportunities UVM has to offer! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about UVM, ENSC Major stuff, PLHC, or if you just wanna chat! :)
Ella Sarama
Hi everyone! I’m Ella (she/her), a senior neuroscience major with an EMS minor on the pre-med track. I’m originally from Leonia, NJ, and I’ve really loved making Vermont my second home! At UVM, I’ve been involved in the neuroscience club (where I’m currently co-president) and the pre-med club, and I also do research in the Salogiannis lab studying microtubule-binding proteins in neuronal development. This past summer I worked as a medical assistant and cardiology technician at UVM Medical Center, and I’ll be continuing there during the school year. Outside of school, I love cooking, baking, and reading, and I’m also an AEMT and volunteer with a local ambulance squad near UVM. I’m really excited to get to know all of you! Please feel free to reach out anytime, whether you have questions or just want to chat. You can email me at esarama@uvm.edu!
Genevieve Woods-Abbe
Hey everyone! My name is Genevieve (she/her), and I am from Hershey, PA. I am a Biochemistry major and minoring in Psychological Science on a pre-med track within CAS. On campus I am the social media/marketing manager for the Biochemistry Society, work-study student at the UVM Print and Mail center and active in the pre-med and first gen clubs. Outside of school, I love to travel, read, play video games, and spend time with my friends! If you have any questions or just want to chat, please reach out at gwoodsab@uvm.edu. I am so excited to meet you all!
Giorgia Toti
Hi everyone! My name is Giorgia Toti. I am a sophomore from Silver Spring, Maryland. I am double majoring in Poli Sci and French, and love meeting fellow language and poli sci majors! I frequent the gym on campus, I love travelling (the photo above is from Ireland) and listening to music, I am treasurer of UVM’s Mock Trial team, and I am also a student employee with UVM’s archives. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about UVM or my interests. Can’t wait to meet you all!
Kiki Ruddy
Hey all! My name is Kiki! I am a Junior in the College of Engineering and Mathematics with a major in Biomedical Engineering and minor in Neuroscience. I am from Saint Paul Minnesota! Last summer I got the opportunity to work in a biophysics lab working on cancer research. At UVM I am Co-president of SWE (Society of Women Engineers) and Treasurer of BMES (Biomedical engineering society) and am involved in research at Dr. Vizzard’s lab. In my free time I like to go to the gym, play guitar, hike, and bike. I love traveling, being outside, and staying active! Please reach out to me if you have any questions about HCOL, CEMS, UVM or if you need any recommendations of things to do or places to eat in Burlington! You can reach me at aruddy@uvm.edu. I can’t wait to connect with everyone!
Leah Hunter
Hi, my name is Leah (she/her)! I am a sophomore from New Jersey with a double major in Business Administration and Film and Television Studies. I work at a summer camp in the Adirondacks during the summer, and love to be outside swimming, water coloring, playing guitar, and hiking. While at UVM I serve on the Grossman Student Advisory Committee. During the school year I love to sit outside while I get my work done, go on nearby hikes, walk around on church street, and hang out with my friends. I’m so excited for this upcoming year, and you are free to reach out to me at lmhunter@uvm.edu.
Maddie Guyette
Hello hello! My name is Maddie and I am a senior from Swanton, VT. I am majoring in Molecular Genetics in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. I am involved in undergraduate research surrounding the translesion synthesis pathway within the Chatterjee lab in the Cancer Center. I am also one of the Presidents of the Microbiology and Molecular Genetics club here at UVM and a supplemental instructor for Molecular and Cell Biology. Outside of academics, I love anything involving art, hiking, playing intramurals with my friends (especially hockey), and going to the waterfront to watch the sunsets. If you have any questions please reach out and I am happy to help in any way that I can! My email is madison.guyette@uvm.edu and I am so excited to meet and get to know you all better!
Nona Stislow
Hi! My name is Nona Stislow (she/her), and I’m a sophomore majoring in Biological Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences with a minor in Neuroscience. I hope to attend medical school and pursue a career as a pediatric hospitalist. On campus, I work in the Ballif Lab researching genetic and proteomic interactions, and I also volunteer at UVMMC in the pediatric unit. Beyond academics, I love traveling, trying new things, and finding adventure in new experiences. I also enjoy baking, cooking, running, and spending time outdoors in nature. As a peer mentor, I’m excited to support you—whether that’s through academic guidance, emotional support, advice, or just being someone you can connect with during your time at UVM!
Pravar Mukkala
Hey guys! My name is Pravar Mukkala and I’m a junior from Westford, Massachusetts. I’m double majoring in Political Science and Linguistics with a minor in European Studies, all within the College of Arts and Sciences. On campus I’m also a student admissions ambassador within the AdvoCats program, giving tours to and helping lead prospective students and their families through the college admissions process. Outside of school, I’m a member of the Political Science Club but also love to go to cafes, lift, read, listen to music, and go on long walks. If you’ve got any questions about the social sciences or CAS in general (grad requirements/what classes to take + why/how CAS programs are structured), never hesitate to reach out! My email is pmukkala@uvm.edu – I’m super excited to meet everyone!
Rebecca Vernaglia
Hi! My name is Rebecca (she/her) and I’m from Winchester, Massachusetts. I am a junior Biological Science major in the College of Arts and Sciences. I am a trip leader for Alternative Spring Break, the secretary of the Pre-Med club and a member of Dance Force. Outside of classes, I volunteer in the pediatric wing of the UVM Medical Center and do research in the Jetton lab studying diabetes and the pancreas. This summer, I spent 5 weeks backpacking in Eastern Europe and worked as a medical assistant at a pediatric clinic for the remaining time. At school, some of my favorite things to do are go to contra dances, bike on the Burlington bike path, play guitar at open mic nights, and attend stargazing events. Please reach out if you’re looking for ways to get involved with campus life, recommendations for food and thrift stores nearby, or guidance about work, school, or life! My email is rvernagl@uvm.edu.
Samantha Holoubek
Hi everyone! My name is Samantha Holoubek. I am a junior from Cumberland, Rhode Island, majoring in Biological Science with minors in Chemistry and Neuroscience on a pre-med track in the College of Arts and Sciences! Here in Vermont, I work as a medical assistant at the Urgent Care at Northwestern Medical Center and run as an EMT with Colchester Rescue! Additionally, at UVM I work as a research assistant in the Symeonides Lab conducting HIV research! In my free time, I enjoy cafe-hopping, singing, hiking, thrifting, live music, building Legos and traveling. If you have any questions about anything at all (UVM related or otherwise), feel free to reach out at Samantha.Holoubek@uvm.edu!!
Sarah Gargano
Hi everyone, my name is Sarah Gargano (she/her)! I am a sophomore Nursing major and Emergency Medicine minor from Rochester, NY! During the summer I work as a Patient Care Technician and a Summer Camp Counselor! I love hiking, skiing, getting outdoors, and anything crafty! At UVM I’m involved in research with Dr. Lewis, I am the Director of Fundraising for Summit Sisters, a hiking club for women and non – binary people, the Director of Sisterhood for my sorority Kappa Delta, and a member of the Catholic Center! I am so excited for this year! Please reach out with any questions at all or to connect at sarah.gargano@uvm.edu!
Sarah Tilley
Hi! I’m Tilley, I’m a senior biological science major with a chemistry minor! I’m from Arlington, VT, and this is my third year as a PLHC peer mentor. At UVM, I’m an officer for two clubs, the UVM Cycling Team and the UVM Freeski Team. I also work as a resident advisor and in patient transportation for Lamoille Ambulance, and I do genetics research in the Nunez Lab. I absolutely love any kind of biking and skiing, especially park, and I’m always up for hiking, futsal, running, yoga, and pretty much anything outside. I’m so stoked to meet everyone and please hit me with any questions you might have at sarah.tilley@uvm.edu!
Tovahn Vitols (Tov)
Hey all, my name is Tov and I’m from central VT! I am a senior majoring in Linguistics (CAS), Computer Science, and Mathematics (CEMS). Around campus, I am part of the UVM Salsa Team, the Historical Fencing club, and the Contra & Folk Dance society. In my free time you can probably find me outside, baking, or being a nerd. Feel free to email me at tvitols@uvm.edu if you have any questions, or if you just want to chat!