• About us

    Peer-to-Peer Advising

    The Grad Minds Peer Support Initiative aims to provide a supportive and confidential online space for University of Toronto graduate students. Our peer supporters can help you navigate mental health resources, find community, and make the most of your graduate school experience!

    Grad Minds Peer Supporters Provide:

    • Confidential, non-judgmental listening and support
    • Information and referrals to campus resources and relevant policies/procedures
    • An opportunity to connect with a peer that understands and cares about your situation
  • An Important Note

    The Grad Minds Peer Support Initiative is not meant to provide crisis support. If you are in crisis, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department for assistance.

    Conversations between peer supporters and students are confidential except in situations where peer supporters believe that the student is a risk to themselves or others.

  • Our Team

    Meet our peer supporters!

    Anglin

    Peer Supporter

    I’m a first year master’s student in Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology studying the application of Artificial Intelligence in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Outside of the lab, I am passionate about mental health advocacy and support on campus and love to get involved with my community as much as possible! I am a firm believer in achieving a work-life balance and practicing self-care, so when I need time to destress I enjoy baking, listening to podcasts, exercising, and seeing friends.

    Arif

    Peer Supporter

    Arif Sarowar is a first-year master's student at the Institute of Medical Science. His master's focuses on understanding the effectiveness of different treatment regiments in HIV/HBV co-infected patients to better control disease and relapse. During his free time, he enjoys learning new skills, outdoorsy things, and being involved with peers in social groups and initiative.

     

    Earvin

    Peer Supporter

    Hey! My name is Earvin and I am a Master's student with the Institute of Medical Science. My research focuses on the neuroimmune mechanisms underlying suicidal ideation. I strongly believe in mentorship and peer support and their impact on mental health and wellbeing. I try my best to contribute to that by being there for my friends and anyone who reaches out! In my free time I write and perform poetry and I love to cook! I also love staying active by playing volleyball and going rock climbing.

    Julianna

    Peer Supporter

    Hi everyone, my name is Julianna! I’m a student here at UofT, completing my Master of social work. I did my undergrad in psychology because I was drawn to the topic of mental health. I wanted to learn more about how our body is affected by the mind. I’m extremely passionate about mental health and removing the stigma around asking for and needing help. Something that has been a huge light in my life, is my puppy Rolo. My hobbies and interests include shopping from small businesses and hiking with my dog!

    Michelle

    Peer Supporter

    My name is Michelle De Pol and I am a first-year Master's student in the Institute of Medical Science. I am studying the endocannabinoid system in comorbid borderline personality disorder and depression. On my free time, I enjoy running, volunteering, and playing board games! I am passionate about mental health and I have been involved in peer support for a few years now. I'm always open to having conversations with new people. Please feel free to reach out and chat!

  • Contact Us

    Don't be afraid to reach out. You + us = awesome.