What is the Wheaton College Peer Coaching Program?
The Wheaton College Peer Coaching Program is a free service to current undergrad and graduate students that provides a space to seek support and guidance from those who know firsthand what it’s like to be a Wheaton College student. Through private, personalized coaching sessions, students will receive assistance in navigating their academic life. Coaches work with students to identify goals, action steps, provide accountability, connect to resources, and learn about themselves.
Who are Peer Coaches?
Peer Coaches have been nominated for their roles by faculty and staff who observed, firsthand, their academic skills and abilities, social and emotional maturity, leadership qualities, and desire to help others. In addition to their own life experience, they have been specially trained to listen and help their peers navigate challenges both inside and outside the classroom. Peer coaches are passionate about supporting others’ academic flourishing.
Nominate a Peer Coach!
If you are a Wheaton College faculty or staff member, you may nominate a peer coach using this form.
Coaches
Kati Shepardson (Graduate Student)
Hello! My name is Kati, and I'm from Bolingbrook, Illinois. I'm currently a graduate student in the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program. Previously, I majored in psychology and sociology as an undergrad at Tulane University and did the M.A. in Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership here at Wheaton (class of 2020). I enjoy going for walks, practicing yoga, and sharing meals with my family. I also love learning about how intricately and wonderfully we were made, especially in how our brains and minds work, and so studying psychology full-time is right up my alley. That said, school can be quite a challenge in balancing the course load, meeting deadlines, retaining everything that's needed, and reading countless pages, and so I often reach out to the LAS office for support. I'm looking forward to being available for both undergraduate and graduate students who also find they are needing extra support. Whether you need help with time management, study skills, motivation, or other academic challenges, I'll be honored to walk alongside you.
Make an appointment with Kati
Shivam Desai
Hi Y'all! I’m Shivam. I was born in Panama but grew up in Alice, Texas. I’m currently a graduate student in the PsyD program in Clinical Psychology. I previously earned my degree in Human Development and Family Science at the University of Texas and completed my M.A. in Counseling at Dallas Theological Seminary. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, listening to music, playing board games, playing pickleball, disc golf, and spending time with friends. I love exploring new ideas from different fields, as it helps me gain different perspectives on life. One challenge I face in my academic journey is finding a balance between spending time on personal interests and the responsibilities of being a student. I’m enthusiastic about developing strategies to help organize my time, allowing me to enjoy activities outside of my academic commitments. I look forward to meeting you, getting to know you, and collaborating to move closer to your goals!
Lina Dunbar
Hey there! My name is Lina and I am a current student in the Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program here at Wheaton College. Prior to arriving in Wheaton, I lived in Arizona for most of my life and completed my undergraduate studies at Northern Arizona University (Class of 2018). In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my husband and dog, whether on a run or leisurely walk. Academically, I am deeply passionate about understanding and serving others through empathetic listening and providing actionable steps through a therapy context. That being said, my combined ten years of career and academic experience have taught me the challenges and importance of time management and organization. After countless instances of procrastination and subsequent heightened anxiety, I developed strategies to help me be successful amidst the overwhelming to-do lists and assignments. I look forward to working with you to provide support and resources as we walk through this challenging but exciting time together!