Hi everyone! My name is Amaris (she/her) and I am currently a fourth year double majoring in Education, Communities, and Organizations and Psychology. I have been a Peer Health Educator (PHE) for a year and I am greatly passionate about the work I do as a PHE and the overall mission of UW LiveWell. I was drawn to the role because it combines my values of teaching and lifelong learning with my passion for promoting resilience and wellness in myself and others. As a PHE, one of the biggest takeaways I’ve had is: wellness is a lifelong journey that is multifaceted and unique to everyone. Holistic wellness involves connecting with our body, values, emotions, goals, relationships, experiences, and surroundings in ways that best align with our own definition of a healthy, balanced lifestyle. I firmly believe in everyone’s agency and capability to be resilient, in which we can all thrive–and not just survive–during difficult times in our lives. We do not have the power to change certain circumstances in our lives, but we do have control over how we react and the strategies we use to take care of ourselves and our well-being amidst those challenges. I enjoy being a PHE because I am continuously learning and growing in different–yet intersecting–ways as a public speaker, team member, leader, student, and adult. The evidence-based knowledge and skills we teach here at LiveWell have been so valuable to me in my own wellness journey and I am excited to continue to “walk the talk” as a PHE during my remaining time at UW and beyond.

This is also my first year as a Peer Wellness Coach and I am beyond excited to take on this role and work one-on-one with students to promote well-being and personal change. As young adults, we are at a pivotal time in our lives where we are navigating through a lot of change, whether it be in our physical environments, daily routines, new responsibilities, or relationships. As a peer, I recognize that while these changes can feel stressful and uncomfortable, they can also be transformative. I firmly believe in the power of intention to transform stressful times into opportunities of growth and as a Coach, I strive to create a safe environment where intentionality and values-based decision making are nurtured. I hope to learn and explore alongside with what your personal values and strengths mean to you and how they can be used to help you navigate change and live an authentic, meaningful life. Overall, my mission as a Peer Wellness Coach is to lend a listening ear, as well as support and empower you with lifelong skills, tools, knowledge, and resources that align with your unique values and wellness goals.