Graduate Peer Support Providers 

Some of our Peer Support Providers are working with the Disabled Students Program to directly support graduate students with disabilities. Learn more about this opportunity.

Graduate Peer Support Providers (PSPs) also meet one-on-one with graduate students at UC Berkeley to provide assistance in navigating the processes related to mental health, basic needs, and academia. Graduate school can be a challenging adventure and we aim to make it easier for students to find services and support to help them thrive. As graduate students themselves*, PSP’s provide support to their peers through understanding, experience, respect, and an equity based lens. They will work to provide guidance and support to meet your unique needs.

*PSPs are supervised by faculty in the School Psychology Program, in collaboration with CAPS.

Schedule a Chat Session

Visit the PSP Chat Session scheduling page to sign up. 

Chat Sessions with the Graduate PSPs are 20 minutes in length. Please read the description box in the appointment confirmation carefully. This is where you will indicate whether you would like to meet in person or via zoom. Please note that any appointments made after 5 p.m. the day before your appointment will not be honored because of staffing restrictions due to COVID.

Want to get connected to PSPs resources? Join our listserv to receive regular updates and special resource spotlights (make sure and click “Join group!)

Schedule a Chat Session

  • Talk through and provide a listening ear for concerns related to academia, mental health, wellness, basic needs, socialization, etc.
  • Support students with tedious processes such as scheduling appointments, finding health care providers, accessing academic forms, searching for housing, etc.
  • Share information about mental health services at UC Berkeley by providing access and guidance through resources or in the moment navigation.
  • Provide encouragement and empowerment to students as they navigate graduate school.

If you are unsure if a Graduate PSP can support your unique concern, please sign up for a chat and we will do our best to point you in the right direction!

Peer Support Providers Bios

Kyla Kemble

Kyla Kemble

Kyla Kemble (she/her) is a third year PhD student in the school psychology program at the Berkeley School of Education. She received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology Honors at Seton Hall University in 2021. Kyla’s current research focuses on establishing and maintaining culturally responsive practices in classrooms, consultation and collaboration with teachers, and implicit biases in education. In her free time, Kyla is often connecting with the Black community in the Bay Area, spending time with her two cats, and spinning on a bike at CycleBar.

Makeda Mayes

Makeda Mayes

Makeda Mayes is a third year student in the School Psychology Ph.D. program. After graduating with a B.A. in Psychology from the University of San Francisco she worked as a research assistant examining children’s social and academic biases. Her current research interests include processes conducive to positive mental and academic student development, teacher retention, and resilience. In particular, Makeda is interested in how culture, race, and bias may influence these processes. Outside of the lab, Makeda is an avid board game player and also enjoys hosting and singing karaoke.

Cassandra Yee

Cassandra Yee

Cassandra Yee (She/her/ella) is a third year PhD student in the school psychology program at the Berkeley School of Education. She received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Arizona in 2021. Cassandra’s current research focuses primarily on social and emotional outcomes of Latine immigrant youth and families as well as equity-centered and culturally relevant pedagogy in education. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her shih-tzu, going to concerts, attending spin classes at CycleBar, watching the Challenge on MTV, and playing Animal Crossing on her switch.

Quennie Dong

Quennie Dong

Quennie Dong (she/her/hers) is a fourth year doctoral candidate in the School Psychology program at UC Berkeley. Quennie graduated from the University of California, Irvine, with a B.A. in Psychology and Social Behavior and a minor in Education. She then attended Florida International University and received her Ed.S. in School Psychology. Her research interests focus on inclusive socio ecological systems of support for educational leaders, teachers, and youth from marginalized identities through equitable and culturally affirming practices. In her spare time, she enjoys long walks at the park with her golden retriever named Dundie, binge watching The Office, and attending concerts/music festivals.

PSP Workshops

No upcoming events in category Peer Support Providers