About Us
More About PSA
Our Beginning
PSA was founded in the Spring of 2021 as a continuation of the pilot Buddy Program that the Psychology Department began in the Fall of 2020. The Buddy Program was started in response to students' concerns about beginning college virtually, due to the pandemic. Many incoming first year and transfer students voiced their worries about embarking on their college career remotely and wondered if they would be able to feel connected, understand "how college works", and meet friends.
From hearing these needs expressed, we extended a call to seasoned psychology majors to ask if folks would be willing to serve as Psychology Buddy Mentors and be paired with new students to show them the ropes. We were so encouraged by the enthusiasm of sophomores, juniors, and seniors in the major, with 136 students signing up to be mentors! Based on the positive experiences in the pilot Fall 2020 semester, we have decided to implement the Buddy Program as a long term program housed under the PSA.
How We Grew
In addition to the Buddy Program, we aim to provide a point of contact for any additional questions, resources, or "insider info" about the Psychology Department. You can find stories on our experienced Professors, internship/ volunteer opportunities, career building information, and more! If you are interested in posting an internship/volunteer/job opportunity for our Psychology students, please contact us HERE.
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With PSA, we hope to host monthly game nights, trivia nights, wellness challenges, alumni networking, social hours with professors, and provide other connection opportunities for all members of the Psychology department.
Who We Are
2022 - 2023 COHORT
Alexis Hall
DEI Chair
Mia Hanley
Wellness Chair
Kei Chan
Mentorship Chair
Hi! My name is Alexis Hall (she/her/hers) and I'm a third-year Psychology major with minors in African American studies, Sociology, and Public Service and Community Engagement. I'm from Englewood, New Jersey and have lived there my entire life, but now I live in San Francisco. Here on campus, I'm co-president of the LMN residential housing council, president of the Black Social Scientist Association, part of the 4th cohort of Community Engagement Activists, and part of the Student Housing Department. I also enjoy volunteering for NAMI and PONDER. In my free time, I love to listen to music, eat new food, being in the sun with friends, and watching my new favorite shows. I'm looking forward to an amazing year and hope to make all students of the Psychology department seen and heard!
Hello! My name is Mia Hanley, and I'm from Seattle, WA. I'm a second-year psychology student, minoring in Neuroscience. I'm planning on continuing at USF post-grad to get my master's in Marriage and Family Counseling. I'm super passionate about holistic medicine, understanding the role of parenting in child development, and experimental mental health interventions. I currently work as a research assistant and content writer for a company working on developing effective psychedelic-assisted therapeutic practices for the plant Iboga and organic compound Ibogaine. I'm very interested to see where this field grows in the context of mental health care. In my free time, you'll find me rollerskating in Golden Gate Park, or talking to strangers everywhere I go! I'm super excited to see what PSA can do for growing support for psychology students, and for growing student mental health services here at USF!
Hello everyone, I'm Kei Chan (they/he) your Buddy Program leader! I'm a junior Psychology major and minoring in Design. I was born and raised in Chicago, IL but have come to see SF as a second home (one with delicious food, I might add). Besides my passion for psychology, I also enjoy writing short stories, sewing and designing clothes, and hanging out with my friends whether it be out and about, through online games, or rolling d20s at the dinner table.
Rachel Chan
Professional Development Chair
Zachary Loh
Community Building Chair
Talisha Pereira
Operations Chair
Hey everyone! My name is Rachel Chan (she/her), and I'm a second-year Psychology major and part of the honors college. I am originally from San Francisco but have also lived in Pacifica, Millbrae, and now I'm back in the city, which I am really loving, especially being around so much food. Here on campus, I'm a research assistant, also serve on the E-Board of Active Minds and The Women's Network, and I play intramural volleyball. In my free time, I love hanging out with my friends, playing and listening to music (HUGE Swiftie), cooking, and binge-watching Criminal Minds, Law and Order, and Grey's Anatomy!
Hello, my name is Zachary Loh. I am a junior psychology major. I was born in Burlingame and raised in Foster City (CA). I now live in San Francisco with some friends. I am one of the chairs of the Psychology Student Association. In my free time, I enjoy playing volleyball, cooking, and gaming with friends. My future aspiration is becoming a psychiatrist, counselor, or therapist!
Hello!! My name is Talisha Pereira (she/her). I'm a third-year Psychology major and double minoring in African American Studies and Biology on the pre-med track. I'm from Sacramento, CA, specifically the Elk Grove area, born and raised. My birthday is April 26, 2002. TAURUS!! Some of my hobbies are spending time with friends and family, going to the beach, and listening to music. A couple of my favorite artists are J-Cole and Alicia Keys. Some of the organizations that I'm a part of on campus are Student Housing, BSU, Delta Zeta Sorority, PPMP, Pre-AMSA, and MAPS. I also volunteer in the emergency department at Saint Mary's Medical Center. I love to help people and better my community. I look forward to meeting you all and having a wonderful year!! Please say hi if you see me around campus!
SPRING 2022 COHORT
Joy Anwukah
Student Co-Chair
Bella Dickson
Student Co-Chair
Hello, my name is Munachiso Joy Anwukah. I am a Senior Psychology major, minoring in Chemistry. I was born in Nigeria and have since lived in England (Preston, UK), Antioch CA, Brentwood, CA and now San Francisco. I currently serve as the President of USF’s Alpha Phi Omega chapter. I also work as a Behavioral Therapist with an Agency here in San Francisco. I am very passionate about anything art related and spend most of my free time listening to music and exploring the city with friends; passively looking for things to draw inspiration from.
Hi y’all! My name is Bella Dickson, and I am a senior Psychology major and African American studies minor. On campus, I am a part of the first cohort of Black Scholars which is dedictated to a select number of high achieving Black identifying students with a passion for community engagement. I am originally from Minneapolis, MN, but have come to consider SF my second home. In my free time I love to go on walks through the Presidio, crochet, and puzzle.
FALL 2021 COHORT
Noa Gross
Student Co-Chair
Leah Taylor
Student Co-Chair
Julianne Millare
Student Co-Chair
Hii! My name is Noa Gross and I’m a senior Psychology major with minors in Business, and Jewish Studies & Social Justice. I was born and raised in Israel and moved to Irvine, CA in high school. I currently work as a research lab manager on campus and a 2nd grade teacher at congregation EmanuEl. In my free time I like to roller skate, paint, and find cool places in the city!
Hello! My name is Leah, and I am a senior Psychology major with minors in Child and Youth Studies and Legal Studies. I am originally from Manhattan Beach, California. Currently, I work as a legal administrative assistant at a civil litigation law firm in San Francisco. In my free time, I love going to the beach, hiking, and enjoying coffee at cool coffee shops here in the city.
Hi!! My name is Julianne and I am a fourth-year Psychology major here at USF! I have minors in Neuroscience and Health Studies. I’m originally from San Mateo, California (which is not too far from SF!). Currently, I work as a care provider at an assisted-living facility in Oakland. In my free time, I love swimming, going to the beach, doing karaoke, and attending concerts.
SPRING 2021 COHORT
Emilie Choy
Founding Student Co-Chair
Emily Roland
Founding Student Co-Chair
Dr. Yang
Founding Faculty Advisor/Supervisor
Hello!! My name is Emilie and I’m a third-year Psychology major with a minor in Business! I’m originally from Rancho Cucamonga, California (45 minutes from LA) and I’m an Events Intern and University Ambassador for the UG Admission Office at USFCA! Fun fact about me is my hair has been dyed every color of the rainbow!
Hi! My name is Emily and I am a fourth year Psychology major here at USF! Here at USF, I have spent time serving on the executive board of Delta Zeta and the Club for Neuroscience Students, as well as interning for the Speaking Center on campus! In my free time, you will always find me with my pup, Luna, and either at the beach or on a hike!
Hello! I am the faculty adviser for the PSA that we founded this year to contribute to community in our Psych Department. I firmly believe that a sense of community can go a long way. When I look back at my experiences throughout school and training (26 years of it!), I mostly remember the quality time spent with people in my many communities and the moments of meaningful connection. Outside of teaching, research, and clinical work, I like to cook, sing, play team sports, and hang out with my two dogs Manto (pictured here) and Kobe (who is unable to sit still for photographs).