VCU School of Social Work

Peer Mentor Program

Peer Mentors are specially trained students who are familiar with the curriculum and policies of the B.S.W. Program and the resources and services at VCU.

Peer Mentors provide new, transfer and continuing students with information, assistance and valuable insights to help navigate a successful journey toward graduation.

If you would like to meet with a Peer Mentor you may make a request through Dr. Nicole Bromfield, director of Student Services, (804) 828-9335 or nfbromfield@vcu.edu.

If you would like to apply to be a Peer Mentor for the next academic school year, please contact Dr. Nicole Bromfield as noted above.

2009-10 Peer Mentors

Sharmila Clee

Year: Senior

Career interests: Working with children in the foster care system, international social work, or anything to do with kids and social work.

Volunteer commitments: Volunteer at Big Brothers Big Sisters where I mentor a child. I have volunteered at animal shelters in both Middleburg and Richmond and spent one winter break in Ghana working with children. As a current officer of the BSWSA, I have participated in a couple service projects and I can’t wait for other volunteer opportunities I will have as the year unfolds.

Interest/favorite activities: I love cooking, nutrition, eating and working out.

Favorite hangouts: The beach, Maymont Park, anywhere with family or friends.

Favorite Richmond restaurants: Verbena, Panera Bread, Chipotle and any with ethnic foods.

Words of advice for new students: Social work is truly a form of art that comes straight from a person’s heart. Every action we make effects someone somehow, so paint a beautiful picture whenever you can and leave your mark on this world.

Lindsey Gera

Year: Senior

Career interests: I would like to pursue medical social work working specifically with cancer patients and their families.

Internships held: I was an intern at the Virginia Department for the Aging.

Volunteer commitments: I volunteer as a mentor at the Carver Promise, an after school program for at-risk children. In Northern Virginia, I work with special needs children as a camp counselor and leisure coach. As a member of Alpha Gamma Delta, I have participated in several service projects to raise awareness about juvenile diabetes and to support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Interests/favorite activities: Photography, spending time with my family, thrift shopping and bargain hunting.

Favorite hangouts: Very berry, Coffee and tea shops, and the library.

Favorite Richmond restaurant: Popkin Tavern.

Words of advice for new students: Find out what your passion is and pursue it. Set high goals and try your best to achieve them. Never give up. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Kristin Lennox

Year: Junior

Career interests: Either working with children, homeless populations or internationally.

Volunteer commitments: Habitat for Humanity, BSWSA secretary and CSA in the Dominican Republic

Interests/favorite activities: I love listening to music and going to live gigs. I also enjoy painting, doing anything crafty, reading, being outdoors and hanging with friends.

Favorite hangouts: Anywhere with good company.

Favorite Richmond restaurants: Ipanema and Mojo’s

Words of advice for new students: Establish good relationships with your professors and they will help you in any way they can. Make as many friends as possible, especially in your social work classes – you never know how you’ll be able to help one another. Check out the BSWSA to get to know your colleagues and introduce yourself to diverse populations through service projects. Have a great time and remember that the best feeling in the world is in helping others! 

Sarah R. Winter

Year: Senior

Career interests: Trauma and clinical social work with children, youth and adults, school social work, domestic violence and substance abuse.

Volunteer commitments: Henrico Mental Health and Retardation Services in Va., where I assisted clients in social activities. I worked for Equality Virginia, an organization that works towards equal human rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgenders. I also worked at Galax Department of Social Services, where I ran an energy assistance program for needy adults and children. As an officer in the BSWSA, I participate in service projects with many different populations.

Interests/favorite activities: Music, food, browsing thrift stores, working out, dancing, and spending time with friends and family.

Favorite hangouts: At home with my partner, our dog, friends and family, amusement parks and the mountains.

Favorite Richmond restaurants: Ipanema, Thai Diner Too, Malabar and Pho So 1

Words of advice for new students: Be open to working with all different types of populations. Sometimes you find the most gratification working with clients you never imagined working with. Never stop pushing yourself to try new things and remember to ask for help when you need it!