Our Undergraduate Peer Advisors are the face of our College to prospective students and their families, new incoming students and current UMD students. The College of Education Peer Advisor Program is run through the Office of Student Services and is a yearlong leadership internship offering undergraduate students the opportunity to become student leaders within the College and University and earn experience working with the advising department. During the first semester, students will participate in a course designed to establish leadership skills, train Peer Advisors on the College’s undergraduate programs and policies, and prepare students to  participate actively and knowledgeably at recruitment events, such as the annual Fall Open House, Admitted Student Open Houses and the First Look Fair, College of Education Orientation and paraprofessional activities within the College. The peer advisors are given the opportunity to gain experience working to help advise fellow peers, giving advice about programs and opportunities.

In the Spring semester, students will participate in a course designed to reinforce skills, concepts and practice gained in the first semester through active involvement in Open Houses, Workshops, Recruitment Events, Office Hours, the COE Newsletter and capstone projects. 

The College of Education Peer Advisor Program is an invitation-only program that requires students to have at least a 3.5 GPA. Invitations will be sent out in Spring 2024 to those that meet this criteria. 

Upcoming Events:

• Major Exploration Workshops: Peer Advisors assist with the Office of Student Services in the College of Education to host MEWs, or Major Exploration Workshops, for individuals interested in switching their Major within the College of Education. There are multiple MEWs throughout the semester, and they are hosted via Zoom.

  RSVP for a MEW to learn about our Majors that lead to Initial Teacher Certification Recommendation HERE. RSVP for a MEW to learn about our Human Development Major HERE.

• Professional Program Application Workshop: Join the College of Education Peer Advisors to learn more about the Professional Program Application including where and how to apply, application materials, application requirements, and important dates!

Meet Your Peer Advisors! 

 

Alyssa Leventhal (she/her)

Spring 2023 Office Hours: Monday 9:00-1:00 and Tuesday 12:00-1:00

Alyssa is a Senior Special Education Major (Track 2) and Human Development Minor from Brookeville, Maryland. Her favorite spot on campus is McKeldin Mall because she loves to spend time doing work and sitting with friends. A fun fact about Alyssa is that she has gone to Camp Ramah, a sleepaway camp in Massachusetts, for 11 summers in where she spent 8 years as a camper and 3 years as a counselor.

 

 

Sophia Tarpinian (she/her)

Spring 2023 Office Hours: Monday 8:30-10:00, Wednesday 10:00-11:00, and Friday 10:30-12:00

Sophia is a Senior Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education Major from Tenafly, New Jersey . Her favorite spot on campus is McKeldin Mall. A fun fact about Sophia is that her favorite ice cream flavor is cookies and cream!

 

 

 

Olivia Artale (she/her)

Spring 2023 Office Hours:  Tuesday 12:30-4:00, Wednesday 11:00-12:30

Olivia is a Senior Human Development Major and Leadership Studies Minor from Flemington, New Jersey. Her favorite spot on campus is Tawes Plaza because that's where she spends all of her time in between classes! A fun fact about Olivia is that she loves to cook and is always looking for new recipes and ideas.

 

 

Kayla Kellner (she/her)

Spring 2023 Office Hours: Monday 12:15-4:00, Tuesday 12:15-1:30

Kayla is a Senior Human Development and Psychology Double Major. Her favorite spot on campus is ESJ. A fun fact about Kayla is that she has 5 cats!

 

 

 

Alyssa Orlando (she/her)

Spring 2023 Office Hours: Monday 8:30-10:30, Tuesday 1:00-4:00

Alyssa is a Junior Special Education Major (Track 2). Her favorite spot on campus is Tawes Plaza because she loves to sit outside and do work, especially in the Fall! A fun fact about Alyssa is that her mom went to the University of Maryland and graduated in the College of Education!

 

 

 

Adelaide Sudbrink (she/her)

Spring 2023 Office Hours: Tuesday 11:00-12:30, Thursday 11:00-12:30, and Friday 9:00-11:00

Adelaide is a Junior Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education Major and Public Leadership Minor from Bel Air, Maryland. Her favorite spot on campus is Mckeldin 4th floor reading room. A fun fact about Adelaide is that she has a Basset Hound mix named Ruby Pickles!

 

 

Shayna Becker (she/her)

Spring 2023 Office Hours:  Tuesday 2:10-3:10, Wednesday 12:30-4:30

Shayna is a Junior Human Development Major and Pre-law and Society Minor from Los Angeles, California. Her favorite spot on campus is McKeldin patio on the second floor. A fun fact about Shayna is that she learned how to use chopsticks at two-year-old!

 

 

Isabel Polanco (she/her)

Spring 2023 Office Hours: Monday 11:00-12:00 and Friday 10:00-12:00 and 2:00-4:00

Isabel is a Sophomore Middle School Math and Science Major from Gaithersburg, Maryland. Her favorite spot on campus is McKeldin Mall and a fun fact about Isabel is that she has 8 siblings!

 

 
Bella Rosner (she/her)

Spring 2023 Office Hours: Monday 10:00-11:30, Thursday 12:30-2:00, and Friday 12:30-2:30

Bella is a Junior Human Development and Psychology Major and Nonprofit Management and Leadership Minor from Gaithersburg, Maryland. Her favorite spot on campus is ESJ, especially in the huddle rooms. A fun fact about Bella is that she has donated her hair several times!
 

 

 Andrew Shea (he/him)

Spring 2023 Office Hours: Monday 12:00-2:00 and Wednesday 10:00-1:00

Andrew  is a Junior Secondary Education History Major from East Meadow, New York. His favorite spot on campus is Tawes Plaza because it was his go to study spot when he lived in south campus dorms. A fun fact about Andrew is that his comfort shows are Avatar: The Last Airbender, SpongeBob, and Regular Show.

To speak with your College of Education Peer Advisors, please email  educpeeradvisors@umd.edu, or stop by the Office of Student Services (Benjamin Building 1204) during one of the Peer Advisor’s office hours.