Meet the Staff

Leah Berkenwald
Leah Berkenwald ’07
Director of Health Promotion and Wellness Initiatives
Pronouns: she/her

Leah holds a master's in Health Communication from Emerson College in collaboration with the Tufts University School of Medicine, as well as a master's in American Studies from the University of Nottingham. She earned her Bachelor's in American Studies with a minor in Journalism at Brandeis in 2007.

Leah is an active member of the New England College Health Association, the American College Health Association and the New England Health Educator Network. In her spare time she enjoys improv, hiking and creative writing.

Sarah Hall
Sarah Hall
Project Coordinator

Sarah holds a master's in higher education administration from Boston College and a bachelor's in communications from the University of Delaware. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking and snowboarding.

 

Meet the HAWP Interns

Sophia Ahmad
Sophia Ahmad, ‘26
HAWP Intern

Hi! My name is Sophia Ahmad, and I am a senior from Winchester, Massachusetts majoring in Biology and Psychology with a minor in South Asian Studies. As a HAWP intern, I am excited to contribute to health communication efforts while also assisting with wellness initiatives on campus. On campus, I am also part of the South Asian Student Association, LEAP, General Tutoring, and Student Union! I am very excited to be part of the team! 

Emily Hou
Emily Hou '26
Major: Biology, Minor: Health, Science, Society, and Policy and Psychology

Hello! My name is Emily Hou, and I'm an aspiring biology major and psychology + HSSP minor. I'm so excited to be part of BTW and contribute to the mission of expanding health and wellness access and awareness on campus and amongst students! I plan to tackle our complex identities' impact on our physical, mental, emotional and general health during my time as a BTW Peer Educator and expand the university's health program to be more accessible and attainable. I'm obsessed with learning about anything medicine and health-related, so feel free to talk to me about that or email me in general. Outside of BTW, I'm part of TSA (Taiwanese Student Association) and I love to play golf, draw, game and gaze at bunnies in my free time!

Nana Korantemaa Owusu-Koranteng
Nana Korantemaa Owusu-Koranteng ‘26
HAWP Intern
Majors: Biology and HSSP, Minor: IGS

Hi! My name is Nana Korantemaa Owusu-Koranteng, and I am from Maryland. I am a senior double majoring in Biology and Health: Science, Society, and Policy (HSSP), with a minor in International and Global Studies (IGS). As a Health & Wellness Promotion (HAWP) intern, I am eager to promote health awareness and wellness across the Brandeis community. On campus, I am involved in Brandeis African Students Organization (BASO) and the Student Support Services Program, where I focus on leadership, mentorship, and building inclusive spaces. In my free time, I enjoy musical theatre and reading. I look forward to serving as a resource and supporting student well-being throughout the upcoming academic year!

Jayasree Nalluri
Jayasree Nalluri '28
Major: Biology & Business, Minor: Psychology

Hello! My name is Jayasree Nalluri, and I am a sophomore majoring in Biology and Business. I am excited to be part of HAWP because I am passionate about wellness advocacy and helping students connect with health resources on campus. I enjoy volunteering and participating in dance opportunities, and I look forward to contributing to a supportive and healthy Brandeis community!

Adina Saks
Adina Saks '28
HAWP Intern
Major: Health, Science, Society, and Policy and Psychology

Hello! My name is Adina Saks, and I am a sophomore majoring in HSPP and Psychology. I am excited to intern with HAWP, having always had a passion and interest in public health and raising awareness about wellness resources. I am excited to contribute to a healthier and more supportive environment here at Brandeis! Outside of HAWP, I am proud to be the treasurer of Sharsheret, raising awareness and advocating for women battling breast and ovarian cancer. I also love volunteering with SPECTRUM and working as a lab assistant for the SCRoLL Lab at Brandeis!

Meet the Bridge to Wellness (BTW) Peer Educators

Kayla Anderson
Kayla Anderson '28
Major: Biology and Health, Science, Society, and Policy; Pre-Med Track

Hi everyone! My name is Kayla Anderson, and I am a current sophomore majoring in Biology with a hopeful double major in Health, Science, Society, and Policy on the pre-medical track. I am very excited to be a part of the BTW Peer Educators team and to encourage outreach to the student body by sharing health and wellness information and the resources available on campus. Outside of BTW, I serve as the Treasurer for MAPS (Minorities Association of Pre-Medical Students), am a member of NSBWM (National Society of Black Women in Medicine), and work as a New Admissions Fellow. In my free time, I love exploring Boston, spending time with friends, trying new foods (especially hot pot!), and doing arts and crafts. I am truly excited to support, connect, and engage with my peers and the broader community! 

Joshua Arany
Joshua Arany '27
Major: Business, Pre-Med Track

Hi! My name is Joshua Arany and I am a rising sophomore aspiring to major in Business on the premed track. I am happy to have been given this opportunity to promote health and wellness at Brandeis as I hope to one day be a doctor. I am passionate about fitness and stress management and have recently become certified as a personal trainer. Outside of BTW, I am a co-founder of Brandeis MMA club, and member of TAMID business club. I also enjoy weightlifting, soccer, MMA, and music.

Abigail Awol
Abigail Awol '28
Majors: Biology and Health: Science, Society, and Policy

Hi! My name is Abby Awol, and I’m a first-year student majoring in Biology and Health: Science, Society, and Policy. I’m excited to be part of Bridge to Wellness, where I can help students make healthier choices and prioritize their well-being. I’m originally from Georgia, and outside of BTW, I enjoy working on creative projects at the MakerLab, being a member of the Brandeis African Student Organization, and spending my free time tending to my plants. I’m looking forward to contributing to the well-being of our campus community this year!

Jaile Estell
Jaile Estell '27
Major: Computer Science, Pre-Med Track

Hi! My name is Jaile Estell, and I’m an international student from Belize majoring in Computer Science on the pre-med track, as I hope to one day work in biotech or healthcare. I’m new to campus as a transfer junior, and I’m excited to be a BTW peer educator and help connect Brandeis students to resources that support their wellbeing. On campus, I’m involved in SOCA and NSBWM, and I’m looking forward to getting involved in more organizations as I continue settling in. In my free time, I love collecting pens from different countries, dancing, and watching documentaries, movies, and TV shows. I can’t wait to engage with the student body, expand my knowledge, and contribute to a campus environment that supports wellness and inclusivity for all. 

Abigail Froyshteter
Abigail Froyshteter '26
Majors: Neuroscience and Biology with a minor in HSSP

Hi! My name is Abby Froyshteter, and I am from Chicago! I am a junior double majoring in Neuroscience and Biology with a minor in HSSP. As a BTW Peer Educator, I am dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where students feel empowered to prioritize their mental health and overall well-being. On campus, I am involved in the a cappella group Up The Octave, the hip-hop dance group KAOS, and the Neuroscience Club. I am also a research assistant in the Jadhav and CARD labs. In my free time, I love playing golf and pickleball, and spending time with my friends and family. I’m excited to serve as a resource for my peers this year!

Cameron Gustave
Cameron Gustave '28
Majors: Health, Science, Society, and Policy; Minor: Sociology

Hi! My name is Cameron Gustave, and I’m a sophomore Posse scholar from Atlanta, Georgia majoring in Psychology and Health: Science, Society, and Policy with a minor in Sociology. I’m passionate about supporting student's well-being and helping create spaces where people feel heard and cared for, which is what I aim to do as a BTW Peer Wellness Educator. Outside of BTW, I serve as a Deputy Treasurer for Brandeis Student Union and as Head Treasurer for the Brandeis Black Student Organization. In my free time, I enjoy exploring new restaurants, spending time with friends, and going to the gym. I’m very excited to connect with the Brandeis community and help students find approaches to wellness that feel realistic and meaningful for them.

Emily Hou
Emily Hou '26
Major: Biology, Minor: Health, Science, Society, and Policy and Psychology

Hello! My name is Emily Hou, and I'm an aspiring biology major and psychology + HSSP minor. I'm so excited to be part of BTW and contribute to the mission of expanding health and wellness access and awareness on campus and amongst students! I plan to tackle our complex identities' impact on our physical, mental, emotional and general health during my time as a BTW Peer Educator and expand the university's health program to be more accessible and attainable. I'm obsessed with learning about anything medicine and health-related, so feel free to talk to me about that or email me in general. Outside of BTW, I'm part of TSA (Taiwanese Student Association) and I love to play golf, draw, game and gaze at bunnies in my free time!

Vanessa Langer
Vanessa Langer '27
Majors: Psychology and Hispanic Studies with a minor in Legal Studies

Hi! My name is Vanessa Langer, and I am a junior from Boulder, Colorado majoring in Psychology and Hispanic Studies with a minor in Legal Studies. I’ve always been passionate about helping others and contributing to my community through outreach, and I can’t wait to support my peers at Brandeis in my second year with BTW. Outside of BTW, I am a Community Advisor in Charles River, a member of Brandeis' Mock Trial club, and a volunteer with the Waltham Group. In my free time, I enjoy reading, nature walks, and spending time with my friends, family, and pets!

Taylor Lewis
Taylor Lewis '28
Majors: Biology and Environmental Science; Minor: Chemistry

Hello! My name is Taylor Lewis and I am a current member of the sophomore class ('28). I am a declared Biology major and I plan to double major in Environmental Studies and minor in chemistry if possible! I am really excited about this opportunity of working with BTW because I am strongly interested in how nutrition, exercise, self care, and other everyday practices relate to scientific responses in the body, and how we as humans can use this knowledge to better our wellbeing. Outside of BTW, I am a member of the Women's Varsity Volleyball team, and am a current representative for SAAC (Student Athlete Advisory Committee). I love art of all kinds, 60s, 70s, and 90s fashion and music, nature walks, lifting weights, cooking and baking, and of course, reality TV. 

Yuxuan Li
Yuxuan Li '26
Majors: Applied Math, Minor: Economics

Hi, I'm Yuxuan Li, an international student majoring in Applied Math with a minor in Economics. As a member of the BTW team, I'm excited to support and engage with my peers. And I'm passionate about introducing on-campus resources and promoting wellness in areas such as stress management, drug use, and fitness. In my free time, I enjoy playing basketball and soccer, and I'm also an avid movie enthusiast. If you have any questions or need support, feel free to contact me via email. Let's work together to create a healthy and inclusive wellness community at Brandeis.

Victoria Mei
Victoria Mei '26
Major: Health: Science, Society, and Policy (HSSP), Minor: Business

Hi! My name is Victoria Mei, and I am a junior majoring in HSSP and minoring in Business. I am passionate about increasing availability and access to health services for everyone, and I aim to provide the best resources I can as a Peer Educator with BTW. Outside of BTW, I am also part of Club Cantonese at Brandeis (C2B) and the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE). In my free time, I enjoy drawing and reading. I am excited to help improve the health of our campus community!

Jasmine Perez
Jasmine Perez '28
Major: Psychology; Minor: Hispanic Studies, Pre-Med Track

Hi! I’m Jazzy Perez. I’m a sophomore transfer student majoring in Psychology on the Pre-Med track with a minor in Hispanic Studies, and I play on the varsity women’s basketball team at Brandeis. As I begin my journey with Bridge to Wellness, I’m most excited to connect with others on campus and really learn about our community. In my free time, I love playing guitar and have a huge love for music, especially when I’m jamming with friends. Some of my favorite artists are Party Next Door, Brent Faiyaz, Drake, and Bryson Tiller. You can usually find me studying in a classroom or the library, or at Gosman Sports Center. If you see me around, please feel free to say hi!

Kenneth Sicat
Kenneth Sicat ’26
Majors: Health: Science, Society, and Policy & Hispanic Studies

Hi! My name is Kenny, and I am from New Jersey! I am a rising sophomore double majoring in HSSP and Hispanic Studies. As a BTW peer educator, I am eager to spread health awareness and wellness throughout Brandeis’s diverse community. On campus, I am also active in Southeast Asia Club and Waltham Group. In my free time, I love learning languages and traveling. I look forward to the opportunity of serving as a resource for my peers throughout this upcoming academic year!