Our Peer Health Educators (PHEs) are a unique group of students with varying college career paths, different backgrounds, and an interest in the health of EWU students. They provide peer to peer education through small group and large group presentations, tabling events, campus programs, Health Hut, and social media outreach.
2024-25 Peer Health Educators
Rylei Ripplinger
Kennewick, WA
Hi, my names Rylei! I’m double majoring in business management and marketing with a minor in leadership. I came to Eastern from Kennewick WA, and I am loving it here! I love nature, going camping, hikes, and just exploring. I also love to read, and my all-time favorite comfort food is hot cocoa. I love working with others, and I’m so excited to be a Peer Health Educator!
Jaime Tovar
Grandview, WA
Hello everyone, my name is Jaime Tovar Jr. I am proud Chicano and love my Mexican food especially carne asada. I am a junior status here at Eastern Washington trying to earn a bachelor’s degree in lifestyle medicine. I want to be a researcher studying chronic health or a family doctor. I also enjoy cooking food and going fishing with my buddies. Lastly, gracies a Dios para todo !
Georgie Emmert
Kelso, WA
Hi! My Name is Georgie and I’m originally from Kelso, Washington! I’m currently studying Health Psychology at EWU with a minor in Addiction Studies, and my ultimate goal is to become a Crisis Intervention Counselor. Mental health is something I’m deeply passionate about, and I want to be there for people when they need support the most. Life can be overwhelming, and sometimes, just having someone to listen and guide you through tough moments can make all the difference. I’ve always loved working with people, and I can’t wait to be a Peer Health Educator! Outside of school, my favorite people in the world are my family and friends. I love spending time with them, whether we’re playing games, laughing over something ridiculous, or getting into any sort of competition.
Maddie Turcott
Mill Creek, WA
Hi, my name is Maddie! I’m majoring in developmental psychology. I came to Eastern from Mill Creek Washington. In my free time I like to hangout with my friends, spend time outside, especially if the sun is out! I’m also a member of Alpha Phi here at EWU, so I love to hangout with my sisters or help out with our events we have going around all year! I’m so excited to be a peer health educator.
Justin Vargas
Okanogan, WA
Hey, I’m Justin Vargas. I’m a Mexican American first-generation student from Okanogan. I am majoring in nursing. I hope to reduce the language barrier that many Spanish speaking people experience when seeking clinical help. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, watching anime, playing soccer, and eating good food. I’m looking forward to opportunities in design and communication through working as a Peer Health Educator.
The Health Hut
Our award wining Health Hut brings health information directly to you! Your Peer Health Educators can be found on campus at least twice a week with engaging and useful education for student success. Keep your knowledge sharp and up-to-date with activities, trivia and demonstrations that are sure to be thought provoking and fun! Free swag is always available for all participants!
Many of our Peer Health Educators are Certified Peer Educators (CPE) and put in numerous hours every quarter staffing, creating and managing the operations for the Health Hut. They gain valuable experience in the Health Hut including:
- Program management
- Public speaking
- Time management
- Planning, implementing and evaluating programs
- Working as a team
If you’re looking for a way to get more involved on campus, meet new people and love learning, the Health Hut is the perfect fit for you. Email Edavis28@ewu.edu for more information about getting involved
To find out where the Hut will be and what topic will be discussed, follow us on social media.
