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2023-2024 Peer Supporter Bios
If you would like to talk to one of our Peer Supporters, please fill out this form and we will be happy to match you up with someone.
Oshane Bailey
Program: 3L JD
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I wanted to become a peer supporter because my journey to law school has been anything but typical. My lived experiences have profoundly shaped my path, and the challenges I have faced as a member of a marginalized community have strengthened my resolve to succeed and to help others along the way. Overcoming adversity has taught me the immense value of having a strong support system, particularly for individuals who may feel underrepresented or disenfranchised. As someone who has navigated these barriers firsthand, I understand how crucial it is to have guidance and representation, especially in environments that may not always reflect the diversity of lived experiences. Being a peer supporter allows me to offer empathy, understanding, and encouragement to those who may be facing similar struggles. I believe that fostering a sense of community and belonging can make a significant difference in someone’s academic and personal journey, and I am committed to providing the support that I know can be transformative.
Aron Ghebre
Program: 1L JD
Mature Student​
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I would love to be a peer mentor so I can be active in my community. Despite only being a 1L I have a lot of experience in other aspects of life. I'm a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and I've had a career in film acting as well as finance. I'm into weight lifting and healthy cooking as well. I want to use my soft skills to be supportive and helpful, offer weight lifting tips or healthy food whenever applicable. I want to be a mentor and a friend to anyone who might need me. I'll probably learn just as much about life from my mentee as they will from me. Perhaps just having someone to listen to their concerns quietly could be all they need to persevere and keep moving forward. I want to be a mentor so I can be someone's advocate.
Eric Charters
Program: 3L JD
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I'm the President of the Osgoode Mooting Society; Chair, Article Review for the Osgoode Hall Law Journal; 3L Rep, Mature Students Association; Student Ambassador; Faculty Council advisory member (Tenure and Promotions Adjudicating Committee, Faculty Appointments Committee).
As a mature student, 40 yrs old with two grown children (18 and 24), I'm a bit "seasoned". I've been knocked down a few times, experienced some significant personal trauma, and spent years in a job which caused me significant mental health issues. I've worked through them and came out stronger on the other side. While formal therapy did and continues to play a key role in my life, informal supports have been equally crucial. I now have the chance to give back.
Gabrielle Gonsalves
Program: 2L JD
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Hi! My name is Gabrielle, and I am currently in my 2L year. I wanted to be an Osgoode Peer Supporter because I believe in the power of community, empathy, and shared experiences. Law school is a roller coaster filled with ups and downs, and I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is to have someone to lean on during the more challenging moments of law school. Moreover, being able to connect with peers who might be feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, and providing them with a listening ear, practical advice, or simply reassurance, is something I feel passionate about. To me, there is no single best way to offer support as each person and their needs are unique. I believe peer support fosters a stronger, more resilient community and creates an environment where every student feels seen and valued.
Aditi Kara
Program: 2nd Year LLM
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When I was a law student, I often felt isolated and longed for a listening ear that could empathize with my struggles. I do not want any law student to experience this. That's why I've chosen to be a peer supporter, to show you that with support, you can move mountains.
Once called to the bar, lawyers are friends at the bar. It is crucial for law students to experience this sense of camaraderie and build strong, trusting relationships during their time in school. I am dedicated to offering support during a law student's difficult moments. This can lead to a positive student experience and help students thrive in their careers.
Charlotte McMunn
Program: 2L JD
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As a first-generation law student, I understand how challenging it can be to navigate the complexities of law school without friends or family who can relate to these experiences. Having experienced the isolation that law school can bring, I was looking for an opportunity to help mitigate those feelings for other students at Osgoode. Becoming a peer supporter allows me to provide the understanding, empathy, and support I wish I had when starting law school.
Shae-Ashleigh Owens
Program: 3L JD
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I have been doing peer support in some form since high school and I love it! I want to help people to navigate the sea that is law school! I'm really passionate about help people and being a listening ear especially to those who are struggling with law. Especially because I had my own struggle.
Natasha Polis
Program: 2L JD
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In 1L, mentorship and peer support played a significant role in navigating the challenges I faced as a first-generation law student. I am very passionate about creating a safe space for others to share their experiences, offering empathy and encouragement, to support fellow peers who are facing similar challenges. As law students, we need to work together to help each other, which is why I look forward to being a peer supporter!
Grace Lawrence
Program: 2L JD
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I wanted to be a peer supporter because I want to help and give back to my fellow law students and the community at Osgoode. Law school is not easy, and at times can feel quite isolating, but, as cliché as this sounds, we are all in this together (🎶insert HSM soundtrack here🎶). I think the Osgoode Peer Support program is an excellent reminder that there are other people going through this experience with you, that are in your corner, and willing to help you out.
Athaven Nithianantha
Pronouns: They/Them
Program: 3L JD/MES
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As a student with disabilities and living at the intersection of different marginalized identities, I've often found myself struggling with imposter syndrome when navigating law school. I truly understand how isolating and hard it can feel when learning to adapt to this challenging environment. The past few years I have received a lot of support from my friends and peers, who have helped me become the person I am today: more confident in my abilities and willing to take up space in the legal field. I am paying this love and support forward by taking part in the OPSC program and providing an empathetic ear to my fellow Osgoode students who may be suffering in silence. I want you all to know that your feelings are valid, you're not alone, and you'll be able to get through this. Feel free to say hi if you see me in the halls or stop by for a chat during the JCR Bar Happy Hours where I'm usually bartending - it's a safe space and we have lots of non-alcoholic drink options! Take care and hope everyone has a great year!
Jayme Robinson
Program: 2L JD
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Hi everyone! My name is Jayme and I am super excited to be a Peer Supporter this year. I wanted to join this team because I am very passionate about mental health and well-being in general. I love helping others and want to provide support and be a friend to anyone who needs it. Law school is stressful and it takes a while to get in the groove, but no one has to do it alone! I also strongly believe that mentorship (and supporting others in general) instills a passion and a pay-it-forward attitude to continue mentoring in the future! :)
