Introducing the Engineering Mental Health Steward (EMHS) Program

The Engineering Mental Health Stewards (EMHS) program is a peer-based initiative within Smith Engineering that designates one trained student per year level in each engineering discipline to act as a visible point of connection to mental health and wellbeing supports. EMHS students receive foundational training at the beginning of the academic year focused on mental health literacy, supportive communication, role boundaries, and how to connect peers with appropriate campus resources, and they participate in monthly check-ins with the EngWell team for ongoing support, learning, and reflection. Stewards are not counsellors and do not provide therapy or crisis intervention; rather, they help normalize conversations about wellbeing, notice when peers may be struggling, and encourage timely use of existing supports. The program is designed to strengthen community awareness, reduce stigma, and improve early connection to resources within the engineering student population.

Role of the EMHS:

Advocacy and Support:
EMHSs are advocates for campus mental health, offering support, listening, and guidance to students in need.
Promoting Awareness:
They promote mental health awareness through events, ensuring students have access to essential information.
Reducing Stigma:
EMHSs foster open conversations, creating an environment where seeking help is encouraged and stigma is reduced.
Resource Hub:
They connect students to campus mental health services and are knowledgeable about available resources.
Training and Professionalism:
With specialized training, EMHSs maintain privacy and professionalism, providing compassionate, effective support to peers.
Discipline Second year student Third year student Fourth year student
Chemical Engineering Abygail Trinidad
Abygail Trinidad		 Jayden kayJayden Kay Owen MansonOwen Manson
Engineering Chemistry Abygail Trinidad
Abygail Trinidad		 James LiabotisJames Liabotis Owen MansonOwen Manson
Mining Saige Poliwoda
Saige Poliwoda		 Jasmine HaneberryJasmine Haneberry Lan Van LeeuwenLan Van Leeuwen
Electrical Lulu Li
Lulu Li		 Rafael CostaRafael Costa Grace Mior
Grace Mior
Computer Lulu Li
Lulu Li		 Sarah VentinSarah Ventin Het Vickky BuddhdevHet Vickky Buddhdev
Mechanical Alexis Bloom
Alexis Bloom		 Olivia HietanenOlivia Hietanen William Hollett
William Hollett
Mechatronics Eliana Joaquim Ho
Eliana Joaquim Ho		 Vagish VaibhavVagish Vaibhav Ethan WyettEthan Wyett
Engineering Physics Sarah Delamere
Sarah Delamere		 Trevin DassanayakeTrevin Dassanayake Ambrose Deck StangAmbrose Deck Stang
Applied Math Patrick Rivett
Patrick Rivett		 Daisy BuziakDaisy Buziak Katherine TesselaarKatherine Tesselaar
Geology Kate Greenhow
Kate Greenhow		 Ella HoffmanElla Hoffman Monique KellyMonique Kelly
Civil Engineering Meredith Larson
Meredith Larson		 William CopelandWilliam Copeland Lily Anna GirardLily-Anna Girard

  • Mental Health Programs Lead

    Sara Couto

    Sara Couto, MC, RP (she/her)
    Smith Engineering - Mental Health Programs Lead

    I work with our entire Smith Engineering community to build a culture of well‑being. Whether you’re a student, staff member, or faculty, you can reach out to me for support, ideas, or resources.

    For Students:

    • Learn about EngWell programs and mental health resources

    • Share feedback or ideas for new wellness initiatives

    For Faculty & Staff:

    • Get guidance on supporting students in distress or navigating mental health conversations

    • Learn about training opportunities (EngWell Faculty Liaisons, Mental Health Stewards, workshops)

    • Consult on programs, courses, or events to integrate a wellness perspective

    • Help connect students to the right EngWell or campus resource

    Email Sara Couto