Dahlia Alcorn
Senior - Social Work Major - BSW, Youth Justice Minor

Hello! I am a fourth year Social Work student & I picked up my minor in the Justice Studies department at the beginning of my third year! I love being a part of two different educational programs here at JMU, as I feel like I'm getting such a well-rounded and informative experience. I'm also involved in a gender-inclusive community service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega, which has been my home here at college! It's been a great way to meet amazing and like-minded people, expand my leadership skills, and get out of the JMU bubble and serve the greater Harrisonburg community (which is such an amazing place with so many incredible people)! I'd love to talk to any and everyone about the JMU Social Work & Youth Justice programs- reach out with any questions!

Aurora Burner
Sophomore - Social Work Major, Youth Justice Minor

Hello! My name is Aurora Burner and I am a first generation, second year Social Work student with a Youth Justice minor. Being a part of a tight-knit, small cohort of like-minded individuals initially drew me to the Social Work major. It’s the perfect combination of small class sizes with the resources and opportunities of a big university! Being a student ambassador for the College of Health and Behavioral Studies allows me to engage with prospective students, professors/colleagues, and resources that our college offers. In addition to being a student ambassador, I sit on the CHBS Student Engagement and Belonging Council where I not only represent and advocate on behalf of the Social Work student body, but the college as a whole. This council allows me to be immersed in other students’ experiences, perspectives, and needs of CHBS while practicing leadership and reflection skills.

I’m originally from Harrisonburg so I can provide a wider scope on what our beautiful city has to offer. If you have any questions about CHBS, Social Work, or you just want suggestions on places to explore around JMU/Harrisonburg, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Nina Cabrera
Senior - Nursing & Health Sciences Major, Chronic Illness Minor

Hi! I am a Senior Nursing Major with Chronic Illness minor ! Specifically, JMU CHBS made me realize for my passion for wanting to care for others and be a resource to those Dukes seeking for advice, support, and even a friend :) Ever since I could remember, I've loved helping people, socializing, and just being a friend - which has led me to my desire of pursuing a degree in nursing. I believe everyone should have an equal chance at feeling their best. My story and interests genuinely have shined a light to my future of helping people. Being a JMU Duke and a student in their nursing program has made me realize the value of education, seizing opportunities, and what hard work leads to - and it would make me smile immensely if I helped another JMU Duke accomplish the same thing! Please do not hesitate to reach out to me about anything: JMU, CHBS, nursing, or just wanting to chat - I am happy to do it! 

Angelle Campbell
Junior - Nursing Major

Hey there! I am a first-gen, junior nursing major. I am in the Nursing Student Association and was in the marching royal dukes for my first two years here at JMU! I applied to the nursing program early and was thankfully accepted on the first try. I really enjoy being involved in the nursing program and the ambassadors program here at JMU. I’d love for any of you to reach out if you have anything you'd like to know more about, whether it is nursing or JMU-related. It can be overwhelming, trust me, I know. I graduated with only 50 students in my high school class, so adjusting was new to me, but it was doable, and I’d do it again.

Kendall Cole
Psychology, Minors in Chronic Illness and Family Studies

I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at James Madison University, with minors in Family Studies and Chronic Illness, and expect to graduate in May 2026. My academic interests lie at the intersection of mental health, family systems, and the lived experience of chronic illness. I have conducted research through the Terror Management Lab, exploring how death awareness influences human behavior. In addition to my academic work, I serve as an intern at the JMU Counseling Center, where I research, develop, and facilitate mental health workshops across campus. I also co-instruct courses such as UNST 190 alongside university leadership, and support student engagement through the Community Engagement and Volunteer Center, where I coordinate Alternative Break programs and facilitate leadership retreats. My leadership roles include serving as an Orientation Peer Advisor, a Rho Gamma, and Director of Membership and Recruitment for SafeRides, a student-led initiative promoting safe transportation. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you are ever looking for additional support! GO DUKES!

Gracen Curley
Senior, Nursing Major

Hi everyone! I’m a senior nursing student in my second semester with a minor in Chronic Illness, a member of Phi Sigma Sigma, and, gratefully CHBS Student Ambassadors. This semester, I am balancing both my academics and outside activities that have allowed me to grow academically and individually. Through these experiences, I have been able to enhance my leadership skills, strengthen my ability to collaborate effectively, and improve both my communication and teamwork skills. While nursing can be demanding and intimidating, it comes with great reward in skills, meaningful work and lifelong friendships! Keeping a routine, staying organized and surrounding myself with support from my peers has been key to my success as a nursing student. If you’re just starting out in nursing school, looking for other ways to become involved around campus or CHBS, or simply would like a friend, I am more than happy to connect and share all of what I’ve learned along the way and help in any way that I can!! Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have!

Alexis Gryder
Junior - Health Sciences Major - Pre-Athletic Training and Pre-Occupational Therapy Minors

Hi all! I am a junior health sciences major from Northern Virginia! I have two minors which are Pre-Athletic Training and Pre-Occupational Therapy. I came here to JMU with a lot of high school credits, along with taking summer courses to stay ahead so I will be graduating a year early in 2027. I am involved in organizations here on campus such as Chaarg, Morgan’s Message, ResQed, and I work for JMU Sports Medicine. If you have any questions about being in the Health Sciences department, Health/Science related minors, clubs/organizations, or working while being a student, please feel free to reach out to me.

Sarah Hussein
Junior - Health Sciences Major

Hello everyone! I’m a first-generation, third-year Health Sciences major. I have experience as a
TA and as a volunteer at a health clinic. I’m also involved with Run Harrisonburg and the Health
Sciences Run/Walk Club, so if you’re looking for a small, welcoming community to connect with,
I’d love to be that bridge for you! Recently, I earned my Medical Assisting certification and I’m
really enjoying the hands-on experience that comes with it. If you’re interested in pursuing a
healthcare certification, I’d be happy to connect you with the program where I earned my
CCMA. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time outdoors and shopping. I love browsing the
aisles to find something cute! I’d love to connect with you all, so please don’t hesitate to reach
out if you have any questions.

David Kinzer
Senior - Psychology Major

Hello! My name is David Kinzer. I am a senior psychology major from Culpeper, Virginia. I transferred to JMU from Germanna Community College last fall, and I have had an amazing year in the College of Health and Behavioral Studies. As a psychology major, I have been able to participate in research with my professors and to serve as a teacher's assistant for PSYC 385 (Biopsychology). This past summer I served as an Orientation Peer Adviser for the university, introducing all the incoming first-years and transfer students, which made this summer one of my most memorable and rewarding! I also am involved in the Chess Club, the Psychology Club, and the Psychology Service Organization. If you have any questions related to the field of psychology, please do not hesitate to reach out! 

Maddie Lewis
Junior - Exercise Science Major - Pre-Physical Therapy Minor

Hi! My name is Maddie Lewis and I am a third-year kinesiology student with a concentration in exercise science along with a minor in pre-Physical Therapy. I transferred to JMU after my freshman year, so I am happy to answer any questions about the transfer process! Academically, I am involved in undergraduate research projects, and I’m about to start my own research thesis. Outside of academics, I am on the executive board of JMU Women's Club Volleyball, as well as a member of the pre-physical therapy society. I also volunteer at the local animal shelter in Harrisonburg! If you have any questions about the transfer process, the kinesiology program, extracurriculars or how to get involved in the Harrisonburg community, don't hesitate to reach

Julia Lynch
Junior - Nursing Major

Hi! I’m a Junior Nursing Major in my second semester this fall working to balance a busy course load with my involvement in my sorority and other campus organizations. Through these experiences, I’ve been able to strengthen my leadership, time management, and teamwork skills while building connections across the CHBS community. Nursing can be challenging, but I’ve learned that staying organized and finding balance makes all the difference!

I love connecting with others who are navigating nursing school, campus life, or just want advice on how to get involved at JMU. Feel free to reach out with any questions about nursing, or anything you may want to know about CHBS :) Go Dukes!

Eliza Park
Senior, CSD, Family Studies Minor

Hi! I’m a senior Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) major with a minor in Family Studies. Throughout my time at JMU, I have enjoyed getting involved in a variety of academic, volunteer, and extracurricular opportunities. I have prior experience as a TA for CSD 209 and a Learning Pod Facilitator for CSD 208. I have also been actively involved in the Infant and Toddler Language Lab and FIRST Program for four semesters. In addition, I enjoy volunteering with different organizations off campus as well. If you have any questions about the CSD program, CHBS, or other ways to get involved at JMU, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Julia Piasecki
Junior, CSD, Family Studies & British Communication Media minors

Hi! My name is Julia, and I’m a junior Communication and Sciences Disorders major fromWilliamsburg, Virginia. I’m deeply involved in all things JMU- from being a leading member of the Women in STEM sorority Alpha Omega Epsilon, volunteering with outside speech clinics, and an assistant in a research lab located here on the 5th floor of HBS! I’m extremely passionate about JMU and would love to share all I can about it!

Reagan Wise
Sophomore - Social Work, BSW & Psychology Major, BS - Family Studies Minor

Hi! I’m a first-generation college student pursuing a dual degree in psychology (B.S.) and social work (B.S.W.). I work part-time in the College of Business, and I’m involved in clubs like the Social Work Organization and the Psychology Club. I’d be happy to talk with you about either program, or about how I balance classes, clubs, work, and still make time for friends. Feel free to reach out with any questions, I love being part of CHBS and I’m sure you’ll feel right at home here too!

Isabel Yabes
Senior, Social Work

Hi! I'm a senior social work major, minoring in Communication Studies and Honors Interdisciplinary Studies! I've done all sorts of social work side quests, from dabbling in research and working with different populations to taking on leadership roles and solidifying my role in our community. I've also been in a variety of different organizations -- from Residence Life to Make Your Mark on Madison -- and have connections almost everywhere: if there's one thing you should know about me, it's that, if you need something, I've got a contact for that! Nothing makes me happier than offering a helping hand wherever I can, so please reach out if you have any questions! I'm always more than happy to answer as best I can, or direct you to someone who can do so better!

Missy Yenesew
Health Services Administration Major

My name is Missy Yenesew, and I am a first-generation Ethiopian student majoring in Health Services Administration with a General Business minor at James Madison University. My background and identity have shaped the way I view education and opportunity, motivating me to work hard and give back through a career in healthcare. I am involved in the Health Administration Student Association (HASA), where I connect with other students who share a passion for leadership and service in the healthcare field. Being both Ethiopian and first-generation inspires me to be a role model for others who are paving their own paths, and I am grateful for the chance to grow as a student and future professional here at JMU.