Student Staff

Special Projects Coordinator

Karen Cortez (she/her) is the Special Projects Coordinator for the Good Life Center for the 2023-2025 school years.  She is currently a second year M.Div., at Yale Divinity School. She graduated from the University of Virginia in May of 2022, with a B.S.Ed in Youth and Social Innovation and English.  In undergrad, she enjoyed building and participating in communities where authenticity, support, and care was available for everyone involved, and she is grateful that she is able to continue that work with the Good Life Center to make wellness programming and resources available for all students at Yale. In her free time, Karen loves exploring Connecticut’s many bookstores, coffee shops, parks and beaches, and having deep and meaningful (theological or not!) conversations with friends.

Adiyah Obolu (she/her) is from Sacramento, California and is planning to major in Ethnicity, Race, and Migration with a certificate in Education Studies. On campus, Adiyah is the creative director for WORD (Yale's oldest spoken word group), a student assistant at the Afro-American Cultural Center, and the communications director for Yale Black Muslims Student Association. Outside of the classroom, you can find Adiyah playing backgammon on her phone, studying in the Musalla, or laughing with her friends in the Silliman dining hall.

Adriana Abad Castro (she/her) calls both New Jersey and Ecuador her home. Majoring in Neuroscience and an Education Studies Scholar. At Yale, Adriana is involved in clinical neuroscience research and in expanding Yale's resources for students with disabilities, as well as volunteering in HAVEN Behavioral Health Clinic. Outside of the classroom you can catch Adriana at Yale Film Archive screenings at HQ, watercoloring around Wooster square or catching a good bite at Long Wharf. If you ever want to catch a coffee at the Elm and chat about philosophy, politics or theology let her know!

Alyssa Toussaint (she/her) is a sophomore in Branford College. She is majoring in Chemistry and pursuing a Spanish studies certificate. You can find her repping Washington DC (shoutout to the DMV Yalies), watching reality TV, or walking around campus to Stevie Wonder, SZA or Flo Milli. On campus, she is involved in YaleDancers, YMUN, Women in Science at Yale (WISAY), Yale Student Energy Association and is the official photographer for the Yale Chemistry Department. Feel free to come up and say hi or ask questions if you have them!

Bethel Asomaning (she/her) is from Olympia, Washington and is majoring in Cognitive Science with a certificate in Education Studies. She enjoys doing psychology research and tutoring children. Other favorite activities involve trying various sports, watching campus performances, and getting into shenanigans with her suitemates.

Chris Li (he/him) is a sophomore in Silliman from Potomac, Maryland studying Economics & Energy Studies with a focus in urbanism. Chris is passionate about urban planning and improving public transportation systems in America. In addition to being involved with the Good Life Center and Silliman College, Chris is involved with the Men's Club Volleyball Team, pre-professional groups, and cultural clubs. Chris is excited about the Good Life Center's initiatives and is looking forward to meeting fellow students interested in mindfulness!

David Woods (he/him) is from Herndon, Kentucky and is majoring in Environmental Studies and Philosophy, of which he often describes seeking “one for the world and one for the self.” At Yale, he writes for Times New Roman and The Yale Logos, serves as the resident TD table tennis coach, and leads a Bible study group with Yale Chi Alpha. You can often find David engaging in deep conversation while exploring new campus spaces or defending TD as the best residential college, both of which he believes to be key components of building a sustainable community.

Elijah Bacal (he/him) is a sophomore in Branford College majoring in History. On campus, he is involved with Jewish life, student activism, and improv comedy. When he's not in class or doing extracurriculars, he enjoys reading, playing guitar, listening to podcasts, and getting a good night of sleep!

Elyse Nguyen (she/her) is a senior from Junction City, KS, majoring in Psychology. Outside of the classroom, she is involved in research, volunteering organizations, and Danceworks. You can find her rehearsing in the dance studio, eating out in local New Haven restaurants, or relaxing with a book. If you ever want to chat with her about mental health, philosophy, or even the latest Netflix release, just ask!

Emma DeCorby (she/her) is a senior majoring in Economics and is originally from Saskatchewan, Canada. Outside of her academic pursuits, she enjoys staying active, and playing on the Yale women's varsity hockey team.

Ernestine Giahyue (she/her) is from Darby, PA, majoring in Neuroscience. At Yale, Ernestine is a pre-med student who is involved in the STARS II program and conducts psychiatry research. Outside of the classroom, Ernestine enjoys playing instruments, binging TV shows, and crocheting. You can also catch her dancing with Dzana Dance. If you ever want to grab a meal, watch a show, or crochet with Ernestine, let her know!

Fthia Yousif (she/her) is a sophomore in Trumbull college majoring in Ethnicity, Race, and Migration. She is from the Granite State of New Hampshire. At Yale, Fthia is involved with the Black Muslim Student Association, the Sudanese Student Association, and the Admissions Office. She enjoys binge-watching dramas and thrillers, playing/watching basketball (HUGE Celtics fan), and exploring New Haven with friends.

Gabi Rodriguez (she/her) from Houston, TX and is pursuing a degree in Ethnicity, Rcae and Migration with a certificate in Portuguese. At Yale, she is involved in Mecha de Yale and you can find her often as well as the head of college office for Timothy Dwight. She loves exploring around New Haven and making art with friends. She is super big into graphic design, executing this interest in making graphics for Fashion Lifestyle at Yale (FLY) and is also the treasurer for the organization as well!

Henry Vo (he/him) is from Baltimore, Maryland, and is majoring in Economics with a certificate in Education Studies or Global Health Studies. Here at Yale, he’s a CCE (Community and Consent Educator), an aide for Silliman College, a Yale&You counselor, and a member of ASLaY. When he’s not locked in, he’s hanging out with his friends, rewatching comfort shows, and feasting on amazing food from around New Haven. Feel free to reach out to him about anything!

Isa Zedillo (she/her) is a sophomore in Trumbull, double majoring in Economics and Film and Media Studies. She is originally from Mexico City and also grew up in Cancun, Mexico and Miami, Florida. Outside of the Goodlife Center, she loves spending time with friends, studying at SOM, taking classes at soul sweat, and watching bad Mexican reality tv shows. She is involved in Theta and several business organizations. If you ever want to chat or feel homesick, don't hesitate to reach out!

Karen Ayoub (she/her) is from Jersey City, NJ and is majoring in Psychology. She is always on the lookout for the next great read or must-see film, and believes art has a way of bringing people together. She is also a member of Whim 'n Rhythm, an a cappella group on campus. Karen is involved in research and in mental health advocacy with the Yale Student Mental Health Association (YSMHA) and enjoys getting to know students at pop-up events. She is always looking for recommendations and would love to get to know you over a cup of chamomile tea.

Klaleh Punni (she/her) is from Mays Landing, New Jersey, majoring in History and is pre-law. At Yale, Klaleh is involved in African Leadership on campus, in roles such as publicity chair of the African Students Association, a dancer on the Afro fusion dance team, Dzana, and the previous co-marketing officer of the African Innovation Symposium. Klaleh is also involved in Christian ministry on campus and serves as the worship lead for Christian Union. Outside of the classroom, you can catch Klaleh working out at Payne Whitney Gym, talking about international relations, or singing, listening, and dancing to different genres of music! If you ever want to talk about your favorite tracks or grab a tea with Klaleh, just let her know!

Mariama Sow (she/her)

Morgan Holien (he/him) is from Superior, Colorado and is majoring in Physics and Applied Mathematics. On campus, he's involved with research, the Yale Undergraduate Research Journal, and Shotokan Karate. In his free time, he loves drawing, playing video games, and going to the gym. He loves metal music, so let him know if you have any recs!

Nana Ama Ocran (she/her) is a junior from Ghana, West Africa, studying Neuroscience and History of Science, Medicine, & Public Health (HSHM). Alongside being a Good Life Center Intern, she also works as a Yale College Community Care (YC3) Student Ambassador. Nana also actively contributes to the African Students' Association as their President, and is additionally involved in the Yale Gospel Choir, where she joyously serves as one of their musical directors. She is very passionate about the advancement of Africa, with a particular interest in the public health and educational domain. Outside of academics, Nana finds joy in listening to old school R&B and afrobeats. If you ever find yourself interested in paint & sips, karaoke nights, worship sessions, or simply relaxing in a music studio, don't hesitate to connect with Nana!

Sam Kumar (he/him)

Steph Bittle (she/her) was born in South Korea and now calls Aiea, Hawai’i home. She is double majoring in History of Science, Medicine, and Public Health, as well as East Asian Languages and Literatures. Beyond her academic pursuits, Steph tutors high school students and is involved in organizing the Yale Queer + Asian Organization. Passionate about reproductive rights, mental health, and Korean literature, media, and politics, Steph aims to explore the intersection of these issues within the context of South Korean and American history and contemporary culture. In her free time, she enjoys running, thrifting for sweaters, jamming with friends, and seeking out the best chocolate chip cookie at local coffee shops.

Taylor Robin (she/her) is originally from Cortlandt Manor, NY, and is currently in her fifth year of a combined BA/MPH program. Following her graduation in May from Yale College with a BA in History of Science, Medicine, and Public Health, Taylor will finish this spring with her MPH degree in Health Care Management from Yale School of Public Health. Given this passion for public health, she loves all the Good Life Center has to offer to protect and honor students' wellness. When she is not in class, Taylor loves going on bike rides with friends to explore New Haven and try all the restaurants in the city.

Zitlali Garcia-Mondragon

Emily Chen