Peer Ministers
The Chapel of the Resurrection
What is a Peer Minister?
Peer Ministers serve as mentors, a caring presence, and role models to students, being available to peers, fostering relationships, creating program and spiritual growth opportunities, and connecting students in need of spiritual care with the pastoral staff of the Chapel of the Resurrection. The majority of the Peer Ministers live in the residence halls and are an integral part of both the Residence Life team and the Chapel ministry.
The Chapel of the Resurrection
Meet the 2026-2027 Peer Ministers
This year’s Peer Ministers
Eli Conklin
Lead Peer Minister
Hi! My name is Eli Conklin, and I’m a senior meteorology major from Pittsburgh, PA. This year, I am excited to again be a Lead PM! I became a peer minister because I felt God’s calling to be there for students on this campus who are seeking direction or help in their lives — those who are looking for “rest for your souls” (Jeremiah 6:16). I hope to be a welcoming resource for all students who want to know what is next for them!
On campus, I’m involved in the club ultimate frisbee team, WVUR sports broadcasts, the Celebrate! worship team, and officiating intramurals. I also enjoy watching sports (go Red Sox and Steelers!) and playing golf and cricket.
Katelyn Jaster “KJ”
Lead Peer Minister
Hi! I’m KJ! I am a junior Biology major with minors in Chemistry and Humanities, and I am from Centennial, Colorado. I’m one of the two lead peer ministers this year. I am so excited to be a PM, and I am looking forward to all of the amazing programs, services, and time spent in community with each other that will occur this school year. Some of my interests include track and field (I high jump here!), anything outdoors, and playing or listening to music. You can usually find me in beacon or studying in CFS or the library!
Commuter Student Peer Minister
Owen Dalpoas
Commuter Student Peer Minister
Hi, my name is Owen! I am a third year Health Science major from Columbia, IL. I am the Peer Minister for commuter students here at Valpo. I chose to be a PM because I love talking to people and helping others understand and live out the faith. I want to help commuter students feel more involved on campus and give them support while here at Valpo!
Brandt Hall Peer Ministers
Amanda Alvia
Brandt Hall, 2nd Floor
Hey! My name is Amanda Alvia, and I’m so excited to be Brandt’s second floor peer minister! I am a senior in the Health Science/Physician Assistant Program from Palatine, Illinois. I love supporting others through the big and small moments, and I am so excited to be able to do this as a PM.
Brandt Hall Peer Ministers
Kyan Luckett
Brandt Hall, 3rd Floor
I am Kyan Luckett a junior mechanical engineer major. I am a PM in Brandt hall room 320. I became a Peer Minister because it gives me the opportunity to help out the community around me and to be of service. I enjoy meeting many people and being a Peer Minister gives me a better reason to do that.
You can always find me around campus, usually in Gellerson, the church, or the fitness center. I am involved in asme and sae. I love watching sports and all types of music. Would love any recommendations for music or any good news about the Bears, Bulls, or Whitesox.
Isabelle Mitchell
Brandt Hall, 4th Floor
Hi, I’m Isabelle Mitchell! I am a sophomore social work major, originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan. I’m the PM for the 4th floor residents of Brandt and I’m so excited to get to know all of you! Whether you want to play cards, talk about classes, or just have someone to study with, I am happy to be that person for you!
On campus, I am a part of College Mentors for Kids, Christ College, and St. Teresa’s. I love watching movies, doing crafts, and reading in my spare time.
Ethan Pavasars
Brandt Hall, 5th Floor
I am Ethan Pavasars, civil engineering student. Somehow I ended up at Valpo for my second year all the way from California (no, I don’t mind the cold). I am happy to be serving as the PM for 5th floor Brandt. Most of my friends knew I was going to be a PM before I did, because I’ve spent so so much time in and around the Chapel. It was an easy choice though, because I love exploring campus connections and faith topics, especially with other people.
Wehrenberg Hall Peer Ministers
Aidan Johnson
Wehrenberg Hall, 1st Floor
I am Aidan Johnson! I am a sophomore Mechanical Engineering major from Valparaiso, Indiana. I am the first-floor peer minister for Wehrenberg. I chose to become a peer minister because I wanted to be there for people and help guide them through their faith if needed.
Nathália Lenz Prochnow
Wehrenberg Hall, 2nd Floor
I am Nathália Prochnow! I am a sophomore double majoring in political science and social work from Brazil. I am the peer minister for Wehrenberg Hall. Becoming a peer minister was really exciting for me because I love to help and care for people however I can. I’m here to be a support for any student that has questions through faith, and I’m more than happy to listen or even get students connected to the resources that we have on campus that might help them. I want to help make Valpo a safe space for all students that come to this university, no matter where you are from.
Ethan Palmisano
Wehrenberg Hall, 3rd Floor
My name is Ethan Palmisano. I’m a junior meteorology major with a math minor from Beecher, Illinois, a small town an hour away from both Valpo and Chicago. I’ll be a Peer Minister on Floor 3 of Wehrenberg Hall. On campus, I’m primarily involved in the meteorology organizations. I’m also involved over at St. Teresa’s where I attend mass and sometimes lector during mass. In my free time, I love listening to the Cubs and keeping tabs on the current weather across the country.
Teresa Taylor
Wehrenberg Hall, 4th Floor
My name is Teresa Taylor, and I’m a Sophomore pre-med Biochemistry major with a Spanish minor from Carbondale, Illinois! This year I’ll be the Peer Minister for Wehrenberg Floor 4. I wanted to be a PM because I love to hear people’s stories and help them find connection. My goal for this year is to make sure my residents (and anyone that needs it!) have an environment that they feel comforted and supported in, and to know it’s okay to ask for help.