Peer Mentors & Advisors

The Rx Pharmacy Peer Relief Network is a group comprised of Waterloo pharmacy students who offer mentoring and social support services to any pharmacy students who need someone to talk to regarding life stresses, school stresses and mental health. 

​

You can go to our Instagram, Facebook or document here for a list of mentors you can reach out to at any time. Rx 2023 Mentors Rx 2024 Mentors Rx 2025 Mentors

​

​

​

​

Here is our Google Form you can fill out to meet with a mentor: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdSFamEDp8IBVfXSH4B97yhw9GLzbCFTw7Lb1gPY7jKcFS4Pw/viewform 

__________________________________________________________________

 

Pharmacy School Advisors & Counsellors 

​

​

Name: Becky Ewan (She/Her)

Job Title: Academic Advisor, Undergraduate Coordinator

 

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

I joined the School of Pharmacy in 2017 in my current role after working on main campus in Student Awards and Financial Aid and in the Registrar’s Office at St. Jerome’s University. I am a Laurier alumnus (BA in Fine Arts) who has come to love and feel at home at Waterloo! In the few years I have been at the School so much has changed. I love the variety that exists in my role – I work with admissions, curriculum, and of course supporting students.

 

Personally, I stay busy with volunteer work at the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society and Grand River Hospital. I love animals, especially cats, and am a proud owner of Scooter, my black and white tuxedo cat. I also love reading, baking (but not cooking), and spending time with my family which includes three nieces and one nephew!

 

What is your favourite part of your job at UW School of Pharmacy?

I find it very rewarding to work with and support our PharmD and CAP students. It is truly a privilege to be there to provide encouragement and guidance and to celebrate their successes! I also love that my job is within such a strong community of caring and wonderful staff, faculty, and students!

 

What do you want students to know about how you can support them?

I want students to know that they can approach us about anything at any time. Our doors, virtual as they may be, are always open. If Kaitlin and I do not know the answer, we will find out! We want to help you succeed personally and professionally.

 

_________

 

Name: Kaitlin Bynkoski (She/Her)

Job Title: Director of Admissions & Undergraduate Affairs

 

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

Professionally, I am a pharmacist and a Waterloo pharmacy alumnus! I joined the School of Pharmacy in my current job title in August 2019. Throughout my career, I have worn various hats: community pharmacist, hospital pharmacist, medication safety pharmacist, continuing education coordinator, preceptor, and RCC. I joined the School full-time in 2019 because I realized the work that gave me the most sense of purpose and fulfillment was working with students and supporting the next generation of pharmacists!

 

Personally, I am an avid golfer; sports and fantasy sports enthusiast; love cooking and finding new recipes to make; I always have a puzzle and a book on the go; my family is my world and I love being an auntie; my husband is also a pharmacist and we met in pharmacy school at Waterloo!

 

What is your favourite part of your job at UW School of Pharmacy?

My favourite part about working at the School is providing support to students. Being involved in undergraduate affairs is a wonderful and rare opportunity to support students from application through to graduation and hopefully providing mentorship well beyond some student’s time here at the School. I find daily inspiration in my work and being part of a team that cares so much about its students and shaping the future of pharmacy.

 

What do you want students to know about how you can support them?

There is a wide range of services that an academic advisor can offer a student. Academic support and resources is a common request. I provide students with tips on topics such as motivation, productivity, time-management, note-taking and test-taking strategies.

 

One of my passions is supporting students in leadership and professional development! Being a pharmacy student is as much about learning the competencies as it is about growing as a person. Although this journey is individualized, you do not have to go through it alone. My number one piece of advice to all students is to find a mentor. I provide mentorship but also provide tips and strategies for students in seeking mentorship and enhancing your own social capital.

​

How can students contact you?

Best way to get in touch with me is by emailing pharmacy.advisor@uwaterloo.ca. Becky and I both monitor this email regularly and we will make sure that you are matched up with an advisor based on your needs.

_________

​

Name: Melody Mann (she/her)

Job Title: Registered Social Worker, member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers

​

Melody Mann (she/her) is a Registered Social Worker and member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from McMaster University as well as a Master of (Clinical) Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University. With over 15 years’ experience in the counselling field, Melody has worked with a wide range of concerns including addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/loss, chronic health, relationships, identity, life transitions and personal growth.

​

Melody uses a compassionate and integrated approach, incorporating elements of mindfulness, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), narrative, solution-focused, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) into her practice.

Melody strongly believes in the human capacity for change, growth and healing and is energized by the connections she makes with people during counselling conversations. 

In her spare time, Melody enjoys spending time in nature, with family (including her dog) and in creative pursuits.

​

To book an appointment please call 519-888-4567 ext. 32655 (that's the number general counselling number to call - say you're in pharmacy & would like to book with Melody)

​

You will be offered an appt with Melody or with another qualified counsellor who may have an earlier availability. 

 

More info at:https://uwaterloo.ca/campus-wellness/counselling-services/meet-our-team#bios

_______________________________________________________________________________