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Student Health and Counseling Center

Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC)

group photo of the student health advisory committe posing and smiling

Student-Driven Health Advocacy: Your Health. Your Voice. Your Campus.

The Student Health and Counseling Center has two teams of volunteers within our building: Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) and Peer Ambassadors of Wellness (PAWs). For more information on the Student Health Advisory Committee, contact Kathy Yarmo at kyarmo@csufresno.edu. 

Learn more about the Student Health Advisory Committee at Fresno State below! 

  • SHAC serves as a bridge between the student body and the Student Health and Counseling Center.
  • It ensures that students’ needs, concerns, and experiences directly inform campus health policies, programs, and priorities
  • According to CSU Executive Order 942, every CSU campus must maintain a student advisory committee to support and strengthen student health services. 

shac group poses for a group photo

  • Kathy Yarmo, MPH (SHAC Advisor)
  • Dennice McAlister, LMFT (CAPS Subcommittee)
    Victoria Lee, Psychology Undergraduate & SHAC Co-Chair
    • Lasee Pena, Psychology Undergraduate
    • Lorena Bernal, Human Nutritional Sciences Undergraduate
    • Mike Ursini, Psychology Undergraduate
    • Martha Serrano, MSW, Services for Students with Disabilities
  • Lorena Flores, LVN (Medical Subcommittee)
    • Jeian Lopez, Biochemistry Undergraduate
    • Jocelyn Velazquez, Biology Undergraduate
    • Dilnoor Riar, Biology Undergraduate
    • Dr. Jesse Scaccia, Faculty, Media, Communications and Journalism
  • Danielle Mendoza, LMFT (Wellness Subcommittee)
    • Miyah Carrillo, Ag Business Undergraduate
    • Mireya Avila, Public Health and Chicano Studies Undergraduate
    • McKenzie Felsted, Human Nutritional Sciences Graduate
    • Rubi Rivera, Biology Undergraduate
    • Dr. Jenelle Gilbert, Faculty & Chair, Kinesiology

SHAC is composed of three subcommittees, each with a different responsibility related to the well-being of Fresno State students.

  • Wellness Subcommittee: Led by Danielle Mendoza, LMFT
    • Increase student awareness of available campus resources and to foster a holistic approach to overall well-being.
    • Current project for fall 2025: improve the selection of items in the Fresno State Wellness To Go vending machine.
  • Medical Subcommittee: Led by Lorena Flores, LVN
    • Identify areas for improvement with Fresno State’s range of medical services offered.
    • Current project for fall 2025: develop plans to educate Fresno State students on how to respond to a medical emergency.
  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) Subcommittee: Led by Dennice McAllister, LMFT
    • Support students seeking assistance from Fresno State’s counseling staff.
    • Current project for fall 2025: promote group therapy services 

2024 – 2025 Academic Year Annual Committee Report – Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) 

Each year, SHAC holds an open application process to select new student members who are passionate about contributing to our mission and goals. Individuals interested in advocating and serving as the voice for their peers at Fresno State on issues related to health and wellness are encouraged to apply.

  • Being a SHAC member:
    • Looks great on a resume!
    • Builds advocacy, collaboration, and leadership skills.
    • Students work closely with staff, faculty, and other student members to solve prevalent issues related to health, wellness, and services provided at the Student Health and Counseling Center.
  • SHAC Student Applications will be available on April 1, 2026. (Link to apply coming soon!)
    • Interviews will happen in early May 2026
    • Requirements: Undergraduate and graduate students must
      • Make a one-year commitment.
      • Maintain a minimum of 2.0 GPA
      • Attend monthly meetings
      • Serve approximately 3 hours per month