The CEHD Student Advisory Board was established in 2023 to provide faculty and staff with insight into the needs of the CEHD student body. Advisory Board members demonstrate strong leadership skills to support them in fulfilling the diverse duties of the role, such as serving as representatives of their programs, assisting with CEHD signature events and functions, creating social media content, and planning events for the college.
Interested in joining the CEHD Student Advisory Board?
Look out in CEHD Student Newsletter for our next recruitment announcement, or email Student and Academic Affairs at [email protected] with further questions about how to get involved.
Learn more about the benefits and expectations of being on the CEHD Student Advisory Board, and keep reading to meet our current members!
Interested in joining the CEHD Student Advisory Board?
2025-2026 Advisory Board Members
Ashbury Sunshine Lindsey-Hernandez
she/her
Hometown: Pacific Northwest
Program: MEd Counseling (Clinical Mental Health)
Participating in the advisory board is a great way to get involved at George Mason and work directly with my peers to find solutions to the problems that accompany growing and navigating college. Outside of being a student, I enjoy reading and journaling. My bag is always heavy with a current read and paper scraps I plan to glue into my journal.
Britney Jara
she/her
Hometown: Bronx, NY
Program: MEd Counseling (Clinical Mental Health)
I joined the CEHD Student Advisory Board in order to bring together and empower diverse communities, help others find their place on campus, and create some fun for all students! Outside of being a student, I love to stage-manage different shows (specifically musicals!) I also love to read, cook, and jam to music & sing 24/7.
Christina Eagle
she/her
Program: PhD in Education
I joined the CEHD Student Advisory Board because I believe in the community CEHD builds and creates. CEHD creates future educators, counselors, and other professions helping other people become their best selves. CEHD students are good humans and it is an honor to plan events or improve practices based on what they need and want.
Outside of being a student, you can catch me on the sideline of a field hockey or soccer field cheering on my kids. Or I am in the audience at a theater watching my children perform in their musicals. I could also be walking my two dogs, and if you can’t find me, I am probably driving my kids all over Northern Virginia.
Demarcus Merritt, Sr.
He/Him/His
Program: PhD in Education
I joined the CEHD Advisory Board to elevate diverse student perspectives and serve through action-oriented, servant leadership, particularly advocating for peers who share my intersectional experience as a full-time staff member and student. I look forward to creating meaningful spaces for community, development, and collective support throughout our CEHD journey.
Outside of being a student, I’m very much a #BoyDad and love spending time with my fiancé and our two energetic sons; whether we’re exploring Fairfax or traveling together. I also enjoy college football on Saturdays (#GoDawgs), staying active through sports, public speaking, cooking, and discovering new eateries across the DMV and wherever our travels take us.
Kam Williams
she/her
Hometown: Boynton Beach, Florida
Program: MEd Counseling (Clinical Mental Health)
I joined the student advisory board because I want to be a resource to others, helping bridge the gap between the students, professors, and faculty to make GMU a more enjoyable experience for everyone. Outside of being a student, I enjoy anything fitness-related. I love playing all sports, but basketball and volleyball are my favorites.
Raiannamei Elad
she/her
Hometown: Frederick, Maryland
Program: MEd Counseling (Clinical Mental Health)
I joined the CEHD Student Advisory Board to be a voice for students, help cultivate growth socially, academically, and emotionally, and make a positive impact through creating community within CEHD and GMU.
Outside of being a student, I love reading books, listening to music, crafting, playing Animal Crossing on my Nintendo switch, and doing photography!
Rowen O’Rourke
he/they
Hometown: Springfield, Virginia
Program: BSEd Elementary Education
I joined the board to help make George Mason more accessible to all students and to build community across all programs in CEHD. In my free time you can find me listening to music, spending time in nature, or trying to find a good coffee place and order.
Sarah Yi
she/her
Hometown: Waimānalo, Hawai’i
Program: MEd Counseling (Clinical Mental Health)
I joined the board to create opportunities that empower students to cultivate growth, belonging, and well-being in their academic and personal journeys within CEHD. Outside of being a student, I enjoy creating digital art, journaling, reading, and crafting community-based events.