We are a student-led group of peers passionate about the well-being and mental/emotional health of our fellow classmates. As majors in aviation and aviation-related fields, we face stressors and requirements that other endeavors do not.
Our goal is to destigmatize reaching out for assistance and to make that process as easy as possible. Any issue that diminishes quality-of-life, be it social, financial, interpersonal or emotional, can interfere in progress or performance in this industry.
As peers, we, in addition to being active listeners, can connect you to campus resources available to you. Every effort will be made to answer any questions you might have.
Anything that we can do to reduce ambivalence and diminish barriers regarding fear of seeking help will be done. It is important to know that peer support programs are quickly becoming standard in the aviation industry and are, in fact, a requirement for airlines in Europe.
We too have struggled with multiple stressors, the turmoil of life as a college student, and mental/emotional health issues. All these issues are, or can be, amplified because of the extra requirements and pressures in our common journey as aviation students. We are here to support you and be a kind listener. Conversations with peer supporters are not recorded or reportable to the FAA.
Reach out to us today!
Lydia Schock is a student majoring in Commercial Aviation from Anchorage, Alaska. In her free time, she loves adventuring in the mountains (especially if she is flying), spending time with her friends, and reading. As part of the UpLift program, she hopes to reduce the stigma around seeking mental health support in the aviation industry.
Olivia Farnsworth is a double major in Commercial Aviation and Aviation Safety and Operations, with a minor in Anthropology. Originally from Vancouver, Washington, Olivia loves cooking and spending time outside with her dog. She joined Uplift to help her peers and spread awareness about the importance of mental health in aviation.
Rebecca Brookhart is majoring in Commercial Aviation and Aviation Safety. She is originally from Parker, Colorado, and enjoys watching football, hockey, and baseball. In her free time, you can find her in the kitchen cooking or baking, hanging out with friends and family, or at the golf course. She became a peer supporter to help break the stigma surrounding mental health in the aviation community.
Trevor Herd is from Missoula, Montana. He enjoys fly fishing, hunting, and skiing. Trevor joined Uplift because he is passionate about mental health and wants to support his fellow aviation students. He believes that everyone faces challenges in life, and feelings of anxiety or sadness are especially common in aviation. Trevor believes it's important to prioritize mental fitness and to have programs like Uplift available as a source of support.
Ethan Jacobson is a junior majoring in commercial aviation. He is from Minneapolis, MN, and his favorite hobbies are skiing and playing sports with friends. He wanted to join UpLift to help out his peers and try to eliminate the stigma around mental health in aviation.
Valentina Jimenez is majoring in Commercial Aviation and Aviation Management with a Safety Specialization. Originally from Manizales, Colombia, she enjoys working out, reading, going on walks, and hanging out with her friends. Mental health in aviation is a matter that should be further enhanced to promote the safety not only of the crew members but for everyone involved in the industry. Hence, Uplift is the perfect resource to start addressing and providing the necessary support for those in the aviation world.
Miina Okino is double-majoring in Commercial Aviation and Aviation Management. Originally from Yokohama, Japan, she grew up as a city girl but loves spending time outdoors - especially hiking and skiing. She joined the Uplift Program because she wants to support people who may be going through difficult times and help create a path for them to find hope and encouragement.
GeorgiaRae is majoring in Commercial Aviation. She is originally from Wisconsin. GeorgiaRae enjoys being outside, reading, and spending time with family and friends. She wanted to join UpLift to help break the stigma around mental health in aviation. She is passionate about helping her peers and offering support.
Erin Walker is from Minneapolis, MN, and is majoring in Commercial Aviation and French. She is passionate about UpLift and the progress being made in the aviation industry towards mental health. In her free time, she enjoys sailing at lakes back home, going on hikes, and canoe trips in the Boundary Waters.
Daniel Visconti is majoring in Commercial Aviation and minoring in Spanish. He's from Bronxville, New York and enjoys hiking, baseball, and skiing. Daniel joined UpLift in order to end the stigma surrounding mental health in the world of aviation, and to help grow a platform which allows aviation students to get the confidential help they need.
Aiden Brasier grew up in Camas, Washington. He has been interested in flying for as long as he can remember and is majoring in Commercial Aviation. He is passionate about what UpLift stands for and believes everyone should be equipped with the tools they need to excel in all aspects of life, and especially aviation. He enjoys playing tennis, working out, and spending time with friends.
Andrea is a Commercial Aviation major with a Psychology minor from Prior Lake, Minnesota. In her free time, she enjoys playing any kind of video or card game. Andrea has always had a passion for therapy and counseling and hopes to help support her fellow pilots with Uplift.
Abby Madara is majoring in Commercial Aviation with minors in Atmospheric Sciences and Leadership. Originally from northern New Jersey, she enjoys spending her free time outdoors, practicing yoga, and being with her family, friends, and dogs. Abby joined Uplift because she understands how challenging college and the aviation program can be, and she never wants anyone to feel alone in their struggles. Through Uplift, she hopes to provide the support, encouragement, and sense of community that can make those challenges a little easier.
Cora Wahl is a sophomore majoring in Commercial Aviation Helicopter. She chose to join Uplift to help support other helicopter students and other peers in the aviation program. Cora wants to help make others feel important and care about their future the way she does!
Malik Soumano is from Riverside, CA, and is triple-majoring in Commercial Aviation, Aviation Business Management, and Aviation Safety. His experiences in the U.S. Marine Corps inspired him to continue mentoring and supporting fellow students at UND who share similar dreams and experiences. In his spare time, you'll find him teaching Pilates or listening to R&B music.
Mallory is from Aitkin, Minnesota and is majoring in Commercial Aviation with a specialization in Safety and minor in Atmospheric Science. She enjoys baking and reading in her free time and loves to travel. Mallory joined UpLift as a way to change people's attitudes toward mental health in the aviation industry and give back to her peers.
Thien Thang is a student majoring in Commercial Aviation from Saigon, Vietnam. In his free time, he loves to cook and spend time at the Jiu Jitsu gym. He became a peer supporter because he believes everyone has a story, and every story deserves to be heard despite the stigma surrounding mental health in the aviation industry.
Madeline Verdoljak is a senior majoring in Commercial Aviation from Superior, Wisconsin. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music and spending time outdoors! Madeline recognizes the importance of implementing peer support programs in the aviation industry. As a part of UpLift, she hopes to support the emotional well-being of her classmates.
Cydney Pathammavong is from Austin, MN. She enjoys running and working out, tennis, music, spending quality time with her friends, and being involved on campus. She's majoring in Commercial Aviation and is proud to be serving her fellow aviators on their road to success. Cydney became a peer supporter because she believes mental wellness is monumental to being successful.
Annalise St. Claire is originally from Missoula, Montana, but grew up in Gardner, North Dakota. In her free time, she loves reading, listening to music, spending time with her cat "Puppy," and enjoying the outdoors (especially during the summer). She joined the UpLift program because she grew up seeing a lack of information and support surrounding mental health, and has seen people close to her greatly impacted by it. Through UpLift, she hopes to help raise awareness about mental health and be a source of support for those who may need it.
Lucian Guimond is majoring in Commercial Aviation with minors in Finance and Operations & Supply Chain Management. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, he grew up in Golden, Colorado. Outside of aviation, Lucian enjoys skiing and mountain biking. He joined Uplift because he is passionate about supporting his fellow aviation students and helping reduce the stigma surrounding mental health in the aviation community.
Thomas Hung is double majoring in Commercial Aviation and Aviation Safety and Operations at UND. Originally from Taipei, Taiwan, he enjoys cooking, running, and exploring different cultures. As an international student, he knows how important it is to feel welcomed and supported. He joined UpLift to be someone his peers can reach out to about their mental health and feel more comfortable in the aviation community.
Riley Madsen is from Mankato, MN. He played hockey throughout high school but is now following his career goals at UND. He enjoys being outdoors and talking to friends about anything that is going on.
Zoe Thompson is majoring in Commercial Aviation and Psychology. Originally from Seattle, WA, her aviation passions were developed through a love for seaplanes. She loves going on long walks, reading, and playing with her labradoodle, Cinder. She wanted to become a peer supporter to give back to, and help protect, the aviation community she loves so much.
Declan Emery is from the suburbs of Chicago and is majoring in Commercial Aviation, Aviation Management, and Business Finance. He enjoys working out and hanging out with friends in his free time.
Pavel Rettig is from Wisconsin and is majoring in Commercial Aviation. Outside of school, he enjoys fishing, playing hockey, and attending UND hockey games. Pavel wanted to join UpLift to address the growing mental health concerns in the aviation industry.
Michael Mickey is majoring in Commercial Aviation. He grew up in a small town in Nebraska, where he spent much of his time farming, hunting, and riding dirt bikes. His passion for flying took off in 2022 when he was selected to attend the Air Force JROTC Flight Academy at UND's satellite campus in Phoenix, Arizona. Outside of aviation, Michael enjoys playing basketball, lifting weights, and riding his motorcycle. He joined UpLift to support fellow aviation students, helping them manage life's challenges while keeping mental health a priority.