Beavers Belong Support Network
Beavers Belong is a student-led network through which you can connect, feel heard, and find your place at OSU. Through weekly peer-facilitated groups and community-building events, Beavers Belong creates a welcoming and inclusive space for students to support each other’s mental well-being, identities, and everyday experiences. Each group is held outside of CAPS and led by trained Student Leaders who are here to listen, guide conversations, encourage engaging dialogue, and help you feel like you belong.
Find connection. Share Support. Thrive Together.
Find your people, share the journey
If you'd like to join a group, explore being a peer leader, or just want more information, let us know and we'll be in touch!
Fall Group Schedule
Disability Group
Tuesdays 5 to 6:30pm in MU 062
This group may discuss the unique experiences of students who are navigating college with a disability, neurodivergence, chronic illness, and/or learning disabilities.
Graduate Group
Thursdays 5:30 to 7pm in MU 062
This group may discuss experiences common to graduate students, including work/life balance, impostor syndrome, relationships with advisors, and whatever else participants would like to talk about.
High Financial Stress Group
Wednesdays 5 to 6:30pm in MU 062
Navigating college can be tough, especially when finances are stressful. This group may discuss what it’s like to experience financial stress during college, and whatever else participants would like to talk about.
International Student Group
Wednesdays 5:30 to 7pm in ILLC 242
This group may discuss what it is like to be an international student at OSU. Topics could include living in a new country, navigating a new education system, living with unfamiliar cultures, and whatever else participants would like to talk about.
Undergraduate Groups
Mondays 6 to 7:30pm & Fridays 4 to 5:30pm
This group may discuss experiences common to undergraduate students, including adjusting to college, forming connections, balancing academics with social life, and whatever else participants would like to talk about.
All students are welcome to attend all groups.
Disclaimer: The Beavers Belong Support Network is a peer support program supported by CAPS and not group therapy. Peer support services are facilitated by trained student leaders, while therapy groups are facilitated by professional counselors. If you are interested in joining a CAPS group, please explore our offerings or contact the CAPS Groups Coordinator, John Wilkins at [email protected].
Group & Event Calendar
Meet Our Student Leaders
Brennan Duman
Brennan (he/him) I am a second year CS major with a focus in software engineering. When I am not doing homework, I can be found reading or playing video games. I also enjoy learning about, advocating for, and modeling railroads. I joined the BBSN program as a way to give back to the community and support my fellow students.
Grace Nelson
My name is Grace (she/her), and I am going into my Junior year here at Oregon State University. I am majoring in Psychology and minoring in human resource management. I just transferred to OSU this year, and I am excited to jump into my first year as a Beaver! Outside of classes, I'm on a country western dance team and I love going line dancing for fun, it's one of my favorite ways to unwind and meet new people! I joined the Beavers Belong Support Network because I know how important it is to feel connected and supported, especially when you're new to campus, and I am looking forward to creating that sense of community for others!
Lynette Kiprop
Hello, my name is Lynette (she/her) and I am a junior studying Business Administration. My hobbies include traveling, hiking, and reading books. I also enjoy engaging with people for talks, going for long walks and listening to music. I joined the Beavers Belong Support Network because through life’s ups and downs, we need a village around us to help us through our happy, sad, vulnerable and good times. This is a call for me to step in and walk with you as you pursue your goals.
Kimberly Garcia Torres
My name is Kimberly (she/her/ella) and I am a junior at Oregon State University studying HDFS with a minor in Spanish. I've always been passionate about helping other students, making sure that they are feeling supported and safe in our community. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, as well as going hiking, camping, and visiting new places around Oregon. I am very excited to join this amazing group, and I hope to meet and connect with you all soon!
Maica Riana Ridenour
Hi! I'm Maica (she/her) and I am a DVM student in the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine. I recently moved from living abroad in the Caribbean where I started my vet school journey, but am originally from Southern California. I like to spend my time out of school climbing, hiking, camping, and being a couch potato to catch up on shows & movies I enjoy. Being part of the BBSN allows me the opportunity to create safe spaces for people of all backgrounds where they can heal, feel seen, and find genuine connections in the beaver community.
Makamae Pascua-Mitchell
“Aloha! My name is Makamae (they/she/he). I'm majoring in Psychology and minoring in Human Development and Family Sciences. I am a second-year undergrad from Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, and I like to spend time with my loved ones and do anything involving water (swimming, water polo, surfing, etc.) for fun! This program interested me because I wanted to gain formal experience connecting with and supporting others.
Marisa Krauter
My name is Marisa (she/her) and I am a PhD student in Health Psychology. I’m very passionate about intersectionality and building support for people with diverse identities. These interests brought me to this program where I hope to be able to contribute to cultivating a supportive environment at OSU. In my free time I enjoy reading and watching movies. I also like staying active through yoga, cycling, and going on walks outside when the weather is nice.
McKenzie Unger
My name is McKenzie (she/her) and I am a senior at Oregon State studying sociology, with a minor in psychology. I moved to Oregon when I was 9 years old, after living in Nevada, Washington, and even the Netherlands for a bit! In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, hiking, cooking, going to the gym, seeing live music, and reading. I have experience working in mental health; in high school, I was a shift lead on Youth Line, a teen-to-teen crisis and support hotline, and worked as a Skills Trainer at the Children’s Farm Home in Corvallis during my freshman and sophomore years. I was very interested in joining the Beavers Belong Support Network because I’m passionate about forming and maintaining connections with others and creating a space where people feel safe and supported. I am excited to continue this work through this opportunity, and I’m excited to meet and connect with you guys!
Puneet Gandhok
My name is Puneet (he/him). I am a junior studying Psychology and enjoy traveling. I pursued becoming a student leader as I was fascinated with learning more about mental health and making a difference within the community.
Selena Marmon
My name is Selena (she/her) and I’m a sophomore studying Public Health here at Oregon State! I enjoy hiking with friends, traveling, and spending time with my family. I’m extremely excited to join this amazing support group and show OSU what we’re all about!
Meet Our Peer Support Coordinator
Molly Murphy, MSW, CSWA
My name is Molly (she/her) and I have been a counselor at CAPS since fall 2022 and transitioned to my role as Peer Support Coordinator in July 2024. I earned a B.S. in Community Health Education from Western Oregon University and a Master of Social Work from Portland State University.
I am from Yamhill, Oregon and now live in Albany with my partner and pup. When not working, I enjoy gardening, rock hounding, spending time with friends and family, camping, and traveling.