Meet the STP 2026 Summer Staff
STP Hall Director
Hey, STP friends! My name is Gracie Stewart, and I will serve as your STP Hall Director this summer! Originally from Richmond, Virginia, I earned my B.S. in Independent Scholars from James Madison University (’25), along with minors in English and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
I currently call Norfolk home as I pursue a M.S.Ed. in International Higher Education at Old Dominion University. In addition to my studies, I serve as the Programming Graduate Assistant within the Student Engagement and Traditions Office, Graduate Advisor to the Student Activities Council, President within the Higher Education Student Association, and volunteer as an ODU Graduate School Student Ambassador! As someone truly invested in student transition, engagement, and development, I am excited to join the UMW STARS Center and STP team in creating a welcoming environment where incoming students can build meaningful connections, excel academically, and grow personally– jumpstarting their successful undergraduate careers!
Summer Peer Conselors
Meet Valerie Palomares Torres, peer counselor for STP summer 2026!
Valerie is a senior majoring in Spanish and Political Science and is active in the UMW community through clubs and events like Women of Color and Sabor Latino! Originally from Richmond, VA, she lives with her brother and her parents, when she isn’t with her friends or in the Stars office at UMW. She is excited to be back for STP as she participated in the program her freshman year and found some of her best friends to-date. Valerie believes STP’s directors and counselors passed on valuable knowledge about university life and personal connections, and she hopes to do the same to the incoming freshman class. Because of her Mexican upbringing in Richmond, she dedicates herself to giving back to the community and helping various clubs at UMW. She has been the President of the Latino Student Association ever since Fall 2024 and does everything to make sure the club represents the Latino community properly and hosts great events as well. Valerie also loves to take part in the arts world, as she enjoys working with different mediums such as painting and printmaking. Her favorite is graphite! This love for arts and crafts has grown while at UMW, starting in her freshman year when she learned to crochet with the Yarnworks club! She is very excited to be back as an STP Counselor after being one last year, and can’t wait to start!
Meet Asia Lockett, peer counselor of STP Summer 2026!
Asia is a rising senior from Clermont and is majoring in Biomedical Sciences. Asia is a proud member of the Rappahannock Scholar program and has worked in the STARS center since her sophomore year. Not only was Asia a participant of the STP program, she is a two time counselor. She spends most of her time on the pitch as she plays Women’s Rugby for the university. This year they made it to the national championships and ranked 11th in the country! She is also a part of the Pre-health society club. While out of school Asia dotes on her nieces and picks fun with all her siblings.
Meet Daniel Mollo, peer counselor for STP Summer 2026!
Daniel is a rising sophomore from Springfield, VA and is double majoring in Psychology and Biomedical Sciences. He is active in LSA (Latino Student Association) and will become their Event Coordinator this coming year. Additionally, he will serve as a RISE (Resources Inspiring Student Excellence) Peer Mentor and continue work as a DKC (Digital Knowledge Center) Consultant for the 2026-27 school year. Being a relatively fresh high school grad, Daniel understands the potential anxieties with the big transition to college life. He hopes to ease this transition, relieve anxieties, and foster a welcoming environment for the incoming UMW class. He credits STP for being a great platform to form friendships and to getting accustomed to campus life. Outside of school, Daniel loves to play games (often video/board/card), to listen to music, and to eat good food. He also has been getting into volleyball and badminton, and will be joining both related clubs in the fall!
Meet Sarah Moon, peer counselor for STP Summer 2026!
Sarah is a rising senior from Loudoun County, majoring in English with a minor in Professional Writing. For three semesters, she served as the social media intern for the English & Linguistics Department, and is now embarking on her third and final semester as a student intern for University Communications. In addition to her internship work, Sarah also serves as Team Leader of the STARS Ambassadors, Secretary of the Women of Color organization, and a member of both the UMW Honors College and the Dorsey Scholars Program. But when she’s not involved in campus life, you’ll find her making niche internet references, spending time with her family, reading contemporary fiction, or feeding her coffee addiction. As both a former STP student and now a second-year counselor, Sarah is excited to prepare the incoming Eagles for life at UMW. In her experience, STP was the melting pot for friendships, connections, educational resources, and unforgettable memories. Thus, she hopes all students are ready to embrace these next two weeks and have some fun!
Meet Mikyas Telahun, peer counselor for STP Summer 2026!
Mikyas is a rising senior from Fairfax, VA and is majoring in Biomedical Science and Anthropology. At UMW, he has been involved in the Students Red Cross Club and COAR (Community Outreach and Resources). Based on those experiences, he has enjoyed meeting people from different backgrounds and learning from their stories. Outside of school, Mikyas enjoys watching historical movies, spending time with friends, meeting new people, and swimming. He is excited to be part of the STP counselor team and looks forward to helping new UMW students to feel welcomed and connected within the campus.
Meet Elayna Sterling, peer counselor for STP Summer 2026!
Elayna is a rising senior from Fairfax and is majoring in Communication and Digital Studies. Their time at UMW has been filled with involvement in a love of connection, creativity, and helping others feel at home. When they’re not studying or singing with friends, you can usually find Elayna browsing local thrift stores for hidden gems or curled up with a good romance novel. They’re excited to bring that same warmth, enthusiasm, and steady support to STP this summer.
Meet Taniyah McAllister, peer counselor for STP Summer 2026!
Taniyah is a rising junior from Norfolk, VA, majoring in Biology with hopes of pursuing a career working with OSHA in the future. During her time at UMW, she has been actively involved in campus leadership and student engagement. Taniyah serves as the president of the Women of Color Club and enjoys creating community through her leadership, including hosting karaoke nights every Wednesday in the Underground.
Taniyah’s campus involvements also include participating in the STP program during her first year at UMW, serving as an Orientation Leader last year, and she was recently promoted to Orientation Coordinator for this summer. Through these roles, she has enjoyed welcoming new students, supporting their transitions, and helping them find their place on campus. In her free time, Taniyah loves to sing, play tennis, and spend time connecting with others. She is excited to be part of the STP team and looks forward to supporting incoming students as they begin their UMW journey.