Practicum Highlight: Ariel Shirley, MPH'25

Empowering Indigenous Students Through Mental Health Support and Peer-Led Programs

Ariel Shirley is a Research Fellow at the Northwest Native American Research Center for Health, where she leads the collection and analysis of qualitative data to assess the effectiveness of the Indigenous Peer Support Program. As a Master of Public Health (MPH) candidate at Dartmouth, Ariel focused her practicum project, Empowering Indigenous Students: An Evaluation of the Indigenous Peer Support Program and Its Role in Mental Health and Belonging, on exploring the development and evaluation of the Indigenous Peer Support Program (IPSP) at the University of Arizona. This program aims to address the mental health challenges faced by Indigenous college students while promoting a sense of belonging.

A peer support program is especially valuable for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities, who can experience significant mental health challenges due to the lasting effects of intergenerational trauma, rooted in colonization and systemic oppression. The legacy of historical trauma continues to affect the psychological well-being of AI/AN individuals. Mental health disparities such as high rates of depression, PTSD, and suicide are prevalent in these communities, with barriers like stigma, cultural disconnect, and mistrust of mainstream healthcare hindering access to support. A peer support program offers a culturally relevant, safe space for individuals to share experiences, reduce stigma, and foster healing—particularly for young AI/AN adults facing mental health challenges and academic pressures.

"As a member of the Diné/Navajo Nation, the IPSP became a passion project rooted in the Diné value of reciprocity—giving back to the community that supported and uplifted you," explains Ariel.

The Indigenous Peer Support Program (IPSP) is grounded in the concept of Historical Trauma, which emphasizes the intergenerational psychological impacts of colonization and systemic oppression. The program offers an 8-week culturally relevant training curriculum. Upon completion, peer mentor trainees provide mental health support to their fellow students. Through a two-phase evaluation—first, a literature review of existing Indigenous peer support models, and second, an analysis of trainee narratives—this study investigates the effectiveness and cultural relevance of the IPSP.

Through her public health approach to empowering Indigenous students, Ariel hopes to use education as a pathway to break cycles and improve academic outcomes. "The goal of this work is to create a sustainable peer support program that acknowledges the unique challenges faced by Indigenous students at the University of Arizona, with the aim of improving their mental health, fostering a sense of belonging, and supporting academic success," says Ariel.

Participants in the program highlighted several key impacts, including a deeper understanding of Indigenous students' unique mental health challenges and cultural coping mechanisms. The training enhanced participants' ability to engage in sensitive mental health conversations, fostering supportive relationships with peers. While the program integrated perspectives from Indigenous groups such as the Tohono O'odham and Navajo communities, participants suggested expanding representation to include other Indigenous cultures. Additionally, the program improved participants' leadership skills and engagement with the Indigenous student community, increasing their confidence in creating culturally relevant and inclusive programming.

Despite the positive impact, participants faced challenges such as personal mental health struggles and family emergencies. However, the training helped them develop effective coping strategies. Participants also recommended enhancing outreach efforts and broadening cultural representation in the curriculum to ensure wider participation and support for all Indigenous students. These findings underscore the importance of culturally tailored peer support programs in improving mental health outcomes and building resilience within Indigenous communities.  As of March 2025, the Indigenous Peer Support Program (IPSP) has entered its second training cycle. 

Reflecting on her time at Dartmouth, Ariel shares, "During my time at Dartmouth, I cultivated a network of individuals who share my passion for transforming the healthcare ecosystem. I am constantly inspired by the drive and accomplishments of my peers within my cohort. Dartmouth provided me with a unique and invaluable public health knowledge base that I likely wouldn't have received elsewhere. There were several moments in my classes and on-campus intensives where the answers to improving health systems emerged through group discussions and lectures. For me, this experience not only fueled my desire to address unmet needs in my community but also equipped me with the tools and strategies necessary to ensure my efforts are both successful and impactful."

Written by: Mia Soucy

POSTED 4/2/2025 AT 12:59 PM IN #education #practicum #hybridmph #mph