Looking to Get Involved?
If you're interested in getting involved please email: phoenixcenter@cuanschutz.edu
Why We Are Involved
Trisha Agarwal
Program: Medicine Why I’m passionate about/active in the PCA: Growing up as a woman of color, I've learned many individuals like myself struggled with cultural barriers that hinder discussion and perpetuate a cycle of gender violence. As an advocate for the PCA, I'm passionate about promoting safe spaces through an intersectional lens with a focus on trauma-informed literacy and education.
Alyssa Dalen
Alyssa Dalen (they/them) is a graduate of the MPH program at the Colorado School of Public Health on the CU Anschutz campus. Prior to this program, Alyssa attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN and studied neuroscience and biology. They are passionate about Interpersonal Violence prevention and awareness and began volunteering with the Phoenix Center to build IPV awareness on our campus and broader community.
Anna Hasche-Kluender
Anna Hasche-Kluender (she/her) is a medical student from Washington State. As an undergrad, Anna volunteered with her school’s advocacy group, the Sexual Assault Resource Unit (SARU), to support survivors and create a safer campus. Later, she held the student-led hotline and helped lead SARU, hosting educational campaigns and events focused on survivor support and healing. Anna is passionate about supporting survivors of sexual assault and interpersonal violence and is excited to continue her advocacy at CU Anschutz.
Medha Gudavalli
Program: Medicine I love the PCA because it's a place of empowerment and support. You never have to worry about being believed, belittled or unheard. I think the services PCA provides are crucial to the CU Anschutz community and have the potential to transform healthcare. I hope to always serve survivors of sexual assault, intimate-partner violence and gender violence by promoting victim-centered and trauma-informed healthcare
Melanie Mandell
Melanie Mandell (she/hers) is a medical student who is originally from Illinois. She has previously volunteered in interpersonal violence advocacy at TESSA in Colorado Springs and is eager to advocate on behalf of CU Anschutz students, faculty, and staff. Outside of school and volunteering, Melanie loves to bake and spend time outside.
Jessica Gerlach, PCA Student Advocate
Program: Child Health Associate/Physician Assistant (CHAPA) Why I’m passionate about/active in the PCA: I’m passionate about addressing the social determinants of health that play into an individual’s ability to thrive and live a prosperous and healthy life. Domestic violence plays a huge role in the health of an individual and is not always addressed as well as it could be by friends, family, or health care providers. I hope to provide a safe and comforting place for people to go to if they need someone to talk to or if they want resources or other information surrounding domestic violence.
Madeline Olson
Madeline Olson (she/hers) is a medical student from California. In college, she was a member of a peer-facilitated support group for survivors of sexual assault and worked closely with TESSA in Colorado Springs to develop healing curriculum. She is looking forward to advocating for people on the CU Anschutz campus. She enjoys hiking, baking, and knitting outside of school and volunteering.