If you’ve stopped by the Wellness Center recently for conversation, tea or condoms, you probably noticed a new face buzzing about. In all likelihood, that face belongs to Lauren Reyes, the Wellness Center’s new Community Health Outreach Worker (or “CHOW” for short), who works to connect students to the Wellness Center and other organizations’ resources.

Reyes has had a passion for youth outreach and wellness since she was young herself. “Starting in high school, I noticed that many of my peers felt comfortable confiding in me about personal issues they were struggling with,” she said. “To this day, I enjoy hearing people out and offering them a safe space to talk about their lives openly.”

Born and raised in Daly City, Reyes earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine and has been working with youth ever since. She spent a year working in AmeriCorps as a Youth Outreach Coordinator at San Mateo high schools to raise awareness about suicide and suicide prevention, where she collaborated with school staffs and organizations to inform and assist students. “It was amazing to see how many people share the same thoughts and feelings, yet don’t talk about them because of their fears about what other people would think,” Reyes said of the experience. “The more I learned, the more I valued services that allow people to fully express their feelings and normalize the need for support, especially because it is normal.”

Reyes first discovered the district’s Wellness Program two years ago, and volunteered at Galileo Academy of Science and Technology’s Wellness Center last year. Reyes began working here in early September. She was attracted to the school by its unique environment, which she says requires a different approach to health outreach. “One of the best things we provide at Lowell Wellness is a place for students to kick back, relax and focus on themselves amidst the daily grind,” she said.

Reyes is dedicated to making her knowledge accessible to students. “I realized the importance of having a strong support network for any person to build resilience and lead successful lives,” she said. “I like being around to see people find out more about who they are and how they see the world. The stress that comes with it makes self-care key and I’m a big promoter of taking steps to keep life balanced.”

Taking her own advice, Reyes tries to maintain balance and optimism in her own life. In her free time, she enjoys writing poetry, doing Bikram yoga and listening to music, specifically, afro-funk and jazz fusion. She is a cheese aficionado, and a particular fan of creamy macaroni and cheese. “Basically, I crave cheese on a daily basis,” she said.

Reyes describes her experience at the Wellness Center as eventful and diverse. “I’m meeting so many new people on a daily basis,” she said. “I really love my Youth Outreach Worker team. They’re just a really fun bunch of personalities.”

She fits in well with the lively group. “I’m a chatterbox — I love to talk,” she said. “That’s one of the reasons I do well at this job.”

Although she hasn’t been here long, Reyes is already working to make her mark. She sees dozens of kids come through the Wellness Center everyday, and hopes to introduce new arts-related activities and opportunities for students. “I’m big on sharing my interests in music and art with anyone and everyone,” she said. “I’d love to start setting up arts and crafts activities regularly here at T-14. I also know people who are involved in the arts, from painting to barbering, and I hope to somehow collaborate with them so they can share their techniques with Lowell students.”

Reyes looks forward to continuing her work at the Wellness Center and helping stressed-out students stay happy and healthy. “I’m just really happy to be here, and I hope to meet as many students as I can… even if that means all 2,600!” she said.

A version of this article first appeared in the Nov. 4, 2011 print edition of The Lowell.