How long have you worked at UC Davis?

I have worked at UC Davis for 21 years.

What does Wellness mean to you?

Wellness means taking care of mind, body, and soul.  Each of these components has a method of communicating with us to let us know when something is in or out of alignment.  The objective of wellness is to recognize the cues, keep everything in alignment, and maximize our health and well-being.

Why did you become a wellness ambassador?

I'm a lifelong fitness enthusiast and being a wellness ambassador gives me the opportunity to share my passion with my colleagues.

How long have you been a wellness ambassador?

Six years.

What has been the most rewarding or positive part about your experience thus far?

Hearing my coworkers share stories about how they feel healthier, happier, more energized at work, and how they have adopted healthier lifestyle habits as a result of our wellness activities.

What are some challenges you face as a wellness ambassador, especially through the pandemic?

Members of our department have various work locations - Davis, Sacramento, or home.  The current challenge is finding modes of activities that are accessible to everyone.   The Walker Tracker app has been very helpful in making it possible to have step challenges independent of location.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with new wellness ambassadors?

No idea is a bad idea. There are many modes to wellness and I think there are a lot of potential activities that have not been explored yet. If you have a unique idea, that is an indication that this is your opportunity to share something new and exciting!

Staff and Faculty Health and Well-being aims to build an environment that makes the healthier choice the easier one, while providing staff and faculty with the required support to make UC Davis the healthiest community. How do you feel you have contributed to our mission?

I'm pleased with my contributions to Staff and Faculty Health and Well-being and feel that my efforts have had a positive impact in my department. Health and well-being is a lifestyle, so I also recognize that we must keep the activities going to ensure we stay happy and healthy.

What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?

I like being physically active, so on week nights and weekends you can find me on a jogging trail, golf course, tennis court, or basketball court.  I'm also in my second season of playing softball in the Greater Sacramento Senior Softball League.