How long have you worked at UC Davis?

I have worked at UC Davis for almost 18 years.

What does Wellness mean to you?

Wellness means embodying our daily habits that assist us to maintain or move toward good health outcomes. As a dietitian, I love that I can provide science-based advice, using practical tools for building an eating pattern that is sustainable and adequate to meet nutritional needs at all stages of life.

Why did you become a wellness ambassador?

As a dietitian who has worked inpatient and outpatient, I am honored to work in a department of elite registered dietitians who value the importance of wellness in our daily interactions with our patients, families and hospital staff. Becoming a wellness ambassador and chairperson for the food and nutrition department's nutrition wellness committee has allowed me the ability to bridge the knowledge of our medical center’s nutrition experts in supporting the wellness of our frontline workers here at the UC Davis medical center and campus. I have also appreciated the partnership with UC Davis Staff, Faculty, Health and Well-Being to offer annual nutrition wellness series through interactive presentations given by the expert dietitian on the topic.

How long have you been a wellness ambassador?

I have been a wellness ambassador for about 10 years.

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

The most positive part is to see how many employees are interested in the annual nutrition wellness series and the growth we have been able to achieve in reaching more employees through virtual presentations post-pandemic. It is also rewarding to see how many dietitians have been inspired to contribute to this.

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

Having limited time and resources as I continue working in my current position in a specialty clinic is a challenge that I face as a wellness ambassador.

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

I would advise fellow wellness ambassadors to remember that you can make an impact regardless of how small the wellness initiative is. Starting small can help to lead to more sustainable change.

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 feel I have been able to contribute to this mission by assisting to coordinate more than 50 nutrition wellness talks over the past 10 years, with increased outreach of staff and faculty across the medical center and campus.

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

In my spare time, I like to garden, cycle, and spend time with my family and friends.