Wellness Ambassador of the Month
Vanessa Reed of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science: Mental Health Services (MHS)

How long have you worked at UC Davis?

I have worked at UC Davis Health for three years and seven months.

What does Wellness mean to you?

I am a proponent of viewing wellness as Dr. Swarbrick's definition of eight interdependent dimensions: physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, vocational, financial, and environmental.

Why did you become a wellness ambassador?

To promote activities to encourage vocational wellness and bring awareness to how making changes can impact other areas of our well-being. As James Clear said "All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision. But as that decision is repeated, a habit sprouts and grows stronger."

How long have you been a wellness ambassador?

I have been a wellness ambassador for about a year and a half.

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

It is rewarding seeing and hearing my colleagues' enthusiasm during wellness activities.

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

Working inside a correctional facility has restrictions on items allowed inside. This barrier challenges me to be innovative and flexible in addressing wellness.

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

I suggest networking with Staff and Faculty Health and Well-being staff and other Wellness Ambassadors helps discover new ideas, resources, and problem-solving.

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?

As a Wellness Ambassador, I help create accessibility to wellness opportunities and create events based on my colleagues' interests. I cheer on their participation, accomplishments and offer resources.

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

I enjoy practicing power vinyasa yoga.