Wellness Ambassador of the Month
Melissa Hatten of Cancer Center New Patient Referrals

How long have you worked at UC Davis?

I have been with UCD for 25 years. I have been with Gynecology Oncology for 17 years.

What does Wellness mean to you?

Wellness is the opportunity to be active and enjoy a long, pain-free life.

Why did you become a wellness ambassador?

I love sharing the little tips and tricks that can be used to be healthy. In the daily coverage emails, I attached healthy recipes, local farms, and classes. To change your health, you only have to make that first change, and I hope I can give someone the idea for that first change.

How long have you been a wellness ambassador?

I have been a Wellness Ambassador off and on since I started with UCD in the late 90's. I am not sure if we were called Wellness Ambassadors then.

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

It is rewarding when someone tries a healthy recipes and loves it, or when someone shares with me how well their garden is growing from the plants I gave them. It brings me joy.

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

The biggest challenge is not being able to gather. I used to make new healthy recipes to share at work. I would make the recipes that were in Wellness newsletters and as a department we would have lunch together.

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

Share the subjects that bring joy to your life. It makes it easy for you to be excited about sharing with your coworkers.

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?

There are several staff who join every Walker Challenge now because I cheerlead for them. I have staff that now are growing vegetable gardens because of our plant exchange. I looking forward to having all of the staff in our building participate in upcoming actives.

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

I enjoy nature. This year I have started hiking. I love to garden and cook from my garden. My husband and enjoy road trips and treasure hunting.