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Wellness Champions

The Wellness Champions Committee is a group of faculty and staff members who are passionate about wellness. This group participates in monthly meetings to receive program and resource update, learn about, initiate and lead wellness initiatives within their schools and units and serve as advocates across the university. If you are interested in joining this committee, please contact wellbeing@northwestern.edu.

Committee Members

 

Evelyn Cordero

Well-being Specialist, Human Resources

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being: Deep breathing. Taking deep breaths provides me the opportunity to pause, reset and become present in the moment.

Carol Ackerberg

Program Assistant 3, School of Communication

Elizabeth Adamczyk

Enrollment Adviser, School of Professional Studies

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being: I rely on several daily wellness practices, especially dedicating time to rest and be quiet. Sometimes this is as simple as breathing in a quiet space. Other times it involves a stretch or an activity (like a quiet stroll or quiet bike commute along the lakefront path). Being active, especially biking to and from work, also helps me stay active and connected. I value the connection between an active lifestyle and wellness. I hope to encourage more folks to get active — especially with recreational cycling and bike commuting.

Oscar Arroyo

Technical Support Specialist, Information Systems, Pritzker

Rhea Banks

Business Administrator 2, Legal Clinic, Pritzker

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being: Walking. I enjoy the sights and sounds of the city and walking invigorates me. Sometimes it is a leisurely stroll, and sometimes more intense depending on the purpose of the walk.

Angela Baumgartner

IRB Compliance Analyst, IRB Office

I believe supporting employee wellness and well-being is important because: It signals that we are valued, supported, and respected as whole human beings.

Kathy Benson

Program Assistant, MSIT/MSiA Programs, Office of Professional Education, McCormick

Being well means: taking deliberate action to prioritize your own well-being.

 

Eric Budzynski

Associate Director for Religious Life & Chapel Music, Univ Chaplain

Francesca Bullerman

Program Assistant 4, Instruction Staff, Pritzker

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being: My go-to wellness practice is attending a group fitness class after work. It's my "happy hour". It's the 45-60 minutes that I take for myself. I let the stress of the workday go, and commit to myself and my well being. It helps me to be surrounded by like minded people, pushing towards the same fitness and wellness goals. I find group fitness workouts to be most effective for me. Finding a gym buddy to keep you accountable also works wonders for that daily motivation!

 

Jenna Chynoweth

Director of Research Engagement, All of Us Research Program, Department of Preventive Medicine, Feinberg

I tend to my well-being by: fishing, golfing and traveling with my family, including our two dogs: Walnut (Golden Retriever) and Birch (Great Pyrenees).

Kevin Connolly

Administrative Director IPHAM, Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Feinberg

I believe supporting employee wellness and well-being is important because: It shapes most aspects of our everyday life including work. In my experience, colleagues thrive when wellness is prioritized. Work life is much more meaningful, fulfilling, and fun when focus is put on well-being.

 

Stephan Dimos

Accountant 2, Accounting Services

I tend to my well-being by: Leading a well-balanced, focused lifestyle.

 

Christine Dlugosz

Senior Program Coordinator, Facilities

Being well means: Taking care of yourself and taking care of those around you. 

Erin Donoghue

Program Administrator, Lurie Cancer Center, Feinberg

Edem Edem

Manager, Office for Research IT

Keisha Etienne

Financial Administrator, School of Education and Social Policy

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being: One of my go-to practices is sleep. Whenever I feel stressed or overwhelmed I take a 30 minute - 1hr nap. It calms me, releases all the tension and allows me to re-focus and re-strategize different efforts to resolve a problem.

 

Patty FitzGibbons

Associate Director, Kapnick Center for Institutions Program, Weinberg

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being: Keeping a positive attitude to see the good and the accomplishments in your life and those around you.

Cristina Flowerday

Research Administrator, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being:
One of my favorite wellness practices is to take time to bake something new - I love the combination of creativity with the structured recipe. It helps me be more mindful and present, learn or practice a skill, and then have something delicious to share with my loved ones.

 

Vanessa Garcia

Director of Research Operations, Preventive Medicine, Feinberg

I tend to my well-being by: Doing activities for myself such as running or giving myself a day to not do anything.

 

Noira Garland

Program Assistant 4, Human Resources

Katie Hammond

Administrative Director, Surgery, Surgical Outcomes & Quality Improvement Center, Feinberg

I believe supporting employee wellness and well-being is important because: Work is a large portion of our lives and it's essential that our staff are supported in one of the biggest aspects of their days. I want to create an environment where staff can be open and know we are here for them during difficult times as well as great times.

 

Mel Handy

Residency Coordinator, Graduate Medical Education, Feinberg

I tend to my well-being by: Doing things for others, being grateful and living in the moment.

 

Suzanne Hodges

Administrative Director, Office of Medical Education, Feinberg

I tend to my well-being by: Practicing self-care, which usually involves turning off all forms of media and tending to things I am personally interested in.

 

Monica Kane

IRB Reliance Analyst, IRB Office, Office for Research

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being. Outdoor activities have always been an important part of my physical and mental well-being. We experience all 4 seasons in the Midwest and my go-to wellness practice changes every couple of months; I enjoy skiing in winter, running in the spring, biking in the summer, and hiking in the fall! Fresh air and sunshine are invigorating!

 

Paulina Kijek

Manager, Administration and Finance, Office of the Provost

I believe supporting employee wellness and well-being is important because: Most of us bring our full selves to work and if there are areas of our lives that are suffering, our work will suffer too. It is important to support employee wellness so that we can all be our best selves, at home and at work.

 

Ekaterina Klyachko

Research Development Manager, McCormick, Research Administration

Kisa Kowal

Business Coordinator, Statistics, Weinberg

Jordan Lepore

Program Assistant 3, Alumni Relations and Development, New York Regional Office

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being: One of my favorite "go-to" practices is one that I've developed throughout quarantine. At the end of the workday, as soon as I've turned off my laptop, I change into my running gear, put on some Lo-Fi beats, and head outside to get some much-needed fresh air and clarity. To me, running is an escape; a chance to forget about everything else on my plate for a brief period. As soon as I've completed my run, I follow it up with a 30-60 minute yoga practice. While running is seen as an escape, yoga is the piece that grounds me and helps to refocus back to the bigger picture. By the end of this practice, I feel most like myself and ready to face whatever comes next!

 

Meg Lindsey

Concert Business Manager, Administration, Bienen

I tend to my well-being by: Reading! I also enjoy biking to work a few days a week.

Amber London

UX Researcher/Analyst, Global Marketing and Communications

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being: There are a few small daily wellness practices I adhere to so that I feel better, both mentally and physically. The first one is that I have learned to reclaim my commute. I use my train commute as "me" time and do things that I don't get to do with a baby at home. I drink my coffee, read a book, reflect, catch up on the news, listen to a podcast or watch a tv show.

Azucena Lopez

Research Project Coordinator, Institute for Policy Research

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being: My top wellness practices are deep breathing, being by the lake (if possible), and listening/dancing to Salsa music. Deep breathing allows me to relax and reset. Being by the lake, reminds me of how fortunate I am to live in an amazing city. Listening/dancing to Salsa music reminds me of my culture; it allows me to relive great moments and gets me excited to experience new ones.

 

Lesley Lundeen

Well-being Manager, Human Resources

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being: I schedule lunch as an Outlook series and "family time" as another Outlook appointment series from the time I leave work till the time my kids are in bed. While I don't always abide by those appointments, it keeps those hours free from other meetings, reminds me of my well-being priorities and allows me to make more time for myself and my loved ones.

Natalie Lurowist

Program Coordinator, Evanston Support Office, Qatar

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being: I’m a theatre artist and feel most alive and well when creating, doing, or experiencing the performing arts. For physical wellness, I like to practice yoga, work out with the Tone It Up community, take family walks/hikes and, honestly, daily baths! These also benefit my mental/emotional/spiritual wellness, as does: playing cards with my fiancé, taking care of my dog, connecting with people on a deeper level, listening to podcasts, being inspired by courageous, wise, pioneering women, doing therapy, traveling, teaching, and always learning.

 

Lauren McCourt

Project Coordinator, Management and Organizations, Kellogg

I tend to my well-being by: Taking time for myself, working out consistently, going on walks/runs outside, being alone with my thoughts when needed, and also making time for social gatherings. 

Margaret Mersch

Business Administrator 3, Physics & Astronomy, Weinberg

I tend to my well-being by: spending time with friends and family; being active and eating well; enjoying my hobbies.

 

Dejan Miloshevski

Dejan Miloshevski, Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, Clinical Trials Unit, Feinberg

I believe supporting employee wellness and well-being is important because: Employees feel more connected, their health is elevated, and consequently, their happiness is increased. They can fully understand how stress and physical activity can affect their bodies. Last but not least they will improve their quality of life and help drive the success of our organization.

 

Angela Mitchell

Director, Health Promotion & Wellness, Dean of Students

Vesna Mitrovic

Data Architect, Center for Health Information Partnership, Feinberg

Adela Mizrachi

Communications Specialist, IPHAM, Feinberg

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being: My go-to wellness practice is to spend time in nature, both physically and mentally. That may mean walking in a nature reserve, sitting along the lakefront, or even simply spending time looking out my window on a cold wintery day.

Toni Montgomery

Senior Project Administrator, Student Finance

Being well means: Feeling connected to a higher power for peace as well as maintaining positive relationships, having some control over my life and having a sense of purpose and self-confidence.

Bridget Murdoch

Senior Program Coordinator, Department of Medicine, Feinberg

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being: Keeping a gratitude journal – having this journal allows me to constantly reflect on what I am grateful for. Expressing gratitude helps me stay grounded and increases positivity.

 

Silvia Nebel

Program Assistant, Office of Fellowships

 

Sara Nelson

Associate Dean, Administration & Chief of Staff, Medill

Santino Palazzolo

Resident Director, Residential Services, Student Affairs

Being well means: Being as close to wholeness as possible.

Emily Powell

Regulatory Coordinator, Lurie Cancer Center, Feinberg

Viki Powers

Financial Administrator, Financial Administration, Kellogg

Being well means: Being able to take on everyday matters with a personal foundation intact.

Melanie Pozdol

Assistant Director, Prospect Research, Alumni Relations & Development

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being: I love staying active by running and doing crossfit. Some of my other wellness practices include doing morning stretches and writing in my journal before heading off to work for the day. I also do meal prep on the weekends so that I can be sure to eat a well-balanced diet.

 

Rachelle Price

Clinical Research Associate, Division of Infectious Diseases, Feinberg

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being: I thought joining the committee would be a good way to meet more people at Northwestern and bring wellness initiatives back to my department. My wellness practice involves playing roller derby, running, yoga and rock climbing. I love to try new activities which challenge my body and mind and in turn help to make me into a more well-rounded individual.

 

Mike Rooney

Senior Program Coordinator, Office of Continuing Medical Education, Feinberg

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being: My go-to wellness practice is stretching 2-3 times throughout my workday. Specifically, I work on hamstring stretches (seated using a yoga strap or standing), calf stretches, and chest/shoulder stretches. As someone who had spinal surgery a few years ago, I find that stretching helps me feel better physically and mentally by loosening me up and taking a brief break from working on my computer. I highly recommend it to everyone I know.

 

Suzanne Rovani

Assistant Director of Academic Programs, School of Professional Studies

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being: I usually do a short meditation before bed, to quiet my mind and prepare for sleep. It's really helped me to be more reflective and intentional about ending the day with peace and setting myself up for the next day in the same way.

 

Kim Rowan

Senior Compliance Analyst, IRB Office

I believe supporting employee wellness and well-being is important because: Especially in today's changing landscape, where COVID-19 has required us to adapt, technology connects us more but also keeps us apart, and the lines between work and life blur within the remote work environment, it is ever more vital to achieve and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

 

Crystal Santillanes

Clinical Research Coordinator, Ophthalmology, Feinberg

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being: I usually do a short meditation before bed, to quiet my mind and prepare for sleep. It's really helped me to be more reflective and intentional about ending the day with peace and setting myself up for the next day in the same way. When I feel overwhelmed, I stop what I am doing and go for a 5-minute walk. Preferable with a protein bar and water. The goal is to think of nothing but the texture and flavors of the protein bar. It really helps re-center yourself!

 

Grace Schellinger

Research Lab Manager 1, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Weinberg

Being well means: Striving to have healthy habits in the eight domains of wellness, meaningful relationships, and resilience in difficult times so that, overall, one feels a sense of satisfaction and contentment.

 

Val Schoonover

Assistant Director, Employer Strategy, Northwestern Career Advancement

I tend to my well-being by: Making time for self care, prioritizing fun and open conversations, and celebrating small wins!

 

Abigayle Shay

Senior Associate Director, Office of Professional Education, McCormick

Beth Snyder

Senior Editor, Publications, Alumni Relations & Development

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being: I attend a meditation once a week at my synagogue; try to stretch, at least throughout the winter months, as part of a 40-day, 40-minute worldwide meditation program, and work out when possible. I also spend time with my friends (and my dog).

 

Amanda Stasinski

Director, MBAi, CPU, MSMS Programs, Kellogg

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being: I make an effort to learn at least one new thing each year. It's been a great way to find new hobbies and carve out time for my personal development. Most recently, I learned how to knit, which I find very meditative, but I've also done everything from improv classes to sailing classes. This year, I'm hoping to learn a new language and take self-defense classes.

 

Jennifer Stoeber

Associate Director, Human Resources, Facilities

Being well means: Feeling understood and supported and being able to understand and support others.

 

Donna Wang Su

Associate Director, Office of Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being: As I've gotten older and find my children paying more attention to me, I stress that wellness and health is a combination of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual where we need to take care of all aspects of it. For my physical, I enjoy a mix of cardio activities such as running or basketball and group exercises such as Barre, Pilates and Yoga that help me center myself. Something that I would like to better at is keeping promises to myself whether it's talking a walk around campus instead of sitting at my desk and eating lunch or packing a healthy lunch instead of grabbing a 'vending machine' lunch.

 

Margo Tadlock

Accountant, Accounting Services

I tend to my well-being by: Hiking, tea breaks, and enjoying family time.

 

Carrie Thomas

Program Coordinator, Office of the Ombudsperson

I tend to my well-being by: Doing activities that make me smile, laugh, and feel fulfillment as often as possible. 

Jeffrey Thomas

Research Project Manager, School of Education and Social Policy

Being well means: Finding balance, purpose, and connection. 

Nancy Tierney

Associate Director, Fitness & Wellness, Athletics and Recreation

I believe supporting employee wellness and well-being is important because: It has such an impact on our overall well-being and helps to make work more meaningful and enjoyable.

Andrea VanderLaan

Program Coordinator, Center for Health Information Partnerships, Feinberg

I tend to my well-being by: Taking care of my mind, body, and spirit. 

Angelica Viramontes

Dependent Care Specialist, Human Resources

Being well means: Getting to know yourself, your needs, what inspires you, what recharges you and following your own path to take care of yourself and protect yourself.

Katie Williams

Senior Budget Analyst, Office of Budget and Planning

I believe supporting employee wellness and well-being is important because: Everyone is a person who is valued and I believe there are so many resources out there between peers and colleagues that are useful if we spend time making those connections and building meaningful relationships.

 

Nate Winquist

Research Study Coordinator, Preventive Medicine, Feinberg

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being: My normal wellness practices are running daily and reading. But more recently, I've been getting more involved in intramural sports. I've been playing racquetball weekly and prepping for 16" softball as well as kickball over the Summer! Coming back to competitive sports has really changed the dynamic and motivation factor for being well. Being a previous school athlete, getting involved in these sports as an adult has been really rewarding socially, mentally, and physically.