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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.

Wellness Champions Committee

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.

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, Northwestern University School of Law

Rhea Banks

Business Administrator 2, Legal Clinic, Northwestern University School of Law

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being. My go-to wellness practice is 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

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being. I enjoy bike commuting as one of my routine wellness practices. It is the foundation of my physical wellness as consistent daily exercise that I don't need to sacrifice extra time to do. It contributes to my financial wellness by avoiding money spent on driving or public transit. It enhances my mental and emotional wellness as time taken for myself to free my mind of stress and to enjoy the outdoors. As an added bonus, I love that it also contributes to environmental sustainability.

Eric Budzynski

Associate Director for Religious Life & Chapel Music, Univ Chaplain

Francesca Bullerman

Program Assistant 4, Instruction Staff, Northwestern University School of Law

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!

Fritz Burgher

Assistant Director, Office of Undergraduate Admission

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being. Going to the gym and getting a good sweat on really helps me reset mentally as much as it does physically. #ethnographies

Jenna Chynoweth

Clinical Research Project Manager, Preventive Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine

Kevin Connolly

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

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being. One of my favorite wellness practices is running on the lakefront to the Green City Farmer's Market. I am usually doing this every weekend from May through October and it combines many of my favorite things including the beautiful scenery of Chicago, exercising, and delicious food.

Christine Dlugosz

Custom Program Assistant, Executive Education, Kellogg School of Management

Erin Donoghue

Program Administrator, Lurie Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine

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 min-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 College of Arts and Sciences

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

Associate Research Administrator, Psychiatry, Feinberg School of Medicine

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.

Daniel Gordon

Research Study Coordinator, Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being. If I find myself getting overwhelmed I like taking some deep breaths or meditating for a few minutes.

Mel Handy

Administrative Assistant 2, Graduate Medical Education, Feinberg School of Medicine

Suzanne Hodges

Administrative Director, Office of Medical Education and Faculty Development, Feinberg School of Medicine

Jessica Johnson

Senior Program Administrator, Center for Community Health, Feinberg School of Medicine

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being. Exercise is my go-to wellness practice. Exercise helps me to re-focus, get centered, and feel more equipped to take on the day. It helps balance my personal and work life obligations and makes me feel re-energized. Swimming and running are my go-to wellness activities!

Lauren Jones

Program Coordinator, Master of Engineering Management (MEM), McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

Ashlee Jordan

Program Assistant 2, Preventive Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine

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

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being. I recently began to write down three things I'm grateful for each morning. It allows me to start the day thinking positively and seeing the good in all aspects of my life. Research shows that gratitude can improve individual well-being by fostering resilience, and reducing stress and depression.

Kisa Kowal

Program Assistant 4, Statistics, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences

Jennifer Leitel

HR Communications and Executive Support Specialist, Human Resources

Jordan Lepore

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

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 School of Music

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 Study Coordinator, Center for Community Health, Feinberg School of Medicine

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, Northwestern University in 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.

Adela Mizrachi

Communications Specialist, IPHAM, Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine

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.

Bridget Murdoch

Clerkship Coordinator, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine

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.

Chisomo Mwale

Clinical Research Coordinator, Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine

Amy Mykytiuk

Director Accounting, Accounting Services

Carver Nabb

Research Study Assistant, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being. When I find myself needing to focus on my well-being, one of my go-to's is to find something fun to cook! Throwing myself into my hobbies and passions is immensely helpful to me when I need to re-center. Whether it's cooking, running, or spending time with my family/friends, being able to step away from my stressors for a moment allows me to come back to them with a fresh, active, and motivated mindset!

Sara Nelson

Senior Director, Medill Operations, Administration, Medill School of Journalism

Erika Owen

Business Administrator, Management and Organizations, Kellogg School of Management

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being. I don’t get to do it as often as I would like but I love singing. When I sing, I’m able to release any feelings I might be holding on to and it reinvigorates me. I mostly sing ballads but when an upbeat song comes on it usually leads to a dance party which is always a good time. Another wellness practice is going to my chiropractic clinic twice a week. It’s an open concept clinic so it doesn’t feel like a doctor’s office and the people there are great. Getting to interact with other patients and the staff while I do my therapies is such a fun experience, so much so that when I leave I feel like I just left a friend’s house.

Hinal Patel

Clinical Research Coordinator, Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine

Emily Powell

Clinical Research Coordinator, Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine

Viki Powers

Business Coordinator, Information Systems, Kellogg School of Management

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being. One of my go-to wellness practices is yoga in the morning or during lunchtime. Taking the time to pay attention to how I'm breathing and being mindful of how body feels helps me think more clearly and get ready or continue my day.

Melanie Pozdol

Prospect Management Consultant, Alumni Relations and 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 School of Medicine

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.

Linda Remaker

Program Assistant 3, International Studies, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences

Mike Rooney

Program Coordinator, Surgical Education Division, Feinberg School of Medicine

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.

Crystal Santillanes

Clinical Research Coordinator, Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine

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 College of Arts and Sciences

Val Schoonover

Assistant Director, Career Management, Northwestern Career Advancement

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being. One of my favorite ways to practice wellness is cooking healthfully and packing a lunch. Whether it's leftovers from last night's dinner or an elaborate meal-prep, I pride myself in planning ahead.

Abigayle Shay

Senior Associate Director, McCormick Master’s Portfolio, McCormick School of Engineering

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

Associate Director, Undergraduate Certificate Programs, Kellogg School of Management

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.

Alison Stoute

Graduate Program Manager, Economics, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being. Gratitude is one of the best wellness practices - it provides great perspective! Each night with our family after prayers, we say something that we are each thankful for from that day. We have young children (ages 2.5 and 4), so often these can be silly like "play-dough", "snack time" or "dancing". For me, it's a great reminder that there is something to be cherished about everyday, including the sunshine and rain, and that magic can be made in moments great and small.

Donna Wang Su

Program Administrator, Manager, Farley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

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.

Nancy Tierney

Associate Director, Fitness & Wellness, Athletics and Recreation

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being. Schedule personal time into my day and try to make time for the things that matter most (e.g. exercise, read a book, call or spend time with family). To regularly practice being grateful, as well as self-compassion and kindness.

Jasmine Tucker

Program Coordinator, School of Education and Social Policy

Katie Williams

Assistant Director of Business & Finance, Medill School of Journalism

Describe one of your 'go-to' wellness practices and how it contributes to your well-being. My 'go-to; wellness practice is to enjoy a walk next to the lake, soaking-in the fresh air helps me clear my mind, and re-energize for the remainder of my day.

Nate Winquist

Research Study Coordinator, Preventive Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine

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.