Category Spotlight on Wellness


“Your body is your mobile home…” – Taylor Z.

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.  My name is Taylor Zingg and I’m an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Science, and work as the Co-Lead of Internal Communications with the non-profit organization, Moms Demand Action Alabama. In fall of 2022, I graduated with my doctorate in Health Promotion from…


“If I can improve me, I can make me all about you.” – Larry C.

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.  Hello, my name is Larry Canada, and I am an attorney with the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program. I am also an Adjunct Faculty member here at the University of Alabama School of Law teaching trial advocacy. I have worked with the university since October of…


“Setting small obtainable goals is key!” – Wendy M.

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.  My name is Wendy Michalski.  I am an Accounting Specialist at the Law School and have been with the University of Alabama for 14 years.  I am a single mother of an amazing 16 year son who is my world.  Can you describe the starting…


“Keep yourself accountable in some way!” – Rachel G.

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.  Hi, my name is Rachel Goldsmith! I graduated from UA in 2024 and was blessed with the opportunity to transition into a full-time UA staff position right out of college. I am a Talent Acquisition Specialist in the Human Resource Department.  How has your wellness…


“When I feel better it makes me more productive at work” -Melanie H.

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.   I have worked in some aspect of the health care field most of my adult life and have been employed in administration at University Medical Center for slightly over 6 years.  I live in Northport, am happily married to Jeff Harrell and we have two…


“Running was how I connected with people.” – Paige B.

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.Hi, my name is Paige, and I am a runner. I would not have said that to you when I was in elementary school and having to run the mile each year for the Presidential Fitness Test. A lot has changed since then. I found track…


“The day that I decided I was sick and tired of being sick and tired” – Blossom R.

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.  Hi, my name is Blossom Rogers and I am a Recovery Support Specialist for the Capstone College of Nursing. I am an author of multiple books, a motivational speaker, and I have dedicated my life to women and children whose objective is to remain sober. I suffered…


“Wellness is not a one size fits all journey.” – Elester S.

My name is Elester Smiley, and I work in the Office of Finance. I am the married mother of three adult children. I love to cook and experiment with different foods using and tweaking recipes to make healthier yet tasty food. After working in Corporate America in New Jersey for 30 years, I returned to…


“Strive for Five helped me conquer drinking more water.” -Jodie M.

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background. My name is Jodie, and I work in Student Account Services. I am also a WellBAMA Ambassador. I am married to the best man, Johnathan Mize, and have three children and two grandchildren. I also decided to return to school and get my bachelor’s degree…


“Find time to unplug from devices, get out into nature when you can” – April K.

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background. I am April, an assistant professor in the college of Human Environmental Sciences and serve as director of Child Development Resources, a non-profit agency focusing on programing serving young children, families and educators. Tell is about a recent wellness success you had. Most recently I…