Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.
I am the Compliance Operations Director in the Office of Compliance, Ethics, and Regulatory Affairs (CERA), and I have been at UA for almost 16 years. My primary responsibilities include managing the University’s compliance and ethics training programs, coordinating communications for CERA, and providing oversight for the policy management and record retention programs. I have a masters degree in interactive technology from UA. Originally from Tennessee, my husband and I moved here for him to attend grad school and we never left. Now our oldest child makes the third in our family to attend UA.
Describe the starting point of your journey and the factors that led to this decision.
The beginning of my health journey started with a gift—an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take a family vacation to Hawaii, generously given to us by my mother-in-law. Hawaii had been at the top of my dream vacation list since childhood, and the thought of finally going was exciting beyond words. But as we started planning the trip, a nagging realization set in: I wasn’t physically prepared to enjoy the kind of active, adventurous vacation I had always imagined. The idea of struggling to keep up—or worse, having to sit out while everyone else explored and had fun—was deeply disappointing. My body was starting to protest more loudly each day, with persistent aches, low energy, and troubling reports from my annual check-ups. It was becoming clear that my lifestyle choices—particularly my poor eating habits and lack of movement—were catching up with me.
I didn’t want to feel left out of my own life anymore. So at the start of spring break 2024, I made a decision: it was time to take control of my health. Not just for the trip, but for my future. I wanted to be fully present—not just for a vacation, but for the everyday moments that matter. That commitment marked the first real step in a journey that would challenge me, change me, and ultimately, empower me.
What were some challenges or obstacles you encountered during your wellness journey?
One of the biggest obstacles I faced early in my wellness journey was changing my relationship with food. I’ve always been a stress eater, a celebration eater, a boredom eater—you name the emotion, and I had a snack to go with it. I’ve also never met a carb I didn’t love, and my sweet tooth was practically legendary. Shifting away from those habits wasn’t easy. I joined a weight loss program through my doctor’s office, and the nurse practitioner gave me my first major challenge: track everything I ate using an app. At first, it felt tedious and a little overwhelming, but it quickly became a tool for awareness and accountability. She encouraged me to focus on getting plenty of protein and water each day, which helped me feel fuller and make more mindful choices. Still, breaking years of emotional eating patterns took time, patience, and a whole lot of self-compassion.
The next major hurdle was movement. I’ve never been a fan of exercise—just the thought of getting hot and sweaty made me cringe. But during one of our check-ins, my nurse practitioner gave it to me straight: I might be able to lose weight by eating less, but keeping it off would require regular activity. She especially encouraged me to try weight training, something I’d always been intimidated by. Fortunately, I wasn’t alone in that part of the journey. My husband offered to go to the gym with me, helping me learn how to use the machines and easing some of the anxiety I felt in that environment. Having his support made a huge difference. Slowly but surely, I began to gain confidence—not just in the gym, but in myself.
Which wellness practices or habits have you incorporated into your routine?
As I’ve progressed on my wellness journey, I’ve found that small, intentional changes to my daily routine have made a big difference. One of the first habits I changed was how I approached breakfast. Mornings are always a rush, and I had fallen into the habit of grabbing an apple on my way out the door, eating it in the car just to get something in my system. But by lunchtime, I was starving and more likely to make poor food choices. Now, I opt for a protein shake with 30 grams of protein. It’s quick, convenient, and keeps me satisfied much longer—some days I’m so focused and energized that I forget it’s lunchtime! That one simple change has helped me start the day on a much more balanced note.
Another habit that has become central to my routine is finding time for exercise during my workday. I’ve discovered that my lunch hour is the best window for movement, and I try to take full advantage of it. Depending on the day, you might find me walking the grounds around Capital Hall, doing laps in the hallways, or getting steps in on my office treadmill. We’re fortunate to work on such a beautiful campus, and when the weather (and pollen!) allows, I love getting outside for a dose of sunshine and fresh air. On the weekends, I stay active by tackling household projects, gardening, walking the dog, or heading to the gym. These activities keep me moving, but they also give me a sense of accomplishment and peace—which is just as important for my overall wellness.
What specific wellness program has had a positive impact on you?
One wellness program that has had a particularly meaningful impact on me this year was the Crimson Couch to 5k event. For years, I had seen the announcements come through and immediately dismissed the idea—after all, a 5k felt like an impossible feat, and the word “race” was more intimidating than inspiring. But this year was different. When the announcement for the event came out, I felt ready to take on the challenge. I had been working hard on my health and fitness goals, and something inside me said, “You can do this.” It just so happened that the week of the race also marked a major personal milestone: I “graduated” from my weight loss program. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Finishing the 5k wasn’t just about crossing a physical finish line—it symbolized how far I had come on my wellness journey.
As with many other parts of this experience, I wasn’t alone. My husband, Chuck—you might know him from the History department—was right there beside me, offering his constant support and encouragement. Having him walk or jog next to me made the experience that much more special. Participating in the Crimson Couch to 5k helped me realize that I’m capable of more than I ever gave myself credit for, and it’s inspired me to keep setting new goals and celebrating each step along the way.
How has your wellness journey influenced your daily life, including work, relationships, and overall well-being?
My wellness journey has had a ripple effect across nearly every part of my daily life—from work to relationships to my overall sense of well-being. One of the most eye-opening discoveries along the way was realizing that many of my impulsive food choices were actually connected to untreated ADHD. Once I made that connection, I worked with my doctor to get it under control, and that decision has been transformative. Not only has it helped me stay more mindful with food, but it’s also significantly improved my focus and performance at work. I’m more productive, more organized, and less overwhelmed by the day-to-day demands that used to feel exhausting.
In the workplace, my wellness journey has also created opportunities for connection and camaraderie. Several people in my office are very health-conscious, and participating in Wellness events together has been a great team-building experience. It’s encouraging to be surrounded by coworkers who not only model healthy habits but also cheer each other on. Their support has meant a lot to me, and being part of a wellness-minded community makes it easier to stay motivated. Overall, investing in my health has made me feel more grounded, more confident, and more present in every area of life.
What changes have you noticed in energy levels, focus, or other aspects of your daily routine?
I have to say, losing 85 pounds has been nothing short of life-changing when it comes to my energy levels and daily routine. Before, I was constantly drained—by the time I got home from work, all I wanted to do was collapse into my cozy chair and zone out in front of the TV. My days felt like they were on repeat: wake up tired, push through, come home exhausted. But now, I have energy to spare. I feel so much better in my own skin—lighter, stronger, and more capable. It’s amazing how much more I can accomplish in a day, simply because I’m not dragging myself through it anymore.
The mental shift has been just as powerful. I’ve noticed a big difference in my focus and motivation, both at work and in my personal life. My mind feels clearer, and I’m more intentional with how I spend my time. And while I don’t always notice the physical changes day to day, I’ll catch a glimpse of myself in a mirror or look back through old photos and think, “Wow.” It’s not just about how I look—it’s about how far I’ve come, and how much more alive I feel every single day.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their wellness journey?
If you’re just starting your wellness journey, the best advice I can give is this: make sure your mindset is ready for change. I had tried and failed at programs before, and I realize now that a big part of the struggle was mental. This time was different because I truly committed—I decided that I was ready to change, and I started believing that I could. That belief was a game-changer. You don’t need to be perfect; you just need to be consistent and intentional. Start with the basics: track what you eat, drink more water, take an extra walk when you can. These small steps add up, and they build the foundation for long-term success.
Also, don’t let a bad day throw you off course. Everyone has moments of weakness or makes choices they wish they hadn’t—what matters is how you respond. If you slip up, acknowledge it, learn from it, and get right back on track. One mistake doesn’t undo all your progress. And most importantly, hang in there. Real change doesn’t happen overnight, but if you stay committed and patient, it will happen. You are absolutely worth the time, the effort, and the care it takes to create a healthier, happier you.
How do you plan to sustain your well-being and continue growing in the future?
Sustaining my well-being and continuing to grow is the next big challenge—and honestly, it’s one of the hardest parts of the journey. I’ve never made it this far before, so everything from here on out feels new and a little intimidating. But I also know that I’ve built a strong foundation, and I’m determined to keep building on it. For now, I plan to continue tracking my food, because it keeps me mindful and accountable. It’s a habit that has helped me stay on course, and I know it can continue to be a powerful tool as I navigate this next phase.
I’m also committed to maintaining my walking routine, which has become a key part of both my physical and mental wellness. In addition, I really enjoy participating in the activities and events hosted by the Wellness department. Their programming has been such a great way to stay connected, motivated, and focused on my goals. Whether it’s a fun challenge or an educational session, these events give me something to look forward to and help keep wellness a regular part of my routine. I may not have all the answers yet, but I’ve proven to myself that I can make lasting change—and that gives me the confidence to keep going strong.
What was the last random act of kindness you did? (i.e left a kind note, volunteered time, gave a compliment, shared homemade treats, etc.)
The last random act of kindness I did came from one of my favorite new hobbies—painting with watercolors. I’m a bit of a serial hobbyist, always diving into something new, and lately I’ve been completely obsessed with making cheerful little watercolor cards. They’re usually filled with silly puns or classic dad jokes, because who doesn’t need a reason to smile? I love sending them to friends, family, or coworkers who might be going through a tough time or just deserve a little encouragement. It’s a small gesture, but it brings me a lot of joy knowing that something I created might brighten someone else’s day. Plus, it’s a fun and meaningful way to combine creativity with kindness.
