Wellness and Work-Life Blog


“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…


May Kindness Champions

outlined red elephant flying with a heart behind the legs

We love hearing about and recognizing the kindness that happens around us at UA! See the May Kindness Champions below. Give a shoutout to a colleague or UA community member who radiates kindness, performed a particularly kind act, or helped you when you needed. Each Kindness Champion receives a card with the note from the…


“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…


Alleviating Everyday Aches & Pains

Learn about common causes for everyday aches and pains, along with simple solutions for promoting pain-free living. Taught by certified health and life coach Dr. Abby Horton. Also watch on the Wellness and Work-Life YouTube Channel.


April Kindness Champions

outlined red elephant flying with a heart behind the legs

We are celebrating and recognizing the kindness that happens around us at UA! Check out April’s Kindness Champions below. Give a shoutout to a colleague or UA community member who radiates kindness, performed a particularly kind act, or helped you when you needed. Each Kindness Champion receives a card with the note from the nominator,…


“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…


Clean Living Lifestyle

Learn the 5 benefits of clean living while reaching your goals of a healthy lifestyle and protecting the planet. You will also explore how to “ditch and switch” for cleaner, safer household and personal products. Taught by certified health and life coach Dr. Abby Horton. Also watch on the Wellness and Work-Life YouTube Channel.


Your Health After 40

Plan and prepare for continued health after 40. You’ll learn about recommended medical visits, testing, vaccinations, and tailored nutrition and exercise for those 40 years and older. Applicable to all ages – no need to wait until you’re 40! Taught by certified health and life coach Dr. Abby Horton. Also watch on the Wellness and Work-Life…


“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…