Steph Bryant, MPH, RDN, LDN
Family, including pets: I live with my husband Eric, and seven backyard chickens! They don’t all have names (in case we decide to eat one) but we went through a Star Wars phase a while back and named a few of them: Hen Solo, Chew-bach-a, and Princess Lay-a. Very punny. We are also pseudo-parents to our housemate’s cat Max, a beautiful orange tabby.
Where are you from originally and where do you live now? I’m originally from Massachusetts, just outside of Boston. I’ve lived in Carrboro/Chapel Hill (right on the line) for the past 10 years.
Favorite way to be active: Running and walking are my go to forms of movement! I also like to hike, swim, and ride my bike when I can.
What motivates you to eat smart and to move more? My dad was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes before I was born, so all my childhood memories of him include his struggle to be healthy. His diabetes impacted almost every part of his life, and he passed away when I was 18 years old. I am motivated to eat smart and move more so I don’t follow the same path as my dad. I want to be a good example for the rest of my family and friends, and live life to the fullest.
If you could tell participants one thing about the program, what would it be? Small, manageable changes are the key to being successful! It is so easy to get bogged down by all the ways you can change your lifestyle. Set yourself up for success by working towards one goal at a time, and really master it before moving on to the next.
How would you describe your teaching style? I love to teach with examples and analogies! The more folks can relate to the content, the more the material will stick with them long term. I’m a visual learner myself, so I try to use a lot of imagery in my lessons. I also believe that some of the best examples and strategies come from the students, so I usually pick on folks to share their own experiences. It helps keep a conversational tone and everyone stays engaged.
Chasity Newkirk, MPH, RDN, LDN, MCHES
Family, including pets: One active toddler, TJ
Where are you from originally and where do you live now? Garner, NC
What is your favorite way to be active? Crossfit. During COVID, at home 30-minute high-intensity workouts and chasing TJ. I’m ready for warmer weather so we can go on daily walks outside.
What motivates you to eat smart and to move more? My family and friends look to me for all their fitness and nutrition needs and advice so they motivate me to continuously set a great standard of healthy eating and physical activity. Also having to cook food for my child makes me want to eat healthier so that he will grow up loving a variety of fruits and vegetables.
If you could tell participants one thing about the program, what would it be? This program works, but not without you.
Ashley Sponsky, MS, RDN, LDN
Family, including pets: Live with my husband Doug, my two boys (Cameron- 2.5 years and Alexander-7 months), and 3 pets (Cats- Pip and Gracie, Dog- Barkley)
Where are you from originally? Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA; currently live in Clayton NC
Favorite way to be active: I love being active! I strength train and stroller walk with my boys throughout the week. I love playing softball and tennis for fun, and I am learning how to play pickleball!
What motivates you to eat smart and to move more? My kids! I want to remain healthy while they are growing up and set a good example for them, so that I can see their children grow up too!
If you could tell participants one thing about the program? Take it one step at a time! Focus on 1-2 things during each lesson that resonate with you and you’d like to try, and grow from there!
Jenelle Wass, MS, RDN, LDN
Family, including pets: My family includes my husband, my daughter, a dachshund named Ruby, and a Westie named Penny.
Where are you from originally and where do you live now? I was born in Michigan, but I grew up in Asheville, NC. I love the mountains and try to get back as often as I can. My family is currently in Northeast Ohio.
Favorite way to be active: I love walking, whether it’s a stroll with my family around our neighborhood or a strenuous hike in the woods. Over the past year, I also started weight lifting. I enjoy feeling (and seeing) my body get stronger and able to lift heavier and heavier weights. I round it all out with yoga, which is as much mental as it is physical.
What motivates you to eat smart and to move more? My family motivates me. Most of my extended family is overweight or obese. Many suffer from related chronic diseases. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated with health, nutrition, and food because I myself struggled with my weight and because I wanted to learn how to help my family members live healthier lives. Now that I have a family of my own, I’m even more driven to be healthy and serve as a positive role model for my daughter.
Why do you do what you do? I like that I’m able to bring evidence-based information to participants and help them use it wherever they are in their individual journeys to better health. I love witnessing that “A-ha” moment when something clicks for them.
How would you describe your teaching style? Approachable. Passionate. A little silly.
Esther Udonsi, MPH, RDN, LDN
Family, including pets: My family includes my husband and 4-month-old son.
Where are you from originally and where do you live now? I am originally from Nigeria. I moved to Texas in 2013 where I lived for 4 years, then to South Carolina for 3 years. I finally moved to North Carolina at the height of COVID-19 for grad school, fell in love with the area, and currently live in Chapel Hill/Durham NC.
Favorite way to be active: For many years I was an active basketball player. Played all through college. After college, I found a love for long walks and occasional hikes. Since having my son, I try to utilize every opportunity I get to stay active by making minor changes throughout the day. At work, I take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk short distances instead of taking the shuttle, stretch after a long time of sitting, and still enjoy long walks as my schedule permits. I am looking to start weightlifting again.
What motivates you to eat smart and to move more? My desire is to live a long and healthy life. At a very young age, I understood the saying “prevention is better than cure” especially in a society where quality healthcare is greatly dependent on financial status.
If you could tell participants one thing about the program? Knowledge is power. This program will equip you with the right tools and empower you to take back your health. It might not be easy but think of it as a gold mine; you need patience and determination to get to gold.
Meredith Fine, MPH, RDN, LDN
Family, including pets: My husband Johnathan and I have two children – William and Madeline. We also have a cat named Bama.
Where are you from originally and where do you live now? I was born in California, grew up near Annapolis Maryland, went to college in Blacksburg Virginia at Virginia Tech, then moved to North Carolina in 2003 for grad school at UNC-Chapel Hill. We lived in Durham North Carolina until August 2019 when we moved out to Colorado, where we live now.
Favorite way to be active: Anything outdoors – love to be outside on the trails where we live, hiking, biking, and swimming. I also stay active chasing two young kids around!
What motivates you to eat smart and to move more? It is important to me to live a healthy lifestyle to set a good example for my kids to ensure they grow up in a healthy environment.
Why do you do what you do? I am passionate about motivating and encouraging individuals and families to learn how to make healthy lifestyle changes to improve their health and wellness and feel better overall.
How would you describe your teaching style? I try to have a good balance of humor while also keeping it real. I am honest and direct when teaching the information and will often share my own challenges balancing a healthy lifestyle – in real life. But I am also not afraid to laugh at myself along the way – like when I get out of breath doing a 5 minute move more activity during class – and try to keep the classes funny and encouraging.
Rachel Wasden, MS, RDN, LDN
Family, including pets: My husband, Nate, and our beagle pup, Walter.
Where are you from originally and where do you live now? I grew up in Idaho, went to school in Utah, and now live in Greensboro, NC.
Favorite way to be active: Walking! I love to explore local parks and trails while chatting with a friend or tuned into an audiobook.
What motivates you to eat smart and to move more? I believe in the power of our small daily habits to impact how we feel. Making intentional choices around food and activity helps me feel my best physically and mentally.
If you could tell participants one thing about the program? The choices we make most often have the biggest impact on our health. This program will help you take a closer look at your daily habits and make small, consistent changes. Tiny changes that you stick with for the long term can have big rewards!
Suha Najjar, MS, RDN, LDN
Family, including pets: My husband and three sons.
Where are you from originally and where do you live now? I am originally from Brooklyn New York but have made Cary, North Carolina my home, after a stint of living in East Lansing, Michigan. I don’t miss the snow!
What is your favorite way to be active? I love some boot camp classes and have taken a new appreciation of different hiking trails. The scarier, the better. ☺
What motivates you to eat smart and to move more? I want to one day be a fun grandma! I love being able to keep up and stay active with my boys – kickball is our favorite. Sharing simple pleasures for generations to come helps put in perspective how important making healthy choices are in maintaining a good quality of life.
If you could tell participants one thing about the program, what would it be? Participate! Come to each class and share your thoughts. You never know who is learning through your tips for overcoming challenges. That peer-to-peer connection is invaluable.
Bethany Cyrus, MS, RDN, LDN
Family, including pets: My husband and I just had our first baby recently! We also have a sweet pup named Scoober!
Where are you from originally and where do you live now? I was born and raised (and continue to reside) in West Virginia – Mountain Mama!
Favorite way to be active: I love to do strength training! It makes me feel so strong when I’m lifting heavy weights! I also love to play all kinds of sports, particularly ultimate frisbee! I also love just walking with my family around our neighborhood!
What motivates you to eat smart and to move more? I feel so much better physically and mentally when I fuel myself well and keep moving! In addition to that, I also eat well to help my own GI issues!
If you could tell participants one thing about the program? Do it! You will learn how to make sustainable life-long choices to better yourself! We are here for you!
Caroline Nelson, MPH, RDN, LDN
Family, including pets: I live with my husband (Tyler), two crazy cats (Shadow and Tipsy), and our lab (Beau).
Where are you from originally? I’m originally from Dallas, Texas, but now live in Raleigh, NC.
Favorite way to be active: My favorite activity is walking for the physical and mental health benefits. I also enjoy yoga and hiking, and I play on a kickball team weekly.
What motivates you to eat smart and to move more? I am motivated by my energetic dog who needs multiple walks every day. I also want to stay strong and healthy for my family, and future, and to keep up with my wild nieces.
If you could tell participants one thing about the program? Not everything happens at once. Time, patience, and practice can lead to the best long-lasting results.
Elizabeth Strawbridge, MPH, RDN, LDN
Family, including pets: I live in Durham, NC, with my senior pit/boxer mix Lola.
Where are you from originally and where do you live now? Growing up, I lived in 3 countries and 5 states. I came to NC for grad school (go Tar Heels!) and have stayed in the area, so after 8 years NC feels like home. I’m hoping to eventually recruit some of my family members to move here as well!
Favorite way to be active: I love to walk. In college I got involved with Team in Training and finished 3 half marathons as a proud race walker over the subsequent 5 years. My neighborhood has great trails, and I love early morning walks as a great way to start my day.
What motivates you to eat smart and to move more? Like many others, it is my health that drives me to make smart behavior choices. With a degree in public health, I’ve learned how important these behaviors are, even those that are seemingly small or insignificant. It all adds up!
If you could tell participants one thing about the program, what would it be? That your health is worth it. That this class will help give you the tools to make long-lasting change, if you’re ready for it.
Why do you do what you do? I love talking about nutrition and healthy eating with others. I have had weight issues since childhood, and find that nothing helps more than a supportive group environment. I do my best to foster that safe space in my class, so it is a judgment-free place where we can lift each other up and work through any problems that arise.
How would you describe your teaching style? I try my best to be a group facilitator rather than teacher, allowing us to learn from one another rather than listen to a lecture during each lesson.
Cara Jenkins, MPH, RDN, LDN
Family, including pets: Husband – Burt and 2 daughters – Avery (6), Caroline (3)
Where are you from originally and where do you live now? I am originally from Eden, NC and I currently live in Durham, NC
Favorite way to be active: I love to take walks with my girls and be in the water playing with them. But my favorite way to exercise is going to Burn Boot Camp. It is fun, fast-paced, and always a great workout!
What motivates you to eat smart and to move more? I know that in order to be my best self, I need to take care of myself, which means making healthy choices about what I put in my body and how I move my body. I can be there for my family in the way that they need me if I am taking care of myself. I also want to set a good example for my daughters to learn what taking care of their bodies looks like.
If you could tell participants one thing about the program, what would it be? It works! Give it your best, be honest with yourself about what changes you’d like to make, make YOU a priority…and see what wonderful things can come!
Favorite moment teaching Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less: My favorite lesson is the Reduce Portions lesson because it is so eye-opening! My favorite thing about teaching these classes is when participants share their success stories and we all celebrate with them!
How would you describe your teaching style? I have a laid-back style but I also pack a lot of information into a little amount of time. 😊 I love to tell stories and hear stories from participants. And a joke or pun always seems to make it into the lesson. Laughter is good for the soul!
Emma Liu, MPH, RDN, LDN
Where are you from originally and where do you live now? I’m from the Chapel Hill/Durham, NC area and attended UNC-Chapel Hill for both my undergraduate and graduate schools. (Go Tar Heels!) Now I live in Nashville, TN!
What is your favorite way to be active? I enjoy walking and hiking, especially being surrounded by so many state and national parks and battlefields. I have a national park passport, and I love being able to stamp my passport whenever I visit a new place!
What motivates you to eat smart and to move more? Feeling good and being healthy! I’m one of those people that are afraid of the doctor’s office, so I try to do my best to avoid anything other than an annual checkup – and the best way to do that is to prevent what I can!
If you could tell participants one thing about the program, what would it be? Find your motivation(s) for achieving your goal(s) and hold onto it! Then come to class and participate, because we’re all in this together. Finally, remember that it’s okay to have blips – we’re here to make progress toward achieving sustainable lifestyle changes, and every day is a new opportunity to make better choices!
Karen Bean, MPH, RDN, LDN
Family, including pets: My husband, Tom. 2 kids – Cooper and Sybil both teenagers. 2 ‘adopted’ cats Midnight and Lulu. My daughter has 3 fish and 2 frogs.
Where are you from originally and where do you live now? I was born and raised in Durham, NC where I currently live.
Favorite way to be active: Playing tennis – my son plays; occasionally we can play doubles with my brothers. Walking – great stress reducer. Yard work – I enjoy being outside (even in the summer heat). We just planted apples that we got at Lowes for $3. I am curious to see if they live and produce any fruit.
What motivates you to eat smart and to move more? Being healthy. I learned in school there are certain diseases that are preventable and I want to prevent what diseases I can. I want to enjoy life. I want to be realistic and set a positive example for my family.
Why do you do what you do? I enjoy helping others and seeing participants learn how to make changes that enrich their lives beyond the scale.
How would you describe your teaching style? Motivational Interviewing. Hopefully encouraging participants to find their own ‘way’ to make behavior changes.
If you could tell participants one thing about the program, what would it be? Find what works for them and be realistic. Losing weight is ‘hard’ work but has great rewards. Moderation is a key. They need to mindful of all aspects of life – mental, physical, spiritual and social.
Carrie Reid, MPH, RDN, LDN
Family, including pets: My husband Greg, and our three beautiful children: Harrison is 16, Gabriella is 14, and Landon is 12. I also have two gray sibling cats, Shadow and Penny, both 5 years old (or is that 36 years in human years? 🙂
Where are you from originally and where do you live now? I am from Grand Rapids, Michigan, where I spent all of my childhood. After moving to Illinois, Indiana, Greensboro, NC, and Texas, I finally moved to Raleigh, North Carolina ten years ago, and enjoy the lovely climate and perfect location!
Favorite way to be active: I really enjoy my daily walks and jogs, especially when I do them with family or friends. I also have been doing weight-lifting group fitness classes for many years now, and love lifting weights as a stress-reliever.
What motivates you to eat smart and to move more? One of the biggest motivators for me is the goal of maintaining my health for many years to come. I also want to be in good shape to keep up with my children, while being a good role model for them.
If you could tell participants one thing about the program, what would it be? I think it is important to remember that if you have a bad day or days, and you aren’t as successful during that time period, you can always get right back into prioritizing eating healthy and being active. It is never too late to start again, and you are worth it!
Favorite moment teaching Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less: The best moments are when a person is achieving their goals, and being able to be a part of their journey, getting to help cheer them on to success.
How would you describe your teaching style? I like to stay positive, and make participants feel welcome and comfortable.
Julia Nguyen, MS, RDN, LDN
Family, including pets: My family includes me, my parents, my sister, and our cat, Eli
Where are you from originally and where do you live now? I was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky (Go Cats!). I moved to Raleigh in 2020 after I fell in love with the city.
What is your favorite way to be active: Definitely hiking or going on walks with my friends and family. NC has some awesome views!
What motivates you to eat smart and to move more? I know that I eat smart and move more as a form of self care to take care of my body and mind. When I do, I notice that I feel happier. I am grateful that I am able to move my body and endure tough workouts or go on hikes to experience incredible views. As a result, I try to take care of my body so that I can continue to feel strong, powerful and live life to the fullest.
If you could tell participants one thing about the program, what would it be? This program is all about you and improving yourself! You get out of it what you put into it and we want to help you along the way. Not only are we here to provide information and resources to help you, but we are here to support and empower you all throughout the journey!
How would you describe your teaching style? I try my best to be supportive, approachable, and create an environment where all participants feel welcome to share their experiences and tips so that we can all encourage each other.
Ellie Lawrence, MS, RDN, LDN, CDE
Where are you from originally and where do you live now? I grew up in a tiny town in central IL called Monticello. It’s flat as a pancake and I miss running for miles and never going up a hill. I live in Durham, NC and love it, even though I have to run up hills.
What is your favorite way to be active? Running. I started running at 11 and it just brings me joy, makes me feel alive, and it makes me feel free. It’s a good reminder to keep putting one foot in front of the other. I also enjoy hiking, swimming, and really all things outdoors. I’m bad at any sport that involves hand eye coordination, but I’ll play.
What motivates you to eat smart and to move more? My friends and family. I think that eating smart is more fun with others (come over for dinner) and I believe strongly that the best conversations happen on a run or walk.
If you could tell participants one thing about the program, what would it be? You Matter!
How would you describe your teaching style? I’m a cheerleader. I want to see you succeed and I want you to know I believe you can do it.
Why did you become a dietitian? I love food, I love people, and I love science. It seemed like the perfect combination. I love that good nutrition is self-care. I love that by choosing good food and healthy movement, I’m also helping people choose a future they want.
Michelle Bean, MPH, RDN, LDN
Family, including pets: My family includes my husband and four kids, ages 21, 18, 15, and 11. We also have five pets, four cats (2 tabbies and 2 tuxedos), and 1 big (100-pound) dog!
Where are you from originally and where do you live now? I’m originally from Colorado. I grew up in the mountains, and I miss snow! I came to North Carolina for grad school and met my husband. He’s from Durham, and we’ve lived in Durham for a long time. Even without snow, NC is a great place to live, and I still can’t believe that I’m only two hours from a beach!
What is your favorite way to be active? I try to be active and exercise daily. I walk every day, and I run when it’s cooler out. I also enjoy hiking, and we love the Eno. I joined a gym about two years ago, and I thought that I wouldn’t like it, but I’ve enjoyed it a great deal. Of course, I can’t go often now, but I like setting small goals and reaching them, e.g. starting with 25 pounds on a weight machine and going higher! ☺
What motivates you to eat smart and to move more? There are so many reasons to eat smart and move more. Outside of the obvious, it is nice to be at your goal weight and fit into certain clothes, there are other important reasons. I have a good friend who has Rheumatoid Arthritis, and she treats it largely with diet. Watching her journey really drove home the point to me that diet can be so powerful, and even small changes can have profound effects on our health and well-being.
If you could tell participants one thing about the program, what would it be? I like how this program focuses on nutrition and on actionable goals that fit into daily life. A lot of people read about health and nutrition, but then what? How does it fit into a busy schedule? How do you make it work? How do you keep it up for a month, six months, a year? This is an opportunity to set goals, reach them, and fit it all into your life for the long term!
Kerry Jones, MPH, RDN, LDN
Family, including pets: I live with my fiancé, border collie (Rory), and two cats (Arya & Izzy).
Where are you from originally and where do you live now? I grew up in Hanover, Pennsylvania, which is best known for being the home of Utz Potato Chips and Snyder’s Pretzels.
What is your favorite way to be active? I love hiking North Carolina state parks with my dog and fiancé. Before COVID-19, I also loved taking aerial yoga classes.
What motivates you to eat smart and to move more? We only get one body, so it is so important that we treat it right by moving it regularly and fueling it with healthful foods. Remembering this motivates me to continue to eat smart and move more.
If you could tell participants one thing about the program, what would it be? It is important to remember that this program is not a fad diet. Instead, this program is the start of a lifestyle change to help you eat smart and move more. It will be hard at times, but the results of feeling better in your body and improving your health can be so rewarding.
Elizabeth Barnes, MS, RDN, LDN
Family, including pets: My partner and I share a home with four cats! Yes, that is a lot of cats but we love them. Suki, Toph, Chicken, and Squeaks are their names.
Where are you from originally and where do you live now? I grew up in Conyers, GA. I moved to North Carolina about 15 years ago. I loved living in Georgia but I do not miss the summer heat!
What is your favorite way to be active? My favorite way to be active is roller skating. I love going to the skating rink. The sights, the smells, the sounds remind me of being a kid. It is so freeing to slap on some skates, jam to some music, and go fast!
What motivates you to eat smart and to move more? I am motivated to eat smart and to move more by a desire to maintain a good quality of life as I age. I want to be able to continue doing the things that I want to do no matter what age I am.
If you could tell participants one thing about the program, what would it be? Components of the program may be challenging at times, but you aren’t doing it alone! You have a whole group of people going through the program with you. The group will be there to support, uplift, and encourage you through your journey.
Alicia Bicksler, MS, RDN, LDN
Family, including pets: I have an older brother, sister-in-law, and two nieces who live in Atlanta, GA. I have a younger brother, sister-in-law, and two fur-baby nephews that live in Los Angeles, CA. I’m very fortunate to have my Mom living in Raleigh not too far from me.
Where are you from originally and where do you live now? I’m originally from Baltimore, MD but have lived in North Carolina most of my life (with the exception of living an amazing year in Canada when I was in middle school). I currently live in Raleigh and absolutely love it.
What is your favorite way to be active? I love going on walks with my friends it’s a great way to get exercise and catch up with them! I also love doing workouts classes like boot camps and boxing.
What motivates you to eat smart and to move more? I’m motivated to eat smart and move more because of my own personal struggles with obesity. Finding a balance and prioritizing my health has been essential to my own journey. I am also motivated to eat smart and move more because of my two nieces who keep me very busy! I love biking, hiking, and cooking with them.
If you could tell participants one thing about the program, what would it be? To take one step at a time, literally! Making small changes over a long period of time results in lasting change. Like the age-old saying, “Slow and steady wins the race.” Along with that, I would say don’t overwhelm yourself!
Jessica Wallis, MPH, RDN, LDN
Family, including pets:
I am blessed with a close-knit family, although we live in many states! I also have furry nieces and nephews.
Where are you from originally and where do you live now? I grew up in a small town in southwestern Ohio called Yellow Springs. I lived in Washington state and Colorado before finding my way to North Carolina.
What is your favorite way to be active?
I enjoy yoga and HIIT classes, but being a new homeowner with a large yard, most of my activity these days comes from gardening (digging holes) and yard work.
What motivates you to eat smart and move more? I think about eating smart and moving more as the foundation that allows me to live my best life. I know both are essential not only for health and longevity, but to engage and enjoy all aspects of life.
If you could tell participants one thing about the program, what would it be?
Small steps lead to lasting and meaningful change, and there are no diets! You got this!
Brittany Perrault, MPH, RDN, LDN
Family, including pets: My family includes my husband, Mathieu; our twin boys, Lafayette and Olivier – yes they’re identical and yes we can tell them apart; and our 3-year-old Dalmatian, Carolina.
Where are you from originally and where do you live now? Originally, I am from St. Louis, Missouri; though I moved to Chapel Hill for graduate school and now reside in Boise, Idaho.
What is your favorite way to be active?
Since becoming a retired soccer player, I’d have to say my favorite way to be active is hiking in the rocky mountains but I also enjoy less intense activities such as going on family walks around the neighborhood and playing fetch with my dog at the park.
What motivates you to eat smart and move more? Because I have type 1 diabetes, I know from experience that eating smart and moving more is the key to living a long and healthy life for my family. Not only does it make the management of blood sugars easier, but it makes me feel better in general. I know that eating smart and moving more is good for my mind and body and it helps to reduce my risk of developing other chronic diseases.
If you could tell participants one thing about the program, what would it be?
This evidence-based program is designed to be user-friendly and gives you the tools and knowledge to meet your health goals. It is a great way to begin your health journey! Come to class knowing that after each lesson you will leave having learned something you can immediately use in real life!
Christina Dyer, MS, RDN, LDN
Family, including pets: My husband John and I have been married 21 years – we have two daughters, Layla and Emma, and two rescue beagle mix puppies (Coco and Tahoe) that keep me on the move.
Where are you from originally and where do you live now? I was born and raised on a small farm in Oklahoma where I grew up with a huge garden, sheep, and horses. Since then I have lived in 6 different states, Washington D.C., and another country. I graduated with a B.S. in Nutritional Science from Oklahoma State University and a Master’s of Science in Public Health Nutrition from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Currently, I live in the northern part of New Jersey!
What is your favorite way to be active?
My favorite way to be active is hiking and skiing. I love to be outdoors – nature is my way to relieve stress. I am on a mission to visit as many National Parks as I can in the US. My two favorites have been Acadia National Park in Maine and Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. I also love to garden and currently have an obsession with planting bee-friendly wildflowers.
What motivates you to eat smart and move more? I love to cook and try new foods! I still have my first cookbook from age 9: How to Cook Healthy Stir-Fry. Variety and the love of trying new things keep me going and my goal is to keep my body healthy so I can enjoy life.
If you could tell participants one thing about the program, what would it be?
This program is fun and helps you make changes step by step! Having a group to meet with and support you, along with all the great resources is a great way to keep going toward your goals.
Hayley Gillam, MPH, RDN, LDN
Where are you from originally and where do you live now? I’m originally from California but have been moving around since college. I lived abroad in South Korea and on a cruise ship before coming back to the states and finally settling in Florida.
Favorite way to be active. Boxing! I got into the sport a few years ago and love how it works my mind and my body. I also love that the community is so welcoming and encouraging.
What motivates you to eat smart and to move more? I want to be able to feel good in my body both now and in later years to come. I know like anything else, in order to keep my body working well I have to nurture it and treat it well.
If you could tell participants one thing about the program, what would it be? This program is designed to help you make sustainable changes to your lifestyle through lessons, community, and accountability. It will guide you to make changes that are right for you and support you along the way!
How would you describe your teaching style? I’ve spent a lot of time working with kids, which helps me to be more creative and adaptable. I look forward to thinking outside the box to help you overcome whatever challenges you’re facing that prevent you from eating smart and moving more!