Human Resources

Job Title

Administrative Director of University Honors

Wellness Perspective

“Be studious in your profession, and you will be learned. Be industrious and frugal, and you will be rich. Be sober and temperate, and you will be healthy. Be in general virtuous, and you will be happy. At least you will, by such conduct, stand the best chance for such consequence.” – Benjamin Franklin

Contact

aaron.bushong@ucr.edu

Job Title

Professor, French & Comparative Literature

Wellness Perspective

“As a professor, I have long realized that the sedentary academic life runs counter to good physical and thus mental health. Thus, I make it a point to incorporate movement into my life and I’ve begun to integrate movement into the classes I teach as well. I am a fan of farmers markets and eating whole foods, which also dovetails with my commitment to sustainability.”

Contact

michelle.bloom@ucr.edu

Job Title

Financial and Purchasing Assistant for the Performing Arts Administration department

Wellness Perspective

Wellness to me is making time for yourself both physically and mentally. It's important to maintain an active lifestyle as this helps to maintain both your physical health and your mental well-being. Mental health is a major priority to me, and it should not be taken for granted. It is important to take time to relax and it's always okay to seek help when it is needed.

Contact

brittany.fraser@ucr.edu

Job Title

Transfer Success Coordinator for the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Wellness Perspective

“Wellness is about prioritizing self-care whether this be mentally, spiritually, or physically. It’s important to carve out time in our busy schedules to do things that make us feel good because when we feel good and are in a good mindset we are better parents, friends, colleagues, employees, and people.

I used to be on the go all the time from work to kids and my other obligations that I started to feel burned out and overwhelmed. I finally took a step back and started making changes to incorporate “me time”, whether it was waking up earlier to go the gym, taking a walk on my lunch or in the evening after dinner, reading, or just catching up on a podcast or show and I realized how much more refreshed and less stressed I felt. I now encourage my student employees to have a healthy work/school-life balance and practice self-care.

Contact

elizabeth.jimenez@ucr.edu

Job Title

Administrative Officer II to the CFAO and Assistant Dean of CHASS

Wellness Perspective

With a background in the mental health field (MFT), I was initially drawn to becoming a part of the Wellness Ambassador group. I believe that the tools and resources offered by the Wellness group are invaluable for the overall well-being of Faculty and Staff. Wellness, to me, encompasses a holistic approach to mental, physical, and emotional well-being. I consider each of these aspects equally important for maintenance. A holistic well-being approach encourages practices like regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management techniques, mindfulness, and fostering positive relationships. These practices contribute to a state of equilibrium and resilience across mental, physical, and emotional domains. I hope that with your help, I can contribute to promoting a healthy culture for CHASS so that all UCR employees can achieve a comprehensive sense of well-being.

Contact

kimberlie.allen@ucr.edu

Job Title

Administrative Coordinator, Development

Wellness Perspective

To me, wellness embodies the skillful practice of fostering harmony among the mind, body, and spirit. Some of my favorite wellness practices are cycling, finding nourishing recipes to try, and meditating. I also enjoy walks around my neighborhood with my family.

Contact

sarah.karson@ucr.edu

Job Title

Lead Senior Advising Coordinator, CNAS

Wellness Perspective

It’s not the biggest steps that have the most impact but the development of small steps into lifelong habits. I used to think wellness had the most to do with healthy food and formal exercise. However, I am realizing the vital role of mental health and stress management in our overall health. I discovered kundalini yoga at a small yoga studio in Riverside and it’s such a calming blend of movement, breathwork, and relaxing sounds that I never regret making the effort to attend.

Contact

katie.smtih@ucr.edu

Job Title

Administrative Assistant in the Biomedical Sciences Division of the School of Medicine

Wellness Perspective

I believe that it is never too late to add healthier habits to improve our quality of life. Living my best life happens when I have time to work yoga and Pilates into my day. I love discussing food and health ideas with others.

Contact

shirley.niell@medsch.ucr.edu

Job Title

Talent Acquisition Analyst, University Advancement

Wellness Perspective

For me, wellness is a broad term that encompasses mental, physical, and financial stability.  I have made a commitment to myself to improve my quality of life and to lead a happy and healthier lifestyle.  I appreciate the opportunity I have been given to serve as a Wellness Ambassador and want to ensure that I am utilizing the resources available to reach my goals while sharing what I learn with the people that surround me.   

Contact

sandra.rodriguez@ucr.edu

Job Title

 Senior Health Promotion Specialist

Wellness Perspective

Wellness to me means to be as balanced as possible in various dimensions including physically, mentally, financially, and socially among others, and to have the larger systems at play supporting wellness. I like to stay well by jogging, working out, sleeping and spending time with friends and family.

Contact

marisol.torres@ucr.edu

Job Title

Financial Services Analyst

Wellness Perspective

I’ve been an ovo-lacto vegetarian for over 20 years. About a year ago I removed most of the dairy from my diet as well, started supplementing with seaweed and nutritional yeast, and increased intake of spices and nuts. I practice yoga 5-7x a week, take advantage of campus virtual stretch breaks and ComPsych webinars, and have regular virtual therapy appointments. Participating in the Nourish Challenge has been rewarding as I’ve already been implementing many of the suggestions!

Contact

nicole.valencia@ucr.edu

Job Title

Resident Director, Residential Education Department

Wellness Perspective

I am committed to a daily pursuit of spiritual, physical, and relational wellbeing. For me, pursuing spiritual wellbeing involves being actively involved in a local church, daily practices of reading, prayer, and worship, and regular practices of silence, solitude, sabbath, and getting outdoors completely unplugged from technology. My pursuit of physical wellbeing involves regularly enjoying hobbies such as rock climbing, playing pickleball, hiking, mountain biking, paddleboarding, kayaking, snowboarding, and soaking up as much sunshine as possible. I pursue relational wellbeing my maintaining clear work/life boundaries, surrounding myself with an inner circle of people who share my core values, and prioritizing building and maintaining relationships with my community of friends and family.

Contact

laura.vedas@ucr.edu

Job Title

Institute for Integrative Genome Biology

Wellness Perspective

Wellness is more than just a goal—it's a way of life that should be incorporated into your world every day. By starting with something as simple as a daily walk, you create a foundation for both physical health and mental happiness. From these small steps, your overall well-being will continue to grow.

Contact

valerie.arce@ucr.edu

Job Title

Residential Education

Wellness Perspective

"Wellness is the complete integration of body, mind, and spirit-the realization that everything we do, think, feel, and believe has an effect on our state of well-being" - Greg Anderson

Contact

vanessa.blaylock@ucr.edu