The Whole U Wellness Symposium – a day of well-being with UW experts
The Whole U’s inaugural Wellness Symposium, presented in celebration of our 10th anniversary, will empower UW faculty and staff to lead their departments in fostering well-being and discovering personal strategies for thriving in the workplace. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect or reconnect with colleagues from across campuses and UW Medicine and gain insights from UW experts in evidence-based well-being practices.
You are invited to attend five featured sessions exploring physical well-being, mental health in the workplace, stress first aid and happiness and connection at work. The free symposium will take place on Wednesday, April 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the North Ballroom of the Husky Union Building. You may attend all conference sessions or as many as you have time for and interest in. The day will feature a light breakfast and refreshments throughout.
Learn more and register now.
We also invite you to share “wellness wins” from your department at the Wellness Symposium’s lunchtime poster/table session. Learn more and register now.
Schedule and Presenters
- Keynote Address: Alexes Harris
- Session 1: Happiness at Work and in Life
- Session 2: Stress First Aid
- Session 3: Supporting Mental Health at Work
- Session 4: Thriving Together: Empowering Well-being for Team Success
- Session 5: Physical Well-Being at Work
Keynote Address: Alexes Harris – 9-9:30 a.m.
Alexes Harris
Professor of Sociology, UW Regent
Alexes Harris, PhD, a professor of sociology and the first UW Faculty Regent, is a profound supporter of well-being at the University of Washington. Drawing on her extensive experience as a professor of sociology, she continuously supports her students, her colleagues through the Faculty Development Program and UW student-athletes through her role as Faculty Athletics Representative.
With a body of research that fundamentally centers on issues of inequality, poverty and race in the United States legal systems, Alexes has been appointed to serve on several federal advisory boards and also has been called to testify for numerous state and federal governing bodies about inequalities in the criminal legal system and sentencing (including speaking at the White House).
Alexes has received the UW Distinguished Teaching Award (2018), the UW’s highest teaching honor, among many other accolades received for her accomplishments and dedication to equity. Additionally, she is a champion for the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) and shares her personal experience with cancer throughout our UW community to inspire more diversity in the marrow registry.
Session 1: Happiness at Work and in Life – 9:30-10:30 a.m.
In this interactive session delivered by the UW’s foremost happiness experts, you will learn about and practice research-backed habits for increasing your happiness. We will share happiness-boosting strategies you can use both at work and in your daily life. Presenters are:
Tabitha Kirkland
Associate Teaching Professor of Psychology
Tabitha Kirkland, PhD, is an educator and social psychologist. She teaches a wide range of classes from introductory psychology to senior seminars on emotion and well-being. Her teaching philosophy encourages both contemplative practices that deepen our understanding of our own minds and active collaboration with other learners in community. She also is the founder and director of the Psychology Undergraduate Mentoring Program, which matches psychology students from underrepresented groups with mentors. Tabitha is interested in helping people become the healthiest and happiest versions of themselves.
Milla Titova
Assistant Teaching Professor of Psychology
Director, UW Happiness and Well-Being Lab
As director of UW Happiness and Well-Being Lab and an assistant teaching professor in the Department of Psychology, Milla Titova, PhD, conducts research concentrated on happiness and well-being, specifically, how cultural and personality differences affect people’s well-being levels, as well as the experience of happiness and positive emotions. She also is investigating how people’s relationships with the places and spaces that they occupy connect to happiness and well-being.
Session 2: Stress First Aid – 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Explore critical components of the Stress First Aid model—designed to support the military and later customized for healthcare—and its invaluable tools for navigating stress in the workplace. Discover practical techniques and strategies aimed at providing immediate support and intervention during times of stress. Whether you’re an employee, manager or HR professional, this session will equip you with actionable methods to promote resilience and well-being in your workplace. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your stress management toolkit and foster a healthier work environment for all. Presenter is:
Marie Cockerham
CARE4U Well-being & Support Program Director, Associate Director, Patient Care Services
Marie Cockerham, MN, RN, eCPR-C, directs CARE4U, the effective peer-to-peer well-being and support program at the University of Washington Medical Center. Marie is a graduate prepared clinician and has been a nurse for over 20 years with a strong clinical background in critical care both as a bedside nurse and clinical nurse educator and specialist.
In recent years, she has focused on our healthcare teams, taking care of the people that take care of the people. After helping create and implement CARE4U in 2020, Marie served as the mental health supervisor for healthcare workers during the pandemic, directly supporting two hospital campuses. She is extremely passionate about cultivating healthy work environments, reducing stigma and barriers to access related to mental health care, and the prevention of suicide. Marie has spoken extensively locally and nationally on topics clinically in critical care and nursing education, as well as a variety of wellbeing and mental health topics and is an emotional intelligence powerhouse in leading our teams with a focus on wellbeing and support.
Session 3: Supporting Mental Health at Work – 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
During this moderated panel, experts from diverse backgrounds within UW will explore key themes impacting employee mental health. We’ll touch on understanding mental health, reducing stigma and recognizing signs and symptoms, while also highlighting community resources and the importance of peer support. Our conversation will extend to workplace stressors, burnout prevention and strategies for promoting psychological safety, with insights into leadership and management support. We’ll also discuss the significance of workplace accommodations and the connections between mental health, belonging and accessibility in fostering a supportive environment.
Fiona Cohen
Violence Prevention & Response Specialist, UW SafeCampus
Fionna Cohen (she/her), MSW, has a master’s degree in social work with a clinical focus from the University of Washington and is currently working towards her LICSW. Fionna’s work as a violence prevention & response specialist at UW SafeCampus is grounded in a background of sociology and political advocacy. She enjoys working directly with individuals as they address and process challenging circumstances. Her work is also focused on advancing structural changes that lessen barriers to care and make people safer. Fionna loves to hike, enjoy the Seattle outdoors, and explore the food scene.
Jenn Nguyen
Director of the Washington State Employee Assistance Program
Jenn Nguyen, MSW, LICSW, is a dedicated public servant. She is a third-generation social worker and has been in state service for over 16 years, including stints at the Department of Early Learning and the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DYYF). In the past two years working with DCYF, Jenn has created and operated a crisis response and peer support program to ensure a continuum of mental, behavioral and wellness supports for internal DCYF staff. In addition, she is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a part-time private practice. In her free time, Jenn can be found at the beach with her two little ones and a puppy adopted impulsively during the pandemic.
Brennon Ham
Director of the Q Center
Brennon Ham (Brennon/they/any), Ed.M., is a queer, bigender, mixed Latinx, formerly homeless survivor of violence. These identities and experiences shaped much of their professional and academic pursuits. Over the last 12 years, Brennon has served a long list of organizations, including A Way Home Washington, Seattle Public Schools, The Northwest Network of LGBTQ+ Survivors of Abuse, Lifelong AIDS Alliance and Queer Youth Space. They completed undergraduate studies at Case Western Reserve University, earned a master’s degree in education policy & management from Harvard University and added a Diversity & Inclusion certificate from Cornell University. Raised in a big and blended family on the East Coast, they were a competitive athlete for many years.
Brennon now coaches swimming at Garfield High School and Lakeridge Swim Club in Seattle. They currently live on First Hill with their four-legged babies, Frankie and Homer.
Marie Cockerham
CARE4U Well-being & Support Program Director, Associate Director, Patient Care Services
Marie Cockerham, MN, RN, eCPR-C, directs CARE4U, the effective peer-to-peer well-being and support program at the University of Washington Medical Center. Marie is a graduate prepared clinician and has been a nurse for over 20 years with a strong clinical background in critical care both as a bedside nurse and clinical nurse educator and specialist. In recent years, she has focused on our healthcare teams, taking care of the people that take care of the people. After helping create and implement CARE4U in 2020, Marie served as the mental health supervisor for healthcare workers during the pandemic. She is extremely passionate about cultivating healthy work environments, reducing stigma and barriers to access related to mental health care, and the prevention of suicide. Marie has spoken extensively locally and nationally on topics clinically in critical care and nursing education, as well as a variety of well-being and mental health topics.
Gretchen Bennett
Senior Disability Services Consultant, Disability Services Office
Anne Browning (Moderator)
Associate Dean for Well-Being at UW Medicine
Founding Director, UW Resilience Lab
Anne Browning, PhD, MA, is the assistant dean for well-being at the University of Washington School of Medicine. She is also the founding director of the UW Resilience Lab and affiliate assistant professor at the UW College of Education. Through her work, Ann is promoting resilience, brain health and well-being for health care teams. Anne studied social anthropology as an undergraduate at Harvard University and went on to earn a master’s degree in education at the University of California at Berkeley. At the UW, she earned a PhD in education, leadership and policy studies while working to support equity and access for students.
Session 4: Thriving Together: Empowering Well-being for Team Success – 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Discover the keys to fostering well-being and work-life harmony in this insightful panel discussion featuring three distinguished experts from the University of Washington. This panel will bring together a wealth of expertise from various disciplines to explore strategies for building healthy, thriving teams in today’s dynamic work environments.
Through engaging discussions, real-life examples and an interactive Q&A session, this panel aims to equip you with actionable strategies to enhance well-being and foster collaboration on teams. Whether you’re a leader, a team member or simply interested in promoting well-being in the workplace, this panel will offer invaluable insights and practical tools for creating a fulfilling and sustainable work environment. Panelists are:
Ryan Fehr
Professor of Management and Michael G. Foster Fellow
Ryan Fehr, PhD, is an accomplished business leader and expert in organizational behavior at the University of Washington Foster School of Business. With over a decade of experience in the corporate world and fascinating research into the factors that make worklife engaging and fulfilling, Ryan specializes in strategies for building cohesive and high-performing teams. He has a passion for creating positive work cultures that promote employee well-being, engagement, and productivity. Ryan’s insights blend practical business acumen with a deep understanding of human behavior, making him a sought-after speaker and consultant in the field of team dynamics and organizational psychology.
Nicole Van Dyke
Head Coach, UW Women’s Soccer
Nicole Van Dyke, who been a collegiate soccer head coach for 15 years and led the University of Washington women’s soccer program for the past five, is a highly respected coach and mentor. With a background in elite sports coaching and player development, Nicole brings a unique perspective on leadership, teamwork and resilience. Her expertise extends beyond the soccer field, encompassing strategies for achieving work-life balance, fostering mental toughness, and promoting holistic well-being. Nicole’s winning coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of personal growth, self-care and empowering individuals to excel both athletically and personally.
Cynthia Levine
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Primary Investigator, UW Culture, Diversity & Health Lab
Cynthia Levine, PhD, is a renowned researcher and psychologist at the University of Washington, whose work focuses on understanding human behavior in social contexts. With years of experience conducting groundbreaking research, Cynthia brings a wealth of knowledge on team dynamics, communication and stress management. Her expertise bridges the gap between academic research and practical applications, offering evidence-based insights that help organizations cultivate positive work environments and support employee well-being. Cynthia’s work has been widely published and recognized for its contributions to enhancing teamwork and promoting psychological health in the workplace.
Session 5: Physical Well-Being at Work – 2:45-3:45 p.m.
In this discussion among three distinguished panelists, learn about the importance of physical activity and nutrition to our overall well-being and longevity—and our performance at work. Exercise and nutrition are not one-size-fits-all solutions, and there are many ways to incorporate sustainable practices in our daily lives. Panelists are:
Charles Kenyon
Doctor of Oseopathic Medicine, UW Medicine
Dr. Charles Kenyon, DO, MS, CSCS, is board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation and sports medicine and specializes in non-operative orthopedics and sports-related concussions, including the diagnosis and interventional treatment of musculoskeletal injuries with ultrasound. His clinical expertise includes the diagnosis and management of joint, tendon and ligament injuries, as well as peripheral nerve conditions and sports-related concussion. Prior to medical school, Charles served as a performance specialist and coordinator of sports science with the Seattle Mariners and actively maintains credentialing as a certified strength and conditioning specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association in order to best serve active patients of all ages and abilities.
Jonathan Drezner
Director of the UW Medicine Center for Sports Cardiology
Co-Chair of the UW Medicine Cardiovascular Wellness and Prevention Program
Dr. Jonathan A. Drezner, MD, is a family medicine physician who specializes in sports medicine and sports cardiology. His clinical interests include sports medicine, musculoskeletal health, sports cardiology, cardiovascular screening and prevention, concussions and platelet-rich-plasma for chronic musculoskeletal conditions. In addition to serving as director of the UW Medicine Center for Sports Cardiology and co-chair of the UW Medicine Cardiovascular Wellness and Prevention Program, Jonathan is editor-in-chief of the British Journal of Sports Medicine and serves as team physician for the Seattle Seahawks, OL Reign and UW Huskies.
Anne Lund
Director of the UW Graduate Coordinated Program in Dietetics
Director of the UW Master of Public Health Nutrition Program
Anne Lund, MPH, RDN, FAND, directs the UW Graduate Coordinated Program in Dietetics and the UW MPH Nutrition degree. She joined the core faculty of the Nutritional Sciences Program in the Department of Epidemiology in 2009. Prior to becoming the dietetic program director, Anne was a research coordinator at the UW Center for Public Health Nutrition, where her work focused on school wellness policies and screen time reduction efforts. Anne completed her dietetic training at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Nepal. Anne was awarded an Outstanding Dietetics Educator Award (2015) by the Academy’s Nutrition and Dietetic Educators and Preceptors group and the Outstanding Dietitian of the Year (2017) by the Washington State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Peggy Hannon
Director of the UW Health Promotion Research Center
Peggy Hannon, PhD, MPH, is director of the Health Promotion Research Center, designated a CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Prevention Research Center. Her research focuses on dissemination and implementation research, with an emphasis on cancer screening and workplace health promotion. She develops and tests interventions in partnership with entities such as the American Cancer Society and state and local departments of health to disseminate evidence-based practices to workplaces and other settings.
