Former WorkLife Programs staff working at the Center for Healthy Living
April 4, 2013
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Former
WorkLife Programs staff are now working at the Center for Healthy Living: (from
left) Sara Primeau, employee assistance counselor; Tina Hodson, administrative
assistant; Amber Simons, wellness coordinator; and Cheryl Laszynski, RN health
coach (Rodney McPhail/HR Communications)
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As the series introducing Center for Healthy Living staff concludes, today’s installment features former WorkLife Programs staff who are now working at the center. They are Sara Primeau, employee assistance counselor; Amber Simons, wellness coordinator; Tina Hodson, administrative assistant; and Cheryl Laszynski, RN health coach.
What value does the Center for Healthy Living offer Purdue employees?
Sara: Purdue employees benefit from the teamwork of the center’s staff. As the employee assistance counselor, I am pleased at how easy it is to coordinate health care. Our team works to assist and support employees to make the changes that will improve their health in body and mind. I am pleased that my clients can be seen by medical personnel whom I know and respect.
Amber: With its holistic approach, the Center for Healthy Living provides a unique experience for Purdue employees to feel that their health care is being approached from many different angles. Access to a physician or nurse practitioner and an RN health coach, in addition to other professionals, like a registered dietitian and employee assistance counselor, can really impact the employee’s overall experience for that holistic care. Add to that, the convenient location and lower out-of-pocket costs, and it’s a match made in heaven!
You’ve all dedicated years of work to encouraging a culture of health and wellness at Purdue. How will your work at the center build upon this?
Tina: My job at Purdue was to help educate employees about how to access and use WorkLife Programs offerings, and then link them to the appropriate WorkLife facilitator. My job now includes connecting employees to the services of the primary care providers, the RN health coaches, medical assistants and the many other offerings of the center.
Cheryl: Through Purdue's Center for Healthy Living, employees and their dependents will experience personalized time and interaction with a dedicated health care team. This team will enable each client to meet their individual health care, lifestyle and work-life needs. With each visit, the client and the client's health care team discuss the overall plan for the individual’s health.
What types of wellness programming will the center offer?
Amber: The Center for Healthy Living is currently offering health coaching on wellness topics and for chronic condition management. Health coaching is a confidential and supportive partnership between the client and the health coach, and it effectively motivates and encourages behavior change to help the client meet their health and wellness vision and goals. Beginning in mid- to late April, the patient portal (https://purdue.opticonsite.com) will have a new online step challenge, and some workshop opportunities will be hosted out at the Center for Healthy Living.
Cheryl: The center offers a variety of services, including preventive care and support for management of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure and more. Wellness coaching for weight management, tobacco cessation, nutrition, physical activity and stress management are available.
What do you enjoy in your time away from the job?
Tina: I love to read and flower garden -- especially roses -- and spend time with family.
Sara: I enjoy working with photography and gardening.
Cheryl: In my free time, I am active in my church. I enjoy jogging, cycling, weight lifting, reading and spending time with my family.
Amber: I enjoy spending time with my husband and 2-year-old daughter. We enjoy traveling, playing games and frequenting the many parks in the Lafayette area.