Wellness Promotion

Name: Sarah Williamson

Pronouns: she/her/hers

StrengthsFinder: Learner, Achiever, Activator, Communication, Woo
VIA Character Strengths: Love of Learning, Leadership, Hope, Zest, Humor
 
Position Title: Associate Director

Phone: 610-436-0730

Email: swilliamso@wcupa.edu

Education: (In Progress) Ed.D. Policy, Planning, and Administration: Higher Education Concentration-West Chester University; M.Ed. Counseling with a Secondary School Certification-Kutztown University; B.S. Human Services, Education, & Public Policy-University of Delaware

Strengths: My approach to working with students including in wellness coaching is to work together to explore “fun facts” about different areas of interest and conduct mini-experiments in exploring what they may look like when applied in our daily lives. I believe in the power of connection and think of all things that is the most important thing in a collaborative and helping relationship.

Professional Interests: I am very passionate about challenging and supporting students. I believe in the power of community and leading with your personal values in your decision-making. In my current work role, I continue to research the sustainable skills to apply in our programming and coaching efforts to help student thrive in their health and well-being. In my dissertation research, I am exploring how faith and spirituality (purpose) support students in their resiliency.  

Personal Interests: In my free time outside of work and school, I care for my two young children and miniature labradoodle with my partner, love spending time at the beach, watching sports especially baseball and football (Go Phillies and Steelers!), and training for races with friends. 

Name: Jayme Trogus

Pronouns: she/her/hers

StrengthsFinder: Arranger, Relator, Responsibility, Input, Learner
VIA Character Strengths: Honesty, Fairness, Forgiveness, Kindness, Hope

Position Title: Director

Phone: 610-436-0730

Email: jtrogus@wcupa.edu

Education: (In Progress): Doctorate of Health Sciences - East Stroudsburg University; Master's of Public Health - East Stroudsburg University; B.A. Social Work - Millersville University.   I am a first generation college student.

Strengths: I believe that everyone has the ability to be well and achieve the well-being goals they would like to accomplish in order to become the best version of themselves.  I approach wellness coaching through a lens of curiosity - asking questions to help students discover and identify their path towards well-being.   I utilize my strength as a relator to connect with students through coaching as they work towards and achieve their health and well-being vision.  I am creative in my thinking and like to explore challenges as opportunities.

Professional Interests: The best part of my work in the Office of Wellness Promotion is working with students and helping to cultivate and support their health and well-being journey.   In addition to wellness coaching, I enjoy conducting research into innovative practices and programs, problem solving how to best meet the needs of our campus community, working with our department team in their efforts to develop initiatives to support student success at WCU, and supporting the growth and development of our team.  I enjoy public health theory and critically thinking through behavior change strategies.  I've spent over 15 years working in health promotion on college campuses and have a great deal of knowledge and experience in a variety of topical areas.  I continue to explore the interconnectedness among topics and the impact of external factors on our ability to be well.

Personal Interests: I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.  I practice well-being through exercise (my favorite being running and walking), keeping a gratitude journal, and listening to music.  I like to prepare meals for my family, enjoy reading, and playing outdoor games (wiffle ball and kickball especially) - I can be a little competitive!

Name: Erika McKee

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Top VIA Character Strengths/or Strengths Finder Strengths: Restorative, Adaptability, Intellection, Activator, Empathy

Position Title: Graduate Assistant for Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Education

Phone: (610)-436-0730

Email: em960058@wcupa.edu    
 
Education:  Easton Area High School- Easton, PA- Graduated in 2016, Alvernia University- Reading, PA- Graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor’s in Addiction and Mental Health Treatment with a minor in Psychology, West Chester University- West Chester, PA- Expected Graduation Spring 2023 with a Master’s degree in Public Health 

Strengths: When I work with individuals, I tend to use a solution focused approach to assist reaching short-term goals. I focus on asking questions to try and understand the whole person and their situation(s).  I assist, support, provide information, and collaborate with students to brainstorm ways to improve their well-being.

Professional Interests: I’m passionate about public health, alcohol education, helping students improve their overall well-being, and practicing mindfulness.  
 
Personal Interests: I enjoy reading, painting, exercising, going for walks, and quoting The Office!  

Name: Jai-La Aponte

Pronouns: she/they

Top VIA Character Strengths/or Strengths Finder Strengths: Woo, Communication, Input, Empathy, Positivity

Position Title: GA for well-being and sexual health education

Phone: 610-436-0730

Email: ja918974@wcupa.edu       

Education: BA English: Writings, creative writing minor (WCU’20), AA Liberal Arts, English (NCC’18)

Strengths: I help students by meeting them wherever they are in their wellness journey and aiding them in finding solutions that are best fitted and most safe.

Professional Interests:  Areas of higher education I have worked in are new student programs, residence life, and wellness promotion. My desire is to work in residence life after graduation.

Personal Interests: In my free time I enjoy writing poetry, watching Grey’s Anatomy or Criminal minds, and playing with my cat Pisces. I also love taking ballet and hip-hop dance classes.

Name: Gianna Machado

Pronouns: She|Her

Position Title: Graduate Assistant for Peer Education

Phone: 610-436-0730

Email: gm954557@wcupa.edu

Education: B.A. in Psychology, Montclair State University

Strengths: I like to help students by meeting them where they are at while also talking through solutions that are goal oriented and beneficial to the individual.

Professional Interests: I am working towards a Masters in Higher Education Policy and Student Affairs, when I finish school, I would like to work closely with undergraduate students or the Title IX process.

Personal Interests: Outside of school I enjoy working on a variety of crafts, reading, and taking trips to New York.