What is your name and what condition-specific team do you work on? Please also include your background.

I work on the Pulmonary Team at Pack Health. I am from a small town near Prattville, AL called Old Kingston. I graduated from Billingsley High School. Two weeks after high school I joined the military. I was in the U.S. Army for over 8 years. I have a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Auburn University (War Eagle).  I graduated from Colorado Technical University with a Masters of Business Administration in Healthcare Management.

Why do you work at Pack Health? What’s your favorite part of your job? Where do you get your inspiration?

I work at Pack Health for the pleasure of making a difference in the lives of others. My favorite part of my job is the reward of knowing that I get to impact one member at a time on their journey to reaching their healthcare goals.

What’s your favorite healthy food and why?

My favorite healthy food is sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins and nutrients – they have vitamin A, B, C, K, fiber, iron, magnesium, and calcium. I love to bake my sweet potato and eat it plain. But you can add cinnamon for a little added spice!

What’s your favorite way to stay active and why?

My personal goal is to workout 3 days a week. I have an at-home gym that consists of free weights, a treadmill, an exercise bike, and lots of fitness videos. I also go the Hoover Rec, and enjoy going on long walks at local parks in the Birmingham area. Being active gives me more energy, helps me maintain my weight and helps me reduce stress.

How else do you practice self-care?

I practice self-care by doing the little things in life that I enjoy. It’s important for me to spend time praying and meditating daily, include exercise in my weekly routine at least 3 times per week, get a massage and/or pedicure as often as needed, travel to visit different cities, eat delicious food, and spend time with my family.

What advice do you have for someone just joining the program?

Begin where you are, be consistent, and never quit!

Share your favorite member story with us!

One of my favorite member stories is being a part one of my member’s journeys to lose 30 lbs. She has currently lost 24 lbs so far. She values just knowing I am going to call her every week on Wednesday. She appreciates the accountability and how it fits nicely in her life.  She loves knowing she has an accountability partner to lean on, and someone that is checking in on her progress has made a big difference in her having the motivation to keep going each day. She is in the Weight Management program, is consistent with exercise, achieves each tiny step, and is very consistent with intermittent fasting and tracking. It reminds me that I am making a difference in the lives of others.

Meet Marshelle!