College of Education and Human Development

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CEHD Wellness Program

The College of Education and Human Development wellness program is meant to encourage the use of employee health benefits and beyond. You are an essential part of the WMU community with and we want to invest in you and your health and well-being. On this page, find numerous health resources, wellness events, monthly tips, walking maps and more!

College of Education and Human Development
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5229 USA
Main office:  (269) 387-2960
Student services: (269) 387-3474

CEHD Wellness Club

Exclusive for faculty and staff within the college, the club meets for lunch (not provided) on the 2nd Wednesday of the Month from Noon-1pm, and the 4th Tuesday of the month from 12:30pm-1:30pm, all in room 2401 Sangren. Lunches are a casual meet up where members share wellness related goals, challenges, or celebrations for that week. Attendance is not required every week to be a part of the club. For updates on club activities, join the Microsoft Teams group.

The club also hosts wellness workshops. Please fill out this form, if you want to receive invitations to future workshops and events. Upcoming workshops are below:

  • Immune Support & Elderberry Syrup Workshop: [DATE TBD], 11:30am-12:30pm
    We will be making elderberry syrup for attendees to take home at the end of the workshop and discussing basic herbs / supplements to support your immune system through the winter germ season.
RSVP
More information

Monthly wellness tips

The deadline to complete your 2025 wellness assessment is Thursday, December 18. You can complete your assessment free of charge with a Holtyn coach or your personal healthcare provider using the the Medical Provider Assessment Form. Appointments are limited and filling quickly, so schedule yours today by logging into your account at holtynwellness.com or by calling (269)377-0198. Please provide at least 24 hours of notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
 
Resiliency Virtual Workshop (Facilitator Darby Fetzer)
Meeting virtually on Wednesday, December 3 from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 
Sometimes our way of being can benefit from honest inquiry, reflection and new tools. In this EQ Workshop, participants will explore the ABC’s of Resiliency to uncover a “Can Do” approach to tackle life’s stressors coupled with an invitation to return to peace and equanimity. Register at https://wmich.edu/wellness/events/resiliency.
 
Thursday, December 4th, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. in Sindecuse Health Center, Rm 3131
Western C.A.R.E.S is a gatekeeper training that teaches participants common warning signs of someone experiencing distress, how to support them, and how to make referrals to an appropriate service. Participants will receive a gold 'Be Gentle With Your Mental' t-shirt.
 
Friday, December 5th, 12 to 12:45pm in Sindecuse Health Center, Rm 3111
In this interactive training, we will cover recognizing a variety of risk factors associated with overdose, how to address the risk factors – which includes how to administer naloxone (Narcan) if overdose does occur, through the SAVE ME method– and ways to recognize what an overdose looks like. There will be opportunities to practice these skills to become trained to know how to handle the situation. Narcan kits* will also be given at the end of the training to take back with you. 
*While supplies last
 
Friday, December 5th, 8:30am to 4:30pm in Sindecuse Health Center, Rm 3131
Mental Health First Aid for Higher Education is an internationally recognized training offered by Integrated Services of Kalamazoo. The training teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders. This in-depth training includes a discussion of specific risk factors, skill building to provide initial support to someone who may be struggling or in a crisis, and practice applying the action plan in a number of scenarios. 
 
Student Recreation Center
Pickleball Tournament
Thursday, December 4 at 5:30 p.m. for Competitive/Advanced Play or 7:30 p.m. for Beginner/Recreational Play
Register for this free doubles tournament by December 3 at 3 p.m. See the attached flyer for more information. 
 
West Hills Athletic Club
See the attached document or https://wmich.edu/westhills for additional information. 
 
Upcoming Programs
New Year, New You
Thursday, January 15 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Student Recreation Center
We hope you will join us for this fun open house featuring employee wellness information, free fitness classes and a chance to win prizes. Click here for more information.
 
Reconnecting in an Epidemic of Loneliness Zoom Workshop (Facilitator Darby Fetzer)
Thursday, January 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
In this interactive EQ workshop, we bring to light practical ways of enhancing meaningful connections for greater joy, wellbeing and to mitigate adverse health effects of loneliness. This program is based on a 6-hour Institute for Brain Potential Webinar by Jaime Kurtz, Ph.D. Email Katie Alkema at @email to register. 
 
2026 Wellness Assessments
Appointments for 2026 are now open. Log in to your Holtyn account to choose the time and location most convenient for you.
 
Hope Health Newsletter
 
Monthly Recipe
The December recipe is Ground Beef Stir Fry. This stir fry comes together quickly for weeknight dinners. You can always add more vegetables such as asparagus, peppers, or zucchini to make it even more nutritious. Serve over rice or cauliflower rice. Attached you will find the recipe.
Mental Health Week
Monday, September 29 to Friday, October 3
A variety of on-campus programs and events are available for students, faculty, and staff to participate in. Learn more and sign up for programs on ExperienceWMU. 
 
Fad, Half-Truths, and Lies – Oh My!  (Facilitated by Registered Dietitian Gretchen Kauth)
Tuesday, October 21 from 12:05 to 12:55 p.m. 
This workshop will dispel some of the current diet and nutrition myths. Register by Monday, October 20 at https://wmich.edu/events/67940.
 
 
2025 Benefits and Wellness Expo:  Your Benefits, Your Growth
Tuesday, November 4 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom
This annual event will allow employees to gather and explore benefit options, meet with benefit vendors, attend breakout sessions, pick up swag, get flu shots and more. See the attached flyer for additional details and information.
 
Student Recreation Center
Fitness Kick Start
Need help getting started? Are you new to campus or do you need help getting started on your well-being journey? We offer a wide variety of programs and services to help all WMU students, faculty and staff live a positive, healthy, and active life. Connect with our Navigation Specialist for Fitness & Wellness, Maddy Mularski. She can help you get started on your journey to a healthy and active lifestyle. For more information, visit the website https://wmich.edu/rec/kickstart .
 
West Hills Athletic Club
1st Annual Zoo City Smash Pickleball Tournament
Saturday, Nov. 8 and Sunday, Nov. 9 at WHAC Latitude 42 Pickleball Complex
This indoor event is a round robin format with Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed divisions. The registration deadline is Sunday, October 26. Learn more and register at https://pickleballtournaments.com/tournaments/west-hills-zoo-city-smash.
 
See the attached document or https://wmich.edu/westhills for information. 
 
Upcoming Programs
2025 WMU Turkey Trot 5K Walk/Run
In-Person:  Saturday, November 22 at 8:30 a.m. in the SRC Indoor Tennis Courts
The WMU Turkey Trot continues its annual tradition this year!  You can run your race with everyone else at WMU or anywhere (your neighborhood, local park, trail, or even a treadmill). Register at https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Kalamazoo/WMUTurkeyTrot.
 
Resiliency Virtual Workshop (Facilitated by Darby Fetzer)
Meeting virtually on Wednesday, December 3 from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 
Sometimes our way of being can benefit from honest inquiry, reflection and new tools. In this EQ Workshop, participants will explore the ABC’s of Resiliency to uncover a “Can Do” approach to tackle life’s stressors coupled with an invitation to return to peace and equanimity. Email Katie Alkema to register at @email. 
 
2025 Wellness Assessments
The deadline for completing your 2025 wellness assessment is Thursday, December 18. Schedule your assessment today to avoid the last-minute rush by logging into your account at https://www.holtynwellness.com. You can also see your personal provider and submit the Medical Provider Assessment, which can be found at 
 
Hope Health October Newsletter
 
October recipe

The October recipe is Quinoa with Roasted Butternut Squash. Quinoa is a wonderful complex carbohydrate, meaning it will take longer for the body to break down and digest compared to simple carbohydrates such as white rice. Add this meal to your dinner rotation for a healthy meal that can help stabilize blood sugar levels. Attached you will find the recipe.

Seasonal Food Guide
Seasonal food is fresher, tastier and more nutritious than food consumed out of season. Check out this Seasonal Food Guide to determine what food is season throughout the year.
 
Summer Harvest Cooking Demonstration (Facilitated by Gretchen Kauth, Registered Dietitian)
Friday, August 8 from 12:05 to 12:55 p.m. in Kohrman, Room 3302
This taste-testing workshop will highlight summer-inspired recipes with fresh produce from the Gibbs House Farm. Register by Wednesday, August 6 on ExperienceWMU. Flyer
 
Student Recreation Center
Fall GroupEx and F45 Schedule
Fall GroupEx and F45 Fall Passes are on sale! Purchase your pass online or at the SRC 2nd Floor Customer Service Desk before September 7 and save $10 off the Unlimited Fitness Pass. Flyer
 
Fall 2025 Pickleball League 
Faculty/Staff Only - Wednesdays, September 3 to October 15 from 12:15 to 1 p.m. or 
Students/Faculty/Staff - Mondays, September 15 to October 13 from 5:15 to 6 p.m.
All skill levels are welcome. Participants must have SRC access to play in the league. Cost is $12 per player. See the attached flyer for additional information.
 
West Hills Athletic Club
Take Advantage of Your FREE Membership
Every full-time WMU employee has a membership at West Hills, all you have to do is activate it! Your membership is redeemable as a taxable benefit. Call (269)387-0410 to schedule a tour or ask questions. See the attached document or https://www.westhillsathletic.com for the three membership options and additional information. 
 
2025 Wellness Assessments
The deadline for completing your 2025 wellness assessment is Thursday, December 18. Schedule your assessment today to avoid the last-minute rush by logging into your account at https://www.holtynwellness.com. You can also see your personal provider and submit the Medical Provider Assessment, which can be found at 
 
Hope Health August Newsletter
 
West Hills Athletic Club Newsletter
 
Monthly Recipe
The August recipe is Garlic Parmesan Sheet Pan Shrimp with Zucchini. This is perfect for busy evenings, taking less than 30 minutes and cooking on one pan. Zucchini, yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, and basil are currently in season and high in nutrients.
The Power of Pulses (Facilitated by Gretchen Kauth, Registered Dietitian)
Tuesday, July 29 from 12:05 to 12:55 p.m. in Sindecuse, Room 3131
Pulses are the dry, edible seed within the pod of various legumes – think lentils, chickpeas, and beans such as black, navy, and pinto. Pulses are nutritious, versatile, affordable, sustainable, and delicious. Register by Monday, July 28 on ExperienceWMU. Attached flyer.
 
Student Recreation Center
Summer II GroupEx and F45 Schedule
The Summer II GroupEx and F45 schedule starts on Monday, June 30! GroupEx, F45 30-day and Unlimited fitness passes are available for purchase online or at the SRC 2nd Floor Customer Service Desk. The schedule is attached. 
 
West Hills Athletic Club
4th of July Workout with Fitness Director Dre Ballinas
Friday, July 4 at 8 a.m. 
Join us as we kick off the celebrations with a high-intensity session that is sure to get your heart pumping. Let’s start the fireworks early and crush those fitness goals together. The cost is $20 for members, $25 for guests, or $10 SMG unlimited pass holders. Register at https://wmich.edu/westhills/july4.
 
See the attached document or https://www.westhillsathletic.com for additional information. 
 
 
2025 Wellness Assessments
Summer is a great time to complete your annual wellness assessment. Schedule online at https://www.holtynwellness.com). We respect your time and schedule and kindly ask that you extend the same courtesy to our coaches. Please provide at least 24 hours' notice for any cancellations or rescheduling.
 
Hope Health July Newsletter
Human Resource TIAA Presentations (In-Person and Live Streamed)
Session 1: May 7 at 10:30 a.m. in Sangren Hall, Room 1730
Session 2: May 7 at 2 p.m. in Sangren Hall, Room 1730
HR is pleased to host two live-streamed presentations with TIAA focusing on retirement contributions and financial wellness planning. These sessions are designed to support employees at different stages of their careers and provide valuable guidance for planning their financial future. Registration information can be found in WMU Today. Flyer
Session Details:
  1. 10:30 AM – Early Career Employees
    Aimed at those in the earlier stages of their careers, this session will focus on foundational strategies for retirement planning and maximizing contributions over time.
  2. 2:00 PM – Near Retirement Employees
    Tailored for employees approaching retirement, this session will cover topics such as income planning, withdrawal strategies, and making the most of your benefits.
 
Spring Into Summer Cooking Demonstration and Taste Testing
Friday, May 9 from 12:05 to 12:55 p.m. in Kohrman, Room 3302
Join Registered Dietitian, Gretchen Kauth, her awesome dietetic students, and Gibbs House staff for a cooking demonstration and taste-testing workshop highlighting spring and summer-inspired recipes. Fresh produce from Gibbs Farm will be featured. Flyer
 
2025 Poker Walk
Tuesday, May 20th (Rain Date: Wednesday, May 21) from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the SRC Indoor Tennis Courts
A fun-filled event designed to celebrate National Employee Health and Fitness Day. Participants will be given a scorecard, which includes a QR Code, course map, and directions on how to build your hand. See the attached flyer for additional information. 
 
The Park Challenge
Sunday, June 1 to Monday, June 30 
Go for a walk in as many parks or nature preserves as you can during this 30-day challenge. Bring along a family member, friend, or furry friend and enjoy the outdoors this Spring. You can walk, hike a trail, engage in a game of pickleball, or even bicycle to uncover the beauty of the park you explore. Email Katie Alkema at @email to register. 
 
Student Recreation Center
Summer I GroupEx and F45 Schedules
Begins Monday, May 5
Fitness passes can be purchased at the SRC's 2nd-floor Customer Service desk or online. Receive $10 off the Summer I and II Unlimited pass when purchased by May 11. Discount is only offered on the Unlimited pass for the entire summer, not one session. Flyer
 
Summer Pickleball Camp
July 15 to 18 and July 22 to 25, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Beginner to intermediate skills camp (skill level 2.0 to 3.5) for kids entering grades 6 to 8. The cost is $150 and includes a t-shirt. Register by June 30 at www.wmich.edu/rec/pickleballcamp. Flyer.
 
West Hills Athletic Club
Tennis Camps and Junior Tennis Academies 
June 9 to August 18
West Hills is the perfect choice for youth summer opportunities. Half-day summer camps for ages 6 to 11 offer lessons and age-appropriate games. The tennis academies strengthen player’s foundations and provide focused attention and guidance for players to excel in competitive tennis. See the attached document or https://www.westhillsathletic.com for additional information and to sign up.
 
2025 Wellness Assessments
Schedule your 2025 Holtyn wellness assessment at www.holtynwellness.com to maintain your $240 health insurance incentive. You can also submit the Medical Provider Assessment form to fulfill the incentive requirements (print it at https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/2025-02/2025_medical_provider_assessment_form.pdf).
 
Hope Health May Newsletter
 
West Hills Athletic Club Newsletter
The deadline to complete your 2025 wellness assessment is Thursday, December 18. You can complete your assessment free of charge with a Holtyn coach or your personal healthcare provider using the the Medical Provider Assessment Form. Appointments are limited and filling quickly—schedule yours today by logging into your account at holtynwellness.com or calling 269-290-5167. Please provide at least 24 hours of notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. 
 
2025 Benefits and Wellness Expo:  Your Benefits, Your Growth
Tuesday, November 4 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom
This annual event will allow employees to gather and explore benefit options, meet with benefit vendors, attend breakout sessions, pick up swag, get flu shots and more. See the attached flyer for additional details and information. 
 
Vegetarian Eating – Plants are Powerful (Facilitated by Gretchen Kauth, Registered Dietitian)
Meeting virtually on Tuesday, November 11 from 12:05 to 12:55 p.m. 
Whether you’re interested in reducing your intake of animal products or are a full-fledged vegan, this evidence-based workshop will cover the details of eating a healthy vegetarian diet. Register by November 10 on ExperienceWMU. 
 
Autumn Cooking Demonstration
Friday, November 14 from 12:05 to 12:55 in Kohrman 
Join Registered Dietitian, Gretchen Kauth, her awesome dietetic students, and the Gibbs House staff for a cooking demonstration and taste-testing. It will highlight autumn-inspired recipes and feature fresh produce from Gibbs Farm. Register by November 12 on ExperienceWMU.
 
Naloxone (Narcan Training)
Friday, November 14th, 12 to 12:45pm in Sindecuse Health Center, Rm 3111
This interactive training will cover the recognition of risk factors associated with overdose, how to address those factors (including how to administer naloxone/Narcan if overdose does occur through the SAVE ME method), and ways to recognize what an overdose looks like. There will be opportunities to practice the skills. Narcan kits* will also be distributed at the end of the training to take back with you. 
*While supplies last
 
Mental Health Training: Mental Health First Aid
Friday, November 14th, 8:30am to 4:30pm in Sindecuse Health Center, Rm 3131
Mental Health First Aid for Higher Education is an internationally recognized training offered by Integrated Services of Kalamazoo. The training teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders. This in-depth training includes a discussion of specific risk factors, skill building to provide initial support to someone who may be struggling or in a crisis, and practice applying the action plan in a number of scenarios. 
 
Western HEROES Bystander Intervention Training
Friday, November 21st, 11:30am to 1pm in Sindecuse Health Center, Rm 3131
Have you ever gotten that gut feeling that something just isn’t okay? That you should probably do something, but you weren’t sure what? This bystander training will help you learn how to notice when to intervene and will help you develop the skills you need to step in! You can make a difference at WMU, you can be a hero! Western H.E.R.O.E.S. get a free t-shirt after this training.
 
2025 WMU Turkey Trot 5K Walk/Run
In-Person:  Saturday, November 22 at 8:30 a.m. in the SRC Indoor Tennis Courts
The WMU Turkey Trot continues its annual tradition this year!  You can run your race with everyone else at WMU or anywhere (your neighborhood, local park, trail, or even a treadmill). Register at https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Kalamazoo/WMUTurkeyTrot. 
 
Resiliency Virtual Workshop (Facilitated by Darby Fetzer)
Meeting virtually on Wednesday, December 3 from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 
Sometimes our way of being can benefit from honest inquiry, reflection and new tools. In this EQ Workshop, participants will explore the ABC’s of Resiliency to uncover a “Can Do” approach to tackle life’s stressors coupled with an invitation to return to peace and equanimity. Register at https://wmich.edu/wellness/events/resiliency.
 
Student Recreation Center
Post Fall Break GroupEx and F45 Schedules
Monday, October 20 to Saturday, December 6
See the attached document.
 
West Hills Athletic Club
Pre-Turkey Workout
Thursday, November 27 at 8 a.m. 
Join Dre for a high-energy session that’ll leave you sweating, feeling strong, and ready to enjoy every bite of your holiday meal. $20 member, $25 guest, $10 SMG unlimited pass holders. Register online or by calling (269) 387-0410. 
 
See the attached document or https://wmich.edu/westhills for additional information. 
 
2026 Wellness Assessments
Appointments are now available for 2026. Login to your account at http://www.holtynwellness.com and schedule for a time and location that fits your schedule. 
 
Hope Health December Newsletter
November 2025 Newsletter

Walk your way to wellness

Walking is one of the easiest ways to get your daily fitness in! Just a short walk can help to improve your mood, boost endorphins and help you to feel your best for the rest of the day. Grab a co-worker and take a walk around WMU's beautiful campus or visit one of CEHD's three buildings: Kohrman Hall, Sangren Hall or the Student Recreation Center.

 

Want to walk more?

Join WMU's Let's Get Moving walking group! This group goes on a walk on Monday's and Wednesday's and is open to all WMU students, faculty and staff. There is no pressure to walk with the group the entire time as participants can join and leave as they see fit. Each walk is approximately 30 minutes long. Register for an upcoming walk. 

 
Risk Statement: Participation in exercise activities, fitness activities, wellness rooms and special events is purely voluntary, and individuals participate at their own risk. Participants should be aware of the possibilities of bodily injury and should understand that they are responsible for any and all costs arising out of injury or property damage sustained through participation. Should someone become injured, please notify a program or facility supervisor for assistance.