STRIDE started the academic year off with a new team of Health Ambassadors and Assessment Team (A-Team) employees. Below, we learn about their roles, hobbies and favorite foods.

Jackie Chen, Health Ambassadors and Orfalea Project Coordinator, Nutrition Graduate Student

What do you do at STRIDE?

I am a Health Ambassadors program coordinator at STRIDE. I coordinate and teach Pink and Dude Chefs at Mesa Middle School in Arroyo Grande. I also started my thesis project with my project partner Alyssa Vaziri. We are working with the Orfalea Foundation to implement Pink and Dude Chefs through non-profit organizations across Northern Santa Barbara County this academic year. 

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time I love to bake and find new places and things to eat. If I have a lot of time, I like to go to the beach or catch up on my favorite TV shows. 

What is your favorite food?

My favorite foods are mashed potatoes without gravy, fruity scones (if they're amazing) and cinnamon ice cream from an ice cream shop in Julian, Calif.

Polina Zhuzhina, Health Ambassadors Instructor, Nutrition Graduate Student

What do you do at STRIDE?

I am the instructor of record for Health Ambassadors, which is a one unit kinesiology class that gives students the opportunity to volunteer in the community. Our community outreach events focus on nutrition and health education and provide students with the opportunity to disseminate nutrition information and wellness knowledge to a diverse group of community members. 

What do you like to do in your free time?

During time spent outside of school, I really enjoy being outdoors. I especially love going on hikes, swimming in the ocean, and reading at the beach.

What is your favorite food? 

It's a pretty close tie between pizza and tacos, but it really depends on where they are from. I still haven't found a favorite taco or pizza joint in San Luis Obispo, but back in L.A. I have a few favorite spots. 

 Amy Bruter, Health Ambassadors Site Manager, Food Science and Nutrition Undergraduate

What do you do at STRIDE?

I am a site manager for STRIDE’s Health Ambassadors program, a service learning class focused on fostering healthy lifestyle behaviors both on campus and in the community. I assist in planning and preparing for various community outreach events.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love enjoying all the beauty San Luis Obispo has to offer by spending a lot of time outside, hiking with friends or relaxing at the beach. I also enjoy arts and crafts of all kinds and interior decorating.

What is your favorite food? 

I love almost all Mediterranean cuisine, but if I had to pick one favorite it would be hummus—it just tastes good on everything!

Matt Vasquez, A-Team Site Manager, Kinesiology Undergraduate

What do you do at STRIDE?

I work with A-Team's program coordinator to plan and coordinate health assessments — for example, blood pressure, body composition, muscular endurance, body mass index (BMI), etc. — for research and community outreach. This entails performing the actual assessments and explaining the purpose and interpretation of each one. 

What do you like to do in your free time?

Spending time outside hiking, riding my road bike, or going for a run around SLO are all activities I really enjoy. Relaxing and watching Netflix or listening to Christian music is also time well spent for me.

What is your favorite food?

A generous helping of homemade lasagna is definitely at the top of my list.

Haley Terndrup, A-Team Program Coordinator, Kinesiology Graduate Student

What do you do at STRIDE?

I am the program coordinator and instructor for the A-team. I represent this team of interdisciplinary Cal Poly students interested in learning and advancing their knowledge and skills in health assessments that are frequently used in research, obesity prevention and treatment. I plan, organize, and facilitate Cal Poly campus and community outreach events, during which the A-team conducts on-site health assessments for participants within a diverse community, to provide an overview of health status and risk stratification for cardiovascular disease.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I enjoy trail running, SCUBA diving and traveling.

What is your favorite food?

Anything spicy and nothing sweet.

Alyssa Vaziri, Site Manager Pink and Dude Chefs, Nutrition Graduate Student

What do you do at STRIDE?