Wellness Event 2025: Prioritizing You: Building Personal Wellness from the Inside Out
The Office of Faculty Wellness invites the entire UT Southwestern community to participate in the sixth annual Wellness Symposium – Wellness Week 2025. During the week of May 12-16, we present daily virtual webinars via Zoom at 2 p.m. Sessions cover topics that span the many aspects of wellness in our lives: parenting, physical, personal, mental, and professional.
Monday, May 12th | Theme: Mental Wellness
“Gift of Yoga: Connecting with Your Present for a Better Self”
Marissa Hansen, M.A.
200-RYT
Management Analyst of the Office of Faculty Development
Taking time for self can sometimes be difficult given our busy daily lives. We can easily become stuck on "the next task," "next event," "next..." fill in the blank. Rather than living for the future or even dwelling on the past, live in the present. However, in order to be in the present, awareness must be achieved. Marissa will encourage awareness by connecting the mind, body and breath for participants to tap into their present selves through a series of yoga postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. Marissa has practiced yoga for almost 17 years and is a yoga instructor for the More Than Yoga studio located in Plano, TX. Marissa earned her 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher certification from the Yoga Alliance Alpha Omega Yoga school under the guidance of Chidanandi Sheri Cherokee, MBA, E-RYT 500.
Tuesday, May 13th | Theme: Parenting Wellness
“Realities of the Working Parent”
Chiaka O. Akarichi, M.D., FACS, FABA
Assistant Professor, Surgery
This session will discuss considerations and challenges faced by the working parent. We will dive into some of the uniquely shared parenting experiences as a group and discuss opportunities that have been used to overcome challenges and manage expectations.
Wednesday May 14th | Theme: Personal Wellness
“The Journey Home: Defining your Path to Personal fulfillment”
Julie B. Trivedi, M.D., CPCC, FIDSA
Associate Professor of Medicine
Medical Director of Infection Prevention
In this interactive session, we will explore the meaning of personal fulfillment and well-being , reflect on where you are on your journey and identify ways to take intentional steps towards a more fulfilling life. Be prepared to gain clarity on your unique path to well-being!
Wednesday Session Virtual Link
Thursday May 15th | Theme: Lifestyle Wellness
“Lifestyle Medicine: Simple Steps for Optimal Well-Being”
Alyssa Bean, M.S., RD, LD
Assistant Professor, Internal Medicine
An overview of Lifestyle Medicine, a medical specialty focusing on preventing and reversing chronic diseases. We will give the 'why' and 'how-to' on specific health behaviors that are easily implemented, sustainable, and will change your life!
Friday May 16th | Theme: System Wellness
“Comprehensive Wellness Systems: Supporting Students, Faculty, and Employees at UT Southwestern”
Jaime Harry, LCSW
Head of Faculty Counseling and Supportive Services
Sarah Harrelson (McNease)
Wellness Coordinator
Student Wellness and Counseling, Resident Wellness and Counseling
Rachel Kelley, MA, BA
NOMAD Program Coordinator
Participants will acquire a comprehensive understanding of systemic supportive services at UT Southwestern, including student wellness programs, faculty wellness initiatives, and overarching employee well-being resources, encompassing both group and individual support structures.