UK Health & Wellness Program: Staff Profiles
- Tammy Akin, M.S.
- Carrie Davidson, ACSM HFS
- Andrea Deweese, MS, CTTS
- Jody Ensman, M.S.
- Karen Bryla McNees, Ed.D., R.D.
- Julie Mitchell
- Vanessa Oliver, M.S., R.D.
- Amy Rodquist-Kodet, MA, CHWC
- Melanie Jackson Sparks
- Brenda Stapleton
Tammy Akin, M.S. is the Senior Wellness Specialist for UK Health & Wellness, where she has worked since 2002. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science/Health from Campbellsville University and her Master’s in Health Promotion from the University of Kentucky. She enjoys playing sports and fishing when the weather permits.
Carrie Davidson, ACSM HFS is the Wellness Coordinator for UK Health &Wellness, where she has worked since 2006. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in Exercise Science, a Master’s of Divinity degree from Gardner-Webb University, and is ABD for her doctorate from the University of Kentucky in Health Promotion. She holds several fitness certifications (ACSM, ACE, RYT 200) and loves to help others be healthy in body, mind, and soul!
Andrea Deweese, M.S., CTTS is a Wellness Specialist and the
Medical Referral Liaison for UK Health & Wellness, where she has worked since 2010. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Topical Studies with an emphasis on Health Promotion from the University of Kentucky and her Master’s in Health Promotion from UK as well. Since 2001 she has gained experience as a Health Educator, Behavioral Coach, and Wellness Coordinator. Her passion is empowering people to achieve their health goals and interest is looking for new insight into behavior change. She enjoys traveling, music, and spending time with her husband, daughter and son.
Jody Ensman, M.S. is the manager of the UK Health & Wellness Program, where she has worked since 2005. Prior to joining UK, she worked in a number of key management positions with responsibility for design and administration of health promotion and fitness programs for leading global corporations, including Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems, Owens Corning World Headquarters, Ford, and General Motors. Jody holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Health & Physical Education from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Science degree in Kinesiology & Health Promotion with an emphasis in Corporate Wellness from the University of Kentucky.
Dr. Karen Bryla McNees is a dietitian for UK Health & Wellness, where she has worked since 2005. She earned her bachelor’s degree in dietetics from Syracuse University and her doctorate in Health Promotion from the University of Kentucky. She loves to spread the word that eating well can be easy, fun, and tasty!
Julie Mitchell is an Administrative Associate for UK Health & Wellness, where she has worked since 2008. She has been employed by the University of Kentucky since 2000. Julie earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from UK.
Vanessa Oliver, M.S., R.D. is a Wellness Specialist and
Registered Dietitian with UK Health & Wellness. She received a Bachelor’s
degree in English from UK, as well as a Master’s Degree in Dietetics and
Hospitality Administration. Vanessa is passionate about whole foods, local
farms, and a sustainable lifestyle, with focuses toward culinary nutrition and
plant-based diets. Her favorite place is in the kitchen, or at least reading a
cookbook!
Amy Rodquist-Kodet, MA, CHWC, is a Tobacco Cessation Health Coach for UK Health and Wellness. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota in Speech Communications & Urban Studies. She has a Master’s degree in Holistic Health Studies from St. Catherine University. Amy is passionate about supporting individuals as they access their strengths to launch and achieve their goals, allowing them to live more fully on every level. And few things delight her more than a long distance swim, traveling, aromatherapy, or spontaneous dance parties in the living room with her daughter.
Melanie Jackson Sparks is the Health Communications Coordinator for UK Health & Wellness, where she has worked since 2007. She earned her B.A. in Journalism from the University of Kentucky. Melanie has more than 10 years of experience in non-profit and educational communications, including her work with the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence and the UK College of Medicine Alumni Association. She enjoys reading and writing poetry and fiction in her spare time.
Brenda Stapleton
works as a temporary employee in the Main Office for UK Health & Wellness, where she has been employed since 2008.
