Staff Spotlight: Stephanie Nelson
Welcome to our "Staff Spotlight" series! In this collection of ongoing posts on The Western Blog, we shine a light on the incredible individuals who make Western special! From passionate trainers & instructors to knowledgeable nutritionists and tennis pros, and many other dedicated staff members, we'll introduce you to the talented team behind the scenes. Learn about their expertise and background, plus some fun facts!
Our staff member in the spotlight this week is Stephanie Nelson, our brand-new Registered Dietitian Nutritionist! You may know Stephanie from her years teaching group fitness at Western, but did you also know that she has a Goldendoodle named Noodle who was a therapy dog at a local hospital?
Q: What is your title at Western?
A: Wellbeing Dietitian / Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Q: What motivated you to pursue a career in your field?
A: I love the diversity of career opportunities in nutrition, being able to impact a variety of people and refocus efforts on the joy and simplicity of eating.
Q: What made you want to work at Western?
A: What made me want to come back? 🙂 I remember the welcoming, motivating vibes of these walls, and when I considered a career change, Western was high on my list. I am also incredibly inspired by my two dietitian counterparts, who I have the utmost respect for.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do at Western?
A: LIFT...and then stare into space in the sauna.
Q: Do you participate in any fitness activities outside of Western?
A: I am a member of Ataraxia Dance Theatre Company—a contemporary dance company. I enjoy dancing whenever I can. Sometimes that is teaching in the community, but my favorite thing is to travel and take rec classes at larger dance companies.
Q: What’s your favorite non-fitness hobby (or hobbies)?
A: Cooking, eating new foods, listening to audiobooks.
Q: What motivates you?
A: My children. I look at the tiny lives I have created and how fortunate I am to be such a large part of their world right now since they are so young.
Q: Who inspires you?
A: I find I take a little from people in my circle depending on the situation. I definitely keep my heart open to feeling inspired in little ways throughout each day. Sometimes, it is even from my children.
Q: If you could work out with or be the dietitian for any famous person, who would you pick?
A: Does this mean I get to hang out with them? Justin Timberlake.
Q: Do you have a favorite quote or any words of wisdom you can share?
A: Focus less on the destination. Instead be present in the journey to get there.
Q: What’s the most interesting or exciting place you’ve ever visited?
A: I just came back from Italy, and I am having significant withdrawal.
Q: What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?
A: Lady Gaga was an absolute spectacle.
Q: What's your favorite meal?
A: My bolognese with homemade pasta.
Q: What’s your favorite junk food?
A: Cmon-all foods are just food! 🙂 I love salty chips.
Q: What is one thing on your bucket list?
A: Become a Radio City Rockette—I think I'm now past the age limit.
Q: What's your favorite way to spend a weekend?
A: Homemade family meals, being present with my children-hopefully outside on a summer day.
Q: What’s the best part of your job?
A: The inviting, friendly atmosphere from everyone in this building.
Q: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
A: Lucca, Italy. My Dad's family is from Lucca, and I still have a few cousins left in this area. I spent time with them recently, and it feels like another planet. Peaceful, liveable, comfortable climate, and progressive.
Q: If you could only eat one type of food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: I can't pick, I love variety. Ok, fine. Only edible food.
Q: What’s your favorite movie, TV show, or book (or all three!) of all time?
A: Mad Men series was one of my faves.
Q: If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be?
A: Signing sign language. We started signing in our house when our daughter struggled with verbal communication, but I didn't have a lot of places to practice, and I lost it, but there is something so beautiful about the complexity of it.
Q: What’s something you’re proud of?
A: My self-growth over the past few years—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Q: What are some fun/interesting facts about you?
A: I am an emotional "wear my heart on my sleeve" kind of human.
Noodle, my Goldendoodle, was a therapy dog for a local hospital before we had kids, and now, he is unofficially my daughter's therapy dog. I love watching their bond.
I have four tattoos that I love!
I am an overthinker, but I try so hard to roll with the punches 🙂
Lightning Round: This or That Questions
Coffee or tea? coffee
Cats or dogs? dogs
Early bird or night owl? Early bird
Power of flight or invisibility? flight
Beach vacay or mountain getaway? beach
Tattoos or piercings? tattoos
Outer space or the bottom of the ocean? yikes-pass
Christmas or your birthday? Both are lovely but overwhelming. Just a nice sunny summer day is reason enough to throw a party if this is what we're getting at.
Dine in or takeout? Dine in
Breakfast or dinner? breakfast
Texting or calling? Who is it?
Burgers or tacos? tacos
Movie at home or movie in the theater? I'm sleeping-doesn't matter
Introvert or extrovert? Introverted extrovert
