In this week’s edition of MENTOR Spotlight, we caught up with Aimee Whitten, our Healthie Enrollment Coordinator. As Enrollment Coordinator, Aimee works with participants to get them added into Healthie, scheduled into classes and answering any questions that may come up. She also helps other members of our MENTOR team with various aspects of the program. 

How long have you been with NCHPAD?

I have been working with NCHPAD for a year but have worked with the UAB Research Collaborative for five years.

Tell us about your background & education. What brought you to NCHPAD?

I have a bachelor’s degree in health care management from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). While attending UAB, I was offered a work-study position with the Research Collaborative that led to me being offered a full-time position working on the MENTOR program with NCHPAD.

How long have you worked with people with disabilities?

I have worked with people with disabilities for five years.

What is your favorite thing about NCHPAD or this program?

My favorite thing about MENTOR is our ability to reach so many individuals who can learn about mindfulness, exercise and nutrition – and to help them continue to grow and help themselves!

What’s your favorite NCHPAD resource or video series?

Mindfulness. The classes are very relaxing and helpful.

As far as other resources, I really like the videos that we post with different easy recipes because there is such a variety of healthy, simple recipes to watch and try. The most recent video is on kale, and both recipes are really easy!

Share a success story. Tell us about a time when you really saw your program working in the life of a participant.

A participant from the first group I worked with was very engaged and excited to start MENTOR through the whole enrollment process. I remember wondering if all the individuals I spoke to would be this excited for the program. It has been an amazing opportunity to learn about these participants and help them to get started in the program!

This participant reached out to me after the program to let me know how much they enjoyed being able to work with our team and learn from our instructors. The feedback they gave made me excited to see how our program could continue to help others as we continue to grow.

What hobbies do you have outside of work?

Outside of work I like to bake different sweets and treats, read and make chunky yarn blankets!

What’s your favorite food, favorite thing to cook or favorite recipe?

My favorite food is cookies…haha! I enjoy baking cookies because of the different recipes I can make up and try. Two of my favorite recipes to make are oatmeal cream pie cookies and chocolate M&M cookies.

What’s your favorite music, movies or tv shows?

Movies: I love a good comedy that can make me laugh! I am also a fan of horror movies, especially the ones that have a good jump scare in them.

TV Shows: My favorite TV show would have to be The Office! I can rewatch it and always find something I have missed before.

Who or what inspires you?

One person who inspires me is my mom. She is one of those people who will put everyone above herself and do whatever she can to help someone. Growing up I always looked up to her and the way she cares for others.

What’s your favorite quote?

“And when you find yourself lost in the darkness and despair, remember it’s only in the black of night you see the stars.” – One Tree Hill

If you could switch careers for a day, what would you choose?

If I could switch careers for a day, I would be a marine biologist. I have always loved the ocean and sea life.