Stephen Rodriguez

Hometown: Athens, Ohio

Educational background:  Community Health (Ohio University)

Host Site:  Florida Department of Health in Duval County

What is your title and role at your host site?

I will be the Health Educator for the Maternal and Child Health Division.  I will be targeting the 15-24 age group with pregnacy and disease prevention.  I will be disiminating the information through workshops, classes, and community presentations. I will serve alongside two mentors to design and impliment the curriculum.

Why did you join AmeriCorps/National Health Corps?

The National Health Corps is an experience that shapes individuals and communities by ephisizing service, education, and well-being, all of which I am passionate about.  Some people put thier money where thier mouth is, but I want to be known for putting my hands where my heart is.

What are you hoping to gain from your year of service?

I want to gain practical skills that can be applied to help me excell as a health professional.  I also want to learn how to best serve at-risk populations with efficiency and compasion.

What are your plans after AmeriCorps service?

After my service I plan on becoming an ACE certified Health Coach and Athletic Trainer so I can create holistic and individualized interventions.

Where do you envision yourself in 5 years?

In five years I would like to be working in public health.  My passion as a health educator is to educate people on performing and reforming healthy habits. My ideal position would  be in worksite wellness improving health by providing a variety of sercvice to improve overall health.  I would also like to volunteer my time and services to the community in any capacity, however my specialization would be to alleviate health disparities.