Kelsey Quinn

Member Name: Kelsey Quinn

Hometown: Killingly, CT

Educational background: Journalism

Host Site: Department of Health, Baker County

What is your title and role at your host site?

I’m a Health Educator at DOH Baker, and my role is to make living a healthy life as easy and accessible as possible. Basically, my goal is to increase awareness regarding nutrition and physical activity. This includes offering Wellness Support Sessions and Keeping Baker Healthy Initiative presentations. These projects will vary based on needs, but they might include connecting community members to resources available to them, running a presentation on how to eat healthy on a budget, or facilitating health screenings. Overall, I want to increase community awareness of how to live a healthy life, connect community members with the tools that would make this possible, and encourage healthy life-style practices.

Why did you join AmeriCorps/National Health Corps?

Traveling to 15 countries during my undergrad showed me just how much need is out there, but also the power that we have to influence other people’s lives in a positive manner. Though I can’t address global issues at the moment, I can influence domestic conditions. The perfect time in my life presented itself where I’m able (and eager!) to take a year and dedicate it to a project like this. I’m excited to be in a volunteer position that involves my passion for healthy living and allows me to share what I know, but also learn from a whole community of people.

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

I’d like to make some sort of impact on someone’s life. I’d like to help someone transition from fearing exercise and nutrition, to understanding and taking control of their health and viewing it in a positive light. If I can help someone make that viewpoint shift and help them realize they are in control of how they feel, I’d be happy. I’d be even happier though if it wasn’t just one person, but a whole community of people that I could help.

What are your plans after AmeriCorps service?

Yet to be determined. I’d love to travel more (Thailand and South Africa are calling my name) and eventually go back to school to study nutrition or public health.

Where do you envision yourself in 5 years?

I’m thinking I’d like to go back to school to become a registered dietician. I’d love to work as a nutritional consultant or health/ wellness coach, helping people to feel and be the best they can be. I’d also like to write for health magazines and inspire positive lifestyle changes through my written work.