Champions of Active Women

Emily Chazen will graduate in May of 2024 with a degree in Integrated Strategic Communications, complemented by a minor in Journalism and a business certificate. She will complete her bachelor's degree in just three years while also graduating with honors.   At the University of Kentucky, she served as a group fitness instructor for UK Campus Recreation and Wellness, where she's had the pleasure o...

Sarah Dutton is a Junior at the University of Kentucky, majoring in Integrated Strategic Communications with a minor in Journalism. She is a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority and was recently elected the 2024 Chapter President. Additionally, she is the Director of Public Relations for the UK Figure Skating Club, which was founded just three short years ago. She has been a competitive figure sk...

Hallie Lindsey will graduate from the University of Kentucky this May and will attain her BA in both Integrated Strategic Communication and Theatre. While pursuing her academic interest, she is a tour guide at the Visitor's Center for the University, along with an active participant in both colleges in which she is involved. Through the College of Fine Arts, she played Christopher "Kit" Marlowe in...

Mary I. O'Connor, MD is Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Vori Health, a nationwide virtual-first physician-led musculoskeletal medical practice with a biopsychosocial model of care. She is Chair of the Board of Directors of  Movement is Life, a nonprofit coalition committed to advancing health equity. Her recent book, "Taking Care of You: The Empowered Woman's Guide to Better Health" (Mayo...

Stephanie A. Morris serves as Chief Executive Officer at SHAPE America, the nation's largest membership organization of health and physical education professionals. Since being founded in 1885, the organization has defined excellence in physical education, and SHAPE America's National Standards for K-12 Physical Education and National Health Education Standards serve as the foundation for well-des...

This episode is an interview with Randi Osbourne. She is a Junior majoring in Human Health Science, with a minor in Health Promotion, on the Pre-Med track. She is a part of the AGHW as an Outreach Coordinator for our Movement Mentors Program. She is also on the AGHW Research Team. 

Nikki Hartley is the Healthy Living Director at the YMCA of Central Kentucky. Over the past 7 years in this role (and 9 years with the Y), she has been responsible for overseeing personal trainers, small group training, sport-specific fitness, youth fitness and chronic disease programming. She also serves as the serve as the Race Director for the White, Greer and Maggard Kids Tri at the Y and many...

Today's episode of the Champions of Active Women podcast is guest hosted by Hallie Lindsey. Hallie is the the Marketing and Communication Intern for Active Girls Healthy Women initiative.  This interview features Ashlyn Montgomery. Ashlyn is a senior at the University of Kentucky, majoring in Human Health Sciences on the Pre-Physician Assistant track with a certificate in Clinical Healthcare Manag...

Dr. Mary Lloyd Ireland is an orthopedic surgeon and professor in the department of orthopedics and sports medicine at the University of Kentucky and the co-founder of the Active Girls Healthy Women Initiative. Dr. Ireland was recently inducted into the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine Hall of Fame at the organization's 2023 annual meeting, which was held July 13-16 in Washington, D...

Michelle Rayner is currently the Women's First Team Head Coach & Sporting Director for the Lexington Sporting Club. In this role, she oversees the United Soccer League (USL) Women's pathway from the Professional Team through the Youth Club. Prior to this position, Michelle held a variety of positions within the sport of soccer, including General Manager of Tower Hill Sports, a 45,000 sq.ft. state...

Dr. Laneshia R. Conner is an Assistant Professor in the College of Social Work at the University of Kentucky. She is a native of Lexington, KY and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from the University of Kentucky College of Social Work, her master's degree in social work from the University of Georgia, and her Ph. D. in social work from the University of Louisville. Her research program i...

Laura Hatfield's career has had a common thread running through it the last 20 years…community.  As the former Director of Community Engagement at the University of Kentucky, Executive Director of the City's Partners for Youth Program, the Mayor's ONE Lexington initiative, and now as the Superintendent of Community Engagement with Lexington Parks & Recreation, Laura has always understood that addr...

Dr. Giselle Aerni is a sports medicine physician, educator, and founder and host of the Madam Athlete podcast. In her role as a sports medicine physician, Dr. Aerni has covered everything from the WNBA, to NCAA DI and DIII national championship-winning teams, to high-school sports, marathons, and more. Beyond these professional experiences, she founded Madam Athlete in 2020 to help early career wo...

Kathryn "Rosie" Lanphere received her Ph. D. in Physical Education, Sports, and Exercise Science from the University of New Mexico in 2013. She is certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). Dr. Lanphere has directed 5 education abroad programs for the University of Kentucky since arriving in the Fall of 2013 in...

Shad Lacefield is currently a STEM Learning Coach with Fayette County Public Schools. In this role, he teaches STEM concepts across district schools using the STEM Bus and he is also a part-time professor at Asbury University, teaching online education classes. Shad earned a bachelor's degree from Campbellsville University and a master's degree from Southwest Baptist University and has over 15 yea...

Milan Bush  is an environmental educator with 10 years of experience in childhood development and elementary education. From climbing trees to riding bikes to dancing, Milan has found ways to stay active all her life. She has been a physical education coach and Kidstrong Instructor. She has been a fitness instructor for over a decade now and is currently pursuing her 200 hour yoga teacher training...

Julia Maugans graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Science. While there, they started working as a sustainability intern with alternative transportation and that led to their current position as an Alternative Transportation Educator for the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government. Julia uses their bicycle as a primary form of...

Jordan Arsenault is the Assistant Headsetter for LEF Climbing in Lexington, Kentucky. She graduated from Texas A&M Commerce with a Bachelor's degree in health and human performance. Jordan has been rock climbing for 6.5 years and is a USAC Level 1 Certified Routesetter. At LEF, Jordan teaches clinics and classes and assists with the youth team as needed. Show Notes: LEF Climbing  https://www.lefcl...

Katarina Hoskins is the Spanish/Arts & Humanities Teacher at the Rise STEM Academy for Girls and the Outreach Coordinator for the Kentucky Inclusive Health Collaborative at the University of Kentucky. She is also a Sexual Health Researcher with a specific interest in comprehensive sexual health education. Katarina is currently working on developing a Comprehensive Sexual Health Education Program f...

Angela Stark currently works for the Kentucky Department of Education as a School Health Coordinator in a 2-year position. She also is the health. moves. minds. Coordinator for KY Society of Health and Physical Educators (KYSHAPE). Prior to and after the position with the Kentucky Department of Education, Angela was the 4th-8th grade physical education/Health teacher at the School for the Performi...

Nick and Kaylee Woodard are a dynamic jump roping duo with decades of experience in competitive jump roping. Together, they co-founded Learnin' the Ropes, a non profit corporation that exists to inspire, educate, and serve others through jump rope in order to promote active, healthy lifestyles for youth and adults. Nick Woodard has been a part of the sport of jump rope for 28 years. He has won sev...

Welcome to the 4th season of the Champions of Active Women podcast! As we recorded this podcast over the past few years, we have met so many amazing leaders and role models who are supporting the active pursuits of girls and women. This season, we are featuring individuals who encourage and inspire youth to be active. This episode gives you a preview of what's to come in Season 4. If you enjoy thi...

Today's guests are two members of BeWell in School, a non-profit organization that teaches mindfulness and movement as a proactive behavior management system. I'm joined by the BeWell Founder and Executive Director, Riki Rattner and Lexington BeWell Program Director and Coach, Sarah Hanrahan. Riki holds a Masters of Education degree, a 200-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher Certification, and a Bachelor...

This episode features Rachel Yarano. Rachel is a 22 year-old from Bowling Green, KY. She graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor's degree in Business and Organizational Communications. Currently, she works for World Financial Group where she teaches families about financial education! Rachel has been a jump roper for 18 years and plans to continue jumping until she can no longer...

Letitia Hollingsworth-Gray is currently the Aquatic Director at the University of Kentucky. Letitia began her college career at Boston University where she was a member of the rowing team. After transferring to the University of Kentucky, she became a member of the first varsity swimming and diving team. In 1987, she earned her Bachelor's degree in Community Recreation and Health Promotion.  She s...