Meet the HKC team
Healthy Kids Challenge® staff of registered, licensed dietitians has years of experience as trainers, mentors, and coaches for schools, programs, and communities in creating actions that support healthy eating and physical activity choices. HKC dietitians specialize in program assessment and guide user friendly ideas and resources.
Healthy Kids Challenge® Staff
National Award Winning Healthy Kids Challenge® Staff Develop Viable Solutions for Kids and Families to Eat, Move, and Enjoy Healthy Balance™.
Our vision is for all kids...for a healthy balance of eating and active living everywhere they live, learn, work and play.
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Vickie L. James, RD, LD Designwoerks |
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Vickie L. James, RD, LD, Director
Her passion and expertise......a vision to create a path, yet not paved, that can lead the way for schools, families, and communities to get healthier…has developed HKC, a small nonprofit, into an organization with large scale capacity.
- B.S. Dietetics and Institutional Management, Kansas State University
- Registered, licensed dietitian
- Presented the 2003-04 American Dietetics Association Award of Excellence in Community Dietetics
- 2012 MDPA Communicating Childhood Obesity Prevention and Policy Hall of Fame Inductee
- 15+ years of experience implementing, managing, and consulting community wellness projects and initiatives
In addition to directing HKC, Vickie is known for
- interactive, inspiring and educational workshop messages
- mentoring university students to become tomorrow's healthcare professionals
- working with schools and community programs leadership to bring creative solutions for wellness to the forefront of their daily practice
- networking and partnering with leaders and business across the U.S.
Quote: "My work is a gift, a wonderful opportunity to help others and feel like I can do something to make a difference today for tomorrow."
Claudia L. Hohnbaum, MA, RD, LD, Assistant Director
- B.S. Food and Nutritional Sciences, Iowa State University
- M.A. Instructional Design, Health Sciences, University of Iowa
- Registered, licensed dietitian
- 15+ years of experience implementing, managing, and consulting community wellness projects and initiatives
In addition to assisting with day-to-day operations, Claudia manages:
- grant writing and project evaluation
- Web development
- resource and toolkit development
- various initiatives
Quote: "Each day we take a minute to find one simple and enjoyable healthy change we can make, we open the door for fit and healthy kids.”
Emily Poole, RD, LD, Special Events
- B.A. Theology and Religious Studies, Villanova University
- Dietietics, Kansas State University
- Registered, licensed dietitian
- Certified in Adolescent and Childhood Weight Management
- Experiences include clinical dietitian, private practice, and editing for a nutrition-based magazine
In addition to daily social media, Emily helps present the Explore MyPlate™ event, and other special HKC projects.
Quote: “Any healthy change, even small changes are steps int the right direction. Getting kids involved in these changes helps them learn a healthy lifestyle.”
Tammy Simons, MS, RD, LD, NSCA-CPT, Communications Coordinator
- B.A. Exercise Science, Wichita State University
- B.S. Dietetics, Kansas State University
- M.S. Nutrition and Exercise, Kansas State University
- Registered, licensed dietitian and certified personal trainer
- Community wellness experience and past project coordinator for Kansas Kids C.A.N. (Connect Activity and Nutrition), a 3-year HKC grant in Southwest Kansas
Tammy leads the social media and internet marketing plan for HKC, writes monthly newsletters and works on special projects.
Quote: “When kids are presented a choice, they go for what's SIMPLE and FUN; we can make a difference in their lives by offering them easy, appealing healthy choices every day."
Sarah Wamsley, MS, RD, LD, Web and Newsletter Coordinator
- B.S. in Dietetics and Institutional Management , Kansas State University
- M.S. Exercise Science, University of Arizona
- Registered, licensed dietitian
- Varied experiences promoting hospital-based and community wellness
In addition to coordinating the HKC Web and writing newsletters, Sarah helps with special projects.
Quote: “Every effort to educate, demonstrate and model healthy behavior is valued and worthwhile.”
Tiffany Wegerer, Bookkeeping and Materials Distribution
Tiffany’s responsibilities include shipping and handling, invoicing, inventory, and providing monthly reports.
Quote: "Knowledge is power. Learning about healthy habits enables you to make the small changes that add up to healthy living for a lifetime."
Designwoerks, Layout and Design
Toolkit and resource graphic design.
