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Our Team
Scott Bodnar, Vice President of ACTIVE Life Labs
Scott leads the development of the innovative systems, programs and events that support ACTIVE Life. He is passionate about and well-versed in finding creative, meaningful and, most importantly, effective ways of engaging, empowering and enlisting people and places in ACTIVE Life. Scott is driven by the belief that each and every decision we make provides us with an opportunity to change the lives of our families, friends, communities and ourselves for the better and is committed to helping people take advantage of these opportunities. Scott@activelifehq.org
Michelle Gibbs, Manager of Operations and Finance
Michelle manages operations and finance for ACTIVE Life. Michelle's passion for being ACTIVE is represented within all facets of her every day life. Michelle is very active in Austin's local athletic community competing in triathlon, running races and cycling fundraiser rides. Michelle is active in her church community, passionate about her three dogs that have competed nationally in dog agility and obedience, as well as enjoying her role as a coach for an Austin women’s fitness organization, Tough Cookies. Michelle is dedicated to working with women in triathlon and marathon seasons, helping them achieve their goals and gain confidence through empowerment and accomplishment. Her commitment to making healthy the norm includes spiritual growth, cooking healthy meals, daily walks and runs with her dogs, running, cycling, resistance training, coaching and helping others. Michelle@activelifehq.org
Jill Habegger-Cain, Program Coordinator
Jill works with ACTIVE Life's Tobacco Prevention department to promote comprehensive tobacco prevention and control in Austin and Travis County. She studied Health Promotion and Fitness at the University of Texas (Bachelor of Science), minored in sociology and social work and is a Certified Health Educator Specialist (CHES). Jill enjoys rollerblading, biking, yoga, hiking, and walking her dogs. Also, she is passionate about healthy and delicious cooking and has an enormous recipe collection. Jill is excited to be working with ACTIVE Life because she is passionate about helping those in her community to live healthier lives. Jillh@activelifehq.org
Baker Harrell, Founder & CEO
Baker serves as Chief ACTIVEist for ACTIVE Life. He is responsible for guiding the vision and mission of the organization and considers himself very fortunate to work with and learn from such an incredible group of people each day. Baker received a B.A. in Comparative Religious Studies, a M.Ed. in Health Education, with a specialization in children’s health and childhood obesity and is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Texas at Austin, where he is specializing in the intersection of social movement theory, new media, and health marketing. Baker founded ACTIVE Life based on his belief in the transformative power of a life lived fully and in people’s capacity for pro-social change. Baker@activelifehq.org
Angela Hooben, Program Manager
Angela manages ACTIVE Life's Communities Putting Prevention to Work department and works to promote comprehensive tobacco prevention programs in Austin / Travis County. Angela obtained her degree in Organizational Communications and Leadership from St. Edward's University and completed her senior thesis on targeted marketing of tobacco in lower socio-economic communities as it relates to the disparities of tobacco-related illness in Travis County. In her free time, Angela enjoys volunteering at her daughter's school, walking her dog, yoga, roller-blading, hiking and bike rides through the local cemetery. She believes in fostering sustainable communities by supporting local businesses. Angela's personal mission, "to create a movement that will have a positive impact.." led her to work for ACTIVE Life, an organization with a shared vision for social change. Angela@activelifehq.org
Anna Hughes, Program Assistant
Anna is the Program Assistant for ACTIVE Life's Tobacco Free team, which promotes tobacco prevention programs in Travis County. She is also a Supervisor of the After School Programs. Anna went to the University of Texas where she obtained her Bachelors of Science in Health Promotion and Fitness, with a minor in Community Health and Wellness. She also recently completed her Alternative Teaching Certification to teach Health and Physical Education in Texas. Anna trains vigorously in Pilates, specifically reformer and power training, and functional weight/circuit training. She loves to walk her dog and cat (in a pet stroller) through her neighborhood and Town Lake hiking trails. Anna is so excited to continue to work for ACTIVE Life, as she is passionate about the health and future of our nation. Because Anna and Active Life share the same vision of a healthy future, this is a great fit for her. Anna@activelifehq.org
Julia Kovach, Outreach & Training Coordinator
Julia has been working in public outreach and social services for at least a decade. She began working with youth as Peace Corps Volunteer in Nicaragua to create sustainable health education programs and later as a teacher in South Korea. Since moving to Austin, Julia has been working with a wide variety of non-profits and other agencies to improve access to community resources for generally low-income families. Julia is a passionate advocate for healthy lifestyles and recognizes the importance of supporting local businesses and organizations. When not directly working to further ACTIVE Life’s Mission, Julia can oftentimes be found at a farmer’s market or cooking in her own kitchen. She is proud to be a part of the change for healthier lives in her own community, as well as across the nation. Julia@activelifehq.org
Christine Mills, MEd, MPH, Director of Programs
Christine Mills has a background in teaching and public health and provides support in overseeing ACTIVE Life’s Nutrition program: nutrition education through the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-Ed). She also oversees Young Leaders for Healthy Change (YL). Christine has a passion for sharing the many benefits of health and wellness among people of all ages, and in working with young people in developing solutions to bring positive change and alleviate health and social disparities. Christine@activelifehq.org
Keith Allen Peters, Creative Coordinator
Keith serves as the coordinator for ACTIVE Life's creative Department. His BFA in communication design from Texas State University has taught him how to effectively comunicate to an audience using visual devices. Keith, an avid rock climber and wakeboarder, is passionate about living an active lifestyle and hopes to inspire others to do the same. Allen@activelifehq.org
Seth Prince, Program Manager of ACTIVE Life After School Programs
Seth manages the After School Programs for ActiveLife. He is dedicated to improving the overall health and fitness of the youth in our community. His approach is to teach and pursue growth academically, socially, spiritually and athletically. He believes that becoming a well-rounded, healthy person involves dedication to each of these areas. Seth is a former coach and teacher. He has coached at some of the top 5A football programs in Texas and Colorado. Seth received his Masters in Education from the University of Colorado at Boulder and his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University. Seth@activelifehq.org
Abi Shirley, Director of Finance
Abi manages financial reporting and budgeting for ACTIVE Life and has been an enthusiastic team member since June 2009. She is currently pursuing her Masters of Accounting at St. Edward’s University. A native Austinite, Abi is dedicated to supporting local businesses, local farmers and protecting the unique natural resources she enjoys every day in her hometown. Her commitment to staying ACTIVE includes daily walks with her dog, Betty Diamond, and thoughtful consumption of local, organic and vegan cuisine. Abi@activelifehq.org
Pat Sutton, Director of School and Community Outreach
Pat manages ACTIVE Life's efforts to engage, empower and enlist individuals, schools and community organizations. Utilizing techniques, knowledge, and relationships garnered from her 29 years teaching Physical Education in public schools, Pat has played a key role in developing and promoting the organization’s efforts since its earliest days (back in 2004). Pat earned her Bachelor of Arts in Teaching from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX. She is passionate about connecting people and places with ACTIVE Life so that they can better embrace and celebrate ACTIVE lifestyles and inspire others to do so as well. Pat@activelifehq.org
Angel Toscano, Manager of Active School Programs
Angel is in charge of managing supervisors and instructors for ACTIVE Life’s After School Programs. He is dedicated to teaching youth about their overall health and fitness. His philosophy is to enlighten children with the tools needed to transition them from children to young adults. He believes education can be taught with excitement and enthusiasm through fitness games. His commitment to living a healthy live includes weightlifting, playing basketball, learning mix martial arts, and consistently learning more about the consumption of healthy cuisine. Angel received his Masters in Sports Management and Bachelors in Health and Fitness Management from Texas State University. angel@activelifehq.org
Socorro “Coco” Valdez, Manager of Team ACTIVE Life & Events
Socorro is head cheerleader for ACTIVE Life's online and offline community, Team ACTIVE Life. She also oversees the production of AL’s local and regional events. Socorro earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a focus on Health Promotion and Fitness from the University of Texas at Austin. She is passionate about inspiring individuals and their friends and families to seek and celebrate ACTIVE lifestyles. Coco@activelifehq.org
John Waterman, Manager of Marketing and Communications
John develops, manages and implements ACTIVE Life's communication and marketing strategies and assets, and he is also helping to develop and manage the ACTIVE Life Ambassador program. His professional, academic and life experiences have taught him the importance of open and effective communication and the value of sustaining mutually beneficial relationships. John earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and a Bachelor of Science in Radio, Television, and Film from the University of Texas at Austin. He's been a part of the ACTIVE Life team since 2009, and his passion for the organization is inspired by his brother, Teddy Waterman and his cousin, Teddy Eastburn, who both passed away in 2007. John@activelifehq.org
