May 20, 2015 – Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.) is nationally renowned for abundant nature and fresh air. At the same time, the U.P. is also known for higher than average smoking rates and obesity. But a team of five health educators from the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Community Health is out to improve those statistics.
These five very passionate health experts started their mission by providing community outreach and education programs to Tribal members, schools, municipalities, healthcare providers and other critical outlets, to promote tobacco cessation, physical activity and access to healthy food.
Please be on the lookout for these health educators in your community. They will deliver news, tools, education, programming and resources through fun, interactive presentations.
Heather Hemming
Heather is a Sault Tribe member and has lived in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, for 26 years. A certified Exercise Physiologist, she has worked for the Sault Tribe for eight years. Heather is excited to continue working with the community and Tribal coalitions to promote access to local, healthy foods and active non-motorized transportation. She will also assist with developing a physical activity referral system for Sault Tribe members.
Heather attended Lake Superior State University and graduated with honors, receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science and Associate in Health and Fitness. She enjoys running, playing hockey, bike riding, and going for walks with her dog Jack.
Colin Welker
Colin is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) focusing on tobacco prevention and cessation. He will use social media to provide education to local communities. He gained experience working with the Central Colorado Area Health Education Center in Denver, Colorado, where he focused on health programs for youth.
Colin is a graduate of Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education and Health Promotion. In his free time Colin enjoys horseback riding, being outdoors and traveling.
Katia Hughes
Katia is a Sault Tribe member who will work with schools and farmer’s markets in the local seven-county area. She graduated from Lake Superior State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Athletic Training and Associate in Health and Fitness. She is a Board Certified and Licensed Athletic Trainer in Michigan.
In her spare time, Katia enjoys spending time with her family and friends, training her dog, playing volleyball and horseback riding.
Kyle Greene
Kyle will work closely with local communities and organizations to create tobacco-free outdoor recreation areas, tobacco-free worksites, and worksite wellness programs. In addition, he will encourage people to increase physical activity by leading the ‘Let’s Get Moving’ community health challenge and promoting non-motorized transportation. Prior to working for the Sault Tribe, he worked as a Medical Assistant and Strength and Conditioning Specialist. He also has experience in physical therapy, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, medical wellness, and corporate wellness.
Kyle is a graduate of Northern Michigan University with a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and Bachelor’s in Sports Science. Kyle enjoys the outdoors, being physically active, and helping other people live physically active lives.
Tyler LaPlaunt
Tyler is a Sault Tribe member and the Community Health Educator working with the west end of the seven-county service area, including Marquette, Alger, Delta and Schoolcraft. Tyler’s previous experience includes work at the Ojibwa Casino, personal training, YMCA programs, and strength and conditioning coaching for the Marquette Royales and Legion Hockey teams. He also currently works as an adjunct professor at NMU.
Tyler is finishing his Master’s degree in Exercise Science at Northern Michigan University, and he also has a Bachelor’s degree in Management of Health and Fitness. Tyler enjoys spending time with family, especially his daughter, jogging, weight training, bicycling, reading, and nature.
These educators are supported by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and the Partnerships to Improve Community Health (PICH) and Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country (GHWIC) grants funded through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
For more information, visit www.UP4health.org or email communityhealth@saulttribe.net.
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