Department Wellness Gladiators

Dawn McLeish

Human Services Agency

I have worked for the Human Services Agency for 16 years. I am excited to be one San Joaquin Counties Wellness Gladiators. Integrating healthy habits into our daily life is so important. Many of us have stressful and sedentary jobs. I believe taking a couple of minutes to move and breathe each day can contribute to better physical and mental health. I enjoy walking my dogs, hiking with friends, traveling family, and yoga.

Destiny Hanifin

Human Resources

As the support staff for the Staff Development Unit in Human Resources, I am excited to be a part of this group that is designed to promote wellness in all aspects of life. I truly believe that the groundwork of all happiness is health and that it is very important that throughout our day whether we are at work or home we Breathe…Let go… and remind ourselves that this very moment is the only one we know we have for sure.

Michael Allen

SJ Health

I have been with the County since 2015 and enjoy working in clinical administration, where I get to use my organizational knowledge to support leadership and our front-line workers to deliver quality health care to my fellow community members. I began working in employee wellness back in 2021 and I am honored to join the Wellness Gladiators and collaborate with so many of my peers across the County’s many departments.

In my free time, I like to read, cook, play table-top roleplaying games, hike with my son, and play bass guitar & piano. I also have an extensive comic book collection and have seen every Star Wars and Marvel MCU movie in the theaters.

Nicole Wesley

Probation

Wellness is about creating life balance and I am excited to represent the Probation Department as a member of the Gladiators. This program promotes wellness through motivating activities and challenges, providing resources and offering convenient ways to help employees connect and support each other.

There are eight dimensions of wellness: emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical, environmental, financial, occupational and social. My goal is to help promote healthier lifestyle choices and tools to cope with the challenges of daily life, both personally and professionally.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading, watching movies, outdoor fitness (walking, yoga) and quiet time.

Oriana Maghoney

Human Resources

I am proud to be a part of this program that will help our employees strive for a healthier, happier and fuller lifestyle. I am an advocate for happiness and well-being, and I am excited to bring some ideas to the space for dissemination to other departments.

I think that one of the most exciting aspects of the program is the idea that wellness is not just physical, but it also has financial, mental and professional components that needs to be addressed. The group think tank that is being fostered in this program will hopefully turn in to a world of healthy opportunities for our staff. I’m also excited to start making healthier choices for myself through this program and to be held accountable by my team.

My number one hobby is spending time with my family. Super cliché but I have a very strong and close family who keep me grounded and appreciative daily. I’m a very social person and I love entertaining. I am a huge movie and T.V. show buff and love to escape life’s daily stresses through these channels. I also enjoy camping, going on road trips whether in a car with our 3 daughters and 3 Siberian Huskies or just me, my husband and the Harley Davidson.

Patricia Findley

General Services

I was nominated to be the Wellness Gladiator for General Services Department and I must say that I am deeply honored to be working side by side with some of the hardest working people in this county.

I am extremely excited about being chosen as a Wellness Gladiator since health and wellness are the center of my life. Being active, running, exercising, and eating well is always a mental goal of mine. Wellness goes right along with mindfulness, awareness, and being grateful for all things good or bad; the bad helps me appreciate the good things in life. I am a team player; I like working with others to do projects either indoors or outdoors It helps me understand that there is more than one way of doing something; Always learning, always growing, its better together.

I believe good Wellness is an attitude, a “power booster”, when you feel good about yourself it resonates to others; my talents are playing the drums, reading, traveling, and being around my family and friends. Connecting with others “unlike me” helps me learn new and different ideas about myself. “The more the merrier”, and no one is ever a stranger. Thanks for the opportunity!!

Rafael Fernandez

Employment & Economic Development Department

I am honored to serve as the Wellness Gladiator for the Employment and Economic Development Department. I firmly believe that prioritizing wellness is essential in improving and maintaining physical and mental health. I am excited to help develop and promote wellness initiatives and assist our organization in developing and sustaining healthy habits. I believe a healthy body and mind leads to a happier and more fulfilling life.

Outside of work, you’ll often find me exploring nature. Hiking is a big passion of mine. I love that I can enjoy the beauty of nature while getting in a good workout . Biking is another favorite activity of mine. I’m all about keeping active and soaking up some fresh air. On days when I feel like taking it easy, you’ll find me curled up with a good book, whipping up something in the kitchen, or working on some DIY project.