Q&A with Taylor West, M.S. & Jonathon R. Lauten, BS, ACSM-EP, EIM Level 2
Taylor West, M.S.
Certified Health Coach
Tell us more about your professional background.
My educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in health sciences (James Madison University), a master’s degree in exercise science with a concentration in nutrition and wellness (Liberty University), and a certificate as a certified health coach. Prior to joining ConnectCare3, I was an assistant field hockey coach at Saint Joseph’s University and also played internationally for the USA Women’s National Field Hockey Team.
What are the key responsibilities of your role at ConnectCare3?
As a Health Coach, I work as part of the Chronic Disease Management and Prevention Team. On a daily basis, I work one on one with clients to help guide them on their health and wellness journey. Rather than a quick fix, I am passionate about helping clients create sustainable, lifelong habits that support their overall health and wellbeing. In addition to working with clients, I also help create and deliver educational presentations and webinars.
Do you have any suggestions for how to achieve work-life wellbeing?
When considering work life wellbeing, it is different for each person and multidimensional. One person’s work life wellbeing may look very different than next. One aspect that I have personally found to be very important is determining what fills up your cup or rejuvenates you. In other words, what can take away any stressors, worries, or provide a sense of relief from tasks of day-to-day life. After determining this, try to set aside time for this activity as often as your schedule allows for it. Personally, I prefer to spend as much time as I can outside enjoying the sunshine. I enjoy being active by running, hiking, coaching, or by slowing down to read a good book outside.
What do you like most about ConnectCare3?
With my athletics background, I have always valued being able to work as part of a team. At CC3, we have a team of Patient Advocates, Nurse Navigators, Registered Dieticians, and Health Coaches that collaborate to provide the best possible care for each client. I feel fortunate to learn, collaborate, and work with such a great team of individuals daily. Another aspect that I love about CC3 is the variety of health care professionals that clients can utilize. At CC3 we take an individualized approach with each client and meet them wherever they may be on their health and wellness journey.
How could someone best utilize CC3’s services for help with work-life wellbeing?
Someone looking to create a healthy work life wellbeing could start working with a Health Coach at CC3 for guidance on healthy lifestyle changes to help them achieve their personal goals. There are also other great educational resources on the CC3 website such as articles, webinars, and videos on various topics such as nutrition, exercise, chronic disease, and wellness.
Jonathon Lauten, BS, ACSM-EP, EIM Level 2
Certified Health Coach
Tell us more about your professional background.
I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania in 2011. My background has been primarily in Corporate Wellness, and I have a passion for helping individuals develop a plan to become healthier and make lifestyle changes. I have my Certified Exercise Physiologist and Group Exercise Certifications through the American College of Sports Medicine.
What are the key responsibilities of your role at ConnectCare3?
The key responsibilities of my role at ConnectCare3 are to motivate and coach individual clients to lifestyle changes to live a healthier life while holding them accountable, collaborate with other team members, for example Nurse Navigators, and prepare and present informative seminars/webinars on various topics, for example Diabetes Prevention, Tobacco Cessation, and SMART Goals.
Do you have any suggestions for how to achieve work-life wellbeing?
As a matter of fact, I do have some great advice to achieve Work/Life Wellbeing. It is important to disconnect once you leave work. With the options to work from home, it can certainly make things more difficult, especially if you have kids at home. However, we all need to give 100% focus to the ones that we love, when we are not working. It is healthy for the relationships and your mind. One of my favorite books that I have read is Five Love Languages, and it helped me discover my Love Language, as well as my wife’s. Her Primary Love Language is Quality Time, and I know that it is important to give her the quality time to fill her love tank. It creates a healthier environment in our house. I encourage everyone to figure out what truly makes you happy outside of work and spend time doing that regularly. My wife, son, and I enjoy spending time together outside, whether it is hiking or playing in the yard. I enjoy spending time hunting and fishing as well to get out in nature and to clear my mind, because in my mind that is so peaceful and relaxing.
What do you like most about ConnectCare3?
There are so many things to like about working at ConnectCare3. It is difficult to choose just one thing. However, if I were to pick just one thing, it would be that the ConnectCare3 team is great to work with. The amount of experience and variety of knowledge has brought a whole new meaning to “team” because we have the multi-disciplinary approach. We have such an amazing opportunity to collaborate with experts in their respective fields and provide the best experience for our clients to reach their health and wellness goals. I enjoy being in a position that drives me to become better and grow daily.
How could someone best utilize CC3’s services for help with work-life wellbeing?
They can best utilize ConnectCare3’s services for help with creating a healthy work/life balance by getting started with a member of the ConnectCare3 team and watching the brand-new webinar that Jannifer, Jo, and Taylor presented. We are here to help you find what drives you and what matters the most! Remember to disconnect from work to reduce stress and improve your attitude and quality of life. Some jobs and positions can cause more stress than others, and it is crucial to avoid bringing the negativity into your home. You need to be aware of how your loved ones are reacting or kindly ask them to let you know when you bring your stress home. Also, when you take vacation time, make sure that you leave your work at work, decompress, and ENJOY the time off. Do something that you are passionate about, spend it with loved ones. You will not regret it.