Wellness and Prevention Services

Jordan (they or she pronouns) was born and raised in Iredell County, NC, got their bachelor's degree in sociology from UNC Asheville, and a master's degree in public health from UNC Chapel Hill. They are working to complete their doctorate in Educational Leadership as a student, teach in the public health department as adjunct faculty, and lead Wellness and Prevention Services as a staff member at Appalachian State University. Prior to this position, Jordan worked in health promotion at three NC universities and one MA college. Jordan is a Master Certified Health Education Specialist and has training in racial justice, social justice, sexual health, bystander intervention, peer education, restorative justice, smoking cessation, harm reduction, suicide prevention, mental health, and more. They chair the American College Health Association's Healthy Campus Leadership Team and are excited to be part of the future of health promotion on campus. When they aren't working, Jordan forages for mushrooms, plays roller derby, and cuddles their ridiculous cats, Olive and Edie.

Ben was born in Asheville, NC and raised in nearby Haywood County prior to moving to Virginia where he deepened his appreciation for the outdoors, education and people. Ben attended James Madison University and graduated with a bachelor of science in Psychology and a minor in Biology. Following graduation, he had a formative experience teaching amazing children in New Jersey where he affirmed a desire to pursue a career in counseling and expand his work with students. He returned to North Carolina and enrolled at Appalachian State University where he completed a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with post-master's certificates in Addictions Counseling and Expressive Arts Therapy. Ben views his work in the Department of Wellness and Prevention Services as his perfect job, working with his favorite population (students), and in his favorite environment (the university setting), in efforts to promote, create and sustain holistic well-being during a significant developmental period of life. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time and playing with his loving family, friends, and sweet dog, Blue. He relishes listening to music, exploring nature, and walking mindfully.

Janna is a native of Watauga County and an alum of Appalachian State University, having completed both an undergraduate and graduate degree in Nutrition. Janna enjoys her work with students through the Department of Wellness & Prevention Services. When Janna is not engaging students through her work on campus she enjoys spending time with her family, bouldering, and being outside in general.

Justin (he/him) is originally from Wilkesboro, just down the mountain from Boone! He attended Appalachian for both his BS and MS in nutrition, working as a peer educator with Wellness and Prevention Services from his junior year onward. After early mentoring work in the community, he was excited to get back to working with students on campus, and functioned as a counseling dietitian and adjunct instructor at Virginia Tech, before returning to App to work with WPS. He has a passion for all elements of wellness, and enjoys brainstorming different ways to make healthier habits more fun. Outside of work, Justin spends time playing games, singing and dancing, and chatting with friends and his dogs.

Meet Emily (she/her), born in Raleigh, NC, and an Appalachian State grad with a degree in Electronic Media/Broadcasting and a minor in Psychology. She’s passionate about creating content that inspires and makes a real difference. When she’s not working, you’ll find her traveling, doing silly food reviews with her sister, baking sourdough bread, dancing, or hanging out with her pets—two cats, Millie and Pebbles, and her dog, Maple.

Amanda was born in Honolulu, HI, and is an alum of Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She is passionate about all things nutrition, mental & sexual health-related and is excited to be back on campus to help students meet their well-being goals. Outside of work, she enjoys her time spent in the woods, traveling, learning a new hobby, or on her farm with the cows, chickens, and her two dogs Jax and Julep.