Committee Members

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Dr. Derek Marr is a faculty member at Northern Michigan University in the School of Health and Human Performance. Prior to NMU, he was a Clinical Assistant Professor at Southern Methodist University where taught in the Department of Applied Physiology and Sport Management. He additionally served as a Mental Performance Coach with the Mustang Track and Field team. Dr. Marr also has worked as a mental performance coach for the University of Missouri Athletic Department. His coaching background includes roles as the Head Cross-Country Coach and Assistant Track and Field Coach at Northwood University (MI) and as a volunteer coach at Baylor University and the University of Missouri. Marr earned a Doctorate Degree in Sport Psychology from the University of Missouri. His dissertation was a part of a larger study for United States of America Track and Field exploring the psychosocial aspects of performance in 2012 Olympic Medalists. Additionally he has earned a Master’s Degree in Sport Pedagogy from Baylor University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from Grand Valley State University. He currently resides in Marquette with his wife Shaylee and son Creel. 

Emily serves on the Employee Wellness Committee as the Graduate Assistant Wellness Coordinator. She is pursuing a Master's degree in exercise science at NMU and is interested in nutrition, working with patients with chronic illness, and community wellness. Staying active outdoors and spending time with friends are two of her favorite things that keep her well. 

Deborah Pearce teaches in all aspects of the Hospitality Industry including professional cooking, professional baking, resort development, nutrition, travel and tourism. Deborah loves serving on the Wellness Committee and is excited by the idea of a healthy university population. She firmly believes that if employees feel well they will do good work and have a positive outlook on life. Debora enjoys working out; both cardio activities and weight training, as well as tennis, walking, gardening, and cooking.

As an Associate Professor, Anne teaches nursing courses to undergraduate and graduate students. She also practices as a Nurse Practitioner at the campus clinic. Anne is a certified Occupational Health Nurse and has worked providing wellness in the workplace at previous employers and presented on wellness to various audiences. Anne loves sharing wellness information with people so they can make informed decisions about their health. 

Anne loves the winter weather in Marquette and enjoys snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and getting outdoors with her dogs. She is scheduled to run her 30th half marathon in 2019.

Serving as a co-chair on the Employee Wellness Committee allows Katie the opportunity to create wellness programs for not only the NMU Students, but the Faculty and Staff as well. She is excited to be able to provide so many health and wellness options to our community and hopes that we can continue to foster an environment of wellness to all those that are apart of our institution.

Katie and her family enjoy the many seasons that the Upper Peninsula has to offer whether it's downhill skiing, mountain biking, swimming, camping, hiking walking their dogs or hunting.

Kristen Bjorne is the Director of Benefits for Human Resources at NMU. Her main responsibilities include analyzing benefit plan designs for medical, dental/vision, retirement, long term disability, life insurance, worker's compensation, and flexible spending accounts. She assesses the effectiveness of programs and vendors in meeting overall strategic objectives. She also oversees the development and implementation of changes and improvements to befit programs. 

   As the former Chair of the Committee, Kristen continues to have a vested interest in planning various wellness activities for faculty and staff. Her love of golf in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter keeps her well in all seasons. 

In 1991, Sharon Carey began her career at Northern Michigan University. During her tenure, she has held a number of positions within Dining Services. This opportunity has allowed her to appreciate each aspect of the department and understand the importance of nutrition on campus.

Sharon is an alumnus of Southern Illinois University- Carbondale with a degree in Hospitality Management. During her career, she has held positions in restaurants, long-term care, short-term care and university dining.   

Sharon is interested in increasing her consciousness of each sector of the wellness ring; each sector is important to her well-being. Her favorite wellness activities include cooking, baking, canning, and sharing delicious meals with family, friends and the talented members on her team.  

"As a committee member, I enjoy the opportunities we have to increase wellness awareness to the campus community. I believe it’s important to encourage others to explore their wellness lifestyle, evaluate what is important to them, and make changes as they see fit.

In my position as Director of Dining Services, I have the pleasure to serve as the representative of the non-represented employee group."   

Brett has been a Registered Dietitian for the past 16 years through the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR). He has a Bachelors of Science (BS) in Dietetic/Administration and BS in Health Education with a minor in Computer Information Systems both from NMU. He currently works as a Clinical Dietitian at Bell Hospital along with his full time duties as the Registered Dietitian/Operational Manager for NMU Dining Services. His past job experiences are as follows: Health Educator for the Delta-Menominee District Health Department, Clinical Dietitian in the Army Reserve Medical Corp, and Clinical Dietitian for the Marquette County Medical Care Facility. Certified in weight management for Adults and Adolescent/Pediatrics through the American Dietetic Association. He has a wide range of experience from sports nutrition and eating disorders to all areas of clinical nutrition. He is available as a resource for all nutrition related topics/concerns. 

Robin Aho is the Medical Office Manager for the Health Center at NMU. She is married and has two sons; Robin enjoys walking, loves living near Lake Superior and all the lakes in the U.P. and being able to be outside for walks/hikes with her family. She enjoys working with students and other departments on campus and integrating the Health Center to promote wellness.