Contact EAW
Employee Wellness at NAU
Help Shape Employee Wellness Programming
Be on the lookout for a brief survey that will be sent to all employees on October 7 and will remain open through October 20. This is your opportunity to tell us what wellness programs and resources interest you–and how we can make them easier for you to find and access. We look forward to hearing from you!
Wellness Programs
Flu Clinics
When: Employee Flu Clinic: Wednesday September 30th, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Where: Employee Flu Clinic: Facilities Services Break Room 501 E. Pine Knoll Dr.
Preservative free flu vaccine protects against three flu strains. Recommended annually to help prevent the newest strains of influenza. Flu shot is free to state employees, spouses and dependents (4+ years old) and retirees.
Schedule your appointment: https://pickatime.com/nauflu
Foundations of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
When: Mondays, October 5th-26th, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Where: Health and Learning Center, Room 2407
Facilitator: Mike Bouck, LCSW, EAW Counselor and Qualified MBSR Teacher
Join us for a four-week introduction to Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. This experiential course is designed for both beginners and experienced practitioners and will explore practical mindfulness skills to support stress management, focus, emotional balance, self-compassion, and resilience. Sessions will include guided meditation, mindful movement, group discussion, and home practice.
The course also includes a virtual orientation the week before the series begins and an optional silent retreat on October 24 from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. No prior meditation experience is required. All are welcome. Email Mike.Bouck@nau.edu
Mobile Onsite Mammography (MOM)
When: Tuesday, October 6th, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Where: Skydome Parking Lot (P66)
Simon Med brings MOM back to the NAU campus. To book your appointment, visit the MOM online scheduler link and scroll to State of Arizona – NAU or call 480-967-3767. Please have ready your insurance card, health care provider’s name and address, and location of your previous mammograms.
Please note: if you have received a screening with MOM in the past 9 months, you are not eligible for this screening.
Earn 500 HIP points for recording your mammogram on the HIP/Personify Health platform.
Fuel Well NAU
Join us for a four-week Supportive Nutrition & Lifestyle Program starting October 6th from 11:45 am-12:30 pm in the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management room 108D. Lunch will be served but seating is limited. Registration preference will be given to those who can commit to attending at least 3 of the 4 sessions. For more information or to register. Email: community-nutrition@nau.edu.
Topics and Descriptions
Session 1: Tuesday, October 6: Microbiome Makeover: Fueling a healthier gut through plant-based nutrition.
Session 2: Tuesday, October 13: Brain Breakthrough: Improve brain health and overall mental performance through plant-based nutrition.
Session 3: Tuesday, October 20: Tame Being Inflamed: Explore the root causes of chronic diseases and prevent inflammation with plant-based nutrition.
Session 4: Tuesday, October 27: A Limitless Lifespan: A look at plant-based nutrition and its support as the body changes across the entire lifespan.
Presented by: Students from NTS 325W Nutrition Research & Communication class & Professor Jay Sutliffe.
Support and Community Groups
NAU Alliance for Neurodivergent Faculty and Staff
When: Wednesday, October 14, 12:30-1:30 p.m. – Sensory Profiles (in person)
Where: The MakerLab at Cline Library
When: Wednesday, November 18, 12:30-1:30 p.m. – Autism and ADHD: Synergies and Differences
Where: Discord
Facilitators: Heather Nash, EAW Director; Shelby Rinke, Assistant Professor of Practice; and Landi Morris, Assistant Professor of Accounting (by Discord)
The Alliance is a community for NAU faculty and staff who identify as neurodivergent, including people with medical or self-diagnoses and those exploring whether they may be part of the neurodivergent community. Meetings provide space to connect, share resources, and build community.
All forms of participation are welcome. Facilitators bring lived experience but do not provide formal therapeutic advice. Participation and meeting activity will remain private.
Register: Discord Registration Link
Good Grief Group (Teams)
When: Wednesdays, October 14, 21, 28, November 4, and 18, noon-1:30 p.m.; no group 11/11/26
Facilitator: Shawnee McDowell, LCSW, Certified Grief-Informed Professional (CGP)
Grief, death, and loss are a normal part of life, and yet it feels so disorienting and difficult after a loved one dies that we might feel like we will never feel ‘normal’ again. Join others in this small online group, to come together in our emotions of grief and loss. We will honor ourselves and our loved ones as we share memories and experiences. There may be an option to meet in person for the final session.
Register: ask-eaw@nau.edu
Cancer Support Group for NAU Employees (Teams)
When: The second Thursday of each month, September 10-December 10, 2026, noon-1 p.m.
Facilitators: Shawnee McDowell, LCSW, EAW Counselor, and Cyndy Soto-Lopez, PhD, EAW Psychologist
A cancer diagnosis can bring medical uncertainty, emotional strain, and lasting survivorship concerns. This group is intended to offer mutual support, strengthen coping skills, and foster resilience and post-traumatic growth for employees affected by cancer.
For information: Shawnee.McDowell@nau.edu or Cyndy.Soto-Lopez@nau.edu
Caregiving Support Group (Teams)
When: 1st Wednesday of the month, September 2-December 2, noon-1:00 p.m.
Facilitator: Cyndy Soto-Lopez, PhD, EAW Psychologist
With our aging population, there has been a rise in the number of individuals who are informal family caregivers, many of whom are also caring for children and/or managing their own chronic health conditions. Approximately 1 in 3 adults in the US is a family caregiver.
Caring for a family member with an injury, illness, or disability can be one of the most important and rewarding (and very challenging) roles a person can take on in their lifetime. The financial, physical, mental, and emotional demands of caregiving tasks may overwhelm even the most resilient of people. This group aims to provide support for the challenges caregivers face in managing stress associated with caregiving and barriers to self-care in striving to enhance quality of life for themselves and the loved ones for whom they provide care.
Register: ask-eaw@nau.edu
Weekly Drop-In Groups
Registration is required. All groups are open to NAU employees, and participants may join at any point unless otherwise noted.
Conflict Without Combat: Skills for Challenging Conversations (Teams)
When: Tuesdays, September 15-December 1, 2026, 8:30-9:00 a.m.
Led by: Cyndy Soto-Lopez, PhD, EAW Psychologist
This group is based on the book “The High-Conflict Couple: A Dialectical Behavior Therapy Guide to Finding Peace, Intimacy, and Validation” by Alan E. Fruzzetti (2006). Although the book was written for romantic relationships, this group will focus on any relationships where emotions, misunderstandings, and recurring conflict occur. Many workplace conflicts follow the same pattern Fruzzetti describes in couples: one person’s emotional reaction triggers another person’s defensive response, leading to escalation rather than resolution. Every week we will address not just communication skills but the emotional processes that drive conflict in the first place. Reading the book is not required although it might be helpful.
Register: ask-eaw@nau.edu
Midweek Mindfulness Meditation (Teams)
When: Wednesdays, September 2-November 4, 2026, 8:30-9 a.m.
Led by: Mike Bouck, LCSW, EAW Counselor and Trainer
“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” —Jon Kabat-Zinn
Work may not be slowing down, but we can change how we respond. Mindfulness helps build focus, self-awareness, emotional balance, resilience, and communication skills to better navigate stress and change.
Join our supportive community to practice simple, evidence-informed techniques for feeling more grounded and present. Drop in whenever you can—no experience required, and everyone is welcome.
Register: ask-eaw@nau.edu
Thursday Morning Happiness Club Explores Boundaries (Teams)
When: Thursdays, October 8-November 19, 8:30-9 a.m.
Led by: Heather Nash, PhD, EAW Director
Join Heather for a weekly conversation about setting and maintaining healthy boundaries. Sessions highlight relevant research and conclude with at least one strategy to apply during the coming week.
Register: ask-eaw@nau.edu
Free Employee Fitness
Registration is required. Links open 48 hours before class. See instructions below.
Beginner Yoga at the Rec Center
When: Tuesdays, September 8-November 10, 2026, 12:05-12:55 p.m.
Location: Wellness Suite 2115, Campus Recreation Center, Health & Learning Center
Led by: Kelsey Jung, MS, ACSM-EP, YA 200RYT
This beginner-friendly class covers foundational poses, alignment, and breath-centered movement. Build strength, flexibility, and balance at a comfortable pace. No prior experience is needed; join anytime.
Register: Yoga registration link
Zumba at the Rec Center
When: Wednesdays, September 9-November 18, 2026, 12:05-12:55 p.m.
Location: Multi-Purpose Gym, Campus Recreation Center, Health & Learning Center
Led by: Alison Mercado, M.Ed., Academic Advisor Sr., and Zumba Instructor
Enjoy easy-to-follow dances set to Latin, pop, rock, hip-hop, and more. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, bring water, and join us for a positive, no-pressure workout. All are welcome; join anytime.
Register: Zumba registration link
Pilates at the Rec Center
When: Thursdays, September 10-November 12, 2026, 12:05-12:55 p.m.
Location: Campus Recreation Center, Wellness Suite
Led by: Angela Gaston, Pilates-certified instructor
A mat-based Pilates class designed to build mobility, strength, and core stability. All levels are welcome, with modifications and light equipment provided as needed. All are welcome; join anytime.
Register: Pilates registration link
*Rec Center Registration Instructions
Registration is required. Links open 48 hours before class and close one minute before class. Classes are free to NAU employees; no credit card is required.
- Open the registration link listed in the class description, up to 48 hours before class.
- Select the day you want to attend, then choose Sign-In.
- Select the yellow NAU User ID login button to open the NAU CAS login page.
- After signing in, select the class and click Select.
- Click Register at the bottom of the screen.
- Click the large yellow Proceed to Checkout button.
- Click the white Check Out box.
- Select Check Out in the lower-right corner. Confirm that the message Your Order was processed successfully appears; a confirmation email with the class schedule will be sent to you.
Questions: fitness@nau.edu
Live Well Tip
This month we focus on Social Wellness. Humans are social beings, and meaningful connection plays a major role in health and wellbeing. In the workplace, social connection can strengthen collaboration, communication and morale.
Challenge yourself to attend one campus or community event this month!
(Do not email sensitive information, as email is not confidential or private)