Rachel Viola – President

Rachel is currently a public health professional living in Los Angeles, CA. She is a graduate of Boston University, where she received a BA in biology and an MPH in epidemiology. Rachel has over 10 years of experience in health education and research. True to her profession, she believes that the key to good health starts with prevention, and that individuals and communities should be empowered to take charge of their health. In her spare time, Rachel enjoys hula hooping as a form of exercise and meditation, which is how she was first introduced to the Vegetable Circus. Inspired by the way that the Vegetable Circus was using circus as a fun and approachable way to convey health messages, she became a board member of the Allied Wellness Education Network in 2009, and has been proud to support the efforts of AWEN ever since. 

 

Jay Ganson – Clerk

Jay comes to AWEN from the CleanTech industry where he works with electrical utilities as well as state and federal legislators to promote the adoption of smart grid. Jay holds a M.A. in Environmental Management from Harvard Extension and a B.A in Russian from Dickinson College. Jay has roots in another Non-Profit, Dive-Kulture, who’s existing network and activities are complementary to the goals of AWEN. Jay sees AWEN’s message as an important, and lacking, element in education and is excited to have the opportunity to help drive AWEN forward.

 

Brian Walden – Treasurer

Brian is a professional entertainer, educator, and wellness promoter dedicated to improving the quality of the life we all share. It was with this dedication that Brian founded Vegetable Circus in 2005. Brian is a regular face on stage and in the classroom as well as behind the scenes and in the office. Brian works daily to nurture Vegetable Circus as it grows and puts down roots in communities all across America!