Fall 2025 Staff Council Wellness Series


The Fall 2025 Wellness Series offers UMKC staff opportunities to build community, de-stress and explore ways to incorporate wellness into everyday work. Staff are invited to stop by the Health Sciences Building or Miller Nichols Library for a light breakfast and crafting in the morning, and to join five virtual wellness-focused presentations throughout the day.

Advanced registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.

REGISTER FOR NOV. 7 EVENT

Date/Location

  • Date: Friday, Nov. 7, 2025
  • Locations: Health Sciences Building or Miller Nichols Library and virtual

Wellness Series Schedule 

Drop-in breakfast and crafts: 8:30–11:30 a.m.

  • Health Sciences Campus: Health Sciences Building, Room 4307
  • Volker Campus: Miller Nichols Library, 4th Floor Theater
  • Drop by any time throughout the morning to enjoy a light breakfast, make a craft, and connect with colleagues from across campus.

Virtual presentations (60 min. each)

10 a.m. Creating a comfortable workstation

  • Presenter: Jennifer Thornhill, Assistive Tech and Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist
  • Description: Learn how to make your workstation more comfortable and productive, whether on-site or at home. Explore optimal positions for sitting or standing and discover tools to adjust your setup. Ergonomics affects all aspects of daily life.
  • Join Here

11 a.m. Improving access and inclusion for employees with disabilities

  • Presenter: Bea Bohrer, MSEd, MAT, ACTC, Doctoral Student and ELEVATE Transition Fellow, University of Kansas Special Education Department and KU Center on Disabilities
  • Description: This session provides an overview of accessibility, inclusion and universal design, with actionable steps employers can take to improve access and inclusion for employees with disabilities.
  • Join Here

12 p.m. Mindfulness meditation for a better you

  • Presenter: Makini King, Assistant Dean for Engagement and Well-being, School of Dentistry
  • Description: Participants will learn how mindfulness practice shapes life and reduces stress, and will practice various methods of mindfulness meditation.
  • Join Here

1 p.m. Navigating tomorrow with care: Creating a consent-centered workplace

  • Presenter: Aly Frydman, Outreach and Prevention Education Coordinator, Resources, Intervention, Support and Education (RISE)
  • Description: Explore how consent-centered and trauma-informed practices can be integrated into workplaces. Participants will gain understanding of these practices, receive actionable implementation tips and engage in an interactive reflection activity. 
  • Join Here

2 p.m. Love & PIES: Centering authentic relationships and connections in our work

  • Presenter: Zach Parker, Assistant Director of Student Support Services
  • Description: This session explores how care, authenticity and connection shape our work. Through discussion, activity and reflection, participants will consider how centering love can transform professional and personal life.
  • Join Here

Accessibility

  • UMKC Staff Council is committed to making this event accessible for all UMKC staff.
  • For accommodations, email staffcouncil@umkc.edu