Our Team

Faculty

 

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Misti Zablosky, PhD, LAT, CHWC, DipACLM

Chair and Associate Professor
Director- Physical Health/ForeverFit
Diplomate International Board of Lifestyle Medicine
IREB 460L
817-735-2756
misti.zablosky@unthsc.edu

Bio

Dr. Zablosky is a distinguished professional with a diverse background spanning education and healthcare. She achieved her Ph.D. in Kinesiology from Texas Woman’s University in May 2012, with a research focus on the “Assessment of Burnout in Athletic Training.” Her academic journey also includes an M.S. in Kinesiology with a Minor in Athletic Training from the University of North Texas, along with a B.S. in Exercise and Sports Science, specializing in Athletic Training, and a Minor in Biology from Tarleton State University.

Currently holding the position of Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Personalized Health and Well-Being, Dr. Zablosky plays a pivotal role in the administration and development of educational programs.

Dr. Zablosky boasts an extensive career, notably as an Associate Professor of Health and Wellness at Paul Quinn College. Here, she served as the founding department head for the college’s inaugural bachelor’s degree program in Health and Wellness. Her unwavering commitment to curriculum development, faculty leadership, and student advisement made a substantial impact on the program’s remarkable success.

In addition to her academic achievements, Dr. Zablosky has made significant contributions to the field of healthcare as a Clinical Athletic Trainer at Sports Medicine-Children’s Medical Center. Her comprehensive care, expertise in concussion testing, rehabilitation, and injury prevention have benefited numerous patients.

Dr. Zablosky is a dynamic and accomplished professional with a multifaceted career dedicated to advancing health and wellness through education and healthcare expertise.

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Dr. Christina Liew-Newville

Program Director Clinical Nutrition and Assistant Professor
IREB 470C

 

Bio

Dr. Liew-Newville is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist with a robust background in public health nutrition, community outreach, and nutrition education. She earned her Ed.D. in Education Leadership with an emphasis in Health Sciences from the University of the Cumberlands, KY. Her dissertation research on food insecurity among college students underscores her commitment to impactful, evidence-based nutrition practices. Dr. Liew-Newville has notably advanced the field through innovative education and leadership, including founding the Dietetics Simulation and Nutrition Center at Tarrant County College. Her role as Chair for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Asian Americans Pacific Islanders (AAPI MIG) group highlights her dedication to inclusion and leadership development. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, reading spy novels, and watching Asian dramas.

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Debbie Gillespie, EdD, MS, RDN/LD, NBC-HWC, ACC, DipACLM

Assistant Professor
Diplomate International Board of Lifestyle Medicine
IREB 470D
817-735-7638
deborah.gillespie@unthsc.edu

Bio

Debbie Gillespie is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Personalized Health and Well-Being. She is one of the first International Board of Lifestyle Medicine certified Registered and Licensed dietitians in the U.S. with over 30 years of experience across a broad spectrum of dietetics including clinical, oncology and cardiovascular research, renal, health promotion, and public health education.

She earned her B.S. in Dietetics from Miami University, an M.S. in Medical Dietetics from Saint Louis University, and an EdD in Health Professions Education from A.T.Still University. She has completed advanced Professional and Faculty Wellcoaches® trainings, has earned the ACC credential through the International Coach Federation (ICF), and is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach. 

She has served as the founding Interim Chair for the Department of Lifestyle Health Sciences, the Program Director for the Graduate Certificate in Lifestyle Health, and has been a leader in providing nutrition, emotional intelligence, culinary and lifestyle medicine education at HSC.

She enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and learning about different countries and cultures, and is passionate about nutrition education and health coaching.

“I am thrilled to be collaborating with an extraordinary team of educators and researchers who recognize the important role coaches play in facilitating growth and expanding the capacity for sustainable lifestyle change for optimal health, vitality and well-being.”

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Cynthia Powell, MA, CHWC, IWLC

Assistant Professor
IREB 480C
817-735-2764

Cynthia.powell@unthsc.edu

Bio

Cynthia earned her M.A. in Education and Human Development with a Concentration in Organizational Leadership and Learning from The George Washington University, and a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Social Science with a Concentration in Psychology and Sociology from James Madison University.  She is a Certified Health and Well-Being Coach, a Certified Integrative Wellness and Life Coach, and a Qualified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Teacher. 

Cynthia has studied Mind-Body Medicine through Harvard Medical School, and Lifestyle Medicine for Coaches through the American College of Lifestyle Medicine & Wellcoaches.  With over 15 years of senior leadership experience in education and health care settings, she also serves as a Faculty Senator, a Wellbeing Champion, and provides coaching and training in a variety of areas including mindfulness, resilience, self-care, and stress management. 

In addition, Cynthia enjoys spending time with her family and friends, as well as dancing, traveling, exploring the arts, and being in nature.

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Karrie Curry, PhD, MS, CHES

Assistant Professor
IREB 480A
817-735-2757
Karrie.curry@unthsc.edu 

Bio

Dr. Curry achieved her Ph.D. in the School of Health Promotion and Kinesiology from Texas Woman’s University in December 2023, with a research focus on mental health and cognitive functioning. Her academic journey also includes an M.S. in Kinesiology with Minors in Exercise Physiology and Sport Psychology from the University of North Texas, along with a B.S. in Psychology from Texas Christian University. 

She served as the Exercise Physiologist and a Clinical Research Coordinator at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas before joining the team at HSC. Additionally, Dr. Curry has made academic contributions as an Adjunct Instructor in Kinesiology at Tarrant County College District since August 2017. She is also a Certified Health Education Specialist.  

When Dr. Curry is not at HSC; she can usually be found on one of the many area swimming pool decks cheering on her son in high school and club swim meets. She enjoys acrylic painting, Latin dancing, and spending time with her family.  

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Victor Peña-Araujo, NBC-HWC, BA, MB, BCh, BAO, MRCSI, Dip ACLM 

Medical Director
Adjunct Instructor

Victor.Pena@unthsc.edu

Bio

Dr. Victor Peña-Araujo is a former surgeon with a decade of clinical experience and the founder of a boutique lifestyle medicine health coaching company. Dr. Peña is a speaker, advisor, digital health consultant, and has been teaching medical and nursing students on the wards or remotely for 15 years.

Dr. Peña is a medical graduate and a post-graduate member of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach, and a diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.

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Noah B. Gentner, PhD, NBC-HWC, CPHWC, ICF-ACC, RHC

Assistant Professor
noah.gentner@unthsc.edu

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Jennifer Singh, MD, DipABLM

Adjunct Assistant Professor
Diplomate International Board of Lifestyle Medicine
Jennifer.Singh@unthsc.edu

Bio

Dr. Singh serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Health Professions at HSC and Assistant Professor at LSU Feist Weiller Cancer Center. She received her M.D. from LSU School of Medicine in Shreveport and completed her residency in combined Internal Medicine/Pediatrics, and is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, the American Board of Pediatrics, and the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine.

Although she has always been an avid home cook, her interest in a whole-foods-plant-based diet was piqued five years ago when her father was diagnosed with leukemia. A thorough evidence review prompted her to lead her family to change their diet for maximum health and wellness. Now with a special focus in Lifestyle Medicine, nutrition, and behaviors to treat and prevent chronic disease.

She lives in Shreveport, Louisiana with her husband and children, and can usually be found gardening, biking, and of course, cooking with family and friends

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Teresa Wagner, DrPH, RDN, LD, CPH, CPPS, CHWI, CHWC, DipACLM

Teresa Wagner, DrPH, RDN, LD, CPH, CPPS, FNAP, CHWI, CHWC, DipACLM
Adjunct Associate Professor
Director, Community Health Worker Training Program
Diplomate International Board of Lifestyle Medicine
EAD 740
817-735-2404

Bio

Dr. Wagner is a registered and licensed dietitian with a doctorate in public health. She’s certified in Public Health, Patient Safety, Lifestyle Medicine, Health Coaching, and a certified Community Health Worker Instructor. She’s an associate professor in the School of Public Health (SPH) and the School of Health Professions at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. Dr. Wagner serves as the Director of the UNTHSC Community Health Worker Training Center. She has delivered multiple programs, speaking engagements, and trainings on health literacy issues and associated topics related to community health. She also established a multi-stakeholder health literacy collaborative with the DFW Hospital Council Foundation and the SPH Health Literacy Lab.
Dr. Wagner has testified on health literacy legislation in Texas which helped place health literacy into the 2018-2020 State Health Plan. At the same time, her research focuses on alleviating health disparities in underserved communities through health literacy to improve population health. As a result of her work, she has received both the 2018 Texas Health Literacy Hero Award as well as the 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award from Texas Christian University. In 2022, she was one of 25 National Institute of Health selected researchers to study the use of artificial intelligence to abate health disparities. In 2023, she received the UNTHSC School of Health Professions Faculty Achievement Award and in 2024, she received the Distinguished Dietitian Award from the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She was also inducted into the National Academies of Practice’s inaugural Registered Dietitian Academy.
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Brittany Linde, PhD

Adjunct Assistant Professor
brittany.linde@unthsc.edu

Jennifer Mills

Jennifer Mills, MS, BSFCS

Assistant Professor
jennifer.mills@unthsc.edu

Bio

Jennifer Mills is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian who earned her M.S. in Human Sciences and completed her dietetic internship at Stephen F. Austin State University. She also holds a B.S.F.C.S. in Nutrition Sciences from Baylor University. With experience ranging from clinical acute care to leadership in food and nutrition departments, Jennifer’s passion for education led her to higher education. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys traveling, family time, and competing in autocross events.

Robyn Kovacs

 

Robyn Kovacs, BS, MS

Assistant Professor
robyn.kovacs@unthsc.edu

Bio

Robyn Kovacs brings 20 years of experience as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, with a focus on diabetes, renal disease, cardiovascular disease, and weight management. She holds a BS in Dietetics from Texas Tech University and a Master’s in Nutrition from Texas Woman’s University. Robyn is dedicated to empowering others through nutrition to enhance their health and quality of life. Her decade-long teaching experience and mentorship of dietetic students reflect her commitment to shaping the future of nutrition professionals.

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Jewel Queppet, BS

Clinical Site Coordinator
jewel.queppet@unthsc.edu

Bio

Jewel Queppet, a Clinical Nutritionist from Fort Worth, Texas, holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Texas Woman’s University. With 7 years of experience as a Clinical Nutritionist and Health Educator, Jewel is passionate about patient care and community wellness. Known for her punctuality, reliability, and positive outlook, Jewel is excited to contribute to our program and support our students.

Merna

Merna Williams

merna.williams@unthsc.edu

 

Bio

Merna is a dedicated health care professional with a passion for leading and improving patient care, especially in the realm of cancer rehabilitation. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of North Texas and a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Purdue Global University, providing her with a strong foundation in both clinical practice and operational leadership.

As a certified professional in First Aid/CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Merna is well-equipped to support the unique needs of the clients at ForeverFit. She leverages her advanced skills in Arabic, technology and communication to foster a collaborative, supportive environment where the team can thrive and clients can achieve their fitness goals.

Merna is committed to ensuring that ForeverFit remains a place where cancer survivors can regain strength, confidence and a sense of community, while continually striving for excellence in every aspect of the clinic’s operations.

 

Staff

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Alexandra Garcia, MPH, CPH

Academic Program Manager
IREB 460R
817-735-2763
Alexandra.Garcia@unthsc.edu

Bio

Alexandra Garcia holds a Master’s in Public Health from HSC at Fort Worth and a B.A. in International Studies from The University of North Texas. She has been with the Department of Personalized Health and Well-Being at HSC since 2019.

Alvarado, Diane

Diane Alvarado

Administrative Coordinator
IREB 470B
817-735-2425
Diane.Alvarado@unthsc.edu

Bio

Diane has worked in academia for more than 10 years. Before coming to the Department of Personalized Health and Well-Being at UNT HSC, she worked in administration offices at The College of Nursing and The College of Medicine at Texas A&M University Health Science Center, as well as the Health Services Center at Tarrant County College Northwest Campus.

Education Partners

Thriving Teams Institute

Empower Fort Worth

Content Contributors 

Mark Brackett, PhD

Caroline Adams-Miller

Chuck Gillespie, CWP

Jane Ellery, PhD

David L. Katz, MD, MPH, FACPM, FACP, FACLM

Joel Bennettt, PhD, MA, CWP

Speakers

Kenneth H. Cooper, MD, MPH

Rani Polak MD, MBA, Chef

Laura Klein, Chef

Mark Hyman, MD

Margaret Moore aka Coach Meg

 

Department Email: pershlthandwb@unthsc.edu