Employee Profile: Stephanie, Wellness Manager

How would you describe what you do to someone who knows nothing about Clif Bar or your role?

I perform varying degrees of social experiments by putting people in sweaty, challenging positions then wait to see if they come back for more 😊 As one of four Wellness Managers in the gym, I support people with their health and wellness goals through personal training, and provide physical relief to muscular aches and pains by way of myofascial/triggerpoint therapy. I also manage the massage, acupuncture and physical therapy programs along with other wellness class offerings.

Another responsibility I take with great pride is managing the Epiphany Ride Celebration. Akin to the growth and evolution of the organization, the annual Epiphany Ride has morphed from a hardcore road-ride only shin dig to a Clif family-friendly party. I’m honored to continue the celebration of Clif Bar being born on a bike.

What do you love most about working at Clif Bar?

When I was hired at Clif Bar I loved the values for which Clif Bar stood: the 5 Aspirations and the “work hard in order to play hard” ethic of the small, nimble org. I couldn’t believe I was part of a company that prioritized giving back to the Community, taking care of its People and the Planet, as equals to amplifying its iconic Brand and Business. Sharing those same core tenets over the past 14 years with like-minded co-workers has created lasting friendships that feed my soul.

What are your interests and passions outside of work?

Horseback riding/hiking with my girls is in a tight race with eating and traveling with my girls. Close runners up would be cooking and/or napping on the couch in the sun.

What is one of your most memorable food experiences?

My most memorable food experience was the night before a Clif Bar Ski Trip and ended up not involving any food. We drove 7 hours to cold, snowy Reno for a home cooked dinner with longtime family friends. As our empty stomachs waited for the food to be served, Madison, one of my twins, downed 2 full bottles of root beer to quench her hunger and thirst pangs. Jasmine, her twin sister, and Emma each finished their own bottle. Shortly thereafter all 3 of them ran to me, arms linked, giggling hysterically, faces glowing like red homing beacons, and begging to go outside. I immediately recognized the Asian Flush...my minor children were tanked. Apparently, the person pouring bottles for my girls missed the “Not Your Father’s Root Beer” label. After flooding Madison with water, I held her hair and rubbed her back while she prayed to the porcelain god. We returned to the living room to find her sisters slumped together on the couch and 11-year-old Jasmine mumbling, “Mom, you need to write this one down.” I have no idea what was served for dinner.

What is one of your most memorable Holiday food experiences?

A few years ago, we decided to go all out for my oldest daughter’s (Emma), first winter break from college. Deviled eggs, cheese and charcuterie platters with bread and fruit started the morning. For an early, yet hours long dinner we noshed on bone-in prime rib, rack of lamb, and duck confit - the only fowl allowed in the house. Sides consisted of garlic mashed potatoes with rendered duck fat, sticky rice with Chinese sausage, and rich mushroom gravy (again with the duck fat). My sister, who’s a phenomenal chef, was tasked with dessert: an apple/cranberry galette and a buche de noel accompanied by homemade coffee ice cream with reduced blackberry sauce swirled in. Somehow, we managed to shovel in the sweets during the late-night card games. All this for the 9 people in my family with appetites equivalent to a pod of orcas blubbering up for the cold winter deep dives. Oh, and my other sister brought something green…I think?

What is one of your most memorable Holiday memories?

When I was little my parents would wake us up at midnight on Christmas to open presents. Before running out of my room I’d look out the window to check for fresh fallen snow. Having a white Christmas is one of my best Holiday memories - and possibly the only thing I miss about Reno.

What has been or will be your greatest adventure?

Hands down my greatest and most rewarding adventure is to (hopefully) raise my 3 mini-me’s to be compassionate, responsible adults through side-splitting laughter and an abundance of crispy-skin pork belly oozing with savory juices.