About Us
Our mission is to engage employers to create and sustain a culture of worksite wellness.
Vivacity is about creating vibrant cultures of health.
We focus on your unique situation to analyze your organization’s unique mix of interests, goals, current wellness activities, lifestyle, risk factors, and your employees’ distinctive stage of readiness, to undertake the journey to better health.
When we get to work…
Our experienced wellness professionals offer a wealth of experience to produce a customized strategic plan for you. Our integrated approach to wellness focuses the message and tools, and reduces the burden of program management. Our commitment to leading-edge solutions for employer cost management and employee health challenges is the momentum behind what we do.
Our aim is to help you gain control over ever-increasing healthcare costs — something we consider a requirement for an organization’s sustainability. Increasing productivity and reducing absenteeism is a powerful sign of organizational health, and our programs are designed to help your workforce improve health with usable, effective tools that contribute to satisfaction and morale.
Our belief is that increasing one’s awareness of the connection between behavior and illness is powerful motivation. Providing a way to identify health and lifestyle risks — and getting the tools needed to minimize those risks — engages and empowers behavior change.
For a complete description of what we offer, please click on the link below.
OUR EXPERIENCED WELLNESS PROFESSIONALS
Marcia Chan Ridley, SPHR
Chief Executive Officer
“Balancing rising health care costs, the needs of the business and implementing wellness and total rewards strategies with limited resources is challenging. I know, because I have been there. It is through those experiences as an employer and HR leader that I seek to help our clients improve the health and productivity of their most valuable asset, their people.”
In her role of CEO, Marcia leads Vivacity’s efforts to help employers develop and implement strategies to build a culture of health. By integrating a company’s corporate and total rewards goals, cutting edge research, and the meaningful use of claims and biometric data, Vivacity is able to design programs that engage employees in healthy conscious decisions, promote health and increase productivity.
Marcia joined Vivacity in 2010 as the Chief Operating Officer, she was promoted to CEO in June 2011. Prior to working for Vivacity, Marcia was the Director of Total Rewards for Premera Blue Cross where she oversaw the execution of Premera’s pay-for-performance strategy to meet corporate objectives and to advance the health and productivity of Premera’s workforce. Marcia worked closely with senior management to create, manage and administer rewards, recognition and retirement programs as well as other HR-based performance and accountability plans. She led the company’s efforts to build a culture of health, working in collaboration with innovative teams across the company to pilot, test and measure health and wellness benefit solutions with Premera’s associates. Marcia was also formerly Premera’s Director of Finance Shared Services, where she led teams responsible for financial analysis and performance reporting – experience she incorporated in the measurement and analysis of Premera’s total rewards programs.
Marcia has been an invited speaker at the World Congress Employer Health & Human Capital Congress, Culture of Health Conference, World Research Group Chronic Care & Population Health Management Forum, Penn State and Bastyr University. She has chaired the American Diabetes Association Winning at Work event since 2009. In addition, she has been a research partner with the University of Washington Anthropology department in the study of Men’s Health.
Marcia holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Care Administration from Oregon State University.
Dave Johnson, MD
Founder & President
“Being able to help someone with a medical challenge during their time of need is extremely gratifying. Being able to prevent that medical challenge by getting someone to change a modifiable health risk factor (e.g., obesity, lack of exercise, smoking) is profound and core to our organization. Being able to touch the lives of many is our passion. The result is a happier, healthier, more satisfied and productive workforce resulting in the lowest possible cost.”
Dave Johnson, MD, brings several years experience in disease management, health risk management, and population health to Vivacity. He has partnered with physicians in developing and implementing programs that bring about lasting change. Dr. Johnson worked with Kaiser Permanente in southern California and Group Health Cooperative in Spokane, Washington. He also developed outpatient practice sites for a hospital system in the southeast. Dr. Johnson has served as a medical commentator for KXLY TV-4 in Spokane, FOX 13 in Seattle, and was a medical columnist for Senior Times.
Dr. Johnson received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Delaware, his M.D. degree from Thomas Jefferson University and his M.B.A. from Gonzaga University. He is Board Certified in Family Practice and as a physician executive.
Dr. Johnson has received several certifications, honors and awards. He is a member of many professional, scientific and honorary societies, and has researched and presented a large variety of medical topics as a commentator on several television stations. Dr. Johnson is actively involved in many activities in his community.
Kristina Simpson
Operations Manager
“I believe that wellness should be engrained in the fabric of our daily choices. It’s about choosing an apple over a cookie, a walk over another lunch at your desk, and a yoga class over another rerun. At the end of the day, it’s about making healthy choices for your body and soul.”
Kristina Simpson has vast experience in health and wellness program administration, including design, implementation, billing and reporting. She has also supervised multi-site research projects at a large Northeast hospital.
Kristina holds a BA from the University of Washington and an MA from Tufts University. She has also earned a Clinical Research Design and Project Management Graduate Certificate from Northeastern University and is a Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP).
At Vivacity, Kristina supports all clients on their wellness journey by ensuring that the programs and services they choose in their customized roadmap are flawlessly and seamlessly implemented.
Alaina Cunningham
Client Manager
“My goal is to get people thinking about wellness in terms of reward instead of deprivation. It isn’t about giving up the foods you love or taking time away from your family. It is about what’s gained — improved physical and emotional health. Those rewards are priceless.”
Alaina Cunningham has more than 15 years’ experience in population health. She is a talented Consultant and Program Manager with a history of successful, community-based injury and disease prevention programs. Alaina has made significant contributions to developing statewide coalitions, education and media campaigns, as well as legislation in the area of occupant protection.
She holds a BS in Community Health Education with a minor in Alcohol and Drug Counseling and an MEd in Adult Education from Eastern Washington University. She is a Certified Health Education Specialist.
At Vivacity, Alaina works with employer groups to build a strong framework to help improve the health, productivity and well being of their workforce. She conducts the initial assessments that identify strengths and opportunities for comprehensive worksite wellness programs. Alaina then creates their customized strategic plan, and aids in identifying the resources needed to meet their goals. As a wellness advisor, she utilizes the best practices and evidence-based research to build a sustainable health improvement and wellness program that yields results and significant positive impact on the client’s bottom line and population health.
Carol White
Client Manager
“Supporting employers in encouraging employee health is wonderful work. It’s rewarding personally. It enhances well being. And it builds better organizations. Life doesn’t present many opportunities where everyone involved wins, but promoting wellness is one of them.”
Carol White managed the Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program for the State of Alaska from 2001 to 2007. From 1989 to 2001, she designed, implemented, and coordinated worksite wellness programs for public, private, and non profit organizations.
Carol holds an MS in Adult Fitness and Cardiac Rehabilitation from University of Wisconsin-LaCross and a BS in Exercise Physiology from University of Washington.
At Vivacity, Carol works with employer groups to build a strong framework to help improve the health, productivity and well being of their workforce. She conducts the initial assessments that identify strengths and opportunities for comprehensive worksite wellness programs. Carol then creates their customized strategic plan, and aids in identifying the resources needed to meet the employer’s goals. As a Wellness Advisor, she utilizes the best practices and evidence-based research to build a sustainable health improvement and wellness program that yields results and significant positive impact on the client’s bottom line and population health.
Jamie Hunter-Mitchell
Client Manager
“Why do I love working with employers to create a culture of health? What keeps me in it? It’s truly simple: Walk, run, stretch, revive and be alive at seventy-five.”
Jamie Hunter-Mitchell has broad experience in the fields of health promotion and health studies. She was one of the early developers of a hospital policy enabling fathers to attend Caesarean section deliveries and served as a midwifery services study investigator. Jamie is especially proud of her role in implementing and managing a senior fitness program that provided access to award-winning physical activity programs for Medicare-covered individuals. Jamie has managed self-care initiatives and trained trainers for the Stanford University founded Chronic Disease Self-Management program.
Jamie holds a BS in Secondary Education and English from Seattle Pacific University and is a certified Wellness Program Manager.
At Vivacity, Jamie works with employer groups to build a strong framework to help improve the health, productivity and well being of their workforce. She conducts the initial assessments that identify strengths and opportunities for comprehensive worksite wellness programs. Jamie then creates their customized strategy plan, and aids in identifying the resources needed to meet the employer’s goals. As a wellness advisor, she utilizes the best practices and evidence-based research to build a sustainable health improvement and wellness program that yields results and significant positive impact on the client’s bottom line and population health.
Kate Warady
Client Manager
“Most people want to improve their health, but are not sure where to begin. When individuals feel supported, receive clear information, and have incentives to reach their goals, they are more likely to succeed. When you have all the right pieces in place, worksite wellness initiatives can be cost effective, life-changing, and life-saving.”
Kate has implemented population health strategies for more than 65 employers, and has a strong background in corporate health communications, community health initiatives, and working with underserved populations. Kate’s roots in organizational wellness stem from the East Coast, where she deployed the Employer Initiative for the American Cancer Society in the State of Pennsylvania. She is an experienced wellness consultant, strategist, and program manager who works diligently to customize solutions and build solid relationships with her clients.
Kate holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Temple University in Philadelphia.
At Vivacity, Kate works with employer groups to build a strong framework to help improve the health, productivity and well being of their workforce. She conducts the initial assessments that identify strengths and opportunities for comprehensive worksite wellness programs. Kate then creates their customized strategic plan, and aids in identifying the resources needed to meet their goals. As a wellness advisor, Kate utilizes the best practices and evidence-based research to build a sustainable health improvement and wellness program that yields results and significant positive impact on the client’s bottom line and population health.
James Krieger
Data Analyst
“My goal is to use the data we collect from your organization to give you the best possible insight into your organization’s status, and to find the optimal paths to achieve success, both financially and in terms of health and well being.”
He has a master’s degree in exercise science from Washington State University and a second master’s degree in nutrition from the University of Florida. He has published research in prestigious scientific journals, including the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and Journal of Applied Physiology, and has also written over 250 articles in the field of health. He is also the former research associate for a corporate weight management program that treated over 400 people per year, where the average weight loss was over 40 pounds in 3 months. He has given over 75 lectures on weight-loss related topics to physicians, dietitians, and other professionals.
James Krieger has more than 10 years experience in the field of research, analytics, and health and wellness.
At Vivacity, James takes health and wellness data and analyzes it to provide insight to a company’s health and financial status. James relates biometric and health risk assessment data to medical and pharmacy claims, providing important information on the relationship between health risk factors and cost. James also assists with Vivacity’s incentive tracking programs, and has also used his expertise in exercise and nutrition to provide educational seminars to employer groups.
Kristin Tucker
Operations Coordinator
“I believe in the mind/body connection. When I make the choice to eat right and exercise whether it be walking on the treadmill, chasing my kids around or playing tennis, I feel great and more energetic. I believe no matter what size of person you are, you can make positive choices daily on your road to better health. We all have one life to live and it should be as happy and vibrant as we can possibly make it.”
Kristin Tucker has an extensive customer service, accounting and billing background. Kristin’s experience ranges from medical office coordination to handling a large book of business while working as a membership analyst for a medical insurance company and a billing accountant for an ocean-shipping company. Prior to joining the Vivacity team, Kristin was an integral member of a project team tasked with developing a comprehensive billing process. She successfully maintained this process handling all day-to-day operations for almost two years.
At Vivacity, Kristin supports the entire Vivacity team, but most importantly all clients from building a custom proposal around each company’s unique wellness needs to setting up and operationally maintaining their program for the life of their contract.
Julie Lockleer-Smith
Workforce Wellness
“I enjoy the challenge of helping organizations start their wellness program and showing them how a few simple steps can get them on a sustainable path to wellness.”
Julie Lockleer-Smith has served in the healthcare field for over 8 years and has developed award winning community programs. Julie enjoys working collaboratively with her clients and is committed to providing the leadership and guidance necessary to help organizations create successful wellness programs.
At Vivacity, Julie works with employer groups that have an employee count of 25 to 500. She introduces them to the Workforce Wellness packages which have been specifically designed for groups of this size. Once the best package has been determined, Julie oversees the product implementation process and works with her clients to monitor the success of the program.
Judy Kays
Executive Assistant
“Compliance is my passion – healthy diet, medication adherence and exercise ensure my physical and emotional well-being in order to better serve my family, our customers and my community.”
Judy Kays has over 30 years of office administration and executive administrative experience in the insurance industry. She has been in her current position for 25 years assisting physician leadership and their associated departments.
Judy has been an active member in the corporate community as a volunteer for United Way and other corporate events. She has also been a volunteer for a number of national sporting events held in her community.
At Vivacity, Judy supports the entire Vivacity team to assist with client coordination and program implementation, interacting with producers, employer groups, and business partners on local and national levels.