Shannon Ritchie: Community Captain of the Month for May
Our Community Captain of the Month for May comes from Fort Ashby, WV. Shannon Ritchie is a married mother of two, who also lists her many pets are part of her family!
As Active SWV began expanding through West Virginia beyond our six county footprint, we discovered that partnering with WVU extension agents was a natural fit to accomplish this goal. Shannon is one of our first extension agents to begin leading programs in her area, and she is off to a big start, leading monthly hikes and a weekly walking group. When asked why she became an Active SWV volunteer, Shannon answered: “I am involved with health and nutrition within my community as part of my position as a Health Educator for WVU Extension Service. My favorite part of this position is to find new and fun ways to get my students and community members moving more. This was just the perfect way to build on what I love most about my job.”
Shannon says that she was never athletic when she was young, but after her first child she discovered that being physically active “made her feel better.” Shannon discovered a love for a variety of activities from group fitness class at the gym, to outdoor recreation like hiking and kayaking.
Shannon says she does have a tendency to get bored with a routine, and has learned to stay motivated by making subtle changes like changing fitness class or finding a new place to hike or walk. “Being active is a priority for me not only for my health and mental wellbeing, but in showing my kids that being active should be a normal part of life and that if they do it, it will help in so many aspects of their every day.” says Shannon.
Shannon encourages others to attend an Active SWV program to learn about what is out there and explore new opportunities! Find out what activities are going on near Shannon and all over West Virginia by checking out our website calendar.
Learn more about volunteer opportunities and join our Community Captains program by emailing [email protected]
