Sierra Canyon Upper Campus hosted its third annual Wellness Wednesday, a program devoted to supporting students’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being through creative exploration, movement, mindfulness, and practical skill-building.
Organized by the Student Wellness Ambassador Program, Wellness Wednesday included creative sessions such as fused glass art, friendship bracelet making, nail painting, and cupcake decorating. Yoga, weight training, hiking, and indoor pickleball promoted physical health, while activities such as board games, journaling, Lego building, and sensory stations encouraged students to slow down and reset.
The following seminars were offered to equip students with valuable skills and resources:
- Pieces of Me: Growing My Identity Tree – In this art-based wellness session led by mental health professional and Sierra Canyon alum Samantha Feldman '15, students created Identity Trees to reflect on their personal histories, current identities, and future goals.
- Be H.I.P.- Health and Injury Prevention – Athletic Trainer Ms. Ashley Nitzel, joined by guest speaker, Mr. Willie McGinest (Halie ‘24 and Hanna ‘27), discussed the importance of care for one’s body to support optimal performance. Students also made stress balls as a tool for managing emotions.
- Building Community through Drumming – Mr. Chris Sampson, Director of Performing Arts, partnered with DrumBus to lead drum circles that promoted stress relief, improved mood, strengthened motor skills, and fostered community connection.
- Hot Girl Walk: Find Happiness, Achieve Your Dreams, and Cultivate Confidence – Ms. Mia Lind, creator of the global Hot Girl Walk movement, guided students through a reflective walk centered on gratitude, goal-setting, and cultivating inner confidence.
- Burn Bright, Not Out: Compete at Your Best Without Losing Your Spark – Sierra Canyon alum and professional volleyball player May Pertofsky ’19 led an athlete-to-athlete workshop focused on the mental and physical strategies needed to excel while avoiding burnout.
The day concluded with a meaningful conversation led by Wellness Director Dr. Serena Hobson, joined by mental health professionals and Sierra Canyon alumni Gabriel Gilbert-Lurie ’11 and Samantha Feldman ’15. Drawing on their work as a Marriage and Family Therapist and a Social Worker, they emphasized emotional wellness, healthy relationships, and the importance of finding balance in daily life.
Wellness Wednesday is one of the many ways Sierra Canyon weaves wellness and character development into daily life, giving students practical tools to care for themselves and one another beyond the classroom. The day’s meaningful conversations and hands-on activities help students support their physical health, care for their emotional well-being, and show up for those around them.
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