New York City is home to a vibrant community of wellness influencers and leaders dedicated to enhancing physical, mental, and emotional well-being. These individuals are not only advocates for personal health but are also pioneering efforts to bring holistic wellness into workplace settings, where the need for balance, support, and proactive health strategies is more significant than ever. From physicians and fitness instructors to corporate leaders and media influencers, these New York-based professionals bring diverse backgrounds and expertise, offering practical insights and innovative programs that resonate with today’s workforce. This blog spotlights some of NYC’s top wellness advocates who are transforming how we approach health in professional environments.
Dr. Oz
A prominent physician and television host who advocates for health literacy and holistic wellness practices that can be applied in workplace settings.
Jessica Seinfeld
Jessica Seinfeld is the Founder and Board Chair of GOOD+ Foundation, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering families in marginalized communities. With a focus on addressing cyclical poverty, GOOD+ partners with innovative anti-poverty programs across the country, providing essential goods paired with services like job training and financial literacy. Seinfeld’s work extends beyond philanthropy; she’s also a New York Times bestselling author of five cookbooks, promoting healthy eating and nutrition.
Barbara Hannah Grufferman
Barbara Hannah Grufferman is a multifaceted wellness advocate and entrepreneur. As the President and Founder of Best of Everything Media, she provides brand-building services to major corporations targeting the 45+ market. Grufferman is an award-winning author, focusing on healthy aging, and hosts the Age Better Podcast. Her expertise spans from media appearances to partnerships with Fortune 500 companies, making her a prominent voice in promoting positive aging and wellness for women over 45.
Dr. Navya Mysore
Dr. Navya Mysore is a primary care physician and women’s health expert based in New York. Currently serving as the National Program Medical Director for Sexual & Reproductive Health at One Medical, she brings extensive experience in family medicine and urgent care. Dr. Mysore is also a media health expert, contributing to various outlets including Women’s Health Magazine. Her diverse background includes roles as a clinical instructor at Weill Cornell Medicine and experience in both the U.S. and Canadian healthcare systems.
Melissa Wood-Tepperberg
Melissa Wood-Tepperberg is the Founder and Creator of Melissa Wood Health. While her LinkedIn profile provides limited information, she is known in the wellness industry for her fitness and meditation programs. Wood-Tepperberg’s approach often combines yoga, Pilates, and mindfulness practices, making her a popular figure in the realm of holistic wellness and mindful movement.
Nick Stefanizzi
Nick Stefanizzi is a versatile executive with a focus on healthcare and wellness in the workplace. As the CEO of Northwell Direct, he leads initiatives to provide innovative healthcare solutions for employers and their employees. With a background in operations, technology, and human capital management, Stefanizzi has been recognized as one of Modern Healthcare’s Top 25 Emerging Leaders and Crain’s New York Business Notable LGBTQIA+ Leaders. His experience spans from startup environments to enterprise organizations, making him a valuable voice in the intersection of business and health.
Erica Hood
Founder of Hoodfit, promoting movement and mental wellness especially for women in the workplace.
Kayla Kleinman
Kayla Kleinman is a multifaceted wellness influencer based in New York City. As a social media strategist and content creator, she brings a unique blend of marketing expertise and wellness advocacy to her work. Kleinman is the creator of the lifestyle blog “Kayla in the City,” which focuses on wellness and books for millennial women. With a background in fitness instruction and yoga teaching, she has established partnerships with major brands like Adidas and Google. Kleinman’s approach to wellness is both practical and engaging, making her a relatable figure in the digital wellness space.
Maddie Pasquariello
Maddie Pasquariello combines her expertise in communications and nutrition to make a significant impact in the wellness industry. Currently serving as an Assistant Vice President at RVD Communications, she brings a wealth of experience in public relations and account management to her role. Pasquariello is also a Registered Dietitian, holding a Master’s degree in Nutrition Communication and Behavior Change from Tufts University. Her diverse background, which includes research experience at prestigious institutions like Brown University and the USDA, positions her as a knowledgeable voice in nutrition and wellness communications.
Aoifa O’Donnell
Aoifa O’Donnell is the CEO and President of National EAP, Inc., a woman-owned firm specializing in behavioral and leadership development solutions for workplaces across the U.S. With a background as a therapist, trainer, and coach, O’Donnell focuses on addressing mental and behavioral health issues in the workplace. Her expertise spans areas such as productivity, leadership, policy compliance, and conflict resolution. Under her leadership, National EAP provides a range of services including employee assistance programs, critical incident response, and leadership training, all aimed at creating positive change and boosting performance in professional environments.
Josh Taubes
Josh Taubes, known professionally as DieselJosh, is a New York-based sports and fitness instructor with a passion for holistic wellness. An ACE-certified fitness instructor with specializations in behavioral change and nutrition, Taubes brings a unique blend of physical training and mental wellness to his practice. His approach emphasizes the importance of balance, both physically and mentally, drawing from his diverse background in philosophy and psychology. Taubes is committed to inspiring and motivating his clients, focusing on resistance training fundamentals and creating dynamic strategies to improve overall body conditioning and strength.
Rhys Athayde
Rhys Athayde is a certified personal trainer with a diverse background in fitness and operations. His experience includes roles as Director of Fitness & Operations at GHOST and co-founding PHANTOM Fitness. Athayde’s career has been marked by a commitment to innovative fitness approaches and leadership in high-profile gym environments. His multilingual skills and international experience, combined with his technical expertise in computer science, bring a unique perspective to the fitness industry, potentially addressing the intersection of technology and physical wellness.
Betty Liu
Betty Liu is a multifaceted business leader with significant experience in media, finance, and corporate governance. As a former Executive Vice Chairman of the NYSE and founder of Radiate, Inc., Liu has demonstrated a keen understanding of business leadership and education. While her profile doesn’t explicitly focus on wellness, her role as a board member for various organizations and her experience in creating educational content for leaders suggest she may have insights into corporate wellness and leadership development. Liu’s background in financial journalism and her current advisory roles position her as a potential thought leader in workplace wellness from a corporate perspective.
Kenny Santucci
Kenny Santucci is a prominent figure in the New York fitness scene, with over a decade of experience as a personal trainer and wellness advocate. As the creator of Strong New York, a major charitable fitness and wellness event, Santucci has raised thousands of dollars for health-focused organizations. His influence extends beyond the gym, serving as a brand ambassador for Michelob ULTRA and FITAID, and as a Technogym Master Trainer. Santucci’s expertise has been featured in top health publications, and he’s known for his innovative approach to fitness, combining elements of CrossFit, HIIT, and traditional strength training in his BODY program. His commitment to community health and wellness makes him a standout leader in the industry.
Bill Davis
Bill Davis brings a unique perspective to wellness from a corporate leadership standpoint. While his LinkedIn profile doesn’t directly mention wellness initiatives, his extensive experience as a Chief Financial Officer for companies like Paycor, Blackboard, and Allscripts suggests a deep understanding of organizational management and employee well-being. Davis’s background in healthcare technology companies like Allscripts and his board membership at Catamaran (now OptumRX) indicate potential insights into health-related business strategies. His expertise could be valuable in discussing the financial and operational aspects of implementing corporate wellness programs.
Roxanne Ekhaese
Roxanne Ekhaese is a New York-based Personal Trainer with over 10 years of experience in helping clients achieve their fitness goals. Her expertise spans various areas, including weight loss, toning, body confidence, and athletic development. Ekhaese offers a range of services, from one-on-one personal training (both in-person and virtual) to specialized online programs. Her unique “Flexi-Trainer” program caters to individuals with busy work schedules, demonstrating her adaptability to modern lifestyle needs. With qualifications in pre and post-natal training, HIIT group classes, and a background with high-end personal training companies like Louise Parker, Ekhaese brings a comprehensive and client-focused approach to wellness.
As wellness continues to gain traction as a fundamental component of a successful and balanced work life, the contributions of these New York influencers are more crucial than ever. Each of these leaders, whether through fitness, nutrition, mental health advocacy, or corporate wellness programs, plays a vital role in redefining health in modern workplaces. Their unique approaches and community-driven efforts inspire positive change not only in New York but across the nation. By prioritizing well-being, they set a benchmark for what a healthier, more supportive work culture can achieve, paving the way for workplaces that truly value and nurture the whole individual.
