Meet the Team
Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.
Natalie Townsend (she/her)
Director
nrtownsend@usfca.edu
Staff Bio
Natalie Townsend joined Health Promotion Services in 2015. She was a NCAA student-athlete on the Women’s soccer team at San Francisco State University. Natalie enjoys working with students on a daily basis to provide them educational resources when accessing healthcare. She also enjoys coaching the USF Women’s Club Soccer team, as well as teaching courses in the Masters of Public Health program.
Education
Ed.D. Candidate, Organizational Leadership, University of San Francisco
M.S. Behavioral Health, University of San Francisco
B.S. Kinesiology, San Francisco State University
Find what works for you and stick with it, even if it is a small change to build a healthy habit.
Jenny Lee
Assistant Director
jlee112@usfca.edu
Staff Bio
Jenny Lee joined the team in 2013 to launch a nutrition program and gain experience in public health outreach. She has been a certified Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR or NDTR) since 2012, and enjoys helping students develop their own healthy habits around food and exercise. Not only that but she also enjoys working with students who want to develop their skills and leadership in health promotion. This San Francisco native is a lifelong learner who enjoys biking, researching random things, and eating good food.
Education
M.P.H. Community and Public Health Practice, University of San Francisco
B.S. Clinical Nutrition, University of California, Davis
Practicing gratitude can improve overall mood and longevity. Start incorporating small acts or practices of gratitude each day!
Christina Roby
Program Assistant
cmroby@usfca.edu
Staff Bio
Christina Roby joined the Health Promotion Services team in 2023. She brings several years of program management experience and has enjoyed mentoring others through a holistic approach. She is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and loves to support college students in their pursuit of health and well-being. She also enjoys practicing yoga and is a self-taught barista and coffee enthusiast.
Education
B.S. Health Education, Dance Minor, San Francisco State University
Often the most dramatic changes we can make in life take place slowly, gradually, and profoundly. Honor the baby steps you take toward transformation.
Susan Roberta Katz
Wellness Coach
katz@usfca.edu
Staff Bio
Susan Roberta Katz, now Professor Emerita after 27 years in the USF School of Education, is thrilled to join the Health Promotion Services team in January 2024. Her heart lies in guiding students to succeed academically while maintaining their overall sense of well-being and connection to the community. She is proud to have been named “USF Mentor of the Year” in 2022 and to have recently completed the Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching program at the University of California, Irvine. Susan finds her joy in being outdoors in nature, whether hiking Bay Area mountains or kayaking/stand-up paddle boarding on the California coast.
Education
Ph.D. Education in Language & Literacy, UC Berkeley
M.A. Education in Language & Literacy, UC Berkeley
B.A. Psychology, Asian Studies, Connecticut College
Peer Health Educators
2023-2024
Get to know our certified peer health educators. They are graduate students from the School of Nursing and Health Profession's Masters of Public Health program.
Taking care of your health is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself.
The chains of habit are too weak to be felt until they are too strong to be broken. Focus on small positive changes today and tomorrow will follow.
Practice mindfulness to reduce stress and enhance mental clarity.
Student Assistants
Our student assistants support our front desk operations. Get to know who answers your phone calls and emails.
Make sure to take care of your mental health and enjoy all the nature spots in SF!
Varshaa Balasubramaniam
Every step counts! Stay active, even in the little things, for a healthier, happier you.
Alyssa Potestio
If you want to relax your body, rest your mind, and if you can't rest your mind, try relaxing your body.
Mridini Chandrasekaran
You can take responsibility for what you take in.
Prakriti Shakya
Let her sleep, for when she wakes, she will shake the world.
Sidney Tran
Remember to drink water and wear sunscreen.
Sophia Beardsley
Create healthy habits, not restrictions and fall in love with taking care of your body!
Sofia Gomez
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Always remember to drink water and stay hydrated.
Sushmitha Srikanth
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Prioritize Rest.
Elizabeth Low
Volunteer Leaders
We have many volunteers who assist with events and programs. Here are some of our volunteer leads who take initiative and meet with the HPS team on a regular basis.
Learn more about how to get involved in our volunteer program, Dons Helping Dons.
