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On December 10, 2025, Leadership Bowling Green participants spent a full day exploring the people, programs, and partnerships that support health and human services across our community. From thoughtful reflection to meaningful conversations, Health & Human Services Day offered insight, connection, and inspiration.
The day began at the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce with a welcome from Kelsey Crowe, 2026 Class Chair, setting the tone for a schedule focused on care, compassion, and collaboration. Participants then traveled to LifeSkills, Inc., where they learned about innovative workforce and support models during a tour and presentation led by Kim Weiskircher, General Manager of Industrial/Day Training, and Melanie Watts, Regional Executive Director. Wellness was woven into the experience through mindfulness and self-care activities, including optional B12 shots by RENEW by Optimum Rejuvenation and cardio drumming with LifeSkills, Inc., reinforcing the importance of prioritizing personal health while leading and serving others.
The class next visited the Barren River Area Child Advocacy Center, hearing a powerful presentation from Leah Thompson, Executive Director of BRACAC, focused on prevention, protection, and coordinated support for children and families. Participants also heard from Nickie Jones, Executive Director of the Family Enrichment Center, who shared insights into family-centered services and prevention efforts supporting long-term community wellbeing.
Lunch—graciously provided by LifeSkills, Inc.—was followed by tours of the Salvation Army and the Life Navigation Center, where Capt. Monica Horton of The Salvation Army and Melanie Watts shared how coordinated services address critical needs throughout the community.
The afternoon continued at the WKU Health Science Complex, where participants learned about the future of healthcare and medical education. Bryce Steward, MS, Admissions Coordinator for the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, and Lee Carroll, Project Manager with Med Center Health, provided a tour of the Med Center High Street Tower project currently under construction and the region’s growing healthcare landscape.
The day concluded with a panel discussion titled “Be the CEO of Your Health”, facilitated by Suzanne Johnson of TriStar Greenview Regional Health. Panelists included Anne Mattingly Hodges (RENEW by Optimum Rejuvenation), Jason Gumm (BG Veterans Center), and Katie Scheuer-Hopper (LifeSkills, Inc.). The conversation emphasized personal care, access to care, and leadership in health. The class wrapped up the day with reflection led by Kelsey Crowe and an after-hours social at Atomic Kitchen.
A special thank you to the alumni leaders, presenters, and sponsors who helped make Health & Human Services Day a meaningful and successful experience.
Special Thank You to our Health & Human Services Alumni Day Chairs
- Anne Mattingly Hodges, RENEW by Optimum Rejuvenation
- Katie Dykes, Family Enrichment Center
- Robin Gregory, LifeSkills, Inc.
- Suzanne Johnson, TriStar Greenview Regional Health
- Patrick Maloney, Med Center Health
- Gary Reckhart, Graves Gilbert Clinic
- Melanie Watts, LifeSkills, Inc.
Thank you to our Partners:
- LifeSkills, Inc. – Lunch Sponsor
- TriStar Greenview Regional Health – Snacks & Drinks
Thank you for being the Champion Partner for the Leadership BG Class of 25-26:
