Attending the KYLA Wellness Session were: in front, Audrey Rich Warsaw; and Whitney Haneline, Tippecanoe Valley. In back are Elaine Wakefield , KCH; Brooklyn Beatty, Triton; Haley June, Warsaw; Josh Porter, Biomet; and Keeton Bartol, Warsaw.

By EMILY COWAN
KYLA Board Member

Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy held the Dec. 3 meeting at the KCH Wellness Center.

EMT Tony Doyle started the session discussing education/training requirements for paramedics and the equipment used in treatment. He fielded questions about careers in the emergency response field.

Biomet’s Senior Development Engineer Josh Porter shared a slide show of implants including some which were custom developed for extreme patient needs, such as congenital deformities and bone tumors. He tasked the students to consider their core motivators and focus on a career that fosters their calling in life.

Registered Dietician Elaine Wakefield discussed services available at the KCH Wellness Center such as rehabilitation, before injury or post-surgery, fitness planning, exercise classes and lifestyle coaching. She specializes in diabetic education but also teaches CPR as well as community screenings at health fairs.

Brad Bishop, Executive Director of OrthoWorx, talked about their mission and initiatives which include bringing and keeping people to the Warsaw and surrounding area to support the orthopedic industry. Forty-three percent of Kosciusko County employment is through orthopedics directly or indirectly. The organizations initiatives include workforce development, community enhancement, transportation, innovation and branding.

Cindy Klusman concluded the session. The next session centering on leadership styles will be Jan. 7, at R.R. Donnelley & Sons, for more information visit www.kyla.com.