Cheryl Hanley
Blue Mountain
Energetic, sparkly, positive, outgoing, determined, strong willed and compassionate. That is how Cheryl Hanley’s colleagues describe her. Kimberley French and Julie Gandin said, “Hanley’s organizational skills and enthusiasm have been fully demonstrated by her commitment to employee fitness programs, such as Boot Camp, Zumba, Yoga, Pilates and Country Heat, many of which we are not able to access in our home communities. “
Hanley, an assistant to the speech pathologist at Blue Mountain School, takes pride in her organizational abilities. “Everyone knows I like task completion,” she said. Hanley is extremely comfortable in her surroundings having spent several years here previously as a student. Her dedication to the community is profound. Because of her grant writing abilities, Hanley has been able to secure additional funding to further promote employee health and wellbeing. As a part of the Healthy SU’s initiative, she added a water bottle filling station, exercise instructors, mobility materials and ergonomic assessments. “I also received funds from the Vermont Department of Health to create a lactation room,” she said. “We have lots of new moms working here and this addition will make their lives much easier.”
Hanley likes to encourage healthy eating and build camaraderie among staff. On Wellness Wednesdays she provides a variety of snacks including: fruit, popcorn, peanut butter balls, chia pudding, Greek yogurt and sweet and savory chickpeas. She quietly encourages staff members to experiment with trying new foods. And on Friday afternoons, staff activities are all about having fun. During this past year, Hanley held scooter races, floor hockey, volleyball and wacko mole games in the gym.
On the weekends, Hanley finds time to provide assistance to a local photographer and to create a variety of crafts. “Last Halloween, I made dinosaur costumes for my children,” she said. “I also love to throw themed birthday parties for my children and make headbands and barrettes for my daughter. “
Here are some of Hanley’s snack recipes:
Honey roasted chickpeas
1 can of chickpeas, drained
2T olive oil
Sea salt
1T honey
Preheat oven to 375. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drain and rinse the chickpeas and pat them dry. Spread the chickpeas in an even layer on the baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes (stirring about every 5 minutes). Test one, if it’s soft bake it for longer. While the chickpeas still warm stir in the honey. If you want them caramelized put them back in the oven for another 10 minutes.
Savory roasted chickpeas
1 can of chickpeas, drained
2T olive oil
Kosher salt
Garlic and herb spice
Preheat oven to 375. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drain and rinse the chickpeas and pat them dry. Spread the chickpeas in an even layer on the baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes (stirring about every 5 minutes). Test one, if it’s soft bake it for longer.
Peanut butter energy bites
2 C creamy Peanut Butter
3 C old fashioned oats
1/4 C ground flax seed
1/4 C PB2 (powdered peanut butter)
1 T honey
2T maple syrup
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Place in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes so they are easier to roll. Using a teaspoon roll into bites and store in the fridge for up to a week. (This recipe made 68 bites)
