Familiar Faces in New Places

Written by 5 Healthy Towns Foundation Staff

Regular visitors to Chelsea and Dexter Wellness Centers are used to seeing many friendly faces at the front desk, in the locker rooms, or on the fitness floor. 2024 saw some of these friendly faces show up in different places.

Cindy Cope

Long-time Wellness Center Director Cindy Cope retired from her position as Senior Operations Director of Chelsea, Dexter and Stockbridge Wellness Centers in early 2024 after 22 years of service. When asked about what has changed the most in her time at the Wellness Centers, Cindy responded, “I love that the Center now provides programming and membership options to the younger members of the community! When the Center first opened in 2001, it was an ‘Adult’ facility. Individuals had to be at least 18 to obtain membership and the minimum age for an additional family member was 16. Parents can now add their children, ages 12 and older, to their membership accounts, and we also have a Teen membership option. Teens, 14-17 years old, can have an independent Wellness Center membership. I am so proud of our members and their successes! It’s been wonderful to witness so many individuals improving their overall health and achieving their wellness and fitness goals!”

Cindy’s retirement also led to leadership transitions at the centers. The first task was to name a successor to Cindy.

Angela Sargeant

Another long-time veteran of the Wellness Centers, Angela Sargeant, was named Senior Director of Chelsea, Dexter, and Stockbridge Wellness Centers. Angela has been working with the Wellness Centers since Chelsea Wellness Center opened in 2001, including 11 years as Center Director at Dexter Wellness Center. “I’m excited to return to the center where I started 23 years ago,” said Angela. “It’s great to be back in the Chelsea community, reconnect with long-standing members and getting to know the newer members.”

Shelley Hehr

After Angela transitioned to Director of Chelsea and Stockbridge Wellness Centers, a new Dexter Wellness Center Director was needed. After a search, Michelle Hehr was promoted to Director of Dexter Wellness Center. Shelley has worked for the Wellness Centers for more than 12 years. “I enjoy the camaraderie of working in Dexter, whether it’s our coworkers or members! Every day is exciting and different.”