Debra Vinci, DrPH, RDN, LDN

Dr. Debra Vinci is a co-principal operator for the Let’s Wiggle with 5-2-1-0! campaign. She is an associate chair and associate professor of health promotion at the University of West Florida in Pensacola, Florida. Vinci is also involved with a childhood hunger task force to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables to neighborhoods in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties that experience food insecurity at rates higher than national and state averages. This initiative is also interested in linking these neighborhoods with community resources that promote healthy lifestyles and decrease diet-related chronic disease. She received a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in human nutrition from the University of Vermont, and a doctorate in health education from Loma Linda University. 

Christopher Wirth, PhD, CHES

Dr. Christopher Wirth is a co-coordinator for the Let’s Wiggle with 5-2-1-0! campaign. Wirth and Ali Venezia, a research associate at UWF, foster community engagement by conducting training workshops, initiating parent contact and providing onsite visits. He works closely with area preschools and trains childcare providers on activities they can incorporate into their daily academic routines, such as during circle time, reading or transitions. Wirth is an assistant professor at the University of West Florida in Pensacola, Florida. He received a bachelor’s degree in physical education from the University of Wyoming, a master’s degree in sport pedagogy, and a doctorate in health and human performance from the University of Florida. 

Ali Carroll, PhD

Dr. Ali Carroll is a co-coordinator for the Let’s Wiggle with 5-2-1-0! campaign and assisted in working with Escambia County childcare teachers and staff to train them how to incorporate physical activity within lesson plans that meet early learning objectives. In addition, Venezia assisted in coaching teachers on how to best implement the curriculum and developed a parent training app to increase physical activity opportunities at home. She received a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and a master’s degree in physical education from the University of West Florida. She is currently a doctoral student at Auburn University doing preschool research for the Department of Kinesiology and an adjunct professor for the University of West Florida.

Jordan Potje, MS, RD

Jordan is the social media and web page coordinator for the Let’s Wiggle with 5-2-1-0! campaign. Jordan assisted in working with Escambia County childcare teachers and staff to train them how to incorporate physical activity within lesson plans that meet early learning objectives.  Jordan has a bachelor’s degree in dietetics from Missouri State University and a master’s degree in health promotion at the University of West Florida.