Samantha Barbour, a personal trainer at HealthQuest Fitness and Wellness Center, has been named the Johnston Health Ambassador of the Month.
During a recent presentation, CEO Chuck Elliott said Barbour is passionate about teaching the fundamentals of health, fitness and nutrition. In addition to working with clients, she speaks at community events, diabetes education classes and at sessions for HealthQuest members.
Barbour says her job doesn’t feel like work. “I enjoy every day because I get to interact with my work family, which includes our members,” she says.
And she’s recently found a passion for promoting physical activity at opportunities across Johnston County. “Teaching others how to live healthfully is so rewarding,” she says.
Barbour started with HealthQuest as an intern in spring 2013 while majoring in exercise physiology at East Carolina University. After graduating, she worked as needed at the reception desk, while also helping coach the swim team and teaching group fitness classes for youth and adults.
When a full-time position became available two years later, Ashley Scott, manager of HealthQuest, says she was delighted to offer it to Barbour. “She is one of the friendliest people I know,” she says. “She always arrives with a smile and a happy greeting.”
Through the ambassador program, Johnston Health recognizes employees who go above and beyond the call of duty. They deliver quality care, foster teamwork and offer excellent service.
In addition to a designated month-long parking space, Barbour will receive eight hours of paid time off.
She and her husband, Rodney, live in Selma.
