Staff

Dr. Tucker is the Director of Y Be Fit. After receiving his PhD from Southern Illinois University, he took his first university position at New Mexico State University in 1981. Later, he accepted a position at Auburn University where he taught for five years before coming to BYU in 1988. Dr. Tucker has many years of experience in the health field with his specialty being lifestyle-medicine and health promotion.

Autumn grew up in West Jordan, Utah. She received a BS in Dietetics here at BYU and is now working towards a masters degree in Public Health with the ultimate goal of becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Autumn is very interested in the power of nutrition as a form of preventative healthcare and is passionate about serving underrepresented and minority communities. She is specifically interested in maternal and child health within those communities. Outside of academia and her career aspirations, Autumn loves to cook/bake and spend time outdoors with her husband.

Luke is an Exercise Science master’s student. He grew up in Saratoga Springs Utah and served a mission in Mexico City, Mexico. In his free time, he likes to play sports and get outside. Some of his favorite activities are basketball, running, biking, and lifting weights. He enjoys spending time with his family and learning new things. Some of his recent interests are playing the guitar and golf. He hopes to pursue a career as a professor and to be involved in the health and wellness industry.

Sam grew up in South Jordan, Utah. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science and is currently working on his master’s degree in Exercise Science. He has experience as a personal trainer and physical therapy technician. He is passionate about sports performance, health improvement, and using exercise as medicine. Sam believes that the small habits and decisions we take every day are what will ultimately help us to hit our health and fitness goals. Outside of work, Sam enjoys participating in sports and reading fantasy novels.

Nikki graduated with a BS in Health Education and minors in Spanish teaching and Business.  While at BYU, she danced with the Ballroom and Folk Dance teams and sang with the Mormon Youth Choir.  She is currently a graduate student in the MPH program at BYU.  She loves music and taught piano lessons for over 18 years and is a former aerobics and junior high teacher as well.  Nikki is married to Dr. Michael Peterson, a dermatologist in Springville, and together they have 5 amazing children.  She loves to travel, wakesurf, read good books, and spend time with family. 

Kassidy grew up in West Jordan, UT. She is currently a Pre-Nursing student at BYU and is finishing her minor in School of Family Life. Kassidy has a deep love for food, nutrition, and fitness, and enjoys helping others adopt healthier lifestyles. Outside of academics she loves to spend time outside with her friends and family by going hiking, swimming, rappelling, and running.

Haleigh (pronounced hah-lee) is a health and wellness enthusiast from Draper, Utah, with a passion for staying active. Whether playing/wathcing sports or hitting the gym, she believes exercise is the key to physical and mental well-being. Currently working toward 100 consecutive pushups, Haleigh thrives on inspiring others to discover their own fitness journeys. She enjoys experimenting with new recipes, especially ones that boost protein intake, and is dedicated to helping others unlock their potential for a healthier lifestyle.

Evy is a junior from Springville, Utah studying exercise science. She lived and studied by the Oregon coast for 2 years and served her mission in Ecuador. Evy loves hiking, biking, running, playing sports, sightseeing, cooking/baking, and playing card and board games! She loves learning about how to care for and protect our bodies through healthy eating and exercise habits! Evy believes that as we care for Evy bodies, we will be blessed with happiness and find more satisfaction in life! 

Makayla is from St. George, UT and is a senior studying Exercise and Wellness. She enjoys learning about physiology, nutrition, stress-management, and exercise. As a health coach she looks forward to using science to set people up for success both physically and mentally. Outside of her studies, she enjoys spending time with others, exploring, singing, drawing, studying Slovak, watching Red Bull stunts on YouTube, and trying new and yummy foods. She believes that a growth mindset is key to success and attainable for anyone. She looks forward to getting to know you and to helping you reach your wellness goals.