The St. Lawrence County Health Initiative hired Julie Cooke of Brasher Falls as its new wellness specialist.

“Julie feels very fortunate having been able to witness the great strides within the field of preventative health throughout her 20 years’ experience as a health educator,” the Health Initiative said in a prepared statement. “She welcomes every opportunity to serve the community of the North Country in a number of capacities.”

After a brief absence from the agency, Cooke returned to become the case manager for the Cancer Services Program and a lifestyle coach for the Diabetes Prevention Program. In addition, she works with area employers as a health and wellness coach, certified through Wellcoaches, in collaboration with the American College of Sports Medicine. She also assists regional employers as a lactation consultant, helping the companies comply with new state and federal laws regarding lactation in the workplace.