Nursing graduate inspires healthy habits at local elementary school

Megan Nim, Kristi Westphaln, and Joanna Paulson in scrubs at the Move & Munch event.
By UCLA Joe C. Wen School of Nursing
2 min read

Megan Nim, a recent graduate of the UCLA Joe C. Wen School of Nursing’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, turned her passion for pediatric health into real-world impact. Nim recently hosted the “Move & Munch Health Fair” at Glen Oak Elementary School in Covina, an interactive event designed to introduce third graders to the importance of nutrition, physical activity, and healthy habits.

Nursing students in blue scrubs at the Move & munch event holding informational signage.

The health fair was developed as part of Nim’s Society of Pediatric Nurses Greater Los Angeles Chapter Scholarship project. Inspired by her own experiences and her interest in preventive pediatric health, Nim wanted to create an engaging program that would empower children to make healthy choices early in life. The hands-on experience connected students directly with concepts that can shape lifelong behaviors.

“The event was a great success, and it was incredibly rewarding to see the students actively engaged and excited to participate,” Nim said. “We also received positive feedback from the teachers and school administration regarding the educational value and impact of the program.”

Close-up of hands pointing at notes written by elementary students at the Move & munch event.

The event served 52 third-grade students through six interactive health education stations focused on nutrition, physical activity, self-confidence, and healthy lifestyles. Students participated in activities ranging from building balanced meals and being “Sugar Detectives” who identified hidden sugars in foods to practicing movement-based exercises and reflecting on positive self-talk and gratitude.

A team of UCLA nursing student volunteers played a key role in bringing the event to life. Supported by faculty mentors Assistant Professor Kristi Westphaln, PhD, RN, CPNP-PC, and Lecturer Joanna Paulson, MSN-Ed, RN, CAPA, CPN, Nim and her volunteers guided students through the stations, encouraged participation, and modeled positive lifestyle habits.

Instead of relying on traditional teaching methods, the event turned health education into an engaging, hands-on experience. Students learned about balanced eating, staying active, and maintaining a healthy mindset through interactive stations that encouraged participation and exploration. The focus on “healthy mind, healthy living” reinforced the idea that wellness goes beyond physical health, helping students understand how their choices affect both their bodies and their overall sense of well-being. 

Following the event's success, school administrators expressed interest in exploring opportunities to continue the program and potentially make the health fair a recurring event for future students. Nim will also present the project and its outcomes at the 2026 Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the Society of Pediatric Nurses conference, sharing lessons learned and the impact of the initiative with pediatric nursing professionals.

Megan Nim, Kristi Westphaln, and Joanna Paulson in scrubs at the Move & Munch event.
Nim (center) with faculty mentors Dr. Kristi Westphaln (left) and Joanna Paulson (right).

For Nim, the opportunity to develop such an impactful program reinforced her passion for pediatrics and community health. Now a graduate of the UCLA Joe C. Wen School of Nursing, Nim plans to pursue her RN license and hopes to begin her career as a pediatric nurse, continuing to advocate for the health and well-being of children and families.

Children and UCLA Nursing students sitting on playground tables with the words Move and Munch written in chalk on the ground.