Meet the Unlikely Health and Wellness Club Co-Leaders
Shaping a Curious and Inclusive Health Club in The Villages
What makes our club different isn’t just what we talk about—it’s how and why we do it.
The Villages Health Wellness Club isn’t run by gurus or influencers. It’s led by two curious, community-minded women—Kay and Gretchen—who aren’t medical professionals and aren’t pretending to be. They’re not here to preach or push a specific diet, therapy, or ideology. Instead, they approach health and wellness the same way they approach life: with open minds, sharp questions, and a commitment to making space for many perspectives.
Kay and Gretchen see their role not as presenters, but as connectors—seeking out voices from both traditional and alternative health communities to spark engaging conversations in our meetings. Their lack of formal credentials in health isn't a weakness—it's a strength. It frees them from dogma and makes room for critical thinking and genuine discovery.
Gretchen Uhe is a passionate advocate for healthy living, shaped by her Midwestern roots and personal journey with natural health solutions. With a long career in marketing, she combines strategic thinking and heartfelt service in her mission to help others. Driven by curiosity and a genuine desire to connect people with transformative ideas, Gretchen is committed to inspiring real, lasting change.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the ‘why’ behind wellness—why certain habits heal, why others harm, and how people around the world live long, vibrant lives,” Gretchen says. “Curiosity is what keeps me learning, and learning is what keeps me growing.”
Kay Wais brings a deep well of experience from her past life in Wisconsin, where she owned a project management firm and taught professionals how to organize, lead, and execute complex initiatives. After eight years in The Villages, she has embraced the region’s active, health-forward lifestyle—and the club has become both a passion project and a personal transformation.
"Co-leading the Villages Health Wellness Club has immersed me in a healthier lifestyle," Kay says. "It’s surrounded me with curious, positive people and allowed me to use some of the skills I built in my business career in a way that feels deeply meaningful."
Today, Kay and Gretchen help shape a welcoming environment where wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a conversation, and everyone’s invited.