Lesson Planning for Skills-Based Elementary Health Education

Holly Alperin, EdM, MCHES, is a clinical associate professor at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) and has over 20 years’ experience in both public health and education. As a faculty member and program coordinator of the department of kinesiology’s health and physical education teacher preparation program, she focuses on preparing preservice educators to teach using a skills-based approach. Prior to UNH, she worked at the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in a variety of roles that supported schools in their efforts to strengthen policies and increase capacity around school health education and programs, school nutrition programs, and professional learning experiences for educators. Through her work at the local, state, national, and international levels she provides guidance to schools as they create a culture of health and well-being for each student—both in the health education classroom and throughout the school. Alperin is the past vice president of health education for New Hampshire Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, currently serves on the taskforce to revise the National Health Education Standards, and is the past-chair of the Health Education Council for SHAPE America, among other volunteer roles. Alperin received her master’s in education in policy, planning, and administration from Boston University and her bachelor’s degree in health education and health promotion from Central Michigan University. She holds the Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) credential. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband and two daughters. In her free time you can likely find her in the mountains or at the beach enjoying the best New England has to offer.

Sarah Sparrow Benes, EdD, CHES, is an associate clinical professor in the School of Health Sciences at Merrimack College. Sarah teaches a variety of undergraduate- and graduate-level courses in health sciences, does service projects in local communities, and conducts research on health education and physical activity in schools. Dr. Benes was the program director for physical and health education programs at Boston University for six years before coming to Merrimack College. She has numerous publications in refereed journals and has written chapters examining health education; she has also made more than a dozen presentations on skills-based health education and related topics at state and regional conferences. Sarah is currently serving on the board of directors of SHAPE America and is the former vice president of health education for the Massachusetts Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Dr. Benes consults with school districts on health and wellness issues, with a focus on skills-based curriculum development and implementation. She is a certified health education specialist, a certified mental health first aid instructor, and a member of SHAPE America. Sarah received a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from the University of Connecticut, a master’s degree in education from Boston University, and a doctorate in curriculum and teaching from Boston University; she is currently working on a master of public health degree. She lives in Natick, Massachusetts, with her husband, two daughters, and yellow Labrador retriever. She enjoys spending time with her family on nature walks and enjoying the sights and sounds of the Northeast.