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Welcome to The Wellness Effect, a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), proudly positioned to lead the VA’s Whole Health education initiatives. Our competency-based approach will empower VHA employees, transforming them from knowledge holders into skilled practitioners through cutting-edge avatar technology within a change management framework.
We offer an immersive, gamified learning experience that delivers the effectiveness of in-person training while allowing learners to develop their skills privately and at their own pace. Backed by a team of world-renowned experts in integrative medicine and Whole Health education, we bring innovation and proven expertise to healthcare education.
Designed for sustainability, scalability, and adaptability, our program ensures practical, experiential learning that delivers actionable and collaborative outcomes. The Wellness Effect is dedicated to fundamentally transforming healthcare education, making us the ideal partner to lead the VA’s Whole Health education program.
Our project management approach combines Agile methodologies with Project Management Institute (PMI) industry standards. This integration provides a structured yet flexible framework, ensuring that each project is carefully planned, executed, and monitored to meet deadlines, stay within budget, and achieve the desired outcomes. This will include tools like an Integrated Project Schedule, RAID Reports, and Prosci Impact Index.
Every Whole Health Education Course will be assigned a Quality Control Team (QCT). Each team is comprised of an admin lead, clinical faculty, university support, instructional designer, competency expert, and DEIA expert. These teams will ensure every course meets the rigors of academic excellence, focusing on moving from knowledge to ability. Also, integrating lean methodology to include feedback loops to improve all curricula.
The Wellness Effect will integrate change management (CM) as a core component of its technical approach, for example, integration into project management and quality assurance planning. Using Prosci’s Change Management Maturity Model™, we will assess and enhance the organization’s ability to implement systematic, measurable, and effective change initiatives aligned with VHA strategic goals. Our tools and assessments will ensure that change efforts are comprehensive and built for long-term sustainability.
We are committed to developing Whole Health Competencies that transform knowledge into practical ability. By partnering with the world-class professionals listed below, we ensure that our competency framework is built on cutting-edge expertise and real-world experience. Together, we design a learning process that moves beyond theory, focusing on experiential training and hands-on application.
These experts will guide healthcare providers through a journey of skill mastery, enabling them to confidently apply Whole Health principles in diverse clinical and educational settings. Our approach guarantees that participants understand Whole Health concepts and implement them effectively to achieve measurable outcomes.
We leverage cutting-edge avatar technology to revolutionize Whole Health education. Our innovative, interactive avatars provide a dynamic, immersive learning experience, allowing healthcare professionals to engage with real-world scenarios virtually. This advanced technology enables personalized training, offering a private, adaptive environment where learners can develop skills at their own pace, enhancing both understanding and practical application of Whole Health principles.
We combine advanced avatar technology with our Whole Health Competency framework to create interactive, case study-based avatars that learners can engage with directly. These virtual clients allow healthcare providers to practice and refine their skills in a safe, controlled environment, increasing skill acquisition without the need to work with a real patient.
Simply log onto our platform, start interacting with your avatar client, and begin building your competencies. As you progress through each level, you'll move from knowledge to practical ability, receiving CME/CEU credits for each milestone achieved. This innovative approach ensures you’re fully prepared to deliver Whole Health services with confidence and expertise.
The video demonstration showcases our suicide prevention capabilities using advanced avatar technology.
The education competency-based interface with interactive avatars will be available if The Wellness Effect is awarded the VHA contract and choose to implement our avatar technology. This platform is designed to enhance Whole Health education, helping learners move from knowledge to ability while earning CME/CEU credits for each competency level achieved.
This gamified learning experience adds an element of progression and reward, motivating Staff to participate and actively achieve mastery in their training. By simulating various healthcare scenarios, from diagnosis to treatment, the technology ensures that Staff are not just absorbing theoretical knowledge but also applying it in practical, actionable ways. Therefore, Staff can start as novices and progress to expert levels by making decisions in avatar-driven case studies that mirror the complexities of real-world healthcare.
He is an accomplished Program Director with over 20 years of expertise in Whole Health, integrative care, and executive leadership. He holds a master’s degree in social work and has led Whole Health transformative initiatives across all enterprise-wide systems, making a significant impact on healthcare systems. He is currently a Fellow through ElevateAI in the Colorado Department of Education.
Hailie is an experienced Senior Change Management Specialist and Health System Strategist with a proven track record in leading transformative healthcare initiatives. With her service within the VA and healthcare settings, she has demonstrated expertise in managing complex projects and implementing Whole Health practices to drive system-wide change.
Mark's is a highly accomplished Senior Education Specialist and Instructional Designer with over a decade of expertise in Whole Health education and integrative medicine. His career in curriculum development and faculty training reflects his deep commitment to transforming healthcare education through innovative, multimedia-driven instructional solutions.
Dr. Helton is a distinctive individual with exceptional breadth of knowledge, formal education, and expertise across multiple disciplines; her talent embodies the essence of a Renaissance scholar.
Her medical expertise centers on the psychiatric impact of psychological and physical trauma, including the biological, psychological, and soci
Dr. Helton is a distinctive individual with exceptional breadth of knowledge, formal education, and expertise across multiple disciplines; her talent embodies the essence of a Renaissance scholar.
Her medical expertise centers on the psychiatric impact of psychological and physical trauma, including the biological, psychological, and social consequences, as well as the prevention of comorbid and secondary illnesses. Dr. Helton's practice focuses on preventing disease and enhancing psychological performance in individuals with complex neuropsychiatric conditions such as traumatic brain injuries, dementia, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
She holds a degree in chemistry and an osteopathic medical degree, with board certifications in psychiatry and obesity medicine, which encompasses the functional neuroendocrine system. Additionally, she has advanced psychiatric interventional certifications (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Electroconvulsive Therapy), psychoanalytic psychotherapy training, whole health coaching, and extensive knowledge of digital therapeutic interventions. Dr. Helton is also a law student nearing the completion of her legal education. Her advanced training and experience extend to medical billing and coding, Medicare compliance, and value-based care models. She excels in medical administration, having held numerous directorships and consulting roles, where she has developed and implemented programs that are both actively used today and have proven to be enduringly influential. Additionally, Dr. Helton has consistently held teaching roles throughout her career, including during her residency, and currently serves as core faculty with a psychiatry residency program.
By harmonizing her diverse areas of knowledge, Dr. Helton leverages her extensive expertise to design and implement innovative programs and infrastructure that are revolutionary in concept and effective in practice. Her approach meticulously crafts solutions that reduce costs, maximize financial rewards, and avoid undue burdens on resources or operations, resulting in collaborative, sustainable, and scalable systems.
Dr. Melinda Ring serves as Director of the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University, and Clinical Associate Professor in the Departments of Medicine and Medical Social Sciences at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. She completed her medical training at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, and Fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. At Northwestern, Dr. Ring directs medical trainee education and clinical and faculty fellowships in integrative medicine, founded the Cooking Up Health culinary medicine course, and researches nutrition and integrative strategies. She contributes to textbooks, research articles in the field of Women’s Health and Integrative Medicine, has published several books on integrative medicine including The Natural Menopause Solution, and is a frequent contributor to news outlets. Dr. Ring has served as chair for the American Board of Integrative Medicine, on the Executive Committee of the Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine and Health, and on the editorial boards of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Global Advances in Health and Medicine. In 2021 she received the Bravewell Distinguished Service Award, one of the highest honors in the field of integrative health, and presented a TEDxChicago talk on culinary medicine and how patients can be their own, best, first doctor. In 2023 she was elected Integrative Medicine Physician of the Year by the American Board of Physician Specialties, and in 2024 became the inaugural Tina Trott Professor of Integrative Health at Northwestern University.
The VHA’s Office of Patient Centered Care and Cultural Transformation is committed to supporting the whole-person health of veterans, their caregivers, and survivors. To accomplish this goal they have implemented a paradigm shift from problem-based disease care to Whole Health Care.
Palliative care is a person-centered specialty focused on mind-body-spirit care for patients and families with serious illness. It is a common misconception that palliative care is equivalent to end of life care. In fact, palliative care is appropriate at diagnosis of a serious illness and can support the patient and family for many years prior to death.
Standard palliative care typically uses medications, radiation, and procedures to reduce physical suffering. Emotional and spiritual suffering are often addressed by social workers and chaplains. Educating palliative care clinicians about the mind-body connection and providing a larger toolbox can improve patient care and enhance clinician wellbeing and professional satisfaction.
The VA cares for many patients with advanced illness who would benefit from early palliative care. The shift to Whole Health Care at the VA should certainly include clinician education in integrative palliative care.
The integrative palliative care education at the VA could be targeted to their current palliative care clinicians (https://www.va.gov/GERIATRICS/pages/Palliative_Care.asp) as well as to the general serious illness care clinicians such as hospitalists and internal medicine physicians, cardiologists, and more.
Margaret Erickson holds certification as an Advanced Practice Holistic Nurse (APHN) from the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation (AHNCC). She received her BSN from the University of Michigan and her MSN and PhD from the University of Texas at Austin. Her doctoral research focused on the relationships among Maternal Need Satisfaction, Perceived Support and Maternal-Infant Bonding-Attachment in Adolescent mothers. She has always practiced holistic-based nursing care, regardless of her role, or the setting or population she works with.
Margaret has been the CEO of the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation since May 2000 and is an expert in national Board certification and accreditation processes. She has practiced holistic nursing for 44 years and has worked with different populations in various settings, including, but not limited to Adult Health, Newborn Nursery, Labor and Delivery, Independent Practice; and ICU, Mental and Adult Health, Long-Term Care, and Discharge Planning and Case Management in the Veterans Administration, Black Hills Health Care Center. She has consulted with numerous universities and healthcare institutions to create holistic nursing based curriculum and programs, facilitated the implementation of holistic nursing practice and creation of holistic-based systems for healthcare transformation, taught holistic nursing at the graduate and undergraduate levels at the University of Texas at Austin and has researched, published, and presented nationally and internationally in holistic nursing, theory-based practice, certification, and holistic health and well-being.
Margaret has received numerous awards throughout her career including but not limited to the American Nurses Foundation Scholar award, Outstanding Graduate PhD Student, School of Nursing at the University of Texas at Austin, Cullen Endowed University Graduate Fellowship, the Community Service Recognition Award from Epsilon Theta Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau International, and was named AHNA 2018 Holistic Nurse of the Year.
She is a founding member of the Global Academy of Holistic Nursing, currently serves as Co-Chair of the Integrative Health Policy Consortium; is the President of the Board of Directors for the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification, and is on the Executive Committee of the Society for Advancement of Modeling and Role-Modeling.
For over 20 years, she has showcased a rich tapestry of experience and expertise across diverse professional roles. Dr. Thompson has held various academic and organizational positions, each contributing to her diverse skill set and comprehensive understanding of pedagogy and practical settings. From the University setting to Upper Corporate Management Leadership positions she has consistently demonstrated a dedication to cultivating critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and a deep appreciation for lifelong growth.
An advocate for student success, Dr. Thompson goes beyond the conventional boundaries of teaching, engaging students through innovative methods and encouraging a participatory classroom atmosphere. Her courses not only impart knowledge but also instill a passion for Social Work, creating a lasting impact on the academic and personal development of her students.
In addition to her role as a professor, Dr. Thompson has contributed to the academic community through research and publications in her recent book entitled “The Audacity to be Resilient”. Her work reflects a commitment to advancing knowledge in her field and staying at the forefront of educational trends.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Thompson has actively participated in Utica University, Limestone University, Carlow University, ChASM Project as Chair in further enriching the academic community and fostering a sense of collaboration among faculty, students, and communities alike.
As a mentor, educator, and scholar, Dr. Thompson continues to shape the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and leaders. Her dedication to the art of teaching, coupled with a genuine passion for Social Work, renders Dr. Thompson a respected and influential figure in the realm of academia.
With 25+ years experience, Courtney Armstrong is a certified Approved Consultant with the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. Specializing in grief and trauma recovery, Courtney has studied clinical hypnosis under such masters as Bill O’Hanlon, Michael Yapko, and Lane Wagaman.
She is the founder of the Institute for Trauma Informed Hypnosis, the author of several books, and the creator of the Trauma Informed Hypnotherapy approach.
Through her work, Courtney has brought clinical hypnosis techniques to the forefront of the field of trauma informed therapy.
Not only has Courtney guided thousands of clients to overcome trauma and grief, she has trained thousands of mental health professionals nationally and internationally and has developed successful clinical hypnosis training programs for organizations such as PESI and the Veterans Health Administration.
Christina Meyer-Jax MS, RDN, LDN is the Co-Founder of A4 Health whose mission is fueling fun lives and supporting individuals and organizations to achieve optimized health and performance. Combining 20+ years in behavioral and nutrition science Christina’s approach is to make health easy and prove the Return on Investment (ROI) for each individual or group she serves!
As a nationally recognized food and nutrition expert, she has provided game changing nutrition strategy and programming for organizations such as Google, General Mills, and United Health group. She has also worked in sports nutrition for over 15 years at the collegiate, olympic, and professional sports level. She currently is serving as team performance dietitian for the San Jose Sharks NHL team employee wellness and as professor and program director for Western Carolina University's Masters of Health Science in Nutrition.
Christina is an endurance athlete herself and can be regularly found trail racing and hiking. She enjoys being her own sports nutrition test subject and bringing that learning to the clients she serves.
Melanie Ferris, MDH. As Director of Health Equity Program Development for the Morrison Family College of Health (University of St. Thomas, St. Paul MN), Melanie leads collegewide mission-aligned initiatives and supports the development and launch of new programs. She is the Director of the college’s George Family Whole Person Health Initiative, which aims to incorporate whole-person care principles and practices into curricula and student learning experience, amplify promising practices, and work in partnership with funders, policy makers, community organizations, health care entities, and government agencies to develop strategies that advance health equity through culturally responsive, whole-person care. She is also an adjunct faculty member for the Susan S. Morrison School of Nursing and guest lecturer for other program courses.
Prior to joining the University of St. Thomas, Melanie worked as a researcher at a large non-profit researcher organization, leading work at the intersection of health care, public health, and children’s mental health. She received her MPH from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health and BA in Biology from Macalester College (St. Paul) and is currently pursing a doctorate in educational leadership and learning from the University of St. Thomas.
Dr. Becky Pauly is a seasoned healthcare executive and founder of Kaleido Consulting + Wellness, a consulting firm dedicated to empowering organizations and individuals through innovative, tailored solutions. With over a decade of leadership experience in integrative healthcare, Dr. Pauly has a proven track record of driving transformation, improving patient outcomes, and fostering business growth. Her expertise spans healthcare consulting, business strategy, and operational excellence, with a particular focus on leveraging technology and innovative practices to enhance care delivery.
Dr. Pauly’s background includes serving as the Director of Operations for Integrative Health at MHealth Fairview, where she expanded integrative care programs to serve a wide range of patients, families, and staff. She also spent 12 years as CEO of a multi-disciplinary clinic, where she led strategic partnerships and business development. Dr. Pauly's entrepreneurial spirit and passion for innovation have positioned her as a leader in healthcare transformation, particularly in developing programs that bridge the gap between traditional healthcare and emerging technologies like AI.
Through Kaleido Consulting + Wellness, Dr. Pauly provides comprehensive consulting services in healthcare operations, employee wellbeing, curriculum development, and career coaching. The firm’s mission is to highlight the unique strengths and potential of each client, guiding them toward a more vibrant and successful future.
Ruth Wolever, Ph.D., NBC-HWC, is a Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, with a secondary appointment in the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing and an adjunct appointment at Meharry Medical College. She is the Program Director for the Vanderbilt Health Coaching Program.
Ruth is a nationally-board certified health and wellness coach (NBC-HWC) and a clinical health psychologist. She has over 27 years experience training and mentoring medical and allied health professionals in behavioral medicine, emotional health and coaching. She also has over 27 years of experience designing, implementing, and evaluating behavior change programs for medical patients and those at risk for chronic disease. Ruth is internationally recognized for her expertise on Health and Wellness Coaching, is a founding member of the National Consortium for Credentialing Health and Wellness Coaches, and served as the inaugural President of the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching from Jan 2016 - Feb 2019 (formerly named the International Consortium for Health and Wellness Coaching). She has co-led national board certification efforts for health and wellness coaches through her service as Chair of the Certification Commission for NBHWC, and as a Director on the NBHWC Board of Directors.
In addition to her focus on training, Ruth studies integrative health coaching and mindfulness-based approaches to self-regulation and lifestyle change for those with, or at elevated risk for, diabetes, heart disease, insomnia, tinnitus, chronic kidney disease, chronic pain and stress-related disorders. Her research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health (NCCAM – now NCCIH, Office of Women’s Health, NHLBI, NIDCD, and NIDDK), United States Air Force, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, industry, and philanthropy.
Prior to joining Vanderbilt, Ruth was the Founding Research Director for Duke Integrative Medicine and an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke School of Medicine. Ruth has co-authored 79 articles and academic chapters, and collaboratively given over 320 peer-reviewed or invited presentations. She also co-authored The Mindful Diet, released in 2015 by Simon & Schuster. Ruth has served as an expert consultant in emotional health and behavior change for Everyday Health, for GlaxoSmithKline, for Nurtur (a fully-owned subsidiary of Centene), for the Samueli Institute, for Nokia, for Sharecare, and for clinics on better integrating behavioral health into primary care models. She was the Chief Science Officer for eMindful until it was acquired by Wondr Health. She currently serves on the Scientific Advisory Board for WondrHealth, Fullfill, and the Institute of Coaching. Ruth is particularly interested in the intersection of mindfulness, inter-professional training, and behavior change.
See Dr. Wolever's research referenced in this New York Times Article!
Sally St. John began her career in integrative care working as a certified health coach in 2009. Her first experience serving as a health coach was working at a world-renowned living-foods wellness center in Chicago, Illinois, where she founded The Enlightened Wellness health coaching program. The program quickly became the second largest profit center and is still operating today. She went on to founding a private practice specializing in supporting women with lifestyle and behavior change during the perinatal, prenatal, and postnatal stages of life, optimizing gut, energy/mood, menstrual, and pregnancy health. She views her work as a public health initiative by addressing common functional women's health disorders or syndromes that are often holistically under-served in conventional healthcare.
Today, Sally serves at the YMCA of the North as the VP of Whole-Person Wellbeing. Her work has included opening the first-of-its-kind George Wellbeing Center in partnership with Penny and Bill George and the George Family Foundation aiming to bring whole-person wellbeing to marginalized individuals and communities through an integrative care model. She began her job in health and wellness leadership shortly after completing holistic health graduate studies at St. Catherine University. At St. Kate’s, she gained deep competencies in healing the whole-person—mind, body, and spirit—in addition to studying cultural, indigenous, and ancient healing practices, and investigating the historic constructs underpinning today's leading conventional medical systems. She has developed a strong philosophy of lifestyle medicine rooted in social change.
Heidi Crocker is a seasoned clinician, educator, and leader with over 30 years of integrative health expertise. She currently serves as the Director of Integrative Initiatives and Accreditation Manager at the International Association of Yoga Therapists, where she champions the integration of yoga into whole-person health models. With a deep commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA), Heidi advances global yoga therapy education through policy development and accreditation standards.
Her extensive experience spans both clinical practice and academic administration, having held key leadership roles such as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at Pacific States University and Dean of the College of Science and Integrative Health at Southern California University of Health Sciences. Heidi has spearheaded the development and accreditation of innovative educational programs, including the first ARC-PA-accredited Master of Science, Physician Assistant program focused on integrative health.
Heidi is also a dedicated educator, teaching graduate-level courses at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences and guiding doctoral research as a methodologist at Walden University. Her scholarly work has been published in peer-reviewed journals, and she is a sought-after speaker on topics ranging from integrative health to interprofessional education.
Heidi holds a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership, a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, and a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC). She is a Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) and an active member of the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine (AIHM). Heidi is passionate about advancing integrative health practices and fostering collaborative, holistic care models.
Applied Medical Anthropologist
Dr. Zibin Guo is an applied medical anthropologist with expertise in cross-cultural medicine, complementary therapies, aging, and community health. Over the past decade, Dr. Guo has focused on developing innovative health interventions, integrating traditional healing methods to improve physical and mental well-being for vulnerable populations.
In 2005, Dr. Guo developed the wheelchair Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) program, making the traditional martial art accessible to individuals with ambulatory limitations. This program was featured in the 2008 Paralympics and has since been integrated into global health promotion initiatives.
Dr. Guo has collaborated on multiple HRSA grants and worked with diverse academic teams to create the Virtual Taiji System (VTJS), a mind-body fitness and rehabilitation program. Since 2016, Dr. Guo has secured seven consecutive grants from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, providing training to over 1,000 VA healthcare providers across the country.
Sheva Carr is Co-Director at HeartMath Healthcare, architect and director of HeartMath's HeartMastery Program, CEO of Heart Ambassadors, Executive Director of The Fyera Foundation, and Co-Vice President and UN delegate for UN Peace Messenger organization Pathways To Peace. She is a doctor of Oriental Medicine, Master HeartMath trainer, coach, and author, including co-authoring HeartMath's Stopping Emotional Eating Program.
As a consultant to the VA, Sheva has worked extensively with Whole Health, integrating HeartMath interventions into their offerings. This partnership includes work on Tobacco Cessation programs, trauma and mental health/behavioral health interventions, and the production of a 13-part series called Freedom With Pain for all veterans. She was instrumental in gaining approval from the VA to offer HeartMath's biofeedback technologies through their national prosthetics department.
She has trained and mentored nurses, medical staff, and executives at medical centers including Mayo Clinic, Harvard, Stanford, Dartmouth, Cedars Sinai, and Kaiser Permanente, among others. She also founded the first HeartMath hospital patient education program in partnership with Cleveland Clinic's Heart-Brain Institute at North Hawaii Community Hospital.
Sheva serves as a coach and advisor to the World Health Organization, members of the US Military and Homeland Security, the United Nations, cardiologists, heart-brain researchers, and physicists. Her work has been published in journals such as Perspectives in Biology and Medicine and The UN Special. She speaks globally on how to access heart intelligence and inner peace, unlocking the heart's power to enhance relationships, health, performance, creativity, contribution, legacy, social change, and the building of a global culture of health and peace.
Dr. Jacquelyn B. Cawley is an innovative physician executive with over 25 years of experience in healthcare leadership, specializing in population health management, value-based care, and clinical integration. She has held numerous high-impact roles, including Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at BayCare Health System and Associate Chief Medical Officer at MaineHealth. Dr. Cawley is known for her expertise in developing cutting-edge healthcare programs that improve patient outcomes and enhance organizational efficiency.
With a background in both medicine and business, she has successfully led large-scale initiatives in digital health, telemedicine, and practice transformation. Dr. Cawley holds a Doctor of Osteopathy from the University of New England and an MBA from Endicott College.
Matthew T. Carpenter is a decorated Marine Corps veteran with over 25 years of service as an Infantryman and Infantry Weapons Officer (Marine Gunner). Following his military retirement in 2014, Matt transitioned into a successful career in both federal government and the private sector, specializing in contract oversight and program management.
As the CEO and co-founder of Messer & Flint Consulting, Matt leads the company in providing expert project management and safety consulting services for government contracts. Under his leadership, Messer & Flint has secured high-profile clients within the U.S. Department of Defense, leveraging cutting-edge technology and comprehensive project solutions. His dedication to excellence and strategic vision continues to drive the company’s success in managing complex programs and delivering innovative solutions.
Estelle guides others who want to build healthier, purposeful, and joyful lives. Born in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Estelle’s knowledge springs from her experiences as coach, facilitator, team leader, teacher, mentor, consultant, psychotherapist, and nurse. The impact of her work reaches groups and individuals across the country, from the Veterans Health Administration’s Whole Health initiative, the Whole Health Institute, University of Health & Performance, mindbody content creation and wellness education in private companies, public mental health, and nursing. Estelle specializes in Hatha, Yin, and iRest© Yoga Nidra Meditation. In addition, she teaches trauma-sensitive, military-informed yoga through Veterans Yoga Project.
Jennifer Caputo is a Health and Human Performance professor and the interim Director of Faculty Development in the Learning, Teaching, and Instructional Technology Center at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). Dr. Caputo is a certified Strength and Conditioning Coach and a licensed bone densitometer operator. She earned her BS in Ps
Jennifer Caputo is a Health and Human Performance professor and the interim Director of Faculty Development in the Learning, Teaching, and Instructional Technology Center at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). Dr. Caputo is a certified Strength and Conditioning Coach and a licensed bone densitometer operator. She earned her BS in Psychology at Connecticut College, an MS in Sport Psychology, and a PhD in Exercise Physiology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Dr. Caputo was co-coordinator of the Exercise Science programs at MTSU for 21 years. During that time, an undergraduate degree and doctoral specialization were developed, and the program was accredited through the American College of Sports Medicine. She is the author of several textbook chapters and a founding and executive editor of Educational Practices in Kinesiology. Twice the University Outstanding Teacher Award recipient, Dr. Caputo has chaired over 70 theses and dissertations and has extensive experience designing in-person and online coursework.
Dr. Hal Strough has forged a career as a visionary leader, educator, collaborative and inclusive partner, and successful manager. He currently serves as Dean of Health Professions at Metropolitan Community College in Omaha, NE. He previously served as Dean of the College of Health and Wellness at Northwestern Health Sciences University
Dr. Hal Strough has forged a career as a visionary leader, educator, collaborative and inclusive partner, and successful manager. He currently serves as Dean of Health Professions at Metropolitan Community College in Omaha, NE. He previously served as Dean of the College of Health and Wellness at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, MN. Dr. Strough was also Associate Dean in the Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences at Nova Southeastern University Florida in Fort Lauderdale, FL. He was Department Chair and an Associate Professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance. Dr. Strough was previously the Founding Department Chair of the Athletic Training Department at The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN. Prior to that he was the Founding Program Director of Athletic Training at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in Oshkosh, WI. He was Treasurer of the Alpha Eta National Honor Society (Allied Health), Past-Chair of the Board of Directors for National Conference of Academic Deans (NCAD), and an Exam Item Reviewer for the Board of Certification (athletic training). He is a certified athletic trainer. Dr. Strough grew up in Michigan and has also lived in Kentucky, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Florida. He enjoys traveling, music, movies, spectator sports, and keeping up with his dogs.
In 2023, she received the Outstanding Teaching Award from the MTSU Foundation. Her research also explores promoting longevity in older adults, aiming to improve functional health. Dr. Johnson is active in curriculum design and online course development and serves as a Senior Associate Editor for the International Journal of Exercise Scien
In 2023, she received the Outstanding Teaching Award from the MTSU Foundation. Her research also explores promoting longevity in older adults, aiming to improve functional health. Dr. Johnson is active in curriculum design and online course development and serves as a Senior Associate Editor for the International Journal of Exercise Science, where she mentors students in the research process.
Beyond academia, she is committed to community engagement and serves as President of the Board of Directors for Endure Athletics, a non-profit supporting homeless youth in Rutherford County.
Joel Barker
The Wellness Effect
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