Fall 2015

Fall 2015
Volume 26, No. 3
T
NCHEC Achieves Accreditation from the
International Accreditation Service (IAS)
he National Commission for Health
Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC)
earned accreditation as a Personnel Certification Body by the International Accreditation Service (IAS). Accreditation provides a
global benchmark for personnel certification
programs to ensure consistent, comparable and
reliable operations worldwide.
The IAS accreditation program for Personnel Certification
Bodies is based on ISO/IEC Standard 17024:2012
Conformity Assessment –– general requirements for bodies operating certification of persons.
“The IAS accreditation provides quality assurance to the
public and other stakeholders that NCHEC’s policies and
procedures comply with high international standards of
practice for certifying agencies,” said Dixie Dennis, PhD,
MCHES, Chair of the NCHEC Board of Commissioners.
“This recognition demonstrates NCHEC’s ongoing commitment to meeting the highest credentialing standards of
practice for the health education/promotion profession.”
Established in 1988, NCHEC is the only accredited U.S.
certifying agency for the health education/
promotion industry. NCHEC is a highly recognized and
well respected credentialing organization administering
two professional credentialing programs including the
Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), designed
for entry-level health education specialists, and
the Master Certified Health Education
Specialist (MCHES), targeted to advanced-level
practitioners. In addition to ISO 17024 accreditation, the CHES and MCHES programs maintain third-party accreditation from the National
Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
For more information about NCHEC’s certification programs, visit www.nchec.org.
“We are very proud of our latest accreditation in addition
to the NCCA accreditation already achieved. We will continue to strive for recognition as a premier credentialing
organization,” said Linda Lysoby, MS, MCHES, CAE,
NCHEC Executive Director. “Having IAS accreditation to
Standard 17024:2012 plus NCCA accreditation distinguishes our certification organization to health
education/promotion specialists, their employers, and
other stakeholders.”
A recognized accreditation body since 1975, IAS is a nonprofit, public benefit corporation. IAS is one of the leading
accreditation bodies in the United States and a signatory to
several international mutual recognition arrangements
(MRAs). In addition to NCHEC, IAS accredits more than
800 organizations. For more information about the IAS
accreditation program for Personnel Certification Bodies,
visit http://www.iasonline.org/.
inside this issue
2
3
Leadership News
Developing a Framework
for ACA Implementation
4
5
Making Your MCHES/
CHES Work for You
NCHEC Welcomes
New MCHES
6
10
11
NCHEC Welcomes New CHES
What Are You Doing with Your
NCHEC Certfication?
CHES-MCHES Essay Contest
L E A D E R S H I P
N E W S
NCHEC Board of Commissioners Chair Report — Dixie Dennis, PhD, MCHES
The five separate fingers are five independent units. Close them, and the fist
multiplies. This is organization.
— James Cash Penney,
(Founder of the retail chain, JC Penney’s)
In addition to monthly conference calls
among the 11 members of the NCHEC
Board of Commissioners (BOC), along
with the NCHEC Executive Director
and Deputy Director, the BOC meets
annually in a face-to-face meeting for
two and half days at the NCHEC headquarters in Whitehall, PA. At
these face-to-face meetings, several commissioners meet each other
in person for the first time. Commissioners come from different
health education work settings, areas of the country, and represent
varying ages, races, education, gender, as well as different ideas and
values, which makes for a better team. According to Katherine
Phillips (2014), being around people who are different makes groups
more creative, more diligent, and harder working and, thereby, able
to better form conclusions. This May, the BOC convened as 11 independent units and worked together to make a better organization as
they participated in discussions “to enhance the professional
practice of health education by promoting and sustaining a credentialed body of Health Education Specialists,” adhering to the
NCHEC mission statement.
The NCHEC BOC face-to-face meeting began May 15th with the
NCHEC Executive Director and staff reports. Next, commissioners
heard and approved reports from each of the NCHEC Division
Boards: Professional Preparation and Practice, Professional Development, and Certified Health Education Specialists. The remainder of
that day, and all day Saturday and half a day on Sunday,
Commissioners were busy reviewing the NCHEC Strategic Plan
objectives (http://www.nchec.org/strategic-plan), centered mostly
around two Strategic Plan goals: enhance and support the quality of
NCHEC certification program and strengthen NCHEC infrastructure required to accomplish its vision and mission. The 2015-2019
NCHEC Strategic Plan guides all the activities of the organization.
Specific to Goal 3: Enhance and support the quality of NCHEC
certification program, the following objectives and activities were
discussed at great length and actions were taken as appropriate:
continued on page 5
NCHEC Receives Global Accreditation
Executive Director Report - Linda Lysoby, MS, MCHES, CAE
It is with great pride and satisfaction
that staff and the Board of Commissioners issued the press release ( see
page 1) stating NCHEC has been recognized by a second accrediting body.
Just as the CHES and MCHES designations are indications of quality at the
individual level, third party accreditation attests to the quality assurance
mechanism available for the processes
used in certification organizations.
NCHEC continues to strive for recognition as a premier credentialing organization and has committed
to aligning all processes with recognized certification industry
standards. Now, having IAS accreditation as a Personnel
Certification Body to the ISO Standard 17024, Conformity
Assessment- General Requirement for Bodies Operating
Certification of Persons, in addition to our existing National
Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) accreditation of the
CHES and MCHES further distinguishes our certification organization to health education/promotion specialists, their employers,
and other stakeholders.
The decision to seek an additional level of accreditation was made
for several reasons. The ISO Standard 17024 is recognized internationally. Therefore it adds credence to existing CHES/MCHES
who work in global health initiatives and settings. Also, the international recognition may make the credential more appealing to
Page 2
those from other countries as the ISO standards generally are
widely recognized worldwide while the NCCA accreditation is the
recognized standard in the US. The process of ISO 17024 accreditation has similarities to the certification standards of the NCCA
accreditation and, in addition, requires an on-site audit of records
plus the creation and commitment to quality Improvement
Initiatives. Going through the accreditation process facilitated
NCHEC staff and boards to again evaluate, reflect upon and
improve upon our existing processes.
NCCA and ISO 17024 accreditation both include standards regarding:
• Role delineation or job analysis as the basis of the
certification
• Linking exam to the identified body of knowledge
• Reliability and validity based on psychometric methods
• Minimum pass score set
• Public posting of certification eligibility, processes
and scoring methods.
As the market seems to be flooded with new opportunities for certifications, it becomes increasingly important to recognize that
there are standards in certifications that can be affirmed by third
party accreditation. Those who have earned the CHES/MCHES
can proudly affirm that these certification have met national and
international standards in credentialing. Please help us to share the
good news about the quality of the CHES/MCHES certification
process.
To view the NCHEC News online, visit: www.nchec.org/news/bullet/
Fall 2015
Developing a Framework for Integration of
Health Education Specialists in ACA Implementation
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010
created a roadmap for exciting new opportunities in primary prevention and chronic disease management service delivery systems.
With their distinct knowledge, skills and training, health education
specialists are well positioned to contribute to ACA’s goals of
improving quality, controlling health care costs, and improved
population health. However, challenges exist in terms of widespread recognition of the health education specialist as a distinct occupational classification and their capacities. Increased recognition and integration of health education specialists by public and private organizations can maximize opportunities for
public health improvement.
On May 21, 2015, a dozen leaders
from the Society of Public Health
Education (SOPHE), the National
Commission for Health Education
Credentialing (NCHEC), and the
American Public Health Association’s
Public Health Education & Health
Promotion Section (APHA-PHEHP)
met in Washington, DC to examine the major challenges of
advancing health education specialists (HES) in ACA implementation. The HES/ACA Task Force discussed current trends and
evolving environments affecting health education specialists in
ACA and agreed on the need to: 1) improve understanding by the
public and public decision makers about the knowledge and skills
of health education specialists; 2) enhance communication around
the function and value of a certified health education specialist
(CHES) and master certified health education specialist (MCHES)
to influence quality and visibility of the profession; and 3) articulate strategies that are needed by the health education profession to
strengthen health education specialists’ abilities in ACA implementation.
During the meeting, the leaders discussed broad needs in terms
of research, marketing/ communications, advocacy, training, education, and payment models and brainstormed potential action steps.
Using a modified Delphi process, the HES/ACA Task Force
identified priorities for the foundation of a strategic framework for
the health education profession:
• Develop and publish a Best Practice Model and its alignment
with clinical quality guidelines for targeted dissemination to
stakeholders
• Arrange meetings with major public and private agencies to
inform them of health education specialists’ capacities in
achieving ACA goals and identifying opportunities for
improved collaboration
Fall 2015
Meeting Summary
May 21, 2015 • Washington, DC
• Strengthen linkages to the Community Health Worker
(CHW) community, emphasizing the complimentary roles of
health education specialists and CHWs.
Several efforts are already underway to contribute to these goals
such as a proposed APHA resolution on the role of health education
specialists in ACA, which will be voted on in November 2015. In
addition, several sessions are planned at APHA’s 2015 Annual
Meeting that will feature organizational
spokespersons from key public/private groups
to educate about health education specialists.
Other short-term action steps will focus on
enhancing communications/marketing materials, including: 1) updating the existing ACA
issue brief published by SOPHE in April 2013;
2) developing specialized fact sheets on how
health education specialists, including CHES/
MCHES, are working in health care, communities, worksites and other settings; and 3) gathering specific stories and examples from health
education specialists in the field that can be
featured in marketing and communication
materials and media.
Under the coordination of SOPHE, The
HES/ACA Task Force will continue meeting via monthly calls,
and provide updates to their members, chapters/affiliates as well as
the Coalition of National Health Education Organizations. Additional expertise will be invited as discussions and efforts evolve.
For additional information, contact info@sophe.org.
HES/ACA Task Force
APHA Public Health Education & Health Promotion Section
J. Henry Montes, MPH, Chair, APHA-PHEHP Section
Angela Mickalide, PhD, MPH, MCHES, former Chair,
APHA-PHEHP Section
National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc:
Dixie Dennis, PhD, MCHES, FAAHE, Board of Commissioner’s Chair
Linda Lysoby, MA, MCHES, CAE, Executive Director
Chesley Cheatham, MEd, MCHES, Commissioner, Division Board
for Professional Development
Melissa Opp, MCHES, Deputy Executive Director
Society for Public Health Education, Inc:
Sandy Bulmer, PhD, SOPHE President
M. Elaine Auld, MPH, MCHES, Chief Executive Officer
Cherylee Sherry, MPH, Treasurer
Amy Thompson, PhD, MCHES, Trustee, Advocacy &
Policy Committee
Jeff Goodman, MPH, PhD(c), Chair, Advocacy & Policy Committee
Cicily Hampton, PhD, Director of Health Policy
Melanie Wells, MPH, Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Facilitator)
To view the NCHEC News online, visit: www.nchec.org/news/bullet/
Page 3
Making Your CHES/MCHES Certification Work for You
Written by: Nancy Clifton-Hawkins, MPH, MCHES
I can remember when I was in graduate school; it was drilled into us
that upon completion we could take
the CHES exam and that would
essentially be our proof that we had
a certain set of skills that would
help us stand out in the job market.
In fact, our entire health education/promotion course work was
modeled after the Seven Areas of Responsibility for CHES and
because of that, taking the test would be a cake walk. So I did it.
I signed up and took the exam during the fall just after graduation.
It was fun; I passed it and felt more than prepared to jump into the
job market. Then reality settled in. Granted the CHES certification had not yet attained puberty, and as a result, not every employer knew what a CHES was and the benefits of hiring one. So I had
to get creative and find ways to promote my CHES certification as
a way to get into job interviews, secure a job and then promote the
certification once I was working. Which, by-the-way, I continued
to use after my first public health job and well into the time I was
working as a health education specialist in private practice.
•
•
•
•
•
•
The following are some ideas that you should use to help give you
a leg up on that next job search, job promotion, or simply showing
off your talents. More importantly, these are tips that you can use to
help us solidify our standing among others in the field of health
education. We are all responsible for creating our future. Take
some of the ideas, from each of the categories, and make that critical step in ensuring our certification gains value over time and
works for all us.
Lastly – Focus on Making a Future for CHES/MCHES for
Yourself and Others in Our Field:
• Give your employer a copy of your certificate for your personnel file and try to negotiate for support of certification in
your benefit package.
• Work with your employer’s HR department to require
CHES/MCHES certification as a requirement to hold a Health
Education Specialist position.
• Give your employer’s public relations department the press
release announcing your certification. Ask them to send it to
local newspapers or send it yourself.
• Document instances when certification has had an impact on
the people you have worked with, a decision you have made,
or leadership you have demonstrated, and share it with your
employer.
• Create a portfolio of your accomplishments to share with your
employer or potential employer.
• Update your resume or curriculum vitae to reflect your certified health education specialist status.
First Step-Focus On Yourself:
• Include your credentials on your name badge.
• Display your certificate in your unit or office.
• Suggest your employer proudly display a plaque with the
names of certified health education specialists at your institution/organization.
• Include your credential every time you sign your name in a
professional capacity and print your credential on your business card, CV, and other professional materials.
• Wear your CHES/MCHES pin!!!!!
Next-Focus on Yourself and Others Near You:
• Use the NCHEC marketing materials that respond to, “What
is a Health Education Specialist?” Share it with your col-
Tell a colleague or student that the
2016 CHES AND MCHES EXAM DATES
are April 23rd and October 15th, 2016
For more information, visit www.nchec.org or contact
the Exam Coordinator: 888-624-3248, ext 12
Page 4
leagues, anyone to whom you provide health education specialist services, and encourage other CHES/MCHES to do the
same.
As a certified health education specialist your knowledge has
been validated so offer to develop or teach in-service programs, revise health education guidelines, or patient education materials.
Volunteer to serve on committees that are multi-disciplinary.
This way you can demonstrate the value a CHES/MCHES
can bring to a team.
Encourage certification among your peers by arranging a
study group or teaching a portion of a review course.
Volunteer to speak at SOPHE/APHA where you can show off
your CHES/MCHES prowess in contributing to the research
and experiences in the field. Make sure you have CHES or
MCHES along with any other credentials listed on the authorship lines.
Participate in SOPHE chapter activities to meet and engage
with other certified health education specialists in your community.
Pursue leadership positions in professional organizations like
NCHEC. Keep your employer informed about your activities
and how the skills you develop will benefit your institution.
APRIL 2016
OCTOBER 2016
Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu
Fri
Sat
3
10
17
24
1
8
15
22
29
2
9
16
23
30
4
11
18
25
5
12
19
26
6
13
20
27
7
14
21
28
To view the NCHEC News online, visit: www.nchec.org/news/bullet/
Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu
Fri
Sat
2
9
16
23
30
7
14
21
28
1
8
15
22
29
3
10
17
24
31
4
11
18
25
5
12
19
26
6
13
20
27
Fall 2015
NCHEC WELCOMES NEW MCHES – SPRING 2015
The following is a list of those who earned the distinct title of Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) in the spring 2015 examination. NCHEC welcomes them to a class of more than 1500 active MCHES. Those who opted not to be published are excluded from the list.
Emmanuel Aklamati
Fatimah Ali
Stuart T Bapties
Deborah Barr
Chadwick A Board
Bruce A Boxer
Danielle Center
Jennifer J Clements
Retta R Evans
Steven J Fabis
Carlos L Flores
Alisa F Flowers
Jennifer Gallo
Jessica D Goodman
Keri Griffin
Sara J Herbelin
Jessica R Hinterberg
Susan M Hoffner
Desmalee Holder-Nevins
Jim J Hopla
Marissa A Kalkman
Darla J Kleiner
Stacey Knepple
Maureen W Krouse
Emily A Matson
Monique C McCollum
Coletta J Meyer
Rita Rena Mozian
Tiffany N Neal
Chasity J Newkirk
Keri Norris
Oriana Perez
Beth R Pirnie
Kary Suarez
Tara M Tietjen-Smith
Trisha M Tinney
Jessica M Tudyk
Marshall Paul Vance
Vanessa A Vassall
Shealese R Washington
Elizabeth N Webster
Shawne O Williams
Jeffrey P Yancey
High Scorer on the April 2015 MCHES Exam
Tiffany Neal, MPH, MCHES, is a
health educator with the Virginia
Department of Health in Charlottesville. She leads a grant-funded outreach project to increase the enrollment in WIC (Women, Infants, and
Children). She loves the combination of program planning, social
marketing, and community outreach. She also chairs the planning
committee for the Move2Health
campaign, which aims to reduce obesity in the Charlottesville area.
Her passion for health education developed while earning her
MPH in Health and Social Behavior at UC Berkeley, and during an
internship at the CDC designing materials to prevent MRSA. She
LEADERSHIP NEWS continued from page 2
• 3.1: Create an implementation strategy to covert NCHEC
exams to computer-based testing
• 3.3: Maintain existing, and seek additional, accreditation
• 3.6: Align the CHES an MCHES exams with the 2015
Health Education Specialist Practice Analysis (HESPA)
• 3.7: Develop, implement, and sustain a quality assurance
process for continuing education offerings to align with the
current Areas of Responsibility
• 3.8: Investigate alternative models of renewal
Specific to Goal 4: strengthen NCHEC infrastructure required to
accomplish its vision and mission, the following objectives also
were a great part of the discussion and action:
• Ensure ongoing financial stability of NCHEC
• Enhance ongoing board development
Fall 2015
Stephanie M Pitt
Carla A Potter
Brandon S Prall
Lindsay Rechtman
Eileen Rios-Abdallah
Elizabeth Romero
Joyce Sahussanun
Claudia A Serna
Sarah K Sherwood
Charity Smith
Karen Stewart
worked in student health for several years after graduation, managing a variety of projects in sexual health, mental health, and
nutrition. After UC Berkeley, she took a position in patient education with Kaiser Permanente. In addition to curriculum development and group facilitation, she enjoyed training fellow employees
on motivational interviewing and behavior change.
“I took the MCHES exam as a concrete step in career development. After several years working part-time while raising my
young children, I wanted to refresh my health education skills and
demonstrate my commitment to the field. Studying for the exam
was energizing, and I was excited to see how applicable the
content was to my current work. I look forward to continued
professional development now that I have the MCHES credential.”
• Establish a process to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness
of NCHEC’s Strategic Plan
• Demonstrate tangible impacts that NCHEC has on its contributions to the health education field by conducting and publishing relevant research
Discussions about the four Strategic Plan goals will continue via
conference call until the 2016 face-to-face meeting where 11
Commissioners will convene again in Pennsylvania. This diverse
group will continue to work as a team to give health education
specialists and their certification our best efforts.
Reference: Phillips, K. W. (September 16, 2014). How diversity makes us
smarter. Scientific American. Found June 26, 2015 at http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-diversity-makes-us-smarter/
To view the NCHEC News online, visit: www.nchec.org/news/bullet/
Page 5
NCHEC WELCOMES NEW CHES – SPRING 2014
The following is a list of those who earned the distinct title of Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) in the April 2014 examination.
NCHEC welcomes them to a class of more than 10,500 active CHES. Those who opted not to be published are excluded from the list.
Chelsea A Abby
Samia Abdeen
Verónica Acevedo
Lindsey G Adamson
Rebekah M Adamson
Tiffani N Adamson
Stacey A Adewakun
Tolulope Adewole
Brandi J Adkins
Edith Ahajumobi
Fattima J Ahmed
Denise A Aiyedatiwa
Maria M Akhondzadeh
Terri L Albers
Jenna Albert
Hannah Albrecht
Cassandra Aldous
Glenn Alejo
Caitlin Allen
Maggie J Allen
Melissa L Allen
Tasha A Allen
Christinne J Andersen
Emily L Anderson
Jeffery D Anderson
Lara R Anderson
Alix L Angelelli
Allison E Anton
Bernice L Appiah
Azadeh Arbabi
Jessie E Arnold
Heather Arpke
Omotola Ashafa
Kaitlin D Ashmore
Mallory M Aud
Kathleen V Austad
Charnelle Bacchus-Powers
Melissa A Bachler
Semina Badnjevic
Robert M Bagarozy
Natalie Bain
Stefanie M Baines
Audrey M Baird
Ariana J Baker
Misha Baker
Olayinka M Balogun
Huy T Bang
Valerie A Bangs
Lydia P Banks
Nancy G Bannister
Alcy Barakat
Tori J Barber
Page 6
Brian A Barg
Teresa E Barger
Layton W Barkema
Chelsea Barker
Taylor R Barker
Annabelle E Barkley
Carol M Barnes Reid
Emily G Barr
Vera Bartasavich
Ta Misha Bascombe
Erin M Basinait
Edwina V Bastien
Gina Battista
Kelsey Baumes
Kelli L Becerra
Nina M Beech
Steve T Beekman
Brianna T Bell
Sean Bell
ShaQuilla S Bell
Lowrell S Bellard
Melanie Belle-Wells
Jacqueline M Beltran
Emily R Bennett
Heejab Bhatti
Caitlyn M Biberdorf
Josina B Bickel
Deborah M Bigos
Jacquelyn Bing
Megan A Birchall
Melissa S Blevens
Caitlin Blood
Lindsey K Bloom
Chelsea G Blythe
Zanobia M Bobb
Jascinth N Bogle
Shanda M Bogstad
Irina Bondoc
Barbara J Booth
Kenneth R Borkowski
Amy Botticello
Meagan M Bowers
Katie S Bownds
Taylor M Boyack
Kerry Ann Boyer
Bridget M Brady
Katherine K Brady
Sarah E Branch
Emily K Bremer
Morgan Bretzke
Brittney N Brigner
Katherine E Briscoe
Lezlie A Britton
Amber R Broaddus
Vanessa L Brodhead
Amber M Brown
Rachel Brownstein
Tai Bryant Rochelle
Rachel M Budihas
Chelsea Buechel
Karie E Bumford
Peterson Bunch
Lia M Burg
Kaitlyn G Burnett
Maureen R Burns
Rachel M Burns
Jesse K Bush
Maci N Byers
Tiffany J Cadwell
Amber N Call
Joseph J Callanan
Jordan Cambaliza
Ailyn Cardenas
Candace Cardenas
Veronica A Carlisle
Cristen L Carlson
Martha D Carlson
Alicia O Carranza
Emily Carrier
Anna D Carter
Denise Carter
Trevor Carter
Adrian Casas
Rubie Anne D Casem
Zachariah A Cash
Allison R Casola
Sabrina A Castle
Jennifer R Ceide
Karishma Chainani
Andrew L Chalmers
Brittany D Chambers
Mandy Chan
Angela Chang Chiu
Chelsea B Chappell
Sarah Charmchi
Amreen Charolia
Aurora E Chavez
Meghan B China
Katharine Chiseri
Karly R Christensen
Kelsey Christian
Chelsea T Chu
Hannah L Civil
Ellen M Claiborne
Betty L Clark
Chelsey Clark
Lindsey T Clark
Gwen Clutario
Chelsey L Coffee
Hannah F Coffman
Kathleen M Colao
Devan M Coleman
Jasmine S Coleman
Michele L Comolli
Josiah M Conrad
Noemy Y Contreras
Clarissa A Cooblall
Alicia Cooke
Margaret R Cooke
Kristen N Cooper
Lorele M Correa Gonzalez
Kelly J Corson
Nicole D Crane
Michele Crawford
Jacob H Creighton
Kathleen Crowley
Carol A Cummings
Jamie R Cummings
Ashley A Cureton
Holly J Cureton
Emily D'Iorio
Morgan E Daley
Heather C Daly
Susan Dang
Halla Daoui
David C Darrow
Leah N Davis Ewart
Pamela J Davis
Devi Davis-Strong
Patricia F Dayleg
Valerie E De León- Figueroa
Anne J De Ocampo
Jessica De Wit
Nicole R Dean
Margaret R DeDecker
Angelina R DeFilippi
Lisa Del Valle
Tara L DeLong
Elizabeth Ann DeMeo
Kelsey R Demianiuk
Anneke H Demmink
Banks N Denney
Riddhi Desai
Amber Dessellier
Meghan Dickinson
Aaron J Diehr
To view the NCHEC News online, visit: www.nchec.org/news/bullet/
Rachel A Dillhoff
Kristi M Dingman
Christine Ditter
Kate E Dixon
Lauren L Dlugonski
Ajalynn M Domingo
Kelli Ann Doulas
Jessica M Draper
Ivana Drazin Ivelja
Akiba K Drew
Sarah Whited Drier
Shannyn Duggan
Megan E Dumpleton
Eden K Duncan
Joanne Duncan-Carnesciali
Christina Duong
Shakeena Durham
Jamie M Eastman
Andrea Ebert-McNeill
Marline D Edmond
Meagan Edwards
Renee L Egan
Celeste R Ehrenberg
Caitlin L Eikermann
Sara L Einhorn
Angy H El-Khatib
Rebecca L Elkins
Tessa L Elliott
Christina M Englehart
Sandra E Escobar
Nancy Espinoza
Melissa Estelle
Aira Jae Etheridge
Christopher Etzinger
Kortni L Evans
Kathleen M Evers
Monica Falkin
Mina Farag
Farhiya Farah
Theresa Fasolino
Amy L Faus
Jacquelyn S Favours
Amanda M Feeks
Kaitlyn M Feinholz
Seth R Ferreira
Leslie Fikes Stephens
Hillary A Finch
Tiffany E Fishburne
Alyson E Fisher
Allyson D Flick
Kiley Floren
Taylor N Fomby
Fall 2015
NCHEC WELCOMES NEW CHES – SPRING 2015
Sarah A Frantz
Kasey A Fristoe
Rachel Gaber
Alisha Gaines
Nicole C Galbraith
Jordan Gale
Carolina Garcia Nieves
Rosaura Garcia
Jody Gardner
Sarah Gardocki
Jessica E Gargus
Mallory L Gary
Lauren A Garza
Therin A Geeslin
Tony Gerheiser
Sydney R Gerland
Tori A Geter
Aisha Ghauri
Karina E Gibson
Jacqueline Gifuni
Jessica A Gildner
Sandeep K Gill
Diedra Gintel
JoAnna M Giraud
Shawnterra Glasgow
Megan S Glynn
Holly M Godden
Valerie J Godoshian
Faith Goimarac
Jamie E Goldfarb
Carrie L Goodeill
Sherell Goodwin
Chelsey J Gordon
Jennifer L Gosnell
Alexandra Goss
Janece A Gough
Veronica M Gragnano
Karen A Grajczyk
Linda P Granado
Jennifer Granillo
Breanna L Grant
Jesseca Gray
Andre' B Green
Jan Green
Ashley R Gregory
Lauren L Gregory
Casey L Grieve
Debra A Griffie
Dana M Griffin
Lauren Griffiths
Kristin M Grimsley
Elizabeth C Groenweghe
Tessa Grogan
Madalyn T Grund
Thomas M Guarino
Fall 2015
Cristina Guerra
Julio Guerrero
Gabrielle A Guider
Abigail J Gunn
Naina Gupta
Sapphira Ha
Cameron B Haas
Kimberly A Habasinski
Alexis Hackett
Aissa Abocar Haidara
Haley C Haiggs
Souraya A Hajjar
Katherine L Halkyard
Micah S Hamm
Deborah Hammond
Jerrica R Hampton
Lyndsey J Hanson
Wichada Hantanachaikul
Mercedes A Haro Isidro
Norma A Haro
Sarah J Harold
Allison Harper
Asia Harris
David C Harris
Jefferson W Hartig
Julie A Hartman
Elizabeth L Havens
Alexandra M Hawks
Shelby L Hayes
Cerissa A Hayhurst
Christi Hays
Kimberly P Heffernan
Linnea J Heimsoth
Lisa L Helms
Danielle Henderson
Marquisha M Henderson
Yefrenia I Henriquez Taveras
Anne Marie Henry
Eunice Hernandez
Nicole A Hernandez
Raquel R Hernandez
Casey M Herr
Christopher W Hill
Sterling A Hill
Elizabeth A Hitzel
Elizabeth Hivner
Mary H Hogue
Monica J Holder
Erika R Holiday
Kelsey R Holloman
Alexis S Holman
Bridgette L Hooks
Kerrie L Hora
Barbara A Hormenoo
Audrey H Horowitz
Ann M Horrigan
Auston Horst
Rebecca L Hotard
Allysa Houle
Stacie House
Kayla M Hsu
Stefan Huber
Tina M Hudson
Kimberly Huff
Adam G Hunn
Nicole A Hunt
Daina C Huntley
Lanise A Hutchins
Crystal R Hutchinson
Monica Huynh
Hannah N Hyde
Ayan Ibrahim
Teminijesu Ige
Leyla Irzabayova
Jessica L Ishola
Taufa Islam
Audrey J Jackson
Kristina D Jackson
Pearlline Jackson
Jamell M James
Meaghan M James
Philip C James
Jessica Jamora
Lauren P Janocha
Jennifer J Janousek
Chloe R Jaranowski
Rebecca L Jensen
Samantha L Joanis
Amy L Johnson
Beheir C Johnson
Dana Johnson
Daryl E Johnson
Jennifer L Johnson
Melissa R Johnson
Nkechi V Johnson
Jihan R Johnson-kelley
Alanté D Jones
Dynnishea K Jones
Ila M Jones
Kristyn A Jones
Julia K Jordan
Brittany S Kaiser
Austin C Kampen
Ernest T Kaninjing
Sara Kanoff
Alison T Kardesch
Kabir A Karim
Cynthia Karlsson
Kirstin M Keller
Samantha Kelley
Lindsey M Kelly
Ruth E Kelner
Brienne E Kennedy
Alexandra Keough
Rachel M Kiliany
Lindsey K Killett
MIN S KIM
Temima B Kimes
Angela M Kinch
Kathryn A King
Jaclyn E Kirsch
Marcie C Kirschner
Kelley Klezek
Kimberly Knoppel
Donna Knox
Victoria E Kochmer
Karoline Koehler
Danielle R Koepke
Miranda R Kolenda
Kelly Kopec
Kay Kornek
Erin R Krafka
Meghan Krause
Abby A Kreitlow
Melanie A Krotsis
Vitaliy I Kroychik
Noel Kulik
Ashley P Kuss
Andrea V Kuzbyt
Augustina Kwafo-Baidoo
Soon K Kwon
Mona D LaBissoniere
Meredith A Labrasca
Jennifer Labruzzo
Taylor Lacey
Leandra M Lacy
Jessica L Lahera
Courtney F Laing
Ashley N Lamb
Melanie A Lamb
Sarah A Lambaria
Mary Lambert
Crystal S Landeros
Chelsea A Larsen
Grace Lasker
Melad Latif
Abigail A Lattu
Dania R Laubach
Anneliese Laue
Elizabeth Le Chau
Denise Le
Laura R LeBrun
Sarah M LeBrun
Aaron Lee
Aijeleth S Lee
To view the NCHEC News online, visit: www.nchec.org/news/bullet/
Christine Lee
Christina E Leeman
Hanna M Lentsch
Erin K Leonard
Julia H Lerch
Jonathan Lerma
Shelby L Letcher
Teri J Levitt
Derek D Lewis
Logan S Lewis
Shakira M Lewis
Mary K Li
Rachel A Liddle
Claudia S Lilley
Yuhsuan Lin
Annemarie Linus
Chelsea F Little
Amanda N Lockhart
Ashley A Longlet
Erika V Lopez
Jessica P Lopez
Maura Lopez
Zackary J Lopez
Lauren M Lotter
Catherine E Loughrige
Stephanie M Louis
Erin E Lovano
Tara L Lovekamp
Desiree D Lucero
Briana M Lucido
Manuela Luebeck
Jessica Luker
Cody M Lund
Michael R Luther
Lauren L Maag
Kara M Magane
Madeline E Maher
Kayleen J Mahlstede
Duke Mongare Maisiba
Melissa Maldonado
Emilee Mallett
Nicole C Malley
Natalie Mamlin
Aria Mangan
Amy M Mangum
Brianna L Manning
Moira Mansfield
Faaiza Manzoor
Jennifer Marberry
Rachel Markley
Brittany Martin
Carolyn M Martin
Madeline P Martin
Shelby J Martin
Briana D Martinez
Page 7
NCHEC WELCOMES NEW CHES – SPRING 2015
Margarita B Martinez
Illyana A Massey
Rebecca M Mathis
Megan L Matuszeski
Alexandra Maus
Katherine B Maxey
Sadie J May
Symone S May
Wendy A Mayer
Kevin J McCall
Marlene McCloskey
Jazmyn J McCloud
Amy McCutcheon
Skye L McDonald
Victoria A McGahan
Briana McGhee
Kristen A McGonagle
Alexander McKeithan
Keeshna I Mckinney
Leandra M McLaurin
Candace McMann
Alexa McManus
Kaitlyn M McManus
Simone McPherson
Elizabeth D McRee
April M McTindal
Kayla P Meek
Rebecca Meekins
Lindsay Megenhardt
Hsien-Wen Meng
Eric Meredith
Sara Merkin
Kelsey B Messerley
Chase R Messersmith
Melissa T Meyer
Akiko Miller
Amanda R Miller
Tiffany R Miller
Zakiya N Miller
Emeryle Milton
Esther Minju Lee
Cecilia Miranda
Gabrielle J Mnkande
Susan D Monk
Amanda M Montanaro
Magen Montez
Catherine D Montgomery
Teresa Moran-Wiebe
Sara E Moreland
Devon A Morera
Octavia Morgan
Jace G Morris
Jordan-Lindsay Morris
Leslie A Moskowitz
Janet Msinda
Page 8
Natassia C Muffley
Kathryn Mulawa
Sarah Muller-Robbins
Sara Mullery
Dorian S Mundy
Kenneth Mussman
Renee Myers-Carnes
Rachel S Myrer
Olivia A Nalley
Brett A Nance
Kira Nash
Damarise Navarro
Sarah A Neale
Susan J Neff
Ray J Nellissery
Jeana C Neu
Andrea N Neuman-Taddei
Christopher P Newman
Thi A Ngo
Thai-Han Nguyen
Jacob M Nielson
Jill C Nolan
Carly A Norment
Kelsey B Norton
Jaime R O'Connor
Heidi L Oakeson
Karla N Obasi
Ashley D Ocskasy
Charles Odhiambo
Imonitie Okhiria
Ime Okpokho
Kelly R Oliver
Travis C Olsen
Carleigh S Olson
Kelsey T Olson
Sommer Olson
Leonard A Olu-Williams
Monica B Ondrick
Elora Orazio
Catherine Osborn
Michael Oshiro
Danielle M Ostrander
Chhou Ou
Clay R Outen
Juan C Oves
Laura A Owen
Leticia I Pagan
Luisana S Pagan
Lauren E Palm
Alexandra G Pamiloza
Janet Pan
Suzanne Panetta
Nicole E Panis
Raiza Mei N Parada
Aditi Paranjape
Amanda Parente
Miranda A Parker
Elizabeth O Parr
Antoniette P Parris
Rachael A Passey
Caitlin A Patterson
Kamila Pavezzi
Samantha L Pavlofsky
Katherine A Peacock
Casey L Peirce
Audrey E Pellicano
Marissa L Pellum
Sarah E Pember
Lisa Penaflorida
Becki Pentz
Melissa J Perdue
A Veronica Perez
Jorge A Perez
Jeralyn Perkins
Alanna Perlstein
Leigh R Pesko
Dana R Peters
Claire Peterson
Sheryn M Petr
Syuzanna Petrosyan
Megan M Peyton
Courtney A Pflug
Alyx J Phillips
Ashley L Phillips
Diana Phung
Bailey Pierce
Kindle Pierce
Rose M Pignataro
Deepa Pishey
Brittany E Pitcher
Elisabeth A Plotner
Alexander J Plum
Pamela Z Poe
Krystal L Poland
Chantel M Ponder
Laura Popielski
Daniel Popper
Ebony N Powell
Putri P Powell
Antonita S Pratcher
Megan Prestegui-O'Hara
Lindsay C Prewitt
Stephanie Price
Kristin Y Pridgen
Anthony G Prisco
David P Przybylo
Nuzhat Quaderi
Alejandra Quezada
Jakeea Quirk
Melissa A Radi
Jasmine A Ragland
Alejandra Ramos
Angela Ramos
Lauren R Ramsey
Xiaobei Ran
Ellen A Randall
Stephanie L Randolph
Shelly Rasnick
Cheryl R Reams
Kiana R Redd
Chelsea J Reed
Kelly Reed
Rebecca A Reed
Allie A Reese
Amy Reichbach
Melissa A Reilly
Clarissa A Renda
Carl E Rene
Kim F Renwick
Hilary L Requejo
Victoria Revelle
Janette Reyes Torres
Ivy Reynaga
Brittany D Reynolds
Kayla E Reznicek
Michela S Ricci
Rhonda M Richardson
Jonathan M Richert
Darling Richiez
Joseph W Richmond
Leah R Rickenberg
Adriann D Ricker
Helen C Rickey
Jessica M Riedel
Kathleen A Riley
Cassidy Ring
Hilda T Rivera
Kaylee Rivera
Nija Rivera
Mary E Roach
Janae L Roberts
Lindsay Robertson
Juliana Robine
Natalie L Robinson
Rachael L Rockamann
Lindsey M Rodenhauser
Monica V Rodriguez
Naomi Rodriguez
Shantell Rogers
Eleanor M Rogowski
Jessica L Rojas
Ashley Rolston
Ashley Rome
Charles Rominiyi
Adam C Rosa
To view the NCHEC News online, visit: www.nchec.org/news/bullet/
Juan C Rosario-Rodriguez
Chana L Rosenbaum
Taryn E Rossi
Kelsey J Routh
Samantha E Rowland
Samantha R Rublee
Teresa M Rushton
Shelby N Rusu
Amanda C Ryan
Hannah M Sabbagh
Priya Saha
Nimrah Salim
Robert A Salkowski
Elfreda Samman
Maira L Sanchez
Laura Sandall
Anjelica D Sanders
Genesis Sandoval Hurtado
Blake J Sandridge
Cheryl L Sanelli
Sara J Sanford
Robin A Sargent
Andrea M Savino
Rainy L Sawicki
William C Schaedel
Samantha R Schafer
Joy S Schaubhut
Susan Schied
Jenna E Schiffelbein
Logan C Schmaltz
Kimberly Schmidt
Melissa L Schmidt
Tania M Schmitfranz
Lauren A Schneider
Jessica K Schreiber
Danielle I Schrimmer
Delaney D Sciarrotta
Amanda M Scott
Brooke N Scott
Jordan A Scott
Rebecca J Scott
Jacquelin M Scully
Cynthia L Sears Selby
Stephanie Seller
Victoria Sepcic
Karen T Serrano Arce
Val Servino
Divya Shah
Jiani Shan
Justin Sharpe
Sarah R Shelton
Kelsey Sheron
Kale Shillig
Garrett L Shriver
Sieka S Siklo
Fall 2015
NCHEC WELCOMES NEW CHES – SPRING 2015
Samantha M Sileno
Kerry Silverman
Melissa R Simmons
Casey E Simon
Jonathan A Simons
Kathryn Simpson
Erica Singleton
Patrice N Sirmons
Meg K Skizim
Jamie A Slade
Kristin M Slaughter
Rebecca J Slimak
Emma Smales
Amondre A Smith
Audriana J Smith
Chimfumnanya A Smith
Kandace M Smith
A Smith
Molly M Smith
Rhian E Smith
Samantha A Smith
Kathryn F Smoak
David Sneed
Aimee L Snyder
Jenny Snyder
Katyana M Socarras
Elaine R Soderlund
Raquel G Soto Garcia
Alyssa Sousa
Lindsey N Sova
Thomas J Sowers
Lauren M Spaniol
Agnieszka Spatzier
Leah B Spital
Jessica Spohn
Kelley R Sprinkle
Erin E Sprouse
Laurie B Stancil
Joscelyn Stangel
Katrina N Stanziano
Julie N Stavarski
Lindsey E Stecz
John-Mark W Steele
Melissa Stenquist
Rachel M Stephenson
Aubrey Stetter-Hesselberg
Nathaniel R Stevens
Matthew T Stillinger
Melanie A Strawn
Kaitlyn Streitmatter
Rachael C Strickland
Kristi L Strongo
Jessica L Stroope
Destiny B Stutts
Abbie B Sudduth
Emily M Sullivan
Fall 2015
Megan E Sullivan
Jasmin C Sumrall
Sara E Suter
Courtney Sutter
Megan C Sweet
Crissey L Tait
Kenia Tavarez
Sashanna Taylor
Taylor M Telken
Amanda S Tellez
Savanna L Terreberry
Hayley D Tew
Samantha B Thayer
Andrea M Thomas
Devin N Thomas
Vanetta M Thomas
Taahira K Thompasionas
Azzia Thompson
Erin C Thompson
Vasanthi M Thorpe
Samantha T Tilton
Laura R Todd
Christopher M Torres
Clarissa Torres
Carla N Tostado
Megan A Trantham
Danielle N Treat
Nicole B Tremel
Melissa A Trittipoe
Taylor Truitt
Holly A Tucker
Amelia A Tudorowski
Leslie Tunmore
Dana L Turner
Donna R Turner
Samantha J Tursi
Abigail L Vaaler
Sarah Vacher
Connie Valencia
Jenna M Valenza
Melina V Valsecia Monreal
Janie E Van der Toorn
Haley A VanHooser
Dana Vannicola
Emily VanWomer
Kelsey L VanWye
Nicole Vargas
Christina L Venditti
Mary M Verro
Stephanie J Vietor
Brittney Vigna
Catherine I Villegas
April Vincent
Valerie D Vinson
Julia Vishnevetsky
Isabella Vitale
Gillian E Voigt
Sarah T Voigtman
Patrick I Waddell
Victoria Paige Wagner
Jane D Wales
Caitlin Walker
Drew A Walker
Kristina K Walker
Matthew E Walker
Raechel Walker
Keisha A Wallace
Meghan K Wally
Katee B Walters
Charnele J Walton
Cameron P Ward
Katherine A Ward
Kimberly Ward
Katie Warfel
Katherine Wargo
Lauren R Warwas
Amanda E Wasserman
Kara L Watford
Tina Watford
Jessica S Webber
Keely A Webster
Haley C Welsh
Jessica J Wentworth
Megan E Wesley
Michael Westneat
Kelsey L Whitaker
Amanda L White
Mary S Whitehead
Briana F Wigley
Emily E Williams
Kirsten C Williams
Lauran R Williams
Lauren A Williams
Sarah C Williams
Shante Williams
Terrell Williams
Jennifer Williford
Phoenix E Willowbloom
Jereme Wilroy
Christopher W Wilson
Sarah E Wilson
Shatonya Wilson
Takiyah R Wilson
Robert A Windom
Jenna J Wintemberg
Elizabeth Witman
Jamie L Witten
Elizabeth S Wolfe
Kari Woloszyk
Kathryn J Wood
Kjestine Woods
Mary E Woody
Catherine D Woodyard
Chauntel V Wright
Stacy E Wright
Mariana I Wrzosek
Andrea E Wyche
Joey D Wylie
Cindy J Wynette
Vidya Yakkundi
Kristy Young
Nicole Zarate
Carley Zartner
Alexandra H Zenoff
Cassandra J Zorn
Lauren Zurich
High Scorer on the April 2015 CHES Exam
Rose M. Pignataro, PhD, CHES is an
assistant professor at Florida Gulf Coast
University, College of Health Professions
and Social Work. A native New Yorker, she
earned a bachelor’s in physical therapy at
Hunter College and a master’s in health
technology and education and a doctorate in
physical therapy at Stony Brook University.
While in clinical practice as a certified
wound care specialist, Dr. Pignataro developed a strong passion for prevention and
wellness, and went on to complete a PhD at West Virginia University,
School of Public Health. This culminated in dissertation research and an
ongoing agenda focused on reducing the prevalence of tobacco use, particularly among people with physical disabilities. In addition to teaching
and research, she continues to provide direct patient care as a member of
the staff at Robert Volski and Associates Physical Therapy in Fort Myers,
Florida.
I took the CHES exam to increase recognition of the physical therapist’s
role in community health education and the impact we can have in empowering others to play a more active role in their own wellness. The ability
to assess needs, plan, deliver and evaluate health education programs
enhances our capacity to improve the lives of people with disabilities and
enables each of us to reach our full potential. Obtaining this certification
enhances the credibility of physical therapists and distinguishes us as
important resources within the field of community health.
To view the NCHEC News online, visit: www.nchec.org/news/bullet/
Page 9
WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR NCHEC CERTIFICATION?
Michelle Gifford MS, CHES Assistant Wellness Director, Student Wellness
NCHEC staff met Michelle at a
recent national health conference.
Michelle visited the NCHEC exhibit booth and shared how the CHES
credential has benefited her as the
Assistant Wellness Director.
I am proud to say that I’ve been CHES for 4 years now! I am grateful for the professional opportunities that I have been presented
with because of the experience, knowledge, and networking occasions that I have gained by being CHES. I am confident to say that
earning the certification as CHES, has not only added credibility
to my role as a health educator, but also shines a positive light on
my employer. Companies want to employ individuals who have the
right experience and knowledge in the health and wellness industry in order to implement positive changes and create a sustainable
culture of wellness in the work environment. The NCHEC website
has allowed me to network with fellow health educators and has
provided many opportunities to pursue continuing education and
the ability to join a number of committees which have enhanced my
experience as a CHES.
Brief description of my work: Currently, I work in higher education as the assistant wellness director at a public university. I collaborate frequently with a large number of departments on campus
for programming purposes. The wellness department is small, just
me and an intern. I lead all of the wellness programming for students on campus as well as the creation of campus health education
materials. There are a number of projects that I've been a part of,
specifically working with our Dean of Students Office and the Title
IX Initiative. I also work closely with multiple community partners
value those relationships because we truly believe it is a collaborative effort to create a culture of wellness on and off campus.
1) What motivated you to earn your CHES/MCHES credential? I really wanted to enhance my credibility in the health education/promotion field, and set myself apart from other health educators in the industry. My goal was also to become part of an organization that was dedicated to the health education field. A colleague of mine was already CHES and I felt that it was necessary
to obtain mine in order to become more marketable in the field. I
am so glad that I did!
2) How has being certified helped you professionally? It has
done wonders for me. It really has added to my credibility in the
field and I've noticed that more and more companies are adding
"CHES" as a "preferred qualification". I know that being CHES
certified has set me apart from other individuals with the same
degree credentials and possibly job experience, but once they see
that I'm CHES, it really does add that extra advantage over other
people who don't have their certification yet.
Page 10
3) What have you gained from being certified? I have gained
many opportunities from being certified. One would be an increase
in pay. Employers look favorably upon CHES certification and
consider it to be an advancement in the field, which not only adds
credibility to us as educators, but to the company as well. In one
position I held, the company was very proud that there were CHES
on staff as it reflects the department in a more favorable manner.
Employers see CHES as an investment. Another opportunity would
be the opportunity to teach on several different health-related topics
as opposed to just sticking to one or two areas of expertise.
4) How has the organization in which you work benefited from
you being a CHES? I believe this organization has benefited in a
number of ways. One would be adding credibility to the role that I
currently hold, being a CHES, because it adds to the versatility of
teaching and programming for a number of health-related topics
and issues. I also believe that I serve as a mentor to those students
who are studying health promotion and education. Many of them
come talk to me, asking for guidance, about what they should do
after they've earned their degree. I take this opportunity to tell
them about CHES and how important it is for them get certified in
this job market. Last, by being a CHES, my employer knows that
I have the knowledge and ability to plan effective programs for a
specific population and that I will evaluate programs and interpret
data to identify areas that may need improvement for future planning purposes.
If you would like to share what you are doing with your
CHES/MCHES credential and how it is benefiting your employers,
please email Melissa Opp at mopp@nchec.org.
ATTENTION CHES/MCHES
The 2016 NCHEC Leadership Election is now OPEN!
Your input is very important
so VOTE TODAY!
Vote for the 2016 NCHEC Board Members online by
SEPTEMBER 30, 2015
HOW TO VOTE:
NCHEC is using the Votenet online voting system again this year.
To cast your vote please
visit http://eballot4.votenet.com/NCHEC
(Your username and password will be the same
as your username and password for www.nchec.org)
To view the NCHEC News online, visit: www.nchec.org/news/bullet/
For assistance or to request a paper ballot
call 888-624-3248 or nchec@nchec.org
Fall 2015
CHES/MCHES Certification: Building Value in My Community
As CHES and MCHES certified health education and promotion
specialist, you are invested in your communities—your personal
community as well as the one in which you work. Research confirms you value certification and are dedicated to improving the
communities in which you are key members and contributors.
NCHEC is committed to promoting the value of certification to
certificants, employers and other practitioners who are not yet
certified. Promoting the value of certification helps solidify the
important role credentials play in demonstrating specialists
have the knowledge and skill necessary to successfully perform
the most essential and frequently used aspects of the job.
CHES and MCHES credential holders now have the chance to
contribute to the job of promoting certification by sharing their
passion for certification and dedication to the field.
NCHEC is sponsoring a new essay contest titled, “CHES/
MCHES Certification: Building Value in My Community” and
we want your participation. Submit an essay of approximately
250 – 750 words (which is about half a page to one and a half
pages) talking about why you earned certification and what
value it brings to you and your community. The NCHEC
Marketing Committee will select one first-prize winner who
will receive a $100 Amazon gift card. The Committee also will
select an honorable mention prize winner who will receive a
$25 Amazon gift card. NCHEC will recognize the selected
essays on our Web site and through social media outlets including the LinkedIn page and Facebook group.
NCHEC knows the individuals who hold the CHES and
MCHES credentials are dedicated to their field and their career.
This contest gives you the chance to share your passion with
your colleagues and leaders in the field.
The essay contest officially opens on September 1st and submissions are due by November 1st. NCHEC will announce the
winners in early 2016. Stay tuned to your email and the
NCHEC LinkedIn Group and Facebook page for more detailed
information or contact nchec@nchec.org.
Thinking about what your essay will say? Start answering these
questions to generate some ideas.
• Why did you become a health education specialist?
• Why did you decide to earn the CHES or MCHES?
• How does certification benefit you, personally and/or
professionally?
• How does certification benefit the public? Your employer?
Other professionals?
• How important is it for you to be part of the CHES and
MCHES community?
• What advice would you give someone thinking about
CHES or MCHES certification?
• What is your vision for the CHES and MCHES credentials for the next 10 years?
• What is the value of certification to you?
NEW HESPA PUBLICATIONS
e date:
Releas ber
Septem
2015
Recommended for use in preparation for the revised MCHES exam effective April 2016
and revised CHES exam effective October 2016
A Competency–Based
Framework for
Health Education
Specialist – 2015
The Health Education Specialist:
A Companion Guide for
Professional Excellence,
7th Edition
Order online at
nchec.org/publications
A Competency-Based Framework for Health Education Specialists – 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 70.00
The Health Education Specialist: A Companion Guide for Professional Excellence, 7th edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 60.00
2015 Book Package (*Save $10 includes the Companion Guide 7th edition and 2015 Framework) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$120.00
Fall 2015
For more information about the HESPA study visit: http://www.nchec.org/health-educator-job-analysis-projects
To view the NCHEC News online, visit: www.nchec.org/news/bullet/
Page 11
National Commission for
Health Education Credentialing, Inc.
NONPROFIT ORG
U.S. Postage PAID
Permit No. 274
1541 Alta Drive, Suite 303
Whitehall, PA 18052
Lehigh Valley, PA
Phone: (888) 624-3248
Fax: (800) 813-0727
Web site: www.nchec.org
Visit NCHEC.org and click on
find CE hours to locate
hundreds of opportunities.
NEED CREDITS??
NCHEC STAFF
Executive Director
Linda Lysoby, MS, MCHES, CAE
llysoby@nchec.org • ext. 13
Deputy Executive Director
Melissa Opp, MPH, MCHES
mopp@nchec.org • ext.11
Credentialing Project Specialist
MCHES Exam / Eligibility Inquiries
Cynthia Kusorgbor-Narh, MPH, CHES
narh@nchec.org • ext. 16
Continuing Education Coordinator
Continuing Education / Provider /
Recertification / Change of Status Inquiries
Melissa Schmell
mschmell@nchec.org • ext. 14
Exam Coordinator/ Office Manager
CHES Exam / Eligibility Inquiries
Tanya Cole
tcole@nchec.org • ext. 12
Financial Coordinator
Renewal / Accounts Payable Inquiries
Lisa Petrone
lpetrone@nchec.org • ext. 15
Administrative Coordinator
Jessica Wessner
Contact Information Inquiries
admin@nchec.org • ext.10
Division Board for Certification of
Health Education Specialists
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Executive Officers 2015
Dixie Dennis, PhD, MCHES, FAAHE
(Chair At-large)
Dianne Kerr, MA, MEd, PhD, MCHES
(Vice-chair, DBCHES)
Kellie Flannery, MPH, CHES
(Secretary, At-large)
Nancy Clifton-Hawkins, MPH, MCHES
(Treasurer, At-large)
Deborah Fortune, PhD, MCHES
(Immediate Past Chair)
(2014-2018)
Chesley Cheatham, M.Ed, MCHES
(DBPD)
Amy S. Hedman, PhD, MCHES
(DBCHES)
Ronenia Jenkins, MPH, CHES
(At-large)
Miguel Perez, PhD, MS, MCHES
(DBPPP)
Kerry Redican, PhD, MPH, CHES
(DBPPP)
Nicolette Warren, MS, MCHES
(DBPD)
Larry Williams, PhD, MSW
(Public Member)
(2015-2017)
Commissioners
Editorial
Board
(2014-2016)
(2011-2015)
(2015-2017)
(2010-2015)
(2015-2017)
(2015-2019)
(2015-2017)
(2015-2017)
(2014-2016)
(2014-2016)
Amy S. Hedman, PhD, MCHES (Coordinator)
Dianne Kerr, MA, MEd, PhD, MCHES (Vice-Coord.)
Kathleen Allison, PhD, MPH, MCHES
Christine Abarca, MPH, MCHES
David Brown, MA, EdD, MCHES
Jill Clutter, PhD, MCHES
Brian Gordon, MA, PhD, MCHES
James F. McKenzie, MEd, PhD, MPH, MCHES
Shana Pack-Gangluff, MS, MCHES
Darlene Saunders, PhD, MPH, MCHES
Melody Yarbrough Knight, PhD, RN, MCHES
Division Board for Professional
Preparation and Practice
Miguel Perez, PhD., MS, BA, MCHES (Coordinator)
Kerry Redican, MPH, PhD, CHES (Vice-Coordinator)
Gwyndolyn Ashcom, MPH, MCHES
Janice Clark, EdD, MS, BA, MCHES
Chris Eisenbarth, PhD, MCHES
Carolyn Rodgers, PhD, MCHES
Julie Zumas, MPH, CPH, CHES
Division Board for Professional Development
Nicolette Warren, MS, MCHES (Coordinator)
Chesley Cheatham, M.Ed, BS, MCHES (Vice-Coord.)
Nicole Lindsey, MPH, BS, MCHES
Erin Reiney, MPH, CHES
Karen Stewart, MPH, MCHES
Jennifer Taylor, MPH, MCHES
Nigel Thomas, Ed.D, MPH, MCHES
Editor – Melissa Opp, MPH, MCHES, NCHEC
Copy Editors – Jessica Wessner, NCHEC
Emily Tyler, MPH, RHEd, RCHES, Former NCHEC Commissioner