What happens when a Ph.D. With the passion for changing behavior, the ability to design the curriculum and a gift for connection leads to the training of your health coach? You get Dr. Shana Walsh -Afpa, AFPA Education and Curriculum Director and the leader of the Certified Health and Wellness Coach program.
With Ph.D. In kinesiology, exercise diet and health promotion, as well as credentials as a national coach of health and well -being, Master Certified Health Education Education and the certified personal coach, Dr. Walsh brings decades of experience to every lesson he touches. From shaping what you learn behind the scenes to guide live zoom and empathy sessions, it is also the architect and supports your coach trip.
In this interview, Shana shares her approach to building programs focusing on students, what makes the experience of the lively AFPA cooker so unique and some fun events, such as the time of a pull-up, while Hula-Hooping.
The secrets behind the AFPA curriculum
As the AFPA Education and Curriculum Program, how do you create student learning experience?
My role includes the entire course life cycle of the course. This varies from the design stage, where we strategize new courses and topics that are aligned with the needs of students, the creation of writing and video learning videos, and to secure top -level trainers who are experts in their respective areas. I also participate in assistance to today’s students throughout the AFPA learning journey. At every stage, I prioritize the quality of the education we provide, ensuring the most valuable and applicable content for our students. It is extremely rewarding to see something going from an idea written in a pencil notebook in a certification students who can win to change their career and life orbit.
What is something that most people can’t Realize how AFPA develops its curriculum?
Most people may not realize that we are always starting by asking, “What is better for the student?” The answer to this single question leads every decision we make, from the topics we teach, the methods of teaching we use, the trainers we choose and even the small details, such as the colors on the screen in our lessons (Nay for Orange, Yay for Blue).
Beyond the development of the lesson, what often goes invisible is how much we celebrate with our students. When they win their certificates and find success in the field, we are absolutely ecstatic. After all, this is our ultimate goal: to provide education they really need to push them into the professional roles they are looking for.
How do you ensure that the AFPA programs remain current with research, trends and best practices?
In the health sector, the new research is constantly emerging, providing new information and redefining optimum practices. In the AFPA, we understand that providing our students with outdated information is not just an option, so we follow a preventive approach. We are part of our routine to watch the latest topics of the leading academic and industrial magazines, to attend industry conferences, to coordinate webinars and to network with other professional organizations and experts in the field. We are still known to process a living course to modify an event or two -based knowledge. We do this to guarantee that when our students graduate, they have the most recent information to excel in their careers.
What do you see as some of the most valuable skills that students win from AFPA programs?
Some of the most valuable skills that students earn from AFPA programs include:
- Comprehensive knowledge: Each of our lessons provides a wealth of knowledge on the subject of the study. For students who really seek to gain expertise in a particular area, the AFPA is the final resource.
- Holistic Perspectives: In the AFPA, we deeply understand how interconnected all areas of health are. For this reason, we involve holistic prospects for what we teach, supporting our students to see the biggest picture.
- Practical Skills of Application and Body: It’s one thing you need to know what to do, but it’s another to be able to do it effectively. We do not only teach skills, we also provide plenty of practical opportunities to apply them to real world scenarios.
- Professional trust and career readiness: Our programs are designed to build students’ confidence in their abilities, preparing them to excel on the career journey chosen.
What makes the team’s live experience especially on AFPA?
The Advanced Health Coaching Intensive is the dynamic, vibrant component of the Certified Master Health and Wellness Coach program and is the only vibrant run of the AFPA. In a single zoom room, we unite people from all over the country and around the world. While everyone comes from very different social strata, we share a deep community: a deep desire to empower others to become the best version of themselves. There is a magic to gather adults of all ages, with different backgrounds and rich life experiences, seeing them learn and grow together. It’s really transformative.
Learn how to stand out as a health coach certified with the Board of Directors
Knowing Dr. Walsh outside of class
What are some weird or amazing things for you that your students may not know?
I have successfully completed a pull while hula-hooping.
Also I have scored at 99th percentage for extroversion in multiple personality assessments. When I was in the first grade, my teacher conveyed my position to speak so many times, I ended up sitting next to every child in the classroom.
I didn’t learn to drive a bike until I was an adult, because as a kid I wanted to focus all my energy on Rollerblading.
When you are not working on a curriculum, teaching or training program, how do you recharge?
As an extrovert quintessence, I recharge spending time with others. Whether it’s a good conversation with my neighbors sitting around Firepit, some friendly competition at Pickleball Rec, or absorbs quality time at home with my family, the energy I have from social connection fills my cup.
If you had to summarize your philosophy of changing behavior in a sentence, what would it be?
If you change your health, you change your life.
Her tips on aspiring coaches
What tips would you give to someone on the fence to join the next health training session?
If you are in the fence to join the next live course, remember that this is one of the most effective and affordable ways to become a National Council Certified Health and Wellness Coach. As an approved NBHWC program, the AFPA offers an immediate and supportive path to certification of the boat without unnecessary delays or expenses.
If your goal is to provide a meaningful service to others through the power of health training and well -being, while gaining a living to do the job that makes the difference, this is your opportunity. You will get the skills to help people make real, constant changes in their lives – and to be offset for the value you provide. Health and well -being is still an emerging sector, which means that there is a space for development, contribution and installation to an emerging profession.
At the same time, this is not just for your customers – it is a transformative experience for you as well. Through this training, you will deepen your own self -awareness, develop basic coaching skills and build the trust needed not only to pass the Board of Directors, but to really be a great coach.
If this sounds like the kind of career and personal development you were looking for, stop hesitating and enrolling today!
📆 The next AFPA Live Health Coaching meeting begins soon.
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