Community-based participatory health promotion planning, research, and evaluation have formed the basis for much of my scholarly pursuit, and I have published and presented widely on issues related to health and wellness for youth. I was PI on the statewide Tennessee Coordinated School Health (CSH) evaluation. Further, I was PI of an NIN-NICHD-funded obesity prevention research project, Team Up for Healthy Living, which engaged CSH Coordinators across Northeast Tennessee in carrying out obesity prevention interventions in regional high schools.
My experiences have given me unique insights into the processes of planning, initiating and promoting a coordinated network of health-related program components in schools and communities. My background and my record of productivity form the basis for a promising collaboration with the Vanderbilt Consortium LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities).