Lesson Planning for Skills-based Health Education

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

Holly Alperin, EdM, MCHES, is a clinical assistant professor in the department of kinesiology’s health and physical education program at the University of New Hampshire. Throughout her career, Holly has worked to improve the health and academic outcomes of young people by leveraging partnerships that strengthen school-level policies and practices, both in the health education classroom and throughout the school. In addition to her teaching of preservice and graduate health and physical education majors, she provides training and technical assistance to preK-12 educators, administrators, and staff and develops and implements trainings to advance the capacity of state and national stakeholders to improve the health and academic outcomes of children. Holly is a sought-after presenter, having been invited to numerous local, state, national, and international events. She is an advocate for ensuring that health educators receive high-quality professional development, and she takes this responsibility to heart. Volunteer roles have included participation on a variety of professional task forces for organizations such as SHAPE America; American School Health Association; and New Hampshire Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Holly received her bachelor degree in health education and health promotion from Central Michigan University and her master of education in policy, planning, and administration from Boston University. Holly currently lives in New Hampshire with her husband and two daughters. Together they enjoy the best of New England—ocean, mountains, cities, and countless adventures.