Advertise on podcast: A-Z Health and PE Presented by NYS AHPERD

Welcome to the NYS AHPERD A-Z Health and PE Podcast. In today’s episode we are hosting the accomplished professional and scholar Mr. James Rose. Jim recently retired from his full-time position and has been an Educator and Administrator for over 40 years. A graduate of both S.U.N.Y. College at Cortland (B.S.E. in Physical Education) and Columbia University (MA Physical Education, and Athletic Administration, Teaching and Curriculum Specialist). Jim has become a respected leader in the fields of Physical Education, Health and Athletics holding many leadership positions at the local, state and international level. Mr. Rose has been an adjunct instructor at Columbia University for over twenty years.  As a result, Jim gives lectures, workshops, and presentations at a variety of professional conferences, private and public schools, universities, professional organizations as well as other institutions. Jim has been an expert witness in legal cases in the field of Physical Education and Athletics, and does consultant work as well.  James has had a number of published works, among the most well-known writings are: The PEP Sportbook System, 1988, Star Wars on the Floor, Strategies, 1992, and Preparedness is the Key to Successful Change, Teaching High School Physical Education, May 1995. Jim is the consultant author /developer of the Sportspak AD software program (2009) which is the only integrated athletic administration software program in the country that involves all aspects of the athletic administration office responsibilities. As the Chair of the New York State COA Handbook Committee, his team published the COA Handbook in 2013.  He is the author of Boss the Handbook for Anyone Who Has a Boss or Anyone Who Would Like to be a Boss, which was published in November of 2022 and received Honorable Mention in the 2023 New York Book Fest and New England Bookfest. His most recent book which has been out for just 6 months, is called Excellence in Physical Education, Intramurals, and Athletics. In his free time, he enjoys sports, writing, and helping others. Consequently, he has been an emergency medical technician and firefighter since the age of 18. His recent book, Sleepless Nights the First 42 Years as an Active EMT just received a 2025 Book Excellence Award and is his memoir about his volunteer life.  We would be remiss to not mention Jim’s many contributions and accomplishments NYS AHPERD.  Jim is a Past President of the association and will be serving for another stint on the Board of Directors coming this November.

Welcome to the NYS AHPERD A-Z Health and PE Podcast. In today’s episode we will be meeting with Dr. Drew Van Dam who is an Associate Professor - U.S.Military Academy @ West Point . Dr. Drew Van Dam is an associate professor (2025) in the Department of Physical Education (DPE) at the United States Military Academy (USMA). He is also the Department director of guidance and testing. Hailing from Rumson, New Jersey, he graduated from Springfield College with a bachelor’s degree in athletic training in 2000 and immediately went to Ohio University to earn his master’s degree in athletic training, graduating in the summer of 2001. Upon graduating, Dr. Van Dam began his professional athletic training career with the Atlanta Braves, where he spent the next seven years in their professional minor league system, moving up the ranks to AA, where he finished as the assistant minor league medical coordinator overseeing the Dominican Summer League, Gulf Coast League, and Appalachian League athletic trainers. In 2008, Dr. Van Dam moved to the Kansas City Royals as head athletic trainer at their AAA level in Omaha, Nebraska.  In 2010, he transitioned out of professional baseball to become an assistant athletic trainer/instructor for USMA's DPE.  He was then promoted in 2016 to full-time instructor, moving out of the athletic training room to take on a greater course load as well as to become the head regimental guidance officer. In 2019, Dr. Van Dam earned his terminal degree, a doctorate in educational leadership, from Liberty University.  Finally in 2024, he transitioned into the role of director of guidance and testing.  He oversees the day-to-day operations of the Guidance and Testing Office, which includes program supervision, daily mentoring to the Corps of Cadets from office personnel, as well as the supervision of effective testing procedures for the Corps of Cadets as it relates to the physical program.  Over the course of his time at West Point, Van Dam has earned his MAC-P Basic and Tactical Combatives certifications (formerly Levels I and II). He presents at local and national medical and educational conferences, serves as an officer representative to the Army baseball and softball teams - where he was asked to be a volunteer coach during the 2019 NCAA men’s baseball tournament, lectures for the kinesiology program and the Army-Baylor Sports Medicine Program, serves on a number of DPE and USMA committees, and was the 2022 Mike Krzyzewski Award winner for Excellence in Teaching Character Through Sport as a company athletics sport educator. We would also be remiss to not mention Dr. Van Dam’s current efforts with NYS AHPERD.  He currently has a seat on the State’s Executive Council while also serving as the President of the Catskill Zone.

Welcome to the NYS AHPERD A-Z Health and PE Podcast. In today’s episode we are hosting two PETE scholars from our Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) PETE programs.  Our first guest is Dr. Stacey Imagbe, an Assistant Professor at Morehouse College.    Dr. Stacy Imagbe is an Assistant Professor of Kinesiology at Morehouse College, a Historically Black College and University in Atlanta, Georgia. She earned her Ph.D. in Kinesiology from Louisiana State University, with a specialization in pedagogy and psychological sciences, grounding her work at the intersection of teaching, learning, and human performance. Dr. Imagbe brings a powerful blend of scholarly expertise and lived experience to her work. Her research agenda centers on optimizing physical activity opportunities and promoting lifelong physical activity and fitness among minoritized populations through culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP). In addition, she designs and facilitates CRP-focused professional development experiences that support educators in creating inclusive, affirming, and effective learning environments.Dr. Imagbe is an active member of SHAPE America’s Professional Preparation Council and currently serving as General Vice President–Elect for Georgia AHPERD. Through these partnerships, she advances parity, student success, and equitable access to high-quality, culturally responsive physical activity opportunities for all learners. She is also the 2026 recipient of the Leroy T. Walker Young Professional Award. Our next guest is Dr. Kacey Hopson is a Professor of Kinesiology in the Department of Health and Human Studies at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) in Elizabeth City, NC. ECSU is a member of the University of North Carolina System. Dr. Hopson is a proud graduate of West Virginia University. Dr. Hopson is focused on improving health and academic achievement in college courses through Action Based Learning techniques, including the use of kinesthetic desks. Dr. Hopson’s other focus is helping college students learn to cook healthy food on a budget. Her Move Smart – Cook Smart program provides transportation for students to the Food Bank of the Albemarle’s teaching kitchen each week for a healthy cooking lesson and the opportunity to take home free groceries. Additionally, Dr. Hopson and her colleagues published an Open Educational Resource (OER) in 2026, in OER Commons, to help undergraduate students understand the research process, The Basics: A Guide to Student Health and Wellness Research Success.

In today’s episode we have a treasured guest from the PE Profession.  Dr. George Graham began his career teaching and coaching in the public schools of California and Oregon and also served on the faculties of the University of Georgia and the University of South Carolina. In 2007, Dr. Graham was inducted into the NASPE Hall of Fame. Dr. Graham is best known for his work in the development of the Skill Themes Model focused on teaching elementary school aged children. The skill themes approach became a foundation for many elementary physical education curricula. The model centered on locomotor, non-manipulative, and manipulative motor skills. Within the process of acquiring motor skills, children learn how to integrate movement concepts such as space, direction, levels, and extensions into different movement forms. The notion was that these fundamental movement skills were necessary building blocks for more advanced skills as children transitioned into middle school. Dr.Graham also formalized a process for teaching skills to students by developing four generic levels of skill proficiency (pre-control, control, utilization, and proficiency). Overall, Dr. Graham has published extensively on the topics of physical education teacher effectiveness and physical education and activity for children with twelve books and monographs to his credit and over 50 articles. He is a much sought after speaker and consultant, delivering presentations at more than 100 conferences (over 35 were keynote addresses) throughout the world as well as serving as a consultant to seventy-five school districts, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and the Professional Golf Association of America.https://www.pelinks4u.org/articles/GrahamPDF.pdf

Welcome to the NYS AHPERD A-Z Health and PE Podcast. In today’s episode we will be discussing Game-Based Pedagogy…one of my favorite topics and its application in related fields and disciplines…in this case U.S. Soccer.Vic and Laura, this is exciting to be discussing the work of Drs. Steve Harvey, Mark Garrison, Jeff Lindauer, and yours truly. Our recent article entitled An Investigation Into U.S. Soccer Coaches’ Perceptions and Use of Play–Practice–Play (see link below) was published in the Journal of Teaching Physical Education (JTPE) in January 2026.https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/jtpe/aop/article-10.1123-jtpe.2025-0494/article-10.1123-jtpe.2025-0494.xmlOur first guest today is Dr. Steve Harvey who is a world-renowned scholar and pedagogue and his most recent book is co-edited with Dr. Richard Light entitled Applied Positive Pedagogy in Sport Coaching: International Cases.  Alongside this recent publication, Dr. Harvey has authored several journal articles focusing on game-based approaches to teaching physical education and coaching.  You can learn more about Dr. Harvey’s endeavors while also connecting with him directly on Twitter @drstephenharvey.  Our next guest is Dr. Mark Garrison…a Professor of Education and Core Doctoral Research Faculty in the Killgore Research Center at West Texas A&M University. He has a growing portfolio of sport and physical education pedagogy research . A main area of his work concerns the development of research methodologies rooted in the critical realist tradition. Recent publications include, “Critical Research Methodology: A Realist Approach” appearing in the Handbook of Critical Approaches to Politics and Policy of Education, edited by Kenneth J. Saltman and Nicole Nguyen, (Routledge, 2022). He also has an extensive research agenda exploring the nexus between education and technology, including “Confronting the Digital Leviathan in Education: On Cybernetic Pedagogy and Data-Intensive Algorithmic Technologies,” (also appearing in the Handbook of Critical Approaches to Politics and Policy of Education) and his award-winning book, "A measure of failure: The political origins of standardized testing" (SUNY Press).

In today’s episode we will be discussing educational policy and its nuances in the U.S. across all States. Our guests today include, Dr. Ben Kern - an Associate Professor in PETE in the College of Health Sciences, Kinesiology, and Health at the University of Wyoming. Dr. Kern is a national leader in physical education policy research. He currently leads the School Health Map and facilitated the development of the State of the States Policy Report. Dr. Kern is focused on policy implementation and advocacy to strengthen physical education and physical activity nationwide in schools. Dr. Kern has also established a unique line of inquiry that investigates the individual dispositions of physical education teachers and related socializing agents that impact their adoption of teaching practices consistent with promoting student physical literacy.  Our next guest is Dr. Lisa Paulson is an assistant professor in the Department of Applied Human Sciences at the University of Minnesota Duluth. She currently serves as chair of the SHAPE America Physical Activity Council and co-chair of the SHAPE America PETE Standards Task Force. Her scholarship focuses on physical education policy work and school-based physical activity promotion. Originally from The Netherlands, our final guest is Hans van der Mars (Ph.D., The Ohio State University, 1984) is Professor Emeritus at Arizona State University where he oversaw the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degree programs in Physical Education Teacher Education/Sport Pedagogy. Dr. van der Mars is widely published, (co-) and authoring over 170 published research papers, professional papers, book chapters, proceedings papers, and three textbooks. He presents frequently at international, national, regional and state level conferences. Moreover, he has provided over 85 continuing professional development/outreach workshops and guest lectures for K-12 physical educators, teachers, graduate students, and colleagues nationally and internationally. Over Dr. van der Mars illustrious career, he has represented the physical education profession in various capacities of leadership, scholarship, and service.  Far too extensive to share today, but some examples include: Research Fellow distinction in the Society of Physical and Health Educators of America (2005), the American Academy of Kinesiology & Physical Education (2006), the North American Society of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport, and Dance Professionals (2009), the International Association for Physical Education in Higher Education (AIESEP, 2019), and National Association of Kinesiology in Higher Education (NAKHE 2021). Hans has also been recognized with the following honors: the National Association for Sport & Physical Education’s (NASPE) Physical Education Teacher Education Honor Award (2011) and the Curriculum & Instruction Academy Honor Award (2013). In 2018, he was inducted into the SHAPE America Hall of Fame. In 2020, the National Association of Kinesiology in Higher Education (NAKHE) recognized him with the Distinguished Scholar Award. In 2021, The Ohio State University’s College of Education and Human Ecology presented him with its Alumni Career Achievement Award, while SHAPE America recognized him with the Luther Halsey Gulick Award in 2023. And in 2024, he received the White House Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. https://schoolhealthmap.wygisc.org/

Welcome to the NYS AHPERD A-Z Health and PE Podcast and today’s is our annual teaser episode to plug the upcoming 87th Annual State Conference at the Turning Stone Casino on November 19th - 22nd. The month of November in New York State is always AHPERD Conference season. We are so excited to offer this meaningful event each and every year. So as a special treat for our listeners we have three fabulous guests today to help prime our listeners for the upcoming conference.  The first is our current President of the Association, the one and only Ms. Lori Bifarella. Our second guest is our relatively new executive director of NYS AHPERD—Ms. Jess Synenki—Jess, would you like to say a few words of welcome.  Our final guest is somewhat new to NYS AHPERD with tremendous energy and experience.  Ms. Jenny Vittiglio is our Conference Director and an invaluable resource.

Back by popular demand, today we will be discussing SHAPE America’s newly minted 2024 National Physical Education Standards.  PETE majors from SUNY Brockport, California State University - Long Beach, and York and Queen’s College in New York City will be joining us.  Teacher candidates taking part in today’s show are in methods classes with Dr. Seymour, with Dr. Ramsey, and Dr. Michael Ertel.Our first guest is Dr. Ertel (newly hooded) is an Assistant Professor of Physical Education Teacher Education in the Department of Kinesiology at California State University, Long Beach. His research examines the intersections of motor learning, inclusive pedagogy, and teacher education, using intervention-based and meta-analytic approaches to advance motor competence, instructional fidelity, and adaptive teaching competence in physical education. In his teaching, he emphasizes practice-based frameworks that bridge theory and application, preparing teacher candidates to design inclusive, developmentally appropriate programs for all learners. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Ertel serves the profession as a member of the SHAPE America Physical Education Council and a past New York State AHPERD Executive Council member. A former Title I PE teacher and collegiate soccer coach, he brings a deep commitment to research-informed practice, professional leadership, and fostering meaningful movement experiences for every student. We are also excited to introduce one of the foremost experts and scholars in physical education teacher education in the U.S…not to mention one of the key contributors to the new SHAPE America National Physical Education Standards–Dr. Fran Cleland.  Dr. Fran Cleland is Professor Emerita from West Chester University where she served as the program coordinator for the Health and Physical Education Teacher Certification program for 28 years. Dr. Cleland previously taught in the HPE program at East Stroudsburg University, PA and the University of New Hampshire. Prior to teaching in higher education Dr. Cleland taught K-12 health and physical education in Indiana, Virginia and Oregon. Dr. Cleland’s research focused on critical thinking in physical education, and she is the lead author of Developmental Physical Education for All Children – Theory into Practice (2017) and most recently co-authored Elementary School Wellness Education: An Integrated Approach to Teaching the Whole Child (2022) and the SHAPE America National Physical Education Standards book (2025). She has presented at the state, district, national and international level on topics including but not limited to, motor development, the Spectrum of Teaching Styles, critical thinking in physical education and creative dance. Dr. Cleland served as president of SHAPE PA, the National Association of Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) and SHAPE America. Most recently she served on the SHAPE America taskforce to revise the physical education standards. Dr. Cleland is retired but is working part-time as the SHAPE America Book Production and Acquisitions Manager. .

Welcome to the NYS AHPERD A-Z Health and PE Podcast. In today’s episode we will be discussing the robust and always evolving topic of technology in health and physical education. Joining us today is Dr. Ryan Fisk - a 20-year educator with experience as a graduate professor, K-12 director of technology, department chair, teacher, and coach.  Ryan admires the ever-evolving edtech field and its intersection with health and physical education.  Ryan is the associate editor and a reviewer for the AASA Journal of Scholarship and Practice, and his research and publications have focused on student-centered environments, adult learning, flipped instruction, and generative AI in education.  Ryan is the president of the NYS AHPERD technology section and past president of the Health Education section.

Joining us today Dr. Jamie Brunsdon–an Assistant Professor of Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy in the College of Health Sciences at the University of Memphis.  With several publications to his record already, Dr. Brunsdon is indeed an emerging scholar in the PETE discipline. Jamie’s research interests include the philosophy of physical education and sport pedagogy, teacher/socialization and applied virtue ethics.  Today we will be discussing one of Dr. Brunsdon’s most recent articles published in the journal Quest and entitled: Human Flourishing as the Aim of Physical Education–again a fascinating read–well done Dr. Brunsdon.  https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00336297.2024.2402710

Greetings listeners, I am Dr. Clancy Seymour with my co-host Dr. Victor Ramsey? Saludos, oyentes. Soy el Dr. Clancy Seymour y estoy acompañado por mi copresentador, el Dr. Victor Ramsey. Doc, ¿cómo estás? Welcome to the NYS AHPERD A-Z Health and PE Podcast. In today’s episode we will be interviewing an elementary physical educator from the Republic of Panama to share her perspectives.  Ms. Arleen Wood is a Panamanian who graduated in Humanities with emphasis in physical education, degree acquired at the University of Panama. She is currently a Grassroots Football and Formative Flag Football Coach. She is currently a preschool and primary school teacher. Bienvenidos al pódcast A-Z de Salud y Educación Física de NYS AHPERD. La señorita Arleen Wood es una panameña licenciada en Humanidades con énfasis en educación física, título adquirido en la Universidad de Panamá. Actualmente es Entrenadora de Fútbol Base y Fútbol de Bandera Formativo. Actualmente soy maestra de preescolar y primaria. In addition to Ms. Wood, we have a close friend of the show, Dr. Amaury Samalot-Rivera who is my colleague, friend, and soon-to-be (fingers crossed) Professor in the SUNY Brockport PETE Program. Dr. Samalot, we are grateful to have you on the podcast and thank you for your willingness to help Dr. Ramsey and Ms. Wood with our Spanish listeners today.  Please say hello to the audience Bienvenida, Sra. Wood, estamos encantados de que se haya unido al programa.Además de la Sra. Wood, tenemos a un amigo cercano del programa, el Dr. Amaury Samalot-Rivera, quien es el colega, amigo y del Dr Seymore, y pronto (con los dedos cruzados), profesor en el programa PETE de SUNY Brockport. Dr. Samalot, estamos agradecidos de tenerlo en el pódcast y le agradecemos por su disposición para ayudar a la Sra. Wood y a mi con nuestros oyentes de habla hispana hoy. Por favor, salude a la audiencia.

In today’s episode we are “The Power of Inclusiveness” and Dr. Ramsey, we are very excited to welcome our special guests for today. Our first guest is Mr. John Strong.  Mr. Strong is an Associate Professor within the Health and Physical Education department at Niagara County Community College, where he also serves as the coordinator of the Physical Education Studies degree program and Personal Training certificate program. John has also been serving as the Chief Diversity and Equity Officer at NCCC for the two past academic years. He divides his time between these academic pursuits and his wife of more than 20 years and teenage children.  Our second guest is Dr. Logan Edwards an Associate Teaching Professor in The Center for the Study of Human Health at Emory University. He earned his Ph.D. in Health Behavior with special concentrations in School Health Education and Curriculum and Instruction at Indiana University-Bloomington’s School of Public Health. Before joining Emory, Dr. Edwards was an Associate Professor and Health Education/Teacher Education Program Developer and Coordinator at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he was awarded the College of Education and Professional Studies’ Teacher of Distinction Award. He has also taught courses at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of North Carolina-Wilmington as a Lecturer of Health Behavior, Health Equity, and Public Health Education.

In today’s episode we are going to discuss two very important parts of our professional journeys.  Both of which are the proverbial forks in the road.  The first is when we as educators/administrators/professionals make a change…perhaps are offered a new opportunity to spread our wings.  The second impasse is when a professional gets close to the end of the journey and now explores the next chapter of life after retirement.Our special guests for today’s episode include the honorable emeritus executive director of NYS AHPERD—Ms. Colleen Corsi.   Next, we have NYS AHPERD’s humble treasurer—Mr. Rick Amundson who has also loyally devoted many countless years to our organization.   Our final guest, is the one and only Ms. Laura Pizella.  Laura has been an educator for 30 years.

We are thrilled to have our leaders of the 100 year history project and authors of the 1971 - 2024 book/chronicle.  Joining us today is Emeritus Executive Director of NYS AHPERD for over 25 years Ms. Colleen Corsi; Past President of NYS AHPERD and Emeritus Professor from Adelphi University, Dr. Mara Manson; Past President of NYS AHPERD and the one and only Ms. Sandy Morley; and last but certainly not to be outdone is Past President of NYS AHPERD and Current Chair of the Board of Directors, Dr. Tam Ray.

Welcome to the NYS AHPERD A-Z Health and PE Podcast and today’s is our annual teaser episode to plug the upcoming 86th Annual State Conference at the Turning Stone Casino on November 20th - 23rd. The month of November in New York State is always AHPERD Conference season. We are so excited to offer this meaningful event each and every year. We have three fabulous guests today to help prime our listeners for the upcoming conference.  The first is our current President of the Association, the one and only Ms. Margaret Robelee. Our second guest is our newly minted executive director of NYS AHPERD—Ms. Jess Synenki.  Our final guest is somewhat new to NYS AHPERD with tremendous energy and experience.  Ms. Jenny Vittiglio is our Conference Director and an invaluable resource.