Health Educator, Consultant, Puberty Expert, and Author
whose mission is to strengthen the wellness of children, youth, and adults
I am a passionate educator with over 30 years of experience working with children, youth, and adults in the field of school health education. I was named National Health Education Professional of the Year in 2010, New York State Health Teacher of the Year in 2007, and New York State Health Professional of the Year in 2011. I currently serve as a full-time faculty member at SUNY Cortland, training future PreK-12 educators in effective, evidence-based health education practices.
My educational philosophy centers on being student-focused—equipping young people with the life skills and up-to-date health information they need to live their healthiest and happiest lives. I acknowledge that while simply presenting health facts in the classroom is easy, it is not effective. How can we provide children and youth with the most impactful tools and knowledge for their lives? These tools and facts should be ones that stay with them long after graduation—ones they can share with future generations. Tools that can empower them to lead lives of wellness, foster healthy relationships, and make decisions that affect their well-being for years to come.
In the health education field, skill-based learning—rather than fact-based instruction—is still not the norm. However, research from the past 25 years consistently supports the idea that skill-building has a lasting, positive impact as children transition into adulthood. The skills gained through this approach not only support better health choices but also influence other aspects of life, from romantic and family relationships to parenting, friendships, and career success.
I am dedicated to making skill-based health education the standard, not the exception. From my professional and personal experience, I understand that when educators, families, and other professionals work together to touch the hearts and minds of children, it can lead to a generation of young people who are not only comfortable within their bodies but also empowered, strong, and confident. I invite you to join me in this mission, one child at a time, to create a healthier, more informed future.
If your school is ready to improve the health and well-being of your students, please reach out to me for more information, including curriculum outlines and pricing. Initial consultation of up to 30 minutes is no charge.
Contact me through email at superhealthcrusader@gmail.com OR schoolhealtheducators@gmail.com.
Resources I created include:
The classroom management book Tactile Tools for Social Emotional Learning: Activities to Help Children Self-Regulate with SEL, PreK-5
The School Health Educators’ Podcast and Resource Website (the only podcast focusing on School Health Education with a resource-filled connecting website)
The Puberty Prof Podcast – the family-friendly podcast with more episodes being released each season
The TALK Puberty app – the interactive talking “tool” that helps lead conversations on puberty
The book Common Questions Children Ask About Puberty – the book with over 500 questions children ask about puberty and other growing-up topics
The book of lessons titled Tools for Teaching Comprehensive Human Sexuality Education: Lessons, Activities, and Teaching Strategies Utilizing the National Sexuality Education Standards (co-authored with Dom Splendorio)
Click here to learn how Lori can strengthen your health education program!