New Health Coach Instructor

We’re excited to welcome award-winning fitness professional Farrah Spellman as the instructor for our Health Coach Certificate program.

The program aims to train students on how to make a difference in the way others live through positive lifestyle changes. This course is designed for people of varying experiences — from nutritionists to personal trainers to parents who want to provide a healthier lifestyle for their families and more.

Farrah , who possesses more than a decade of health and fitness professional experience, said her passion for influencing culture change is why she wanted to teach the Health Coach program. She added, “It’s important for me to use my education and experience to mentor others to be partners in fitness and wellness.”

She has a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a Masters of Education in Community Health. Farrah is also certified as a USA Track & Field Level 1 coach and has an American College Sports Medicine Personal Training certification.

Her experience in the health and fitness industry includes serving as the program coordinator for the University of Louisville’s Health Management program as well as coaching cross country and track teams. Working as a physical therapy technician, wellness coach and fitness specialist are additional examples of her knowledge base.

At KSU, Farrah serves as the wellness coordinator for the Employee Wellness program. In 2013, she led the University to an American Heart Association GOLD-level Fit-friendly Award.

Elizabeth Tanner, Health Coach program manager, said, “The skills and experience Farrah will bring to the program will be a great benefit to our students. She’s already brought recognition to the University for efforts in health and fitness, and we can’t wait for our students to gain knowledge from an expert in the field.”

Farrah said students can expect to learn the dimensions of wellness and coaching skills to influence life changes:

“[This] can be a benefit to your personal or professional life. As a result, you’ll become a resource for your community.”

Students in the Health Coach program will cover topics such as eating habits and behaviors as well as ways to incorporate physical activity to improve overall health. The teachings will also assist students in preparing for the American Council on Exercise Health Coach Certification exam.

“Having a diabetic daughter and the rapid changes in insurance are a few of the reasons why I wanted to gain this knowledge and certification,” said Johra Master, who completed the program in 2013. “This is something practical that offers a very flexible schedule for working people, and it’s a plus to get to know others in your field.”

Farrah said additional reasons for people’s interest in the course are the ability to gain knowledge to change lives and encourage self-efficacy in all dimensions of wellness.

“Strength in these areas will provide individuals an increase in quality of life, and Health Coaches can lead others to positive changes,” she said.