Join the SC Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and the SC Schools Network for the 2024-25 Connecting Communities and Schools webinar series. The series aims to enhance collaboration between schools and communities using the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model as a framework to support student health.
Join us for an engaging webinar focused on active transportation and how it can benefit schools and students. Learn about the key principles of active transportation, discover strategies for integrating it into school programs and curricula, and explore practical ways schools can promote physical activity through walking, biking, and other active commuting options. This session is ideal for educators, school administrators, and community leaders looking to support healthier, more active school environments.
Learn about the speakers:
Dara Brown, MPH Active Communities Coordinator Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity Prevention Section S.C. Department of Public Health
Dara Brown completed her MPH from the Arnold School of Public Health in 2001. She has spent almost 25 years working in various aspects of physical activity, health education, and behavior change. Dara completed the Physical Activity and Public Health course in 2022 which opened up her eyes to the role of built environment. In 2023, Dara led a local West Columbia-Cayce team in South Carolina’s inaugural Walkability Action Institute and became a 2023 National Walking College Fellow with America Walks. Now, she serves as the Active Communities Coordinator for the Department of Public Health’s Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity section where she facilitates a state walkability collaborative and serves as a state-level walkability expert for stakeholders around South Carolina.
Ashley Cox, MHA Mission Services Lead Wholespire, Inc
Ashley Cox holds a Masters in Healthcare Administration and has conducted 12 years of community health work within the WNC and Upstate region Carolinas with an emphasis on connecting marginalized communities to resources that facilitate quality of life.
She serves with Wholespire as the Mission Services Lead working with local communities on programs, policy, and projects that enhance walkability and active transportation across the state of South Carolina.
Join the SC Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and the SC Schools Network for the 2024-25 Connecting Communities and Schools webinar series. The series aims to enhance collaboration between schools and communities using the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model as a framework to support student health.
After this session, participants will understand why healthcare professionals are an important part of improving school culture of wellness. They will be able to list practical examples of healthy programs and advocacy initiatives healthcare professionals can lead in schools. There will be time for participants to brainstorm on how to connect with local healthcare professionals.
Speaker
Kathleen C. Head, MD, MS, MPH, FAAP, DipABLM Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Associate Program Director, MUSC Internal Medicine – Pediatrics Residency Program Associate Medical Director, MUSC Boeing Center for Children’s Wellness
Dr. Kathleen Head is the Associate Medical Director for the MUSC Boeing Center for Children’s Wellness and a Faculty Member in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at MUSC. She has a master’s degree in public health and is additionally board certified in lifestyle medicine. She is a national leader in nutrition and Food is Medicine and works to bring disease preventing policies and practices into the school and clinical spaces.
Join the SC Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and the SC Schools Network for the 2024-25 Connecting Communities and Schools webinar series. The series aims to enhance collaboration between schools and communities using the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model as a framework to support student health.
Join us for an insightful session with Lara Buss, Community Engagement Program Manager at Southeastern Housing and Community Development, as she shares her journey of building meaningful relationships to foster healthy living collaborations. Through her work with FoodShare Bamberg and Bamberg County Schools, Lara has played a pivotal role in expanding access to fresh, nutritious food, creating a network of 11 school partner sites to “feed a need in our community.”
With a background in education and a deep passion for community-driven initiatives, Lara brings a unique perspective on how relationship-building can drive impactful change. In this webinar, she’ll discuss the strategies, challenges, and successes of uniting schools, volunteers, and local organizations to improve food security and well-being across multiple counties.
Join the SC Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and the SC Schools Network for the 2024-25 Connecting Communities and Schools webinar series. The series aims to enhance collaboration between schools and communities using the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model as a framework to support student health.
Join us for an informative session hosted by Special Olympics South Carolina, where we will explore the valuable resources we offer to students, families, and community groups. Learn about the importance of inclusive health and discover practical, small changes that can be made to ensure every individual has the opportunity to live a full, happy, and healthy life. This session will highlight our sports, health, and education initiatives, and provide actionable insights for fostering inclusive environments that empower all individuals to thrive.
About The Speaker: Kara Harmon is the Director of Communications for Special Olympics South Carolina. She joined the organization in 2008 as the Director of Program Services, after graduating from the University of South Carolina, where she assisted with the growth of Unified Champion Schools and local area programs as well as took the lead with Health programs. In 2022, Kara transitioned to her current role and is excited to continue sharing the impact of these programs on individuals and their families in a new way.
