Episode 153: SHAPE America President-Elect Candidates Sarah Benes and Ann Paulls-Neal

This is your chance to hear from SHAPE America’s two president-elect candidates before voting opens on March 29, 2022. Our host Sean Nevills asks both candidates a variety of questions to help you learn:·       Why they are running for SHAPE America president-elect; ·       What qualities and professional skills they bring to serve the mission of SHAPE America; ·       Which current SHAPE America initiative is most personal to them and why; ·       What equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) means to them and how they will help SHAPE America advance its commitment to EDI; ·       And more! Sarah Sparrow Benes(she/her) is currently an associate clinical professor at Merrimack College. She has an Ed.D. in curriculum and teaching, an Ed.M. in human movement, a master’s degree in public health, and a B.S. in athletic training. Sarah started her career at Boston University as an athletic trainer before transitioning to the role of Physical and Health Education Teacher Prep Program Director. Sarah works in schools locally and nationally, and writes and presents on various health education topics. She lives in Massachusetts,  where she enjoys reading, hiking, yoga and meditation, and adventures with her family. Ann Paulls-Neal is currently teaching health and physical education, as well as coaching, at the high school level. Previously, she spent 20 years teaching elementary physical education. She is a National Board Certified Teacher in Early and Middle Childhood Physical Education. Ann has served SHAPE New Mexico (NMAHPERD), Southwest District AHPERD, and SHAPE America throughout her teaching career. She is currently executive director of SHAPE New Mexico and a member of the SHAPE America Physical Activity Council. Previous positions include SHAPE America Board of Directors member, president of Southwest District and NMAHPERD, as well as a variety of board, committee, and coordinator positions.