PEHR
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION, HEALTH AND RECREATION
Newsletter
FALL 2010
Greetings from PEHR! TABLE OF CONTENTS
I’m Charles Sylvester and am in my second year as Chair of Physical Education, Health, and
Recreation. It’s my privilege to serve not only the staff, faculty, and students of PEHR, but the Department Updates ............ 2
alumni as well. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if there’s anything we can do to support you,
because we certainly rely on your support. Dr. V Profile ................................... 4
For the first time in several years, there are no new faces in PEHR. However, the many “faces”
Farewell Kathy............................ 6
of PEHR continue to be active, involved, and productive, so please take the time to read about
what’s been going on in the Department and its Programs of Kinesiology/Physical Education,
Community Health, and Recreation. Wren McLaughlin .................... 6
However, there are two familiar faces leaving PEHR after lengthy careers of dedicated and Community Health ................. 7
distinguished service. First, Dr. Kathy Knutzen accepted a position as Dean of the College of
Social Sciences and Education at California State (“Cal-State”) University, Bakersfield. Needless
Recreation ..................................10
to say, Kathy was deeply sad about leaving and extremely excited about the new challenge that
lies ahead of her. Kathy had served Western Washington University in numerous important
capacities, including Chair of PEHR. Most recently, she served as Associate Dean for the College
of Humanities and Social Sciences. Most of you have known Kathy, however, as your advisor and
teacher who cared not only for your education, but for your well being. Kathy will be missed and
everyone wishes her the very best in the next chapter of her remarkable career. (Kathy shares her
thoughts about leaving later in this Newsletter).
Second, Dr. Ralph Vernacchia announced his retirement, effective June 2011. Ralph has also been
a pillar in PEHR’s pantheon of excellence. Internally renowned for his work in sports psychology,
I have personally heard him referred to as one of the discipline’s founding pioneers. While Ralph
is known and esteemed worldwide, his commitment has always been to first and foremost to his
students, which is why, as you will read in the profile on “DR. V” later in the Newsletter, he is so
beloved. We will be making plans to celebrate Ralph this year, but one way you can celebrate and The PEHR group outside Carver
say thank you to Ralph and Kathy right now is by making a donation to PEHR in their names.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have made donations. Your support goes directly to enhancing the education of PEHR
students, which has become extraordinarily challenging in these tough economic times. We’re determined, though, that PEHR will not
only hold steady in providing an outstanding education for students, but, thanks to your help, will get even better. In the past, the Western
Foundation conducted its annual Phonathon in February. Now it fundraises year round. So I hope you can make a contribution when someone
calls or whenever you’re in a position to give back so we can move forward in our pursuit of excellence. Again, we appreciate you and everything
you have contributed to PEHR through your work and support.
The most important persons and news are on the pages that follow. We enjoy hearing from you and, better yet, seeing you. So give us a call,
shoot an e-mail, write a letter, or pay a visit. In other words, stay in touch!
Best wishes,
Charles Sylvester
Kinesiology and Physical Education
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION, HEALTH AND RECREATION
Program Update: Events Around the KPE Program:
• The Physical Education Program is now the • The Center for Performance Excellence has part-
Kinesiology and Physical Education Program nered with the Center for Canadian-American
(KPE)! There are now two options in the Studies to present “Campus Connections
Program: Kinesiology and Physical Education Vancouver 2010”. Events included the CPE
(pedagogy). Kinesiology has five specializations: 2010 Distinguished Lecture in Sport Psychology
Sport Psychology, Movement Studies (formerly by Dr. Jon Hammermeister, Army Center for
Fitness Science), Health & Fitness Specialist, Enhanced Performance; Olympic Days at Wade
Pre-Physical Therapy, and Pre-Allied Healthcare King Elementary School; an evening with former
Professions. The B.S. is now in Kinesiology Olympians Erin Porter Bembry and Donovan
instead of Physical Education. The B.A. Ed. In Tildseley; and a community presentation honor-
Physical Education remains the same. This trans- ing Franz Gabl of Bellingham, the 1948 silver
formation reflects modern terminology for this medalist (Austria) in the downhill.
area of study over the past few decades.
• In KIN 409, Functional Assessment of Older
Adults, Dr. Brandi Row and her students study
Faculty Updates: tests that are commonly used with older adults
in clinical
• Dr. LeaAnn Martin has been nominated again
and research
this year for the NASPE Physical Education
environments
Teacher Education Honor Award. The winner
to evaluate bal-
will be announced in March at the AAHPERD
ance, strength,
conference. Dr. Martin also began as Associate
rapid step
Dean for the College of Humanities and Social
performance,
Sciences in August.
cognitive func-
• Dr. Vernacchia received the 2009 Dr. C. Charles tion, aerobic
Brown Award, given by USA Track and Field, endurance, and
for dedication and contributions in sport science coordination.
in the sport of track and field. Seniors from A community volunteer participating
the community in an assessment as part of Dr. Row’s
• Drs. Brandi Row, Kathy Knutzen, and Lorrie join the class KIN 409, Functional Assessment of
Brilla received a Student Technology Fee Grant each Friday Older Adults class, under the watchful
eye of Boo Park.
which was used to purchase a new force platform
and a Bod Pod body composition analyzer to add
to the laboratories.
• Last year, Drs. Kathy Knutzen, Lorrie Brilla, and
Brandi Row received over $100,000 in outside
grants for equipment evaluation and supplement
evaluations in the past two years. Undergraduate
and graduate students have received both experi-
ence and monetary compensation in the previ-
ous year with their involvement in the research
grants.
2
Kinesiology and Physical Education
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION, HEALTH AND RECREATION
Alumni Accomplishments:
• Lisa Summers, physical education teacher
at West Black Hills High School in the
Tumwater School District, was named
National High School Physical Education
Teacher of the Year at the American
Alliance for Health, Physical Education,
Recreation and Dance National Conference
last spring. She is the SECOND Western
Washington University alumnus to win a
National Teacher of the Year Award. Krista
A community volunteer participating in an assessment as part of Winn earned the National Elementary
Dr. Row’s KIN 409, Functional Assessment of Older Adults class.
School Physical Education Teacher of the
morning during the winter quarter in order to Year award several years ago.
serve as the test subjects for the students in the • Amanda Richards, now studying physical
class. For most of the community volunteers, this therapy at the University of Nevada, Las
is the third year that they have participated in the Vegas, has been elected to the Secretary
class, and they are able to track their performance position for the Student Assembly Board
with take-home reports that provide age group of Directors for all 17,000 PT students in
normative results. The students also work in the nation.
groups during the quarter, and create a presenta-
tion that they deliver on one occasion to the class • Tamara Plandel received the Bertha E.
and senior participants. This year, the students Crawford Outstanding Student Teacher
are delivering four presentations on the status Award. She earned this distinction out of
of the research literature on Parkinson’s disease, 450 student teaching interns at Western
Depression & Physical Activity, Osteoarthritis, Washington University.
and Polypharmacy (the use of multiple medica-
tions) & Fall Risk. Last year, the presentations • The Physical Education pedagogy program
involved how to improve on Strength & Power, at Western may be the only program in
Balance, Cognitive Function, and Hand Function the United States to have two prior gradu-
& Dexterity. The students and senior participants ates, Krista Winn at the elementary level
each benefit from their work with the functional and Lisa Summers at the secondary (high
assessment tests, the discussions that follow the school) level, win the NASPE National
presentations, and from the intergenerational Physical Education Teacher award.
exchange.
• Adrienne Long recently assumed the office
of President for the Washington Alliance for
Health, Physical Education, Recreation and
Dance.
3
Kinesiology and Physical Education
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION, HEALTH AND RECREATION
Dr. V Profile Academy at West Point. Vernacchia reached the peak
By Stephanie Castillo of the sports psychology profession as a performance
consultant for the U.S. Track and Field team which
Despite the thousands of lives he has touched as led him to the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney,
a coach, teacher, consultant and adviser, Dr. Ralph Australia. “If we’re talking about how world-class
Vernacchia doesn’t boast about the individual stu- athletes think, well I’ve had the opportunity to listen
dents or athletes he has helped throughout his 37 to them and research what they think, so that when
years at Western Washington University. “It’s more I’m in front of class, there is a certain validity to what
of a process that you see,” he explains. “It’s a develop- I’m talking about,” Vernacchia said. “It’s always been
mental process that we’re all engaged in.” important to me in my career to seek that [validity].”
Really, this is what Vernacchia, or “Dr. V” as his
students and colleagues dotingly call him, has been Olympic Aspirations
teaching as the sport psychology adviser in Western’s
Kinesiology and Physical Education Program. “I Vernacchia has always been inspired by the Olympics.
try to encourage students to take more of an active He was a spectator at the summer games of 1976,
role—take advantage of your advantages,” Vernacchia in Montreal, and 1984, in Los Angeles. But, it was
explains. “Go and talk to a professor, talk to someone at the 2000 Sydney games, when he was no longer a
who is already doing what you want to do and find spectator, that Vernacchia experienced the Olympics
out how they did it … you just see a tremendous on another level. This winter, Vernacchia directed
development.” Dr. V currently teaches two to three the Center of Performance Excellence’s lecture series
classes per quarter, advises all sport psychology majors which combined his passion for sport psychology and
and minors, and heads the sport psychology gradu- the Olympics. The three-part series, co-sponsored by
ate school program. In total, he teaches and advises the Center for Canadian-American Studies, featured
more than 300 Western students each school year. past and present Olympians and sport psycholo-
Luckily, for all past, present and future students who gists and was free to the public.“The Olympic series
seek Vernacchia’s guidance and teachings, his decades was kind of a dream come true—something I’ve
of experience in the field of sport psychology provide always wanted to do for a long time. We had to plan
everything a student might seek in this line of work this out,” Vernacchia said in regard to making the
Olympics series come to life. “The planning process is
to have a dream, and then think; How can we bring
Life Experience this to reality?”
Vernacchia graduated in 1973 with a Doctorate Vernacchia is the founder and director of The Center
in physical education and an emphasis on psycho- of Performance Excellence, which helps Western and
social aspects of physical activity—sport psychol- Bellingham community-members enhance their per-
ogy programs did not exist yet. Vernacchia’s book, formance and quality of life. Leading up to the winter
“Inner Strength,” which he said contains his whole Olympics in nearby Vancouver, BC, the lecture series
life’s work, outlines how his very first coaching and featured Dr. Jon Hammermeister, a U.S. Ski Team
teaching position taught him the importance of the performance psychologist, Olympian Erin Porter
mind-body-spirit relationship as the key to effective Bembry, a former short track speed skater, paralympi-
athletic performance and coaching. Coupled with an swimmer Donovan Tildesley and then Vernacchia
this mentality, his expanding knowledge and expertise himself to close out the series. In Vernacchia’s speech
took him around the world as a well-known and ad- on Feb. 9, that concluded the series three days before
mired sport psychologist. Along with his many years the opening ceremonies, he discussed critical issues
at Western, Vernacchia has worked and studied at the surrounding the future of the Olympic Games such
University of Virginia and the United States Military as financial responsibility and the lasting legacy of
4
Kinesiology and Physical Education
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION, HEALTH AND RECREATION
hosting the Olympics. “This series [was] based around Alumni – Lasting Legacy
bringing people to this campus so they can share those
experiences with these people,” Vernacchia said. “[The Vernacchia said he still tries to keep in contact with
Olympics] is a celebration of the human spirit, [this as many former students and athletes as he can. He
year it’s] right in our own backyard; you don’t even said he thoroughly enjoys updates from running
have to fly to get there.” Ironically, a simple passport into someone, phone calls, e-mails, and even the
mishap forced Vernacchia to experience the games occasional Christmas card. “The great thing about
from this side of the border, as he and his wife were being in education is that you’re in a situation where
unable to cross into Canada. “Well [my wife Carolyn you’re influencing people in a very important time in
and I] were just looking for our passports …, opened their lives when they’re deciding on their future and
them up and they were expired!” Vernacchia joked. talking about their dreams,” Vernacchia said. “You
may lose contact with them for a number of years,
but then all of a sudden hear they’re doing the types
An Olympic-sized Influence of things you remember them talking about—it’s
quite refreshing.”Vernacchia said his former students
In 1987, after coaching for 22 years, Vernacchia
now work in a variety of professions, most of which
decided to focus on teaching the application of sport
are health related, but also include jobs in computer
psychology full-time. Vernacchia said the amount of
science and business. The commonality, however, is
influence and impact his lessons have had on stu-
the professional preparation Western and PEHR
dents during the past 23 years is far greater than he
provided.
anticipated. Western graduate student Kelly Jones,
Vernacchia’s teaching assistant, can easily say she Vernacchia said he does his best to create an atmo-
wouldn’t be where she is today without Vernacchia’s sphere in classrooms where students can relate to his
encouragement and support throughout her school- work and be enthused about their own personal goals.
ing. Vernacchia’s counsel and guidance influenced “Hopefully, the student would be motivated to take
Jones to pursue a master’s degree in sport psychology that step in a direction into their profession and really
as one of his four current graduate students. “He has spend time with someone they consider to be helping
inspired me to continue to pursue higher educa- them realize their dream,” he said. For both Jones
tion by setting an example of going through all the and George, their “someone” has been Vernacchia. “If
educational steps himself,” Jones said. “He is 100 I had to describe Dr. V. to someone, I’d literally say I
percent the reason I’m here. I didn’t apply to or [even] study with one of the greatest ever sport psychology
consider applying to any other graduate school.” minds,” Jones said. “He’s literally one of the best and
one of the most respected in the field—and I get the
Twenty-one-year-old Western senior Michael
privilege to work with him every day.”
George said he has gained real-world perspective
after taking three classes with Vernacchia. “He is the
perfect example of passion and genuinely following Author Bio:
your dreams, and committing to what you are truly
Stephanie Castillo is a senior at Western
passionate about,” George said. “He has put into
Washington University majoring in journal-
perspective for me just how much it takes in order
ism and minoring in sport psychology. She has
to follow your dreams to the fullest.” George, who
worked as a reporter and editor for The Western
attends New York University to complete a doctorate
Front and Klipsun Magazine, and currently
in physical therapy, will get a chance to fulfill those
works as the Bellingham Herald’s sports clerk.
dreams thanks to Vernacchia’s influence. “That is one
thing that is so powerful about what he teaches. Sport
psychology has the power to change lives and it has
definitely made a solid impact on mine,” George said.
5
Kinesiology and Physical Education
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION, HEALTH AND RECREATION
Farewell from Physical Therapist Wren McLaughlin
Kathy Knutzen Receives Mary McMillan Scholarship Award
from The American Physical Therapy Association
“After 33 years of teaching
Alexandria, VA
in the PEHR Department
at WWU, I am leaving to Physical therapist and member of the American
take a position as Dean, Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Wren
School of Social Sciences McLaughlin, PT, DPT, of Bellingham, Washington,
and Education, at Cal- received the APTA Mary McMillan Scholarship
State Bakersfield. This is an exciting time for me as Award. She was honored during an awards cer-
I move out of my WWU comfort zone and take on emony at PT 2010: APTA’s Annual Conference and
a new set of responsibilities. As I reflect back on my Exposition, held in Boston, June 2010. Now returned
time at WWU, I feel so fortunate and blessed to have to Bellingham, she has been working at Core Physical
worked with all of you over the years. It was such a Therapy in Fairhaven since the summer of 2010.
privilege to serve as an advisor to many of you and I
enjoyed getting to know all of you in the classroom McLaughlin, a graduate of Duke University, recently
environment. In the end, the important aspect of my completed an internship at Haukeland University
job was not teaching you Newton’s Laws, but rather it Hospital in Bergen, Norway, where she participated
was getting to know you, hearing about your dreams in a pilot peer-learning program with Norwegian
and aspirations, and contributing in some small way physical therapy students. As the recipient of the
to assist you in achieving those dreams. You made Albert Schweitzer Fellowship, she developed a com-
my job worthwhile and there was never a day that munity outreach program for mothers of babies in the
was boring, mainly because of your interesting life Intensive Care Nursery.
stories and the positive learning environment that we
While at Duke, McLaughlin was an active stu-
participated in together. It was the interaction that
dent member of APTA, serving as Director of
we had on a personal level that leaves a footprint on
the Section on Women’s Health Student Special
my heart and I will remember many of you forever.
Interest Group. She was also a member of APTA’s
Life is change and this change for me will be excit-
Oncology, Cardiopulmonary, and Health Policy &
ing and challenging. I wish you success in life and
Administration Sections.
hope that life is also rewarding for you. Don’t hesitate
to pursue those dreams you have and keep integrity APTA’s Mary McMillan Scholarship Award honors
and honesty at the forefront of your actions. And you Mary McMillan (Deceased 1959) who was a dedi-
know, whether I am in Bakersfield or in Bellingham, cated pioneer of physical therapy in the United States
I am always here to support and encourage you in and abroad. This award recognizes outstanding physi-
any way I can. So this is farewell from WWU but not cal therapy students who are nearing the completion
goodbye as I hope to continue to hear about your life of their program of study. The American Physical
successes at kathy.knutzen@wwu.edu or at my new Therapy Association (APTA) represents more than
CSU-Bakersfield email at kknutzen@csub.edu. 74,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assis-
tants, and students of physical therapy nationwide.
6
Community Health
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION, HEALTH AND RECREATION
It has been an exciting year for the Community Health program.
We welcomed 19 Seniors into the major. You can read more about them and the goals they set as a class in the
following pages. We also accepted 18 students into the 2010-2011 class; they have just completed, with Dr. Ying
Li, their first 400-level course: Methods and Materials in Health Education. During Spring quarter, they take
Community Health with Dr. Jeanne Freeman and participate in the annual Food4Tots project for the Bellingham
Food Bank.
We have been approved by the Society for Public Health Education and the American Association of Health
Education to apply for SABPAC approval. SABPAC (SOPHE-AAHE Baccalaureate Program Approval
Committee) approval is a way that the Health Education profession monitors undergraduate Health Education
preparation programs throughout the United States. The process involves a program self-study, fee, and site visit by a
team of Health Education professionals. The SABPAC process only approves community health education programs
that utilize the seven areas of core responsibilities which define the practice of professional health educators. These
seven responsibilities are the basis for the national Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam, offered
through the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. Program accreditation (versus approv-
al) is still on the horizon. When the details of that process are finalized, approved programs will be “grandfathered
in” for the first cycle. We have a great deal of work to do in the preparation of our SABPAC document and may be
in contact with some of you for information.
Other exciting news includes the addition of a new course in Public Health. As part of a nationwide initiative to
educate citizens about public health, we were encouraged by former College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Dean, Ron Kleinknect, to offer a public health course. Dr. Freeman developed and taught two sections of the course
this year (read more about it in the following pages). The course has been accepted and approved as a Social Science
General University Requirement (GUR) option by the University’s Academic Coordinating Commission.
Our graduates continue to do well on the national CHES exam. We have maintained a 100% pass rate and our
scores average higher than the national. Last year, the national average score was 105, with a 77% pass rate. Our
students’ average score was 121. Congratulations to all new CHES!
We hope you enjoy reading about our former and current majors. Please stay in touch so we can include you in our
newsletter updates and please consider supporting our projects, especially in light of diminishing funds for higher
education.
Billie J. Lindsey, EdD, CHES
Program Coordinator
Community Health
7
Community Health
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION, HEALTH AND RECREATION
The NEW Introduction to Manager of Online Communications and Special
Projects with ehealth Initiative in Washington, D.C..
Public Health Course.
Shannon Rothbauer ‘08 continues great work in
In Dr. Freeman’s course, students study the role STI prevention with Tacoma Pierce County Health
of public health in their lives and the impact of Department. Lisa Mitchell ‘08 recently received
public health initiatives around the country and a grant to develop a prevention program related
world. Guest speakers from various divisions of the to youth gambling. She continues to coordinate
Whatcom County Health Department visit class to the methamphetamine prevention project under
share their career paths and work responsibilities. the supervision of former major, Carol Hawk ’99,
Students read Tracy Kidder’s Mountains Beyond current Director of Community Outreach Programs
Mountains, the story of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Harvard at United General Hospital. Sara Haug ’08, is a
physician who opened medical clinics in Haiti. In Health Education Coordinator with the Community
addition, students discuss public health principles, HealthCorps VISTA program at the William F. Ryan
public health advocacy skills, and current events. We Community Health Center in Manhattan. Amanda
are excited about the opportunity to enhance Western Howard ‘09 is working with former major, Meagan
students’ understanding of the scope and importance (Rylander) Darrow ‘06 with the Community Schools
of public health, as well as engage potential students Collaboration program in Tukwila. Allegra, Katie,
to become outstanding Community Health majors. and Lisa are assisting with the Social Marketing
campaigns this year: respectively, teen pregnancy
prevention, oral health during pregnancy, and
Where are they now? methamphetamine prevention with disadvantaged
youth in Skagit county.
Afomeia Tesfai ’04 is a Project Manager with Seattle’s
Free and Clear, Inc. Smoking Cessation program.
Karissa McClane ’05 has returned to Eastern
Washington as the Executive Director of Room One,
a crisis, advocacy, and referral program responding
to physical, emotional, and mental health needs of
Methow Valley residents. Erin Larsen Cooper ‘05,
home from her Peace Corps assignment in Ugunda,
was our Senior luncheon speaker last Spring. Erin
is now working on her MPH at the University of
Washington. She also volunteers with Washington
Health Foundation and is the Peace Corps
representative at UW. Adrienne Wilson ’05 is the
Medical Education Coordinator at Seattle’s Swedish We have had a number of students continue their
Hospital. Allegra Bergdahl ’07 is the Mount Baker professional paths in the allied health field. Jerry
Planned Parenthood Staff Development Coordinator. Benally ‘04 is an RN at Crownpoint Health Center
Douglas Hayes ’07 is a SeaMar Community Health on the Navajo Reservation. Janet Li ‘04 is an R.N.
Center Health Educator in Bellingham. Katie with Franciscan Health Systems. Lindsey Hurd ‘06
Meehan ’07 is the Dental Access Coordinator at is a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner in Bellevue,
Interfaith Community Health Center in Bellingham. Washington. Tiffany Barton ‘06 is a Physician
Michelle Nunez ’07 is the health education Assistant in General Surgery with the Everett
coordinator in Childhood Injury Prevention at Mary Providence Regional Medical Center.
Bridge Hospital and the Safe Kids Coordinator
for Pierce County. Brett Andreasen ‘08, is the
8
Community Health
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION, HEALTH AND RECREATION
Those currently in nursing school include Emily As a class, we believe in
Crump, Rebecca (Brummel) Hall, Callie (White)
Higgs, and Rachel (Falk) Hass. Amy Robertson • being good role models
and Britt Ekornas are completing the Diagnostic • acting in an ethical manner
Ultrasound Program at Bellevue College.
• advocating for Community Health
In the Fall quarter Principles and Foundations of • participating in our communities
Health Education course, Seniors ‘10 brainstormed
their class mission and guiding principles. This year’s • developing a better understanding of our pas-
class will be scattered across the state and globe as sions and our professional goals
they complete their internships. We were honored • learning inside and outside the classroom
to be part of their education. This group of women
is “going places” and I hope many of you will meet
many of them in the near future.
As Community Health Seniors 2010, we will
cultivate a supportive, respectful, and enthusiastic
environment on our journey to acquire the health
education knowledge and skills that will enable us to
be outstanding professional health educators.
To create this environment, we will
• embrace diversity of others’ experiences and
perspectives
• encourage one another in professional pursuits
• create a safe environment for expression
• support our classmates and our professors
• assume good intentions
• take negatives and turn them into positives
• be open minded and willing to change
• be conscious of our assumptions
• use our strengths to help and teach our peers/
learn from the strengths of our peers
• be accountable Congratulations to our award winners Kaylee Knowles,
Spirit of Health Education; Melissa Morin, Evelyn Ames CHES;
• be flexible
Melissa Mead, Outstanding Major.
• challenge ourselves to grow
9
Recreation Program
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION, HEALTH AND RECREATION
Recreation Program News 2010 leadership. Blessed with a beautiful voice, Morgan
sang that evening as her gift to the Phase.
Keith Russell On a more academic front, the faculty is continuously
Recreation Program Coordinator working on improving the curriculum in our quest for
excellence. Although it’s always been one of our goals,
Hello fellow Phasers!! I hope this letter finds you and we formalized social justice as one of the overarching
your family well. This is my first note as Coordinator themes of the curriculum, believing that we should
of the Recreation Program, and I want to take the be preparing professionals to deliver the best leisure
opportunity to celebrate and honor the years and services possible to all people. Keith Russell orga-
dedication that Charlie has put into this position and nized a panel on social justice for the Leisure and
share a few highlights with you on what the students, Society class in the fall consisting of Megan Kennedy
faculty, alumni, and friends of the program have (2001), Ted Hope, and Keith Poynter. The verdict
been up to recently. It is indeed my pleasure to serve was unanimous that the experience was enlightening,
as the new Program Coordinator as Charlie serves empowering, and inspiring, certainly one of the most
the Department of Physical Education, Health, and powerful classes we’ve had.
Recreation as Chair. We have all been fortunate to
have Charlie’s committed leadership and mentor- The Professional Advisory Committee, consisting of
ship for so many years, so please join me in thanking Dunham Gooding, Mickey Fearn, Paul Leuthold,
him for his tireless dedication and commitment to Megan Kennedy, and Brit Kramer, met with the
the program. As they say, “most of us do not drink faculty in the spring to also talk about social justice.
from wells which we ourselves have dug.” I know The focus of the discussion was on how professionals
that is the case with the Recreation program, and I conceptualize social justice and how issues of equality
am thankful for Charlie, Jill, Jim, Ron, Randy, and and developing and delivering recreation services for
others for digging a well that has and will continue all individuals affects their daily lives as leaders and
to sustain us for years to come. I know I speak for practitioners of recreation organizations. The discus-
the faculty of PEHR in saying that we are fortunate sion was thoughtful and engaging, with the outcomes
to now have him as our department chair as we move of the session being currently woven into our curricu-
forward during these challenging times. lum and courses. We continue to strive to deepen our
knowledge and understanding of social justice and it
The 22nd Senior Banquet in December was again a will continue to guide our teaching and learning in
success. Ms. Cecile Andrews, Seattle-based author of the program.
the acclaimed book, Slow is Beautiful: New Visions
of Community, Leisure, and Joie de Vivre, was the I also want to take the opportunity to welcome
keynote speaker. She was terrific and struck up an Lindsay Poynter back to the Recreation Program as
immediate kinship with the Recreation Program. an instructor in Therapeutic recreation-related cours-
If you ever have opportunity to hear Cecile speak, I es. Lindsay graduated from the program in 1998,
recommend her highly. Of course, I urge you to read and has since received her Masters in Counseling
her book, too, which is a celebration of leisure and Psychology from Naropa University in Colorado. She
those who help make quality leisure experiences pos- is a practicing therapist in Bellingham in addition
sible. Ashley Burke (1999) was the alumni speaker. to her teaching, and brings to the program a wealth
Her well-chosen words touched everyone, especially of professional experience and a passion and com-
parents, who witnessed the lasting effect the Phase mitment to serving youth and families in a variety of
has on students well into their lives after graduation. educational and therapeutic settings. Please join me
Awards that evening were given to Renee Reynolds in welcoming Lindsay to the program.
as outstanding student and Morgan Olson for her
10
Recreation Program
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION, HEALTH AND RECREATION
There’s more I could write, but I prefer to give space Randall Burtz
to stories about and from students, faculty, and alums. Assistant Professor, Recreation
Before closing, I wish to thank everyone who made
contributions to the Recreation Program Foundation, Hi everyone! It is hard to believe that I am already in
the Legacy Scholarship, and the Recreation Faculty my 7th year in the Recreation Program. I remember
Scholarship. Your donations make it possible for us when I first came to WWU, Jim, Jill, and Charlie
to support and enrich students’ education. We rely on were discussing students from years past and I had
and greatly appreciate your support, especially during little understanding of the relationships built through
these tough economic times. Please continue to help this program. I have now seen over 300 students
us support each generation of Phasers, who go on to graduate from the Phase and have had the oppor-
become part of the wonderful tradition we share in tunity to establish those relationships with so many
common. of you. What an honor. I now understand why the
faculty would speak of those relationships with such
Best wishes, reverence.
Keith
Recreation Program Coordinator On other fronts, this year has been quite an adventure
for me. My “baby” boys have just turned 2 and 5,
and being a Dad has thus far been the adventure of
Charles Sylvester a lifetime. Carson (age 5) has just announced that
he is going to be a paleontologist and that we just
Not long ago I was writing about Jim Moore ap- have to go on a dino-dig to Colorado, since everyone
proaching—actually skipping toward—retirement. knows (in his words) that the best dinosaur digging is
Well, he did retire happily for a year, living with his in Colorado. You’ll never guess where we’ll be going
wife, Jan, in Morro Bay, California. However, he next summer…
returned last year to help us out by teaching part-time
in the Phase. Having Jim around has been great for On the professional side, I have recently completed a
everyone. We wish to thank Jim for taking a final ride chapter on strategic planning in a management text
on the good ship “Phase” for one more tour of duty. book produced by the National Parks and Recreation
It’s been fun. Association (it should hit the stands this fall). I
am also working with the Washington Parks and
I had the pleasure of having dinner and then lunch Recreation Association (WRPA) on their cultural
with Ron Riggins recently. Ron was Recreation competency initiative which has been some excit-
Program Coordinator when I was hired 27 years ing work. I have also presented a paper on cultural
ago, so hanging out and reminiscing with one of the competency at the World Leisure Congress in South
persons responsible for hiring me was very special. Korea. The theme for this year was defining and
Needless to say, our meals together were rich with creating culture through leisure, so I am very thankful
good memories of Phases near and far, all of which that I had the opportunity to travel and discuss the
are close to our hearts. work that WRPA is doing.
As Keith mentioned in his comments as the new Well, there’s my life in about 300 words. I hope your
Recreation Program Coordinator, after twenty years I life has been as filled with wonder, adventure, and
leave as Coordinator. I’ve been honored and privi- professional fulfillment as mine has been. And as we
leged to lead with faculty, staff, students, and alumni, implore you every year, please stay in contact. We
since, as you know, the Phase is a “group project” that love to hear from you!
requires the leadership of all. We’re very fortunate
now to have Keith leading with us.
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Recreation Program
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION, HEALTH AND RECREATION
Jill Heckathorn journeys and am completing my first Phase IV this
Senior Instructor, Recreation fall that I have been with since Phase I. On a per-
sonal level, my wife Sheri, our two little girls Alena
Greetings. It is hard to believe that over a year has (9) and Maysie (6), our dogs Dodger and newly
passed and it is once again time for me to write my adopted Jackson, and kitty Annabelle, continue to in-
annual ‘blurb’ for the newsletter. The good news is tegrate into the wonderful community of Bellingham.
that my life, both in and out of work, continues to Sheri has started a mediation business (Bellingham
fulfill me and challenge me in the best possible ways. Mediation) and conducts mediations and training for
The program continues to thrive and after almost 30 the non-profit Northwest Dispute Resolution Center.
years of teaching (yikes!) phasers continue to surprise She loves helping people find common interests and
me and humble me. It was certainly a change to have the community of friends and professionals she has
Charlie assume the Department Chair position last developed through her work. Alena is dancing and
year; where we are missing his regular presence in acting and loving fifth grade and Maysie continues
the Recreation Office we are trying to be good sports her swimming lessons and playing soccer for the
about sharing him. (By the way, he is an extraordi- mighty Galloping Ponies, though her coach (me-
nary leader!) yikes!) could use a few pointers. Dodger has a new
friend, 2-year old Chesapeake Bay Retriever / Border
The biggest change on the home front was my son Collie mix Jackson. Though he is a pill sometimes
Jake’s graduation from high school and comple- (currently I have no slippers) and has endless energy,
tion of his first year of college at Southern Oregon he is grateful for us adopting him from the shelter
University. He is enjoying Ashland, taught at the and taking him on long walks through the arboretum.
local ski area, started a mountain bike club and
somehow managed to make it to classes. He is happy Professionally, I have been enjoying the rhythm of the
and Glenn and I are slowly getting used to a quieter phases and the challenge of being an educator in an
house and a fuller refrigerator! institution that respects and values teaching as much
as I do. With Charlie, Jill, and Randy providing mor-
I came across the following quote yesterday which al and technical support, I have refined some of my
has me reflecting on ‘the phase’ and the work we do courses and continue to explore new ways of making
in the world... learning engaging, challenging, and fun for our stu-
“When we come together to play and be, we are truly dents. I continue to write and publish in the area of
ourselves. When we are truly ourselves it is wonder- the therapeutic use of recreation and nature for youth.
ful...and when we act collectively in that wonder we I recently completed a book chapter on the adolescent
do transformative work for our community and our mental health service delivery and social justice and
world.” (Brad Colby) am currently working on a chapter for the Handbook
of Environmental Psychology for Oxford University
Press and a book on Adventure Therapy with two
colleagues. I look forward to seeing you all when you
Keith C Russell are in Bellingham or at alumni events. It seems that
Associate Professor, Recreation everywhere I go I run into a former Phaser. What
a wonderful network you have all developed. Please
Greetings from Bellingham! It is hard to believe an-
stay in touch and get outside and play!!
other year has gone past. It seems like just yesterday
that I was still trying to find my way around WWU
after our arrival from Minnesota. In a strange twist,
it also feels as though I have been at WWU en-
meshed in the Phase system longer than only 2 years!
I have witnessed two Phase IVs embark on their next
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Recreation Program
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION, HEALTH AND RECREATION
Megan Kennedy sional endeavors that I am involved in today and I am
Alumni (2001), and In-coming Professional honored to join the Professional Advisory Committee
Advisory Committee Member this spring!
As a graduate of the Recreation Department in 2001,
I have been engaged with my Seattle community and Lindsay Poynter
East King County for the past nine years through Alumni (1998) and Instructor in
arts, recreation and social services. In 2001, I estab- Challenge Course Facilitation
lished a youth drop-in center through the Bellevue
The winter I graduated from the Recreation program,
Boys & Girls Club. Situated within a low-income
campus email was born, the cell phone in my car had
housing site called Spiritwood Manor, the program
to be stored in a small suitcase, and I proudly wore
serves as an afterschool and summer program for
my first ever polypropylene shirt. I was in my early
youth residents 6-19 years old. In 2003, I launched
twenties, didn’t have a clear plan, yet the economy
Prevention & Wellness Services at Cornish College
was booming and I was up for anything. With Jill’s
of the Arts, and through the creative input of graphic
departing words to “follow my heart and the money
design students, we were able to launch an innova-
would follow” I headed out of Bellingham with hopes
tive tobacco prevention campaign with King County
to work outdoors with girls and women.
Public Health. During this period of time, I obtained
my Master’s Degree in Applied Behavioral Science The first eight years I moved twelve times and landed
from the Leadership Institute of Seattle at Bastyr some amazing jobs in beautiful places. I felt equipped
University, which focused on organizational develop- to be out in the field doing what I loved, yet had not
ment, consulting and counseling and strengthened grasped how much working with others in the field
my ability to communicate effectively with individu- would in turn build my own character. Tonight,
als, small groups, and communities at large. when I close my eyes, I can see the glow of the first
fire built with wet wood and conscious metaphor; the
In my current position as Outreach Supervisor at
faces of inner-city youth smiling, covered in mud, and
Youth Eastside Services (Bellevue, Washington), I
wincing as they take their first bite of pickle weed;
provide clinical supervision to mental health coun-
and I can hear unbridled screams of adolescent girls
selors positioned within community-based recre-
jumping into an ice-cold Yosemite stream after a
ation centers such as the Firehouse Teen Center in
lifetime of never leaving the city.
Redmond, Kirkland Teen Union Building, Ground
Zero Teen Center and Crossroads Community With a desire to know how to guide people even
Center. I also oversee other various community deeper on their life journeys, I decided to get a
outreach programs such as Violence Prevention, Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology with an
Youth Court, Juventud Segura, Latino H.E.A.T. and emphasis in Wilderness Therapy. I attended Naropa
B-GLAD. Most recently, I combined my interests in University in Boulder, CO, which matched Western
arts/media and community-organizing by co-produc- in its commitment to experiential learning, academic
ing/directing a film that features 26 youth re-teaching excellence, and self-growth. Following graduation
gender and sexuality called PUT THIS ON THE from my Master’s program, I decided I was done
{MAP}. moving and that my next adventure would be to
stay in one place. I made a passing suggestion to
Along with being a “Phaser,” I was also deeply in-
my husband that we should move to the PNW and
volved with the Lifestyle Advisor Program through
fortunately for me, the beauty of this place did the
Prevention & Wellness Services. My commitment
majority of convincing and we moved to Bellingham.
to health and wellness, recreation, and anti-racism/
oppression create the intersection of all the profes- Currently, we have seven chickens, a big garden in a
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Recreation Program
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION, HEALTH AND RECREATION
little space, two dogs, a cat, and have not moved since Jordanne Beasley
2005. I’ve continued to work as a Mental Health Current Recreation Student
Therapist both in private practice as well as with Mt.
Baker School District integrating nature-based activi- The reason I stayed at Western. That is what the
ties and experiences whenever possible. Recently, I’ve Recreation Program has done for me. I was uncertain
been offered the assignment of teaching part-time in about my future and the correct career path to take. I
the Recreation program, an opportunity that I do not was looking into transferring and moving home when
take lightly and one which gives me the chance to I stumbled upon this opportunity. The Recreation
duly honor all the inspiring teachers I have had along Program is compiled of four emphasis areas: Tourism,
the way. As my students are already learning, I love Outdoor, Community, and Therapeutic. Each of these
quotes. So, I will leave you all with one that speaks to categories branch into so many different job oppor-
me about this phase in my life. Phase 5? tunities it is unreal! With occupations ranging from
wilderness therapy guides, to parks and recreation
“At its core, adventure is the willingness to commit to an managers, there is a niche for everyone.
uncertain outcome with an open heart and an open mind.
It is the ability to take a leap into the unknown with Here the professors know you by name and are there
mindfulness and grace. Framed this way, opportunities to help you with any questions you have, school relat-
for adventure present themselves to us every day.” ed or otherwise. You will also meet people so passion-
- unknown ate about what they are doing it is quite infectious.
Being a part of this program has not only given me
a solid group of friends but proof that you can love
what you do. I never get tired of answering people’s
questions about what the Recreation Program is and
what I plan to do with my life. If you were interested-
I am studying with a Community emphasis and hope
to be either an Athletic Coordinator at a College,
involved with a Parks and Recreation Department, or
an Activity Director at an assisted living home. Every
day I am excited for class and for sharing the infor-
mation I am learning with others. To me, this pro-
gram embodies what life should be about. As corny
as that may sound, becoming a recreation major is the
best thing I have done in my academic career and I
have never questioned that. It is definitely a program
worth looking into and one of the best departments
Western has to offer.
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