WALH1005 - Becoming a Certified Health Education Specialist: Taking it to the next level earning the CHES or MCHES Credential

Kim Kato

Dr. Kato is the Program Director for the Ph.D. and M.S. Health Education and Promotion programs in the School of Health Sciences at Walden University (2015 – present). She earned a B.S. in Human Nutrition and Physical Fitness (1997) and an M.Ed. in Curriculum Instruction in Health Education (1999) both from the University of Missouri-Columbia. In 2005, Dr. Kato earned her Ed.D. in Health Education from the University of Kansas. Dr. Kato was formally the Department Chair for the Health and Exercise Science Department at MidAmerica Nazarene University (2011-2015). She has served as a Contributing Faculty member of the BS Health Studies program in the School of Health Sciences at Walden University (2010-2015).

Prior to MNU, she held the position as Associate Tenured Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science at Stephen F. Austin State University (2005-2011). In 2011, Dr. Kato received the MU College of Education, Alumni Citation of Merit for Outstanding Achievement and Meritorious Service. Dr. Kato was named the Texas Association for Health and Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, 2010 Health Teacher of the Year. She was also awarded the Stephen F. Austin State’s 2009 Teaching Excellence Award for the College of Education and the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science. Dr. Kato’s research interests include health and physical activity curriculum, health and exercise promotion,sports nutrition education, body image esteem, and health education online teaching and learning practices.

Dr. Kato has earned credentials as a Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) and Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist (PAPHS). Dr. Kato is a member of the Society for Public Health Educators (SOPHE) and SOPHE Midwest chapter. She has served on the SOPHE Midwest chapter executive committee member for continuing education and public relations. Dr. Kato is also a member of the Society for Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) and served as a SHAPE health education council member. She has also served as an executive board member for the YMCA of Platte County, MO.