[naviga:h2]Marie Beach,[/naviga:h2]

Healthy Schools Coordinator

Department of Health

"I really enjoy presenting to and working with school principals and staff and parents."

Marie Beach's career path is an extension of her interest and involvement in the health and fitness industry for over 27 years.

She has also spent two years as a speech-language pathologist and 15 months as a Language Program Supervisor.

"I felt this job would compliment and combine what I already understood about schools and ways that I could positively influence the health of Bermuda's school-aged children."

She holds a bachelors and master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology and is currently acquiring her PhD in Health Administration because she needs an understanding of the nature and function of public health — with a particular focus on the health of children and teens.

Ms Beach regularly meets with the Ministry of Education, schools and government and community partners to assist in improving the health of students and staff, through eight areas of health.

"I really enjoy presenting to and working with school principals and staff — and parents, because when they understand and practice healthy habits, they are positive health role models for students."

"I focus quite a bit on finding opportunities to educate the adults who support the children about ways to improve their health status or maintain good health, through 'Healthy Lifestyles' Lunch 'N Learns and workshops in corporate and government agencies.

As for rewards, Ms Beach believes having both students and teachers relate a health fact heard in one of her presentations to their life, and question how they can improve an area in their lifestyle, is reward enough.