Sarah Benes

Sarah Sparrow Benes, EdD, CHES, is an Associate Clinical Professor in the School of Health Sciences at Merrimack College. Sarah teaches a variety of undergraduate- and graduate-level courses in health sciences, does service projects in local communities, and conducts research on health education and physical activity in schools. Dr. Benes was the program director for physical and health education programs at Boston University for six years before coming to Merrimack College. She has numerous publications in refereed journals and has written chapters examining health education; she has also made more than a dozen presentations on skills-based health education and related topics at state and regional conferences. Sarah is currently serving on the Board of Directors of SHAPE America and is the former vice president of health education for the Massachusetts Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Dr. Benes consults with school districts on health and wellness issues, with a focus on skills-based curriculum development and implementation. She is a certified health education specialist, a certified Mental Health First Aid instructor, and a member of SHAPE America. Sarah received a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from the University of Connecticut, a master’s degree in education from Boston University, and a doctorate in curriculum and teaching from Boston University; she is currently working on a master of public health degree. She lives in Natick, Massachusetts, with her husband, two daughters, and yellow Labrador retriever. She enjoys spending time with her family on nature walks and enjoying the sights and sounds of the Northeast.