Marcia Quackenbush, MS, MFT, MCHES (approved)
Health Education Specialist/Photographer at ETR Associates

“In my career as a health educator, I’ve had the privilege of learning from some amazing people–mentors, colleagues, clients, people at conferences, leaders in the field, writers of books. They have made health education come alive for me. Becoming MCHES certified was a way of affirming the value of all that has been shared with me so generously. It is my hope that this distinction will help me pass these things along to others in the field.”

Susanna Lam, MPH, MCHES (approved)
Health Educator with Los Angeles County, Department of Public Health in the Lead Program

“The reason why I decided to become MCHES certified is that I strongly believe in the principles of Health Education and the standardization of them. Having an opportunity to be acknowledged for my advanced-level practice is very important to me and challenges me to reach the next level of achievement. Most importantly, it is a great distinction between entry and advanced level practice that many of us in the field have been waiting for. It really is an honor to have this certification.”

Patricia A. Frye, DrPH, MPA, CPH, MCHES (approved)
Director, Health Disparities Evaluation Core
Institute for Improvement of Minority Health and Health Disparities in the Delta Region

“In order to reduce disparities in health, based on geographic locations and minority status, it is imperative that we have effective health promotion and education programs. Having the designation of MCHES is an indication that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to design, develop, implement and evaluate programs that can be effective. “

Eric Aakko, MS, MCHES (approved)
Healthy Living Branch Unit Director, Physical Activity and Nutrition at the Colorado Department of Public Health

“I chose the MCHES because after working for 17 years in public health promotion, with the last 7 in leadership and management, it’s a great way to acknowledge the advanced competencies that naturally arise in working in complex positions.”

Limary Crespo, MPH, MCHES (approved)
Development and Health Promotion Manager at Corporación de Servicios Médicos Primarios y Prevención de Hatillo in Hatillo, Puerto Rico

"Becoming an MCHES is a great achievement in my professional career. This certification is a distinction for us, Health Educators, that are performing diverse and advanced level duties at our workplace. MCHES confirms my commitment wih my profession, the community, my employer and myself."

Mary Suagee-Beauduy, MSW/MPH
LISW, LCSW, DCSW, CTTS, MCHES (approved)
Director, Public Health Education Phoenix Unit

“I hope that the MCHES will become a certification that more and more CHES will see as necessary as part of their professional growth. Becoming a CHES was an excellent opportunity for me to review what I learned in graduate school (completed 18 years previously!) and to help me focus that body of knowledge on my current position. As a discipline, I think it is essential to all have the same body of knowledge as a foundation upon which to build, to give us the same language, and to establish a network of professionals with common goals. I am excited that NCHEC has undergone this rigorous process to establish the advanced level of credentialing! It will be extremely helpful to have continuing education credit opportunities separated into basic and advanced levels as we go forward. I am honored to have been deemed worthy as a MCHES. Thank you, NCHEC!”

Anita Ruff, MPH, MCHES (approved)
Deputy Director of Administration Early Detection & Intervention for the
Prevention of Psychosis Program for the Maine Medical Center

“As to why I sought the MCHES designation, I believe that as health educators, in order to advance our profession as a whole and ourselves as practitioners, we have to hold ourselves to the highest standards possible so that others recognize the unique contributions we make. I also think we have to commit ourselves to lifelong learning and continuous reflection on our experience, contributions, and opportunities.”

Raffy R. Luquis, Ph.D., FAAHE, MCHES (approved)
Associate Professor of Health Education
Penn State University - Harrisburg

“By completing the Experience Documentation Opportunity for the Master Certified Health Education Specialist, I was able to assess my advance-level professional experiences, knowledge and skills in health education. In addition, I believed that the MCHES serves as a key strategy in the advancement of health educators nationwide.”

Stacy Thorne, PhD, MPH, MCHES (approved)
Health Scientist
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Epidemiology Branch
Office on Smoking and Health

“I initially decided to get my MCHES certification because I realized that after my doctorate degree and practicing public health at a higher level for over five years, I wanted a certification that would set me apart from others when working in the public health field. Also I believe that the MCHES has the potential to help those who have been practicing public health for awhile to set them apart from others in today’s workforce. Additionally, I wanted to be in the inaugural group of applicants who are obtaining this important certification.”