Jyl Steinback is executive director of Shape Up US and creator of the Hip Hop Healthy Heart Program for Children.^TM  The program is an innovative K-6th grade comprehensive teacher education wellness curriculum (mind, body and mindfulness) that has been created to build a culture of health through its educational system to transform schools, families and communities. The program has an emphasis on heart health that uses a unique mix of art, music and positive thinking to motivate children to build a foundation of wellness. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, the program is an innovative solution for bringing wellness and physical education back into America’s schools and into children’s households. An excerpt of an interview with Steinback follows:

What career path led to your profession (Executive Director of Shape Up US)?

I have a BA in Elementary Education with a minor in Physical Education. I am also a Homeopathic Practitioner. My passion is educating the “whole child.” I have worked in the health and wellness industry for more than 30 years as educator, speaker, author and lifestyle coach. I have sold more than 2 million copies of my series, “Busy Moms” that educate consumers to change their lifestyle by making positive choices through proper nutrition, exercise and healthy living. I have taught in elementary, middle and high school classrooms, first as a volunteer and then as a spokesperson teaching health and wellness. I am passionate about making a difference.

What educational background and/or professional training are essential for this profession?

In my opinion, let education help you grow your passions to be the best that you can be. My passion and excitement about helping other people to heal and grow to be the best that they can be took me back to school to learn more about my dreams and mission of helping others. I recently graduated as a Homeopathic Practitioner.

What influenced you to pursue a career in your profession?

When my daughter was three years old, I started going into the schools teaching health and wellness in her classroom. Each year as my daughter went into the next grade, I went with her and would begin teaching in that classroom. That is what influenced and created my vision for the Hip Hop Healthy Heart Program for Children.™ I would ask myself, “What does it take to build a culture of health and how can we implement it through our educational system where children spend most of their time?”

What professional, civic or community organization do you belong?

I work with the Department of Education, Sustainable Living organizations, financial organizations, hospitals, dental organizations and schools throughout the US. Shape Up US is a partner with the President’s Challenge Physical Activity and Fitness Program. The goal of the partnership is to provide a comprehensive wellness program for K-6th grade students through the Hip Hop Healthy Heart Program for Children.^TM

What advice do you give to students who desire to pursue a career as a teacher?

Follow your passion, think outside the box to educate, make it fun and exciting, laugh out loud and take 10 minute breaks every 50 minutes. Get up and dance, listen to music and meditate once a day with your students. Tell your students something great about themselves everyday. Listen and love them from your heart and give them a hug everyday. Everyone has a story – we are all like plants and we need to be loved and nourished unconditionally to grow to become healthy and happy adults. Love your students unconditionally as if they were your own. To me that makes an extraordinary teacher.

What is unique about the program?

This program has eight modules that integrate a full-spectrum of self-discovery and self-esteem techniques in addition to health and wellness information. The techniques include stress reduction, creativity building, positive group dynamics, critical thinking, character development and community involvement. For further information, contact Steinback at [email protected], www,ShapeUpUS.org or 602-996-6300.

Dr. Ronald Holmes is the author of 11 books: “Jacob’s Dream! A Lesson on Alphabets and Continents,” “How to Eradicate Bullying,” “Education Questions to be Answered,” “Current Issues and Answers in Education,” “How to Eradicate Hazing,” “Professional Career Paths,” “Your Answers to Education Questions,” “How to revitalize the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.” “Completing the Dissertation: Tips, techniques and real-life experiences from Ph.D. graduates.” “Jacob’s Dream, A Story of Careers for Children” and Jacob’s Dream, A Story of Animals in Africa. He is publisher of “The Holmes Education Post,” an education focused Internet newspaper.  Holmes is a former teacher, school administrator and district superintendent. He can be reached at [email protected]