Meet the Authors

Dr. Kristen Ford is a full professor at Concordia College (Moorhead, Minnesota).  She teaches in both the undergraduate and graduate programs.  She is the director of both the K-12 physical education and health programs (undergraduate and graduate) and teaches general secondary education methods courses.  She is a co-trainer and instructional designer for SchoolsAlive!  Dr. Ford’s academic preparation includes an undergraduate degree in Physical Education and Health (Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota), a master’s degree in School Health Education (University of Wisconsin, La Crosse), and a Ph.D. in Human Development with an emphasis in Wellness (North Dakota State University).  Her professional experience includes five years of K-12 teaching physical education, health, and first aid along with a variety of coaching experiences.  She has worked in higher education since 2005.  Kristen has served on both the MNSHAPE Leadership Board as well as the Central District Leadership Board (SHAPE America). Dr. Ford has also been a weekly contributor to The Forum, writing a segment called “Cobber Wellness Corner” that featured new brain boosts.  Kristen’s passions are working with and training educators on a variety of engaging teaching strategies and techniques.  Kristen and her husband, Joe, an assistant principal at Independence Elementary School (West Fargo, ND), have two boys, Soren and Bennett. 

Dr. Knutson is a full professor of Health Education and Physical Education at MSUM; Health Education Program Coordinator. She has served MSUM since the Fall of 2012. Prior to MSUM, she had invested 6 additional years in Higher Ed: one (1) year at Youngstown State University, Youngstown, OH, and five (5) years at St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN. She also has taught for 17 years in the K-12 system. She received her undergraduate degree in Health and Physical Education from the University of Minnesota Morris. She has a Master's in Administrative Leadership and Administration (SCSU), a Master's in Health and Physical Education with DAPE (SCSU), and received her PhD from Capella University in Post-Secondary and Adult Education. She now devotes her time to teacher preparation programs for Health Education and Physical Education/DAPE. She is an active member of MN SHAPE. Julie's passion is developing high-quality teacher candidates in health education. Julie and her husband, Gale, have three adult children and five grandchildren.