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 and Health Education Program Coordinator. She has served MSUM since the Fall of 2012. Before MSUM, she had invested 6 additional years in Higher Education: one (1) year at Youngstown State University, Youngstown, OH, and five (5) years at St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN. She has also taught for 17 years in the K-12 system, both in Texas and Minnesota. She received her undergraduate degree in Health and Physical Education from the University of Minnesota, Morris. She has a master’s degree in administrative leadership and administration (SCSU), a master’s degree in health and physical education with DAPE (SCSU), and a PhD in Post-Secondary and Adult Education from Capella University. She now devotes her time to teacher preparation programs for Health Education and Physical Education/DAPE. She is an active member of MN SHAPE. She has served on the MNSHAPE Leadership Board for 4 terms in her career. Julie's passion is to develop high-quality teacher candidates in health education. Julie and her husband, Gale, have three adult children, five grandchildren, and two grand dogs.