We’re excited to welcome three new student bloggers to the ACE It Together team! Read on to meet each of them and learn what brought them to American College of Education.
ADAM MARKS
M.Ed. in Health and Wellness Education
ACE: Tell us about yourself.
Adam Marks: I graduated from Boston University’s College of Communication in 2003 with a B.S. in magazine journalism and a minor in psychology. After a short time doing communications and marketing work for various nonprofits in Norfolk, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Boston, I pivoted to the health and wellness industry. I currently live and work in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, with my wife, Jessica; my son, Gavin; my daughter, Lilla and my dog, Shaker.
ACE: Where has your career taken you so far?
AM: Since 2009, I have worked in the health and wellness industry as a personal trainer, health coach, group exercise instructor and gym manager, and I am currently doing virtual coaching and personal training from my home. I am also a Master Trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
ACE: What drew you to your profession?
AM: I’ve always enjoyed sports and exercise, and when I moved away from Boston I decided that I needed a bit of a career overhaul. Becoming a personal trainer afforded me the luxury of doing what I enjoyed while also helping others achieve their health and wellness goals. I very much enjoy working with people of different ages, backgrounds and fitness levels, and if I can help them in some small way to be healthier and happier, I feel an incredible sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.
ACE: Why did you choose to continue your education at ACE?
AM: The great thing about the health and wellness industry is that it is constantly changing, adapting and evolving. I was approaching a crossroads and I felt that pursuing a degree at ACE would be beneficial to my career. I am hopeful that this will allow me to pursue different avenues in the industry as I strive to make an impact in the Boston-area where I plan to live and work for quite some time.
NNEKA MCGEE
Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction
ACE: Tell us about yourself.
Nneka McGee: My name is Nneka McGee, and I am happy and humbled to be an ACE blogger. I have been an educator for 13 years, and I currently serve in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. I’m a “hopeful creative.” I enjoy writing and designing engaging educational materials for online learning. I love all things Star Wars and spending time with my family.
ACE: Where has your career taken you so far?
NM: For eight years, I served the North Texas community as a middle school pre-AP English and mathematics teacher. In my fourth year as an educator, my colleagues selected me as campus Teacher of the Year. Subsequently, the district recognized me as a district finalist for Teacher of the Year. I have also served as an instructional consultant, district gifted and talented (GT) coordinator and, most recently, as a director of GT and advanced academics.
ACE: What drew you to your profession?
NM: Education is woven into my DNA. My parents both served as educators and have a combined 70 years of experience. I am proud to be part of the legacy of service they built over decades of hard work. I believe in the power of individuals to make significant change in the world, but I also recognize access and opportunity are necessary to best position children to succeed. I do not take my responsibility to serve lightly. Education is more than a profession; it is a passion. Each moment I have in a learning environment is a chance to positively impact the lives of children.
ACE: Why did you choose to continue your education at ACE?
NM: When I decided to pursue my doctorate in education, I searched for weeks for a program that would meet my needs. I thrive on challenge, and I needed a flexible and affordable program due to my personal commitments. ACE is the best choice for me because its doctoral program has deepened my understanding of curriculum and instruction in a convenient yet rigorous online educational environment.
LESLIE CHASE
M.Ed. in Health and Wellness Education
ACE: Tell us about yourself.
Leslie Chase: I am a health care and project management professional with a passion for healthcare reform, and reproductive and social justice. I live two blocks from the beach in San Diego and most of my days consist of spending time with my partner and our dog, reading, going to the beach or hanging out with one of my four siblings.
ACE: Where has your career taken you so far?
LC: I started my career in healthcare administration and eventually moved into project management and health education in community clinics. I will be pursuing my RN next year after I complete my master’s program at ACE and hope to continue promoting access to healthcare in my region!
ACE: What drew you to your profession?
LC: I have known from a young age that I wanted to be in healthcare. I love the science of it, and I love the very real impact it has on people’s lives.
ACE: Why did you choose to continue your education at ACE?
LC: ACE has programs made for working adults. I chose ACE because it gave me the flexibility I needed to pursue my career while still providing me with a rigorous curriculum and resources I will use for the rest of my career.
