Susan Kennen

     I have taught at DCC for 28 years, after having earned a BS and MSE from Cortland State University where I served as a graduate assistant in the Health Education Department.  My degrees are in Health Education, with an emphasis in Wellness and Exercise Science.  In 1991, I completed a second Masters in Health Services Administration from Russell Sage College.  I hold various instructor certifications from the American Red Cross , am certified as a Sexuality Educator and possess a certificate in Alternative and Complimentary Medicine from Marist College.   In addition, I have been trained and certified at the Cooper Institute of Aerobics Research in the areas of Fitness Leadership, Strength Training and Conditioning, Fitness for the Atypical Population, Nutrition and Personal Training.

     Within the HPEAD department, I teach the following courses: WFE 101, HED 134, Stress Management, Women’s Health and Human Sexuality. Several times during my tenure at Dutchess, I have served as Health Education Coordinator and Evening and Off Campus Supervisor for all the Health Education courses.  Sports and fitness have been a vital part of my life since I was young, but my first teaching experience was teaching swimming to children when I was 15.  I immediately discovered that I truly enjoyed helping others to improve their physical skills and health behaviors, and consequently knew that this is what I wanted to do.

     While living in this area, I have also enjoyed volunteering in the community.  This has included the American Red Cross, the Battered Women’s Program, and many PTA groups, local soccer leagues, and fundraising events.   I have also served on the Board of Directors for Planned Parenthood of the Mid Hudson Valley for over 10 years.  Both on and off campus, I have thoroughly taken pleasure in speaking to women’s groups on one of my specialty areas - Stress Management.   

     Golf, tennis, skiing, exercising, the arts and travel are some of my many passions outside of my work world.  I enjoy participating in several golf tournaments and walkathons annually.  Oftentimes my 18 year old daughter Kristi and our golden retriever accompany me in these walkathons.