Training for Well-Being

Instructors

Anthropedia’s instructors have all completed the coach certification program, as well as additional training developed by our institute. Like the members of the institute, our instructors have expertise in a variety of fields. Some of them are medical doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and social workers, while others are experts in philosophy, literature, education, coaching, and physical movement. 

Robert Cloninger, MD, PhD

Wallace Renard Professor of Psychiatry, Psychology and Genetics, Director of the Center for Well-Being at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and Director of the Anthropedia Institute 

Kevin Cloninger, PhD

Executive Director and co-founder, Anthropedia

Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, Denver University

Nigel Lester, MD

Director of Mental Health, PALM Health and Anthropedia Institute Member

Trained in psychiatry at University College London and St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York City

Alinda Muszynski, BA, CPT

Director of Administration and Programs, Anthropedia

BA in Psychology, Education, & Mathematics, University of Colorado, and Certified Personal Trainer

Amanda Chesnutt, BA

Member Navigator and Mind-Body Movement Instructor, PALM Health

BA in Geography and Internationally Certified Ballroom and Social Dance Instructor

Anney Perrine, MEd

Director of Membership, PALM Health

Masters in Education, University of Colorado

Brian Keady, PhD

Doctorate in Philosophy and Theology, University of Denver

Christina Mengert, PhD

Associate Director of College Programs, Bard Prison Initiative

Doctorate in English with an emphasis on Creative Writing, University of Denver

Dave Gouaux, BA

Well-Being Coach, PALM Health

BA in Psychology, University of Texas, Austin

Joe Muszynski, MEd

Adjunct Professor of English Literature and Screen Writing, Vassar College

Masters in Education, University of Colorado at Boulder

Julie Geeting, MEd, LPC

Counselor and Well-Being Coach, PALM Health

Masters in Counseling, University of Missouri, St. Louis

Lara Pennington, MSW

Director of Development and Community Engagement, Anthropedia

Masters in Social Work, St. Louis University

Mary Druyvesteyn, PhD

Manager of Training and Development, PALM Health

Doctorate in French Literature, University of Chicago

Peter Hutchings, PhD

Doctorate in English Literature, Princeton University

Sarah Bird, DNP

Family Nurse Practitioner certified in Functional Medicine, PALM Health

Doctorate in Integrative Health and Healing, University of Minnesota

Sarah Lewis, LMSW

Program Coordinator and Member Navigator, PALM Health

Masters in Social Work, Washington University

Sita Kedia, MD, MPH, FAHS

Neurologist & Chief Medical Officer, PALM Health; co-founder & Vice-President, Anthropedia

Medical Degree and Masters in Public Health, University of Colorado

Spencer Hutchings, PhD

Doctorate in Musicology, University of Colorado, Boulder

Each day of the training consists of five 1- to 1.5-hour classes (see course list above for specific course titles). We begin at 8:30am and generally go until 6:30pm (there are seven days that end at 4:30pm). Because each class requires a lot of attention and energy, we take 30-minute breaks between each course, and our lunch break is an hour and a half.

There is no reading required outside of class. Upon completion of the training, however, you will be tested on the content of the Know Yourself DVDs, so you will want to study those throughout the course of the training. In addition, the other major task for those interested in certification is to complete a portfolio of exercises each month of the training. You can expect anywhere from 30-40 exercises per month. The amount of time that these exercises take varies from person-to-person, and they are all geared towards helping improve your self-awareness, resilience, and stress management.

The coursework is mostly the same, so it is a question of completing some extra classes, and fulfilling the requirements of certification, in addition to paying the difference in tuition. Generally people figure this out quite quickly, so we would encourage you to discuss it with us as soon as possible once the training begins.

Generally, attendance is expected at all sessions. Of course, we understand that emergencies and other justifiable situations do arise. However, please bear the following in mind:

• Attendance at all courses during the first two days of the training is mandatory. 
• For the remainder of the training, you cannot miss more than two days (or the equivalent thereof, i.e., 10 courses). Exceptions are granted for absences that are due to the death of a loved one or for medical reasons.

In addition to private practice, our certified coaches work in a variety of settings—medical clinics, hospitals, schools, corporations, homeless shelters, halfway houses, and within other service-oriented organizations.