Valerie Worthington
Valerie
Worthington
Associate Professor, Associate Department Chair
- Department
- Mind-Body Medicine
- Institution
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Saybrook University
- Biography
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Dr. Worthington is a core faculty member in the department of Mind-Body Medicine in the College of Integrative Medicine and Health Sciences at Saybrook University, where she teaches Healthcare Ethics, Evidence-Based Coaching, Intermediate Coaching, Research Foundations and Literacy, and the Mind-Body-Spirit Integration Seminar.
Her mind-body-spirit practice is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, in which she holds a fourth-degree black belt, and in which she has been training, teaching, and coaching since 1998. She has an extensive background in instructional design and has developed courses for various institutions in nutrition, nursing, strategic communication, and social work. She has also taught online since 2010, on subjects including the teaching of psychology, program evaluation, qualitative research methods, instructional design, instructional design for online learning, themes and theories of psychology, academic writing, educational psychology, and health and fitness.
- Areas of Expertise
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Area Expertise Coaching Life Coaching Ethical & Legal Issues Life Coaching Psychology Educational Psychology Positive Psychology Therapeutic/Theoretical Orientation Mindfulness practices - Education History
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Degree Institution Year B.A. Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 1992 Ph.D. Michigan State University, E. Lansing, MI 1999 - Professional Memberships
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Role Organization Competitor International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation Credentialee Center for Credentialing and Education Credentialee International Coaching Federation Credentialee National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching - Community Involvement
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Role Organization Instructor Gracie Academy Philadelphia Alumni Interviewer Dartmouth College - Media Exposure
- Question and Answer
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Describe your teaching philosophy or your approach to working with students. I do my best to meet students where they are and interact with them in the ways they prefer. I like to think I am approachable and collaborative, as I believe that learning is a joint process among instructor, student, and environment. I establish and maintain healthy and useful boundaries. I try to be responsive and timely, and I sprinkle more than a little humor into my teaching approach.
Provide a statement or philosophy regarding your professional practice. Generally the same as my approach to teaching.
Why did you choose to enter your professional area(s)? I have always been interested in how people move from being novices to experts in a given subject or skill. I also like helping people realize their potential, whatever that means for them. It's rather selfish, actually, given how good it makes me feel.
What advice would you give a student entering Saybrook University? Be okay with not knowing. Ask questions so you can know more. Remember why you were interested in studying your field in the first place, especially when you face challenges.
- Curriculum Vitae
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Download 
- Publications
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Book Worthington, V. (2014). Training wheels: How a Brazilian jiu-jitsu road trip jump started my search for a fulfilling life. Canonsville, PA: Artechoke Media.
- Professional Skills
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Writing, Editing, Martial Arts
