Shawna Hite, MPH is the Healthy People Program Specialist with The Ohio State University Extension, Family & Consumer Sciences. Shawna received her BA in psychology and communication from Lake Forest College and her MPH from The Ohio State University. Shawna is currently working to become a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). Shawna has focused her past research and work on the physical, nutritional, and mental health of youth and communities. Shawna has completed research in the areas of childhood health communication, health coalition processes, and youth suicide prevention. In her previous work with the nonprofit LEAD–Leading Youth to Healthier Decision—and her current work with the OSU Extension, Shawna has focused on using community input to guide health curriculum development and program implementation. Her work has made her passionate about efforts focused on equipping youth and adults with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make decisions which benefit their overall health and wellness.