JoAnn Stevelos, MS, MPH

JoAnn Stevelos, MS, MPH, has dedicated her life to service and studying programs that respond to the youth suicide, bullying, and obesity epidemics. She has created a compassionate and holisitc program, Worthy: The Power of Kindness in Raising Body Positive Children.

Worthy gives parents of children who have gained too much weight too fast hope, practical advice, and real-life solutions. JoAnn has over 20 years of experience researching childhood obesity prevention programs. Her education includes a Master's in Science (Bioethics) from Albany Medical College, a Master's in Public Health from the State University of New York, and a BA in Liberal Arts from Columbia University.

Dedicated to working with people who lead with love and hope, JoAnn’s approach to her public health work is informed by Dr. Gail Christopher's work that promotes truth, racial healing, and transformation as a path towards justice and peaceful co-existence. What she has learned is that often people who are vulnerable to public health epidemics feel isolated and are vulnerable to hopelessness, which has led her to become part of Dr. Anthony Scioli's Hope Institute. Hope is necessary for positive change and can be strengthened. And how to maintain hope in your family is something you will learn about in the Worthy program.

JoAnn has been the Director of the New York State Center for Best Practices to Prevent Childhood Obesity, as well as Director of Research, Evaluation, and Learning for the Clinton Foundation's Alliance for a Healthier Generation and Michelle Obama's Let's Move program. JoAnn is currently an international consultant for children's health and wellness programs. You can also read more in-depth articles in her blog for Psychology Today, Children at the Table.