Kim Kato, Ed.D. MCHES ®, PAPHS
Dr. Kato is the Program Director for the Ph.D. and MS Health Education and Promotion programs at Walden University (2015 – present). She earned a B.S. in Human Nutrition and Physical Fitness (1997) and an M.Ed. in Curriculum Instruction in Health Education (1999) both from the University of Missouri-Columbia. In 2005, Dr. Kato earned her Ed.D. in Health Education from the University of Kansas. Dr. Kato was formally the Department Chair for the Health and Exercise Science Department at MidAmerica Nazarene University (2011-2015). She has served as a Contributing Faculty member of the BS Health Studies program in the School of Health Sciences at Walden University (2010-2015). Prior to MNU, she held the position as Associate Tenured Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science at Stephen F. Austin State University (2005-2011).
In 2011, Dr. Kato received the MU College of Education, Alumni Citation of Merit for Outstanding Achievement and Meritorious Service. Dr. Kato was named the Texas Association for Health and Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, 2010 Health Teacher of the Year. She was also awarded the Stephen F. Austin State’s 2009 Teaching Excellence Award for the College of Education and the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science. Dr. Kato’s research interest include health and physical activity curriculum, health and exercise promotion, sports nutrition education, body image esteem, and kinesthetic online learning strategies. Dr. Kato has earned credentials as a Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) and Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist (PAPHS).
Dr. Kato’s love for exercise and physical activity was cultivated by the motivation to beat her two brothers at any given sporting event. Encouraging positive body-esteem through exercise and adequate nutritional intake has been a topic of discussion as a health educator, curriculum developer, academic professor, and researcher for the past 20 years. Her research interests also focus on best online learning practices for kinesthetic and tactile learners. She has two children Kylee (9 yrs) and Ace (6 yrs).