Cynthia Symons is a Professor of Health Education in the Department of Adult Counseling, Health, and Vocational Education at Kent State University. She received her D.Ed. and M.Ed. in Health Education from The Pennsylvania State University and earned her undergraduate degree from Lock Haven University, also in Pennsylvania. She has a Permanent Teaching Certificate in health and physical education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Grades K-12) and is a Certified Health Education Specialist. Dr. Symons received the Distinguished Service Award from the American School Health Association in 1994, and served as the President of that professional association in 2001-2002. She has received the Distinguished Teaching Award from Kent State University, and was recognized by the Commonwealth of Kentucky as an official "Kentucky Colonel" for collaborative health promotion initiatives on behalf of children and youth. Dr. Symons has taught health and physical education at grades 7-12, and returned to the ranks of public school teaching (grades K- 3 health education) during a sabbatical leave from her current position at Kent State University. In addition to publishing in refereed journals, and presenting at numerous state and national meetings, she collaborated in the development of "Children's Literature for Health Awareness" a resource text published by Scarecrow Press.
