Bio

Lauren Thomas has spent nearly 20 years promoting health attitudes, knowledge, and behavior on topics ranging from smoke-free policies, unintended pregnancies, walk-friendly environments, to lifestyle medicine. She has extensive experience successfully gaining, administering, and evaluating community health grant-funded projects in partnership with federal, state, and local funding agencies. As the lead coordinator for USC Lancaster's new Health Coach Training Pathway, Lauren facilitates an online educational program for students seeking to earn the National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBHWC) credential. 

Education

• Graduate Certificate in Health Communication -- University of South Carolina, 2009
  MPH in Health Promotion Education and Behavior -- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 2007
  Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications -- University of South Carolina, 2005

Certifications

• National Board-Certified Health & Well-being Coach (NBHWC), 2023
  ACLM Lifestyle Medicine Coach, 2023
  Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES), 2022

Courses Frequently Taught

• HPEB 300 - Planning Health Promotion Programs
  HPEB 550 - Behavioral Concepts & Processes for Health Professionals
  PCAM 299 - Independent Study / NBHWC Exam Preparation
  PEDU 197 - Fit Carolina

Interests

• Program planning & evaluation
• Active community environments
• Health coach training