SHAPE America Board of Directors

Robin Walker (formerly Richardson) is currently teaching elementary physical education in Jefferson County Public Schools in Louisville, KY. She has 27 years in the areas of health and physical education. Robin has taught grades K-12 and has been a curriculum specialist for the Kentucky Department of Education.

Robin is a past president of Kentucky SHAPE and is currently serving on the SHAPE America Board of Directors. She is extremely active in promoting wellness in her school and her school district. She leads her staff wellness program by being a “Living Well Champion,” which helps staff with the state’s employee health program. Robin strives to lead by example for both her students and colleagues, with the goal of inspiring everyone to value their health in order to improve their quality of life and longevity.

Tari has devoted more than 40 years to advancing physical education and adapted physical education across all levels, from elementary to university. She holds National Board and CAPE certifications and was named 2013 Central District Teacher of the Year. Tari has served as President of MOSHAPE and Central District SHAPE America, holding numerous leadership roles throughout her career.

Tari’s expertise has been recognized nationally, including service on the National Board’s physical education standards revision committee in Washington D.C., and through conducting professional development and teacher training programs across the country. Currently, she is the Outdoor Adventure Coordinator for the Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation and serves as a SHAPE America Board Member, finance committee member, and liaison to the Physical Activity and Professional Preparation Councils. Tari is a passionate advocate for inclusive, high-quality health and physical education, ensuring equitable opportunities for all students.

Joe Deutsch began his career teaching elementary, middle school and high school physical education on the Standing Rock Reservation. He then returned to Fargo, ND, where he taught elementary physical education at the lowest socio-economic school in the city. After completing his master’s degree and making significant progress toward his Ph.D., he joined the ranks of higher education to help prepare future physical educational teachers and coaches. Deutsch has been an active member of NDSHAPE for more than 20 years, serving in several roles including treasurer, higher education representative, health. moves. minds.® committee member, and president. He has also served as president of SHAPE America Central District.

Stephanie A. Morris brings nearly 20 years of diverse experience in marketing, communications and association management to SHAPE America. In her most recent role as deputy executive director of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), she provided leadership and oversight for five major departments: marketing and membership; corporate strategic alliances; content strategy and development; conferences and meetings; and the customer care center. In addition to the NAEYC, Stephanie has held executive positions with the American Council on Education, Widmeyer Communications, Venture Communications and the National Women’s Business Council.

Andro L. Barnett is a career professional in athletics, recreation, administration and leadership, and education. Dr. Barnett ranks as a Professor at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. He has also served as Department Chair for six years. He also serves as the Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) and ensures student athletes’ best interests are maintained and assists with the hiring processes of the head coaching staff. Dr. Barnett is well known within SHAPE, especially SHAPEWV and Midwest; he has served in numerous leadership capacities as SHAPE West Virginia President, Midwest President, SHAPE Affiliate Advisor Council, and SHAPE Midwest EDI Chair.

Kara Foster has dedicated her career to promoting quality physical education and physical activity opportunities for all students. She brings over 25 years of diverse experience teaching at every level—from kindergarten through college—in both public and private schools. She earned her Master of Arts in Teaching in Physical Education and Physical Activity Leadership from the University of Northern Colorado and holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Health & Physical Education and Elementary Education from Nebraska Wesleyan University.

Kara has developed outdoor adventure curriculum, worked on a Nebraska Physical Education Standards review team and led professional development on technology integration and student engagement. She currently serves as a cross country and track coach, where she finds joy in helping students discover a love of movement that extends beyond their school years. A past president of SHAPE Nebraska and an active member of SHAPE America, Kara has embraced the SHAPE community as a group of like minded peers and finds amazing support in that group. Kara continues to advocate for teachers, create inclusive learning environments, and empower students to build the confidence and skills needed for lifelong wellness through movement. Kara prioritizes her own health by enjoying the outdoors on walks, runs, floating in a canoe and spending time with family.

Dr. Knipe has over fifteen years of experience in the field with a strong background in PK-12 education, having been named Teacher of the Year at the University of Texas Elementary School in 2011. He earned his PhD in Curriculum and Instruction Education from The University of Texas. Currently, Knipe is an Assistant Professor in the Physical Education Teacher Education program at Southern Connecticut State University. As the founder of the PE Pep Talk project, he advocates for the support and recognition of Physical Education teachers. Knipe has served in several state level positions and has served as SHAPE America’s Nominations Committee as a member and chair, a member of the Physical Activity Council, led the Student Special Interest Group (SIG) and helped to establish the Undergraduate Student Leadership Network.

Dr. Brandy Lynch is an Associate Professor and Program Coordinator for the Physical Education Program at the University of Central Missouri. With nearly two decades of experience spanning K-12 and higher education, her work focuses on preparing future educators and advancing teaching practices to create meaningful, engaging learning experiences.

As the current (2025) President of MOSHAPE, Dr. Lynch facilitates statewide efforts in advocacy, professional development, and convention management to support health and physical education professionals. She also serves as a National Trainer for OPEN Phys Ed, helping educators implement inclusive, standards-based curriculum strategies to meet diverse student needs.

Dr. Lynch is deeply committed to collaboration and advancing the profession. She strives to empower educators to make lasting impacts on their students and inspire excellence in health and physical education.

Tonya Moore is a highly accomplished and dedicated professional with a longstanding commitment to the field of physical education and health. With a wealth of experience as an Adapted Physical Education teacher, a Coordinator in a statewide project: PRISM (Providing Relevant, Inclusive Support that Matter for LGTBQ+ Students), and as a Coordinator for Physical Education and Comprehensive Health throughout Los Angeles County, Tonya has made significant contributions to the profession. She has demonstrated unwavering dedication to promoting health and well-being among individuals of all abilities.

Joe Velardi is the Connecticut Coordinator for Health and Physical Education. He became an Assistant Director of the Connecticut Association of Schools – Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CAS-CIAC) in January of 2019 after a successful and extensive career in public education. Joe taught physical education for 14 years in the New Haven, CT Public School system. He then became the Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics in Regional School District 15 (Southbury, Middlebury CT), a position he held for 24 years. Joe is honored to serve the health and physical education profession in Connecticut by working in conjunction with the Connecticut State Department of Education.

Dr. Washington is a dedicated educator whose involvement with SHAPE and KYSHAPE began as undergraduate, attending state and national conferences early in his academic career. Currently he serves as the Program Coordinator and a Professor of Sport Studies at Midway University. In his previous roles, Dr. Washington oversaw the Sport Management, Exercise Science, and Health and Physical Education programs at Kentucky State University and served as a Health and Physical Education teacher for nearly 10 years in the Central Kentucky area. Additionally, Dr. Washington has coached high school and college basketball and runs a health and wellness consulting firm.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Washington serves on the Kentucky High School Athletic Association’s Board of Control and is a past president of KY-SHAPE. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and staying active.

Kelly Zerby is an elementary physical education teacher with 27 years of experience in DeKalb, Illinois. She was recognized as the 2022 SHAPE Midwest Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year. Kelly is the Past President of IAHPERD (2023), currently serves as Advisor for the Council of Future Professionals, and chairs the SHAPE Midwest Advocacy and Communications Committee. She holds two master’s degrees from Northern Illinois University in Educational Administration and Literacy with a bilingual emphasis, along with ESL and Adapted Physical Education certifications.

Kelly is the K–12 Physical Education Coordinator in her district, a mentor and preservice teacher facilitator, an adjunct faculty member at Northern Illinois University, and a frequent local and national presenter. Kelly lives in Huntley, Illinois with her husband and two children and many pets.