KSU Grads seek to empower others to live healthier lives

A love for health and wellness is what Shannon McCune and Ashley Witter have in common. The KSU Continuing Education graduates may have had different journeys that led them to choose their career paths, but their end-goal is mutual. They are in the field to help others achieve their health and wellness goals: McCune through personal training and Witter through health coaching.

Having worked as a registered nurse for more than two decades, McCune understood the importance of fitness and proper nutrition. Still, she sought to further her education and began to look into personal training programs. McCune enrolled in the Personal Training Certificate program offered at the KSU’s Continuing Education. She felt confident the program would complement her professional and personal background.

Through the course, she was able to receive a better understanding of the relationship between optimal fitness, health, and quality of life. After graduation, McCune became a certified personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise. She now looks to train clients with personal sessions.

“I love to help other achieve their fitness goals,” McCune said. “I know how life-changing it can be.”

Ashley Witter struggled with stress-induced weight gain for many years. She hit her breaking point while working in a high-level corporate job. She began to eat for comfort to cope with the job demands, long hours and sleep deprivation. The late-night meals combined with limited time for exercising, led to additional weight gain, anxiety and stress. In August 2015, she decided to regain her health

With her family’s help, she spent some time at health and wellness center. During this time, Witter learned to cope with stress the proper way and eat healthy, nutrient-dense foods. Today, she has maintained a 95-pound weight loss. For Ashley, the small steps improved her overall health.

“It wasn’t easy, but I figured out the tools to do it and I couldn’t be happier,” Witter said. “I am rejuvenated, healthy and ultimately the best version of myself.”

Since regaining control of her health, she enrolled in the Health Coach Certificate program at the college. After obtaining her certification, Witter followed her passion. She now works as a health coach.

“My goal now is to help others succeed and act as a guiding mentor and coach in learning the healthy way to lose weight and most of all just feel better,” Witter said.

With her story, she hopes to inspire others to take control of their health and make systematic changes for a healthy lifestyle.

“We all have the ability to change, but you have to be motivated to take the leap,” Witter said.

For more information on the Personal Trainer Certificate, the Health Coach Certificate or any health-related offerings, visit ccpe.kennesaw.edu, email cehealthcare@kennesaw.edu or call 470-578-6765.