Hingham Extraordinary Teacher: Keri McPhillips

Name:             Keri McPhillips

School:           

Subject:           Assistant Director of Athletics and Wellness Center Supervisor

Grades:           9-12

Hingham resident Keri McPhillips has run Fontbonne Academy’s Ellen Sullivan Wellness Center so powerfully that you might not realize it is part of a high school.

Before the Hingham resident’s arrival in 2004, the converted classroom was mainly used for physical education classes. McPhillips implemented her concepts to transform it into a living, breathing part of Fontbonne.

“Fontbonne values the health and wellness of faculty and students,” said McPhillips.

 In addition to traditional activities like sports-specific workouts, she creates programs students are drawn to; including “Relaxation Station” offering nutrition and stress management during finals, and “Fit for Prom” with a fit-and-fabulous focus.

“Project Obama Arms,” inspired by the First Lady’s workout, was one of the year’s best attended.

 Moving off-campus with “Ticket to Wellness” programs, McPhillips often recruits teachers to lead activities that they love, including a kayaking trip on the Charles River. 

 McPhillips enjoys weaving her background together, which includes nutrition, personal and sports-specific training, and health education, to affect Fontbonne’s health in unique ways.

 As a clinical dietician,  McPhillips offers an important support role around eating disorders. “As a school we do not shy away from topics that young women deal with today,”  McPhillips said.

This includes the media’s affect on body image and eating disorders.

“Fontbonne works to create women of courage and strength, educating the whole woman” she said. 

McPhillips magically and expertly connects that with the classroom, and moves it beyond.

Hingham honors you, Mrs. McPhillips, as an Extraordinary Teacher and appreciates your innovative leadership in creating a healthier community.