Group of health athlete participants

Health Athlete

Our holistic, purpose-driven approach helps individuals become more physically energized, mentally focused and fully engaged in the moments that matter most — at work and at home.
Health Athlete Logo

About the program

The Health Athlete program emphasizes energy management through a comprehensive examination of goals and values in relation to spiritual purpose, mental, emotional and physical development. The program uses the power of personal story, what individuals tell themselves about who they are and the reasons why their circumstances are what they are, to affect behavior change.

Health Athlete helps individuals maximize energy and improve wellbeing, by fueling higher performance and inspiring purposeful living. Individuals who attend Health Athlete leave the program with the tools to increase their confidence and ability to engage in healthy lifestyle behaviors that will lead to improved health outcomes.

Human performance institute

Health Athlete is based on the Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute® Performance program.

Our vision

To help people discover their purpose and live a fully-engaged life to their fullest potential.

Our mission

To empower people to live their best lives and spread the power of full engagement.

Earn continuing education credits in your profession

  • Registered Nurse (RN) and Nurse Practitioner (NP); earn nine Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) credits for completing seven-week virtual series or one-day workshop.
  • Board Certified in Public Health (CPH); earn six CE hours for completing the one-day workshop, earn seven CE hours for completing the seven-week virtual series.
  • Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES); earn seven Continuing Education Credits for completing the seven-week virtual series or one-day workshop. 
  • Veterinarians (DVM); earn six CE hours for completing the one-day workshop, earn seven CE hours for completing the seven-week virtual series.
  • We can provide a certificate for organizations that self-petition for Continuing Education Credits.

Messages from the CWO & Health Athlete Director

Message from the Ohio State University Chief Wellness Officer Dean Bernadette Melnyk
Message from the Health Athlete Executive Director Dr. Brenda Buffington

Meet the facilitators

Facilitator_Bern Melnyk

Bern Melnyk, PhD, APRN-CNP, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN

Chief Wellness Officer

Jonathan Yardley

Jonathan Yardley, DVM, NBC-HWC