Who Are We?

SHAPE PA is a volunteer-run organization dedicated to promoting and enhancing health and physical education across the state of Pennsylvania.

Our Mission

To provide leadership, advocacy, and professional development to health and physical educators. 

Our Vision

Overall Wellness in Pennsylvania.

The SHAPE PA Board of Directors provides the leadership and vision that keeps our organization moving forward.

Board Structure

  • Led by the Executive Committee: President, Past President, President-Elect, and Executive Director.

  • Includes 9–15 Board members.

  • All Board positions are voting members, except the Executive Director, who serves as the organization's only paid, non-voting position.

What the Board Does

  • Meets monthly to guide the organization's work.

  • Collaborates between meetings to develop programs, resources, and services that support health and physical educators across Pennsylvania.

  • Leads initiatives that strengthen the profession and advance quality health and physical education.

Interested in Serving?
Complete a Board application and submit your résumé for consideration. We welcome leaders who are passionate about making a difference and helping shape the future of SHAPE PA.

Executive Committee & Board of Directors

2026 Executive Committee & Board of Directors

  • Executive Director: Dawn Bugajski Brahler

  • President: Linda Miller

  • President-Elect: Ambreelinne Birth

  • Past-President: Chance Condran

  • BOD Members: Dr. Jennifer Butz, Dr. Brett A. Cooper, Dr. Rick Howard, Danielle Butterworth, David Schmidt, Dr. Liz Dlugolecki, Gina Douglas, Bernadette Daries, Bo Shappell, Dr. Britnee Weatherspoon, Dr. Jim Barry, Tom Palfey

Now Accepting applications!

We are currently accepting applications for the following leadership positions:

Board of Directors (3-Year Term)

Board members help guide SHAPE PA's mission, vision, and strategic direction. Responsibilities include participating in organizational decision-making, supporting financial oversight, advocating for health and physical education, and representing the interests of our members.

President-Elect (3-Year Leadership Commitment)

The President-Elect serves a three-year leadership term, progressing through the following positions:

  • Year 1: President-Elect

  • Year 2: President

  • Year 3: Past President

Throughout this three-year commitment, the individual works collaboratively with the Board of Directors to support SHAPE PA's mission, guide organizational initiatives, contribute to strategic planning, and represent the organization at professional events.

This leadership opportunity provides the chance to make a lasting impact on the future of health and physical education in Pennsylvania.

Ready to make an impact?

We encourage you to apply and become part of the leadership team helping move SHAPE PA forward!

If you have questions about either position, please contact Executive Director Dawn Brahler or Linda Miller.

Apply Here!

Committees & Locals

  • Professional Learning

  • Future Professionals

  • Advocacy

  • Publications (Journal)

  • Leadership and Member Engagement

  • Social Media and Website

  • Conference Planning

  • Awards

  • Mentorship

  • Include standing (ongoing) and ad hoc (short-term) committees.

  • Chairs and members are appointed by the SHAPE PA President.

  • Most committees include 5–7 members.

  • Interested in serving? Let us know—we're always looking for passionate volunteers.

Local Associations

  • Provide leadership, advocacy, and professional development within their regions.

  • Offer meaningful opportunities to connect with colleagues and make an impact close to home.

Why Get Involved?
Serving on a committee or local association is one of the best ways to build relationships, develop leadership skills, and make a difference in SHAPE PA and the health and physical education profession.

SHAPE PA Local Associations

SHAPE PA Committees

Testimonials

  • "The decision to join SHAPE PA has been one of the most rewarding decisions. I not only joined as a member, but I also decided to join the Health Committee within my first year of membership. I attended conference and was instantly motivated and inspired! I became more involved in SHAPE PA and it has increased my confidence and has given me the ability to connect with other professionals around the state (and country) that I would not otherwise be able to collaborate with throughout the year. I have had many new opportunities arise -- all thanks to SHAPE PA! These past two years have given me a new perspective and new energy to continue showing up and being the best version of myself, in and out of the classroom. You will not regret getting involved!"

    — Anonymous

  • "I have been a member of SHAPE PA since 1980, when my Ursinus College professors encouraged me to join and become involved in PSAHPERD. Along with my fellow Health and Physical Education majors, we established a Health and Physical Education Club on campus in 1983 to promote the mission of the Pennsylvania State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Through fundraisers, we were able to attend state and national conventions and conferences. Those conferences became transformational experiences for me. Year after year, I attended presentations, keynote sessions, and awards celebrations, while observing outstanding professionals who modeled excellence in our field. As an Ursinus student surrounded by the best of the best, I found myself inspired by their professionalism and envisioned the educator and leader I hoped to become. Rather than remaining on the sidelines, I chose to become involved. I began serving as the Division of Girls and Women in Sport Vice President on the Executive Board, recognizing deserving coaches and officials for their lifelong contributions. From there, I served as Grant Chairperson, presented at conferences, authored journal articles, created awards ceremony centerpieces, and advocated for quality health and physical education across Pennsylvania. Whatever the organization needed—and whenever my skills could contribute—I gladly volunteered. My philosophy has always been "Think Global, Act Local." I helped reestablish the Lancaster County Association, now the Lancaster-Lebanon-Berks Association, where I served for more than 30 years while continuing to volunteer at the state level. Every opportunity centered on what was purposeful and beneficial for students—from professional development for educators to promoting lifelong health and wellness. Fast forward to 2026, when I was honored to serve as SHAPE PA President. It has been one of the most rewarding and meaningful experiences of my professional life. Our conference theme, "We Are the Heartbeat of Education," along with the mantra, "Merging the Past with the Present to Influence the Future," reflects my belief that honoring our history while embracing innovation strengthens our profession. Through monthly webinars, the President's Pulse, committee leadership, advocacy efforts, and conference planning, I have had the privilege of working alongside extraordinary professionals dedicated to serving students and educators across Pennsylvania. As I reflect on more than four decades of involvement, what stands out most is not simply the leadership opportunities or professional accomplishments—it is the people. The professional networking has evolved into lifelong friendships. SHAPE PA has provided me with purpose, fulfillment, and a community that has encouraged me every step of the way. If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be this: Get involved. Say yes to opportunities. Volunteer. Build relationships. Your professional network will become your support system, your inspiration, and perhaps even your lifelong friends. My tribe became my family. I hope it becomes yours, too. You will not regret getting involved!"

    — Lifelong Learner Linda