Transitioning from Educator to Wellness Coach

Dr. Bell’s journey to the wellness industry was born out of personal necessity. Before launching her business, she served as a middle school educator for 16 years, teaching anatomy, physiology, and human body systems. While she was an expert in the subject matter, the demands of the profession took a toll. A severe anxiety attack resulting from stress and exhaustion prompted her to reclaim her life.

“I went on a mission to regain my power back and change the trajectory of my life,” Dr. Bell shares.

After discovering the power of exercise to optimize her own lifestyle, she made it her personal mission to help others do the same. She attended personal training school, obtaining certifications in stress management, women’s fitness, nutrition, and personal training. This passion for health education inspired her to pursue her kinesiology doctorate at CSP to deepen her knowledge and make a bigger impact in her community.

An Impactful EdD Experience at CSP

Choosing the right doctoral program was essential for Dr. Bell’s goals. She credits CSP with giving her the advanced exercise science tools necessary to train clients, secure speaking engagements, and manage comprehensive health workshops.

Reflecting on her time at CSP, Dr. Bell notes the supportive environment as a key factor in her success. “Throughout my doctoral journey, I felt truly seen, supported, and valued. The faculty not only listened to my concerns but took the time to ensure I had the resources and encouragement needed to succeed.”

She emphasizes that the program was both challenging and deeply rewarding, helping her evolve into a confident leader.

“Every assignment, discussion, and class helped shape me into a more confident leader, equipped with the knowledge and skills to make an impact in the field.”

Turning Doctoral Research into Business Strategy

One of the most unique aspects of Dr. Bell’s success is how she applied her academic research directly to her business model. Her dissertation project, “The Impact of a Six Week Exercise and Wellness Intervention for Perceived Stress of Female Middle School Teachers,” was a passion project derived from her own experience as a stressed educator.

Today, that research has a practical application. Dr. Bell is initiating “Strategy over Stress,” a comprehensive program based on her dissertation findings. This program provides exercise and wellness strategies designed to decrease stress, reduce anxiety, and alleviate depressive symptoms.

Dr. Bell’s ability to turn her research into a business product highlights the practical, career-focused nature of CSP’s dissertation process, which encourages students to solve real-world problems.

Through her business, Dr. Bell now helps improve the lives of educators and corporate professionals. She teaches exercise and wellness strategies to women aged 24-78 and hosts functional training sessions for seniors to build strength and reverse life-threatening health conditions.

Through her “Functional Senior Living Program,” Dr. Tosha Bell (back) is helping her client redefine what aging well looks like, overcoming scoliosis and dyspnea challenges through evidence-based movement, mindful coaching, and functional strength training.

Advice for Future Kinesiology Leaders

As she moves forward, Dr. Bell plans to expand her expertise even further by studying for her Exercise Physiologist Certification. Her advice to current and future CSP students is to recognize the weight of their potential impact.

“They have the power to change not only their lives but the lives of generations to come,” Dr. Bell advises.

“Learning and evolving is a gateway to help change the lives of themselves and others. Although the journey may become difficult at times, if they focus on taking one step at a time, they will arrive at the mountain top. This journey is needed and worth it, keep going.”

Pivot Your Career Like Dr. Bell

Dr. Bell leveraged the EdD in Kinesiology to pivot her career. Whether you are an educator looking to lead or a coach building a business, discover how CSP Global’s 100% online Kinesiology Doctorate designed for working professionals can fit your life.

“I chose CSP Global to give me the versatility to work and also achieve my doctorate.”