From a Class Project to 10 Schools
in Hafnarfjörður
Jóhanna Birna Bjartmarsdóttir
MS in HEB Student
Jóhanna Birna Bjartmarsdóttir is a student in the online Master of Science in Health Education and Behavior (HEB) program whose work is already making a real-world impact beyond the classroom—and she’s now earning recognition on an even bigger stage as a member of the UF Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
In HSC6318: Planning HE Programs during the fall 2025 semester, Jóhanna developed a program designed to help Icelandic schools better support and include neurodivergent students. What began as a course project quickly moved into the community: Jóhanna presented her proposal, secured approval and funding, and signed a contract with the municipality in her hometown of Hafnarfjörður.
Jóhanna has begun implementing the program in Hafnarfjörður. It will be delivered across 10 schools, reaching more than 1,500 students, along with the educators, support staff, and parents of students in 8th through 10th grade.
Now, Jóhanna is able to evaluate the program as part of her evaluation course, an opportunity she describes as especially exciting. She credits Dr. Webb for making it possible to carry this work forward and study its impact as part of her graduate experience.
Explore Jóhanna’s final presentation here.
CHES-Ready Skills, Lifelong Support, and
Real-World Impact — Still Paying Off Years Later
Jasmine M. Pagano, M.S., CHES®
Supervisor of Wellness Programs, David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health
I was heavily interested in pursuing a master’s program that was adjacent to public health and combined health, human behavior, and program implementation. The M.S. in Health Education & Behavior program at UF did just that!
I was drawn to the course topics and elective options, but the biggest selling point for me between other programs I had applied to was the opportunity to become a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES).
In my experience, I appreciated the continual support from professors, who allowed us a safe space to explore topics we were truly interested in. With a fully online program, I was worried about having a support system with peers, but the experience provided me lifelong friendships and network connections.
I was actively able to apply what I was learning at work to my coursework, and vice versa. Three years later, I still utilize what I learned in HEB in my professional and educational life. As I begin my doctoral dissertation phase on suicide prevention in K-12 schools and my professional journey in prevention education, this program will continue to support me.
One Year, a Strong Connection, and a New Role
Justin Drain
Occupational Health and Wellness Coordinator, Alachua County Board of County Commissioners
What drew me to the University of Florida’s online M.S. in Health Education and Behavior program was its strong reputation and flexibility, and completing the MS in Health Education and Behavior in just one year was incredibly valuable to me.
The aspect of my experience I appreciated the most was the dedication of HEB faculty in helping me reach my goals and advance my career. Even as an online student, I felt very connected with and cared for by faculty. Faculty are highly accessible, responsive, and invested in student learning, which makes it easy to ask questions, seek feedback, and feel supported throughout the program.
The program played a key role in securing my position with Alachua County. The HEB faculty were incredibly supportive throughout the process, offering guidance, mentorship, and encouragement as I navigated the job search and career transition. Their investment in my professional growth helped me feel prepared and confident as I stepped into my role in occupational health and wellness. This program not only strengthened my qualifications, but also provided the support and direction I needed to advance my career.
Challenged Me, Supported Me, and Prepared Me
for the Real World
Abigail Loose
Wellbeing Program Supervisor, UF Health GatorCare
During my undergraduate years at UF, I enrolled in the combined degree program, which allowed me to begin taking M.S.-level courses early. I truly valued the chance to get a head start and challenge myself with graduate coursework while completing my bachelor’s degree. After earning my bachelor’s in health education, I was able to work full time while finishing my M.S. part time, which was made possible by the program’s flexibility through evening and online classes.
I also had a very positive experience with the faculty. Many of my professors taught me during both my undergraduate and graduate studies, and they were consistently supportive, knowledgeable, and approachable. I genuinely feel that I could still reach out to any of them today and they would be willing to help.
For the past four years, I have worked at UF Health GatorCare in corporate wellness, and my role is a direct reflection of the education and experiences I gained through this program. The knowledge and skills I developed through the program are ones I use consistently in my work each day. This program has played a significant role in my ability to excel and continue growing in my field. Prior to earning my M.S. degree, I worked as a wellness coordinator, and since graduating with my master’s in health education, I have advanced into a supervisory role. This degree has not only supported my professional growth thus far, but also positions me well to achieve my future career goals, including potentially pursuing a role as a corporate wellness consultant.
