Meet Shana Jarvis, NJPHK-Camden Project Manager

March 4, 2015 | Camden, Community News

Shana Jarvis has a lot on her plate: a new position as project manager for New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids-Camden (NJPHK-C), a new baby, plus classes at Temple University where she’s pursuing a master’s degree in the School of Health Education.

While some people might feel overwhelmed, Jarvis feels energized.

“I am so excited to be taking on a leadership role with NJPHK-C. The partnership has come a long way in Camden. So much progress has occurred under the leadership of Valeria Galarza, who was recently promoted to vice president of strategic expansion for YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties. I look forward to connecting with the work being done and continuing the forward momentum,” Jarvis said.

Jarvis has been with the YMCA of Burlington & Camden Counties since October 2013 as director of Public Health Programs. She managed the Campbell Healthy Communities CATCH program, Watershed Exercise on Bicycles (WEB) and Safe Places to Play initiative — all focused on getting kids physically active through exercise and fun activity.

A Philadelphia native, Jarvis always wanted to work with youth. She was a summer camp and afterschool counselor. “I wanted a career that allowed me to have a positive impact on children.” As an undergraduate at Temple University, she considered nursing and teaching, before looking into public health at the advice of a college advisor. “Public health was a great fit for my interests, combining health and nutrition, working with children; and teaching, advocating and leading programs to support healthy kids.”

While in college, she interned with The Food Trust in Philadelphia and then joined them full-time upon graduation. As a member of Eat Right Now—a nutrition education team—she helped teachers integrate nutrition education into their classrooms. She later led the Recreation Center Nutrition Education program, working with the City Parks & Recreation department to develop nutrition education and healthy cooking programs for afterschool programs and summer camps.

When The Food Trust received a grant from Campbell Soup to work on Healthy Communities, Jarvis crossed the Delaware to help develop a comprehensive nutrition education program in Camden. She found that experience most inspiring. “Starting a new program in a new city from the ground up gave me the chance to be deeply involved. From establishing new relationships, to developing curricula and evaluation methods, building and shaping something from the beginning has been a great experience,” Jarvis said.

Jarvis is passionate about Camden and the community. She looks forward to strengthening relationships and continuing NJPHK-C’s work in a sustainable and strategic way. “It’s an exciting time for the city. I’m glad to be a part of making life healthier for Camden’s residents.”

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