Get to know Sabrina Cali, Ph.D.

Sabrina Cali, Ph.D., joined NEOMED in June 2023 as director of the Health and Wellness Coaching Certificate Program (HWCCP) in the Office of Family and Community Medicine. The Pulse recently invited her to introduce herself.

Why did you want to become part of the NEOMED community?

When I saw an opportunity to create a new Health and Wellness Coaching Certificate Program here at NEOMED, I thought it was something I could not pass up. I have been a health coach for the past 10 years, as well as a professor in health and exercise studies, and this position of creating a health coaching program was a perfect fit for me. Once I began the interviewing process, I quickly realized what a great place this was to work. The people I met in the interview were so welcoming, and I enjoyed talking to them about my passion for health and wellness.  I wanted to work at a place that had strong values and believed in health promotion. I felt that at NEOMED. The value of diversity and inclusion, as well as leadership, really drew me into this community. I’m very excited to be a part of it. 

What are your primary responsibilities in your role?

I serve as the director of the Health and Wellness Coach Certification Program. This program was created as one of the amazing opportunities from the new affiliation agreement between University Hospitals (UH) and NEOMED. Currently, I am developing the program application to the National Board of Health and Wellness Coach Certification organization, which includes program curriculum and development. 

Are you originally from Northeast Ohio?

 I live in Brunswick, Ohio, and grew up in Northeast Ohio. 

What are you most excited about in your first year at NEOMED?

I am so excited about creating something new, especially in health promotion. I believe this is going to be so beneficial for UH professionals, patients and the NEOMED community. I also love meeting new people in the field of higher education. I already made some great connections and look forward to more opportunities to get to know more professionals at both UH and NEOMED. 

What are some of your favorite things to do outside of work? 

I love camping with my family, being active with weight lifting, biking and running in local 5k races. I also love reading non-fiction. 

Where’s your favorite place to spend time in Northeast Ohio? 

As a family we love going camping and we take our RV to different sites and a few of our favorites are West Branch State Park, Mohican State Park and Punderson State Park. We like hiking, swimming and biking.