Kirsten C. Rodgers, EdD, MSPH, is a health education expert, consultant, and educator with a robust career dedicated to public health, leadership, and growth. As the founder and principal of Proximate Learning, LLC, Dr. Rodgers established herself as a pioneer in health education, drawing on more than two decades of experience in academia, consulting, and public health strategy. Her educational background and certifications reflect her commitment to enhancing health communication and training the next generation of public health leaders.
Dr. Rodgers earned her Doctor of Education in health education from Columbia University in 2010, following a Master of Science in public health, focusing on health behavior and education, from the University of South Carolina in 2003. She began her academic journey with a Bachelor of Applied Science in public health from the University of Georgia in 2001. Dr. Rodgers leverages her experience in the public, private and nonprofit health system to uncover and address the workforce development challenges that impede integrated quality healthcare in the U.S. She has held a masters certified health education specialist credential since 2011, highlighting her proficiency in nine key health education competencies that are essential in her work providing leadership development services, talent development initiatives, and educational products that empower professionals and cultivate learning systems within and across health agencies, future-proofing the health of the industry and the health of its workforce.
Dr. Rodgers founded Proximate Learning, LLC in 2016 and is the company’s president and principal owner. She provides strategic consulting services to healthcare and public health organizations, focusing on leadership development, health education, and training. Before establishing her firm, she served as a leadership and learning consultant with regional healthcare collaboration, contributing to enhancing the organization’s twenty-eight entities’ learning and development programs. Her earlier work as a senior learning consultant for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta played a crucial role in developing public health training and educational initiatives. Her academic career is equally distinguished. She was an assistant professor at Georgia College & State University and an adjunct assistant professor at Emory University. She led curriculum and program development, enhancing the educational offerings in health and behavioral sciences.
Beyond her business commitments, Dr. Rodgers is involved in civic and community work. She was the development board director for the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. from 2019 to 2024. She also served as a consultant for the Department of Health’s Women, Infant, and Children’s Program, collaborating with local food banks and proving training and mentorship to a national cohort of dietetic interns. Through these roles, Dr. Rodgers shows her passion for improving public health outcomes at the community level, using her expertise to drive strategic planning and capacity building in local groups.
As a founding editor of “Pedagogy in Health Promotion,” Dr. Rodgers significantly contributes to the research and practice of evidence-based strategies in health education.[KR1] . Her editorial work fosters a deeper understanding of the pedagogical principles that shape public health workforce development. She elevates standards and promotes innovative approaches to teaching and learning in the field. Dr. Rodgers’ most monumental accomplishment occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time that tested the resilience and adaptability of health educators worldwide. At the forefront of the crisis, she focused on training and educating health officials at the CDC, recognizing that their preparedness would directly affect their ability to communicate effectively with their teams in an emergency. At this critical juncture, Dr. Rodgers used her advanced capabilities to provide a high level of responsiveness to support those on the front lines of public health.
Dr. Rodgers intends to prioritize the continued growth of Proximate Learning, LLC, with a strategic approach to scaling that matches market demands. The company underwent a rebranding phase, in August 2024, to attract more local and regional nonprofits, hospitals, and government entities at the federal, state, and local levels. This rebranding effort reflects Dr. Rodgers’s vision of expanding the firm’s reach and impact, positioning it as a go-to resource for health education and leadership training across various sectors.
In addition to expanding her business, Dr. Rodgers aspires to provide mentorship to other consultants during the next three to five years. Her valuable insights into the intricacies of governmental health, barriers to equitable care, and the preparation of leaders, position her to continue to scale her business cautiously, ensuring that growth aligns with the needs of her clients and the communities they serve. She credits her success to her consistent daily practices and her desire to learn and teach others. She practices what she preaches, engaging with aspiring health educators and professionals who seek to emulate her path. By nurturing these connections and sharing her knowledge, Dr. Rodgers creates a network of like-minded individuals who are determined to make a difference in the healthcare system.
Dr. Rodgers’s core philosophy is surrounding herself with supportive and talented individuals. She emphasizes the value of working with people who will give back, share their expertise, and positively influence others. Her collaborative approach is one of her most significant strengths, enabling her to build strong teams and achieve collective success. Dr. Rodgers’s background in research provides a firm foundation, but her true talent is in connecting with others and effectively communicating complex ideas in accessible and captivating ways.
In her spare time, Dr. Rodgers enjoys practicing yoga and playing tennis, hobbies that help her maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle. She is also a member of several organizations, including serving on the board of trustees for the Society of Public Health Education and as a member of the North Carolina chapter of the American Public Health Association and Associate for Talent Development. Dr. Rodgers embodies dedication, innovation, and a profound focus on advancing learning and leadership in health systems. As she extends her reach with Proximate Learning, LLC, she is inspired by her own enthusiasm for teaching, drive for excellence, and aspiration to create a meaningful impact in health education.