Stephen Virgilio

Stephen J. Virgilio, PhD, is a professor of physical education at Adelphi University in Garden City, New York. He has researched and studied childhood obesity and fitness education for over 30 years. He taught elementary physical education for six years before earning his doctorate from Florida State University.

Dr. Virgilio has authored four other books, including Active Start for Healthy Kids (Human Kinetics, 2006), which focuses on children ages 2 to 6. He has published over 75 manuscripts and conducted more than 150 presentations and workshops, including several keynote addresses. He is the coauthor of the nationally known Heart Smart Program, a school-based cardiovascular health intervention program.

Dr.Virgilio has been quoted in over 100 major newspapers, magazines, and websites. He has served on the editorial board of Teaching Elementary Physical Education; Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance; and Strategies. He has also served on several national committees and projects with the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE). In 2006, he was elected to the NASPE board of directors. He has been a consultant to school districts throughout the United States as well as Dannon, Fisher-Price, Sport-Fun, and Skillastics. He has also served as senior writer to the PBS children's TV show Kid-Fitness.

Since 1977 he has been a member of NASPE and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

Dr. Virgilio resides in East Williston and Seneca Falls, New York. In his spare time he enjoys bass fishing, kayaking, boating, traveling, and studying world economics.