Danella Barnes-Penman is a trailblazer for educators of physical education in public schools with a heart for improving the health of students. In 1998, with Danella’s advocacy, Sanger Unified School District became the first school district to hire certified elementary physical educators to teach physical education (PE). She would go on to serve as the coordinator of the program for 11 years and for 28 years as an adapted PE teacher. Danella continues to advocate for elementary credentialed PE teachers and the impact physical education has on the classroom child to master skills and academic success. She is a Fresno State alumnus where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Adaptive Physical Education and her Master’s Degree in Educational Administration, along with multiple teaching credentials. In addition, Danella taught in the Department of Kinesiology at Fresno State for 25 years and retired in spring of 2018. That year, she received the Fresno State Health and Human Services Hero Award. Education remains a passion for Danella, even in retirement. She currently serves on the Ferndale Unified School District Board of Trustees and remains a true champion for positive student outcomes through the physical education of youth.