Bio
Dr. Elaine O’Brien is one of the most informed academics and practitioners on the intersection of the Science of Happiness, Well-Being, Human Movement Psychology, Thriving Health, Lifestyle as Medicine, the Body and Positive Embodiment, Aging Well through the Lifespan, and Personal / Community Fitness.
Elaine was acknowledged by Dr. Seligman in his 2012 book Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-Being, for her contributions to the “MAPP Program” and to “Positive Health.” Recently, Dr. Seligman stated that Dr. O’Brien’s work “advances the role of the body and positive movement in helping people achieve flourishing mental health, physical fitness, and positivity.” Dr. O'Brien earned a 2015 PhD in Kinesiology, Human Movement Psychology from Temple University, and holds a B.A. summa cum laude in Urban / Outdoor / Social Recreation and Psychology. Elaine was the MAPP Summit 2022 Invited Alumni Speaker presenting on "Zesty Aging!"
Elaine is an award-winning international Health/Fitness Industry Leader, who collaborated with IDEA Foundation industry leaders for the development of the first Fitness industry leadership, standards, and certification guidelines in cooperation with Educational Testing Services. Elaine was also a National Aerobics Championship Judge/Trainer/Liaison/Communications and Feedback specialist for over 10 years during the DanceSports heyday.
Elaine believes in the power of education around Applied Positive Psychology, including Positive Exercise Practices (PEP) and Positive Fitness as good medicine. Our thoughtful intentional positive thoughts, value clarification, and actions can lead us to a happier healthier life and world. Elaine enjoys music, dancing, travel, the outdoors, film, reading, playing, spending time with Lianna, John, and especially walking daily on the beach whenever she can with Sean and Lola, their Sato puppy from Puerto Rico.
Elaine and Andrea Seydel are thrilled to bring you The Power of Play: Optimize Your Joy Potential. This book can safeguard your physical and mental health and make you a better lover of life. The art and science of Play Positively Matters
