Chelsea Lantto, MCHES

“The face of health education is always changing.”

Chelsea chose her career as a health education specialist quite by accident. However, once on that path, she quickly realized it was the perfect fit for her. Being a people-person who loves science and evidence-based practice, she easily blended these elements together.

In her work as health promotion & accreditation coordinator for her health department, Chelsea has successfully implemented a  comprehensive community health assessment, community health improvement plan, and strategic plan for her agency. She has fostered a culture of continuous quality improvement and has designed and implemented the department’s comprehensive performance management system.

Chelsea believes that health education specialists are superheroes because they are multi-talented, compassionate, and creative individuals who can take on a variety of projects and succeed. Health education specialists must change to meet the demands of the people they serve.

“My work always keeps me learning, keeps me on my toes, and keeps me engaged.”

Chelsea received her Bachelor of Science in health promotion & behavior from the University of Georgia and her Master of Science in public health from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Chelsea has been a Certified Health Education Specialist since 2009 and earned her Master Certified Health Education Specialist credential in October 2015. She served as the chair of the Health Education & Promotion Forum under the Michigan Association for Local Public Health for two years. Currently, she is a member of the SOPHE Communications Committee and SOPHE’s Great Lakes Chapter. In 2014, she was named one of SOPHE’s Top 30 Under 30. She is also a member of the Delta Omega and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies and a certified Just Culture Champion.

Her career advice,

“Challenge yourself and say yes to that new job, promotion, or project. Even when you don’t feel completely ready, you’ll be sure you are when you need to perform.”

She strongly believes that anyone saying “yes” can do more and be more than they ever thought possible. It’s the ability to step into a space when the opportunity arises.

Chelsea enjoys traveling with her husband, snuggling with her puppy, Ellie, and scuba diving with her family.