Kinesiology welcomes Maureen Pfahler

By: Brittany Bell
Creative Services Student Writer

JMU welcomes Maureen Pfahler to the kinesiology department as an instructor and programming director for Empowerment3. As a JMU alumna, Pfahler (’06) is excited to return to her alma mater and work with her old friends and former professors.

Originally from Fredericksburg, Virginia, Pfahler came to JMU as a field hockey student athlete with a passion for kinesiology and physical therapy. Over the course of her studies, Pfahler realized she was drawn to teaching, and sought to find a way to combine both her passion for kinesiology and interest in educating. 

“I wanted to be in a school, and I realized that being a physical therapist in a school setting wasn't the only way to do that,” Pfahler said. “I really wanted to work with kids.”

After graduating from JMU with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, Pfahler spent a year teaching special education at a private Catholic school in the Diocese of Arlington before earning her master’s degree in adapted physical education from the University of Virginia. Pfahler taught at  Stafford and then Falmouth Elementary in Stafford County for 10 years before coming back to JMU.

When the possibility to return to JMU as an instructor surfaced, Pfahler jumped at the opportunity. “I had gotten to a point where I felt professionally and personally, I needed a change,” Pfahler said. “That brought me to wanting to come back to the environment here.”

During the 2019 fall semester, Pfahler will be teaching KIN 313, an adapted physical education class, and KIN 303, a motor development and learning class, along with serving as the acting director of Empowerment3. Empowerment3 was founded by Professor Tom Moran as a research, education, and service center at JMU that works with individuals with disabilities in the community to help them overcome adversity. Pfahler will be taking over his duties while he is on political leave.

Pfahler’s goal as an instructor is to help motivate and inspire students as they discover their passions. “[I want] to continue the innovative, motivating, and empowering example Dr. Tom Moran has set,” said Pfahler. She encourages students to embrace their fears, follow their hearts and get as much experience as possible.

“What most excites me is being among professionals and among the students,” Pfahler said. “It doesn’t matter what class I’m in, it’s the relationship building. Making an impact and helping students find out their passion, what their strengths are, and providing real experiences is the ultimate goal.  This is the whole big picture of what the kinesiology major gave me here at JMU years ago and I feel has brought me back to return the favor in the PHETE program.”