About the Author

Dr. Chris T. Pernell, a dynamic physician-leader and health and wellness visionary, strives to heal and transform souls. In her public health practice, she concentrates on community-based health promotion and advocacy and worksite wellness programs, emphasizing a holistic approach to total well-being. Specializing in vulnerable populations, she has sought-after expertise in health and wellness consultancy and prevention strategies. A cum laude graduate of Princeton University, she attained her medical degree at Duke University School of Medicine and an executive master of public health in healthcare management from the Columbia Mailman School of Public Health. Dr. Pernell trained clinically before segueing to population-based care. Recently, she began the Johns Hopkins General Preventive Medicine Program, where she helps facilitate local, regional, and national public health and preventive medicine projects. Dr. Chris, as she is affectionately known, founded My Body & Me as a faith-based initiative to combat overweight and obesity and associated chronic illnesses. My Body & Me has expanded to include diverse audiences, spearheading the use of novel prevention practices for engaged, healthful living. In particular, the program was adapted for the public school setting with workshops for parents of school-aged children, and as a series for the residents of the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center in Newark, New Jersey. Dr. Pernell was selected as a contributing writer for "Health Care Rx," an online expert panel conducted by the Washington Post, where she submitted weekly blogs on the health-care reform debate. AOL highlighted one of her pieces as the best of the web in their weekly series. In Letters to My People, she affirms the unique greatness of each person and hopes to empower others to tap into their highest calling and abundance. Dr. Chris serves as a senior minister with Bet HaShem YHWH Worldwide Ministries, Inc. She actively combines her passion for faith with her vision to improve the health and well-being of souls and communities. Alongside her mission to heal, she labors as Director of Bet HaSHEM (the Praise & Worship Ensemble) and founder of YAHSpeak, an inspirational spoken-word performance group. Raised in East Orange, New Jersey, she has made Newark her home and purposes to raise her city to the standard of global beacon and urban gem. She vows to use the pulpit of public service to agitate for social change and justice.