Meet Dr. Cathy Ramstetter
I am a School Health Consultant & Recess Advocate with Successful Healthy Children. My work focuses on promoting, designing, and delivering quality, playful recess for all students, K-12.
I am a founding member of the Global Recess Alliance and co-author of the American Academy of Pediatrics Policy on Recess. In 2019, I was recognized as a Fellow of the American School Health Association for my contributions to ASHA’s work in communities across the country to help every school be a place where children and adults learn and thrive.
In October of 2022, I was surprised and honored when the International Play Association-USA named me a Doctor of Play in recognition of my achievements in advocating for the child’s right to play.
What I really love is working directly with students to make recess better at their school.
In addition to the publication of the American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement on Recess, Cathy’s research on recess has been published in the Journal of School Health as well as professional publications for educators: American Educator (the quarterly publication for the American Federation of Teachers) and Principal Leadership (middle and high school principals). Cathy along with friend and colleague Dr. Charlene Brickman, The Toy Association’s Genius of Play has written about how parents can advocate for playful recess.
She has also presented her research at local, state, national and international conferences, and delivered workshops and training for schools. She has been interviewed by USA Today, Time magazine, and ABCNews, as well as other radio and news outlets. Cathy has had the joy of discussing recess and play in schools as a featured guest on podcasts with Dr. Debbie Rhea, Dr. Sarah Aiono, and Dr. Deb Lawrence.
© 2025 Successful Healthy Children - All Rights Reserved. Partnering with you to create successful healthy children worldwide.