Amanda Gabarda, EdD, MPH, NBC-HWC

Dr. Gabarda is the Senior Director of Clinical Training & Development at UPMC Health Plan where she is responsible for designing, scaling, and evaluating evidence-based training, quality assurance, and health behavior change interventions for digital, telephonic, and in-person health coaching and care management. Her work focuses on setting a standard of excellence to positively impact health and increase patient/member engagement and activation through coaching and use of Motivational Interviewing. She is passionate about combining coaching and behavior change science to empower individuals to live their best and healthiest lives. Ms. Gabarda has a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Exercise Science from Slippery Rock University, a Master of Public Health from Walden University, and a Doctor of Education in Health and Physical Activity from the University of Pittsburgh. She is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers, a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach and a Certified Health Education Specialist. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering her time in the community to improve food security with organizations like The Pittsburgh Food Bank, 412 Food Rescue, and the Hazelwood YMCA’s food insecurity program. In her personal time she is an endurance sports enthusiast and has completed the 140.6 mile Ironman Triathlon 6 times.