Resume
Sherrilene Classen, PhD
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Sherrilene Classen, PhD, is an accomplished academic executive, nationally recognized scientist, and author of The Trail Within: A Solo Journey on the Appalachian Trail, who translates decades of research, institution-building, and leadership expertise into professional and personal transformation. As former Chair of Occupational Therapy at the University of Florida and Founder of SacredSummit™, Dr. Classen combines the rigor of evidence-informed inquiry with the human dimensions of authentic leadership, resilience, consciousness, and purpose. Through her writing, transformative programs, and leadership experiences, she inspires leaders and professional women to move beyond conventional measures of success toward lasting, values-aligned growth.
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Testimonials
Dr. N.E. Associate Professor, Florida
"I have come to think of the WEP as a supportive community. I was feeling burned out in general and felt like I needed to tap into something deeper. The greatest values for me is making the time to take a deeper look at how I could be more effective in important areas in my life and the tools for rethinking how I process information (The Judge, Saboteurs, EFT, victim to creator, etc.) I believe the time and money spent is worth the return."
Dr. T. S-A, Professor and Dean, South Carolina
"I’m transitioning into a new stage of my career, and I felt it was the perfect time to begin purposefully working towards creating a more fulfilling life. I initially hesitated due to time constraints—between moving and starting a new job, my schedule was packed. However, this course has quickly become a highlight of my week. I’ve already started incorporating what I’ve learned into my daily life. The way Sherrilene guides us through the material, followed by facilitated coaching and group discussions, has made for a highly effective and empowering learning experience."
S. Cline, Florida
“Sherrilene and her Sacred Summit has been a blessing in my life. I was able to join her 10-week Women's Empowerment course and it was so enlightening. The class felt so personal and tuned in on my purpose. Every week I looked forward to learning new ways to focus on reaching my goals and passions.”
Shoba S. - Gainesville, FL
“Sherrilene is hands down the best fitness instructor I have ever had! She genuinely cares about the well-being of her students and is constantly inspiring us to challenge ourselves and push through the barriers. The enthusiasm and energy she brings to class is contagious, which is one of the main reasons I look forward to attending her classes. I am truly grateful to have her as my fitness Coach and Guru!”
Kajori M. - Gainesville, FL
“I had the privilege of working with Sherrilene in preparation for a long hike, and I can’t recommend her highly enough. In just a couple of sessions, she quickly understood exactly what I needed and designed a thoughtful, highly targeted training plan that felt both challenging and completely achievable.
She is truly a force of nature—fierce, focused, and incredibly inspiring. Her energy is contagious, and she has a way of pushing you beyond what you think you’re capable of while still making you feel supported every step of the way.
What stood out most was how personalized her approach was. She didn’t just hand me a generic program; she built something that aligned with my goals, my timeline, and my current fitness level. By the time I left, I felt stronger, more confident, and genuinely excited for the hike ahead. Thank you, Sherrilene!!”
Nancy, B., Gainesville, FL
"I enjoy the walking groups! Not only are we seeing all the natural beauty of the outdoors, but we are also sharing the experience with other like-minded people who appreciate all that life has to offer."
Tammy T, Gainesville, FL
“Joining this book club has been one of the most enriching experiences I’ve had in a long time. The conversations went far beyond the pages of the book, opening my eyes to new ideas and perspectives. The group’s thoughtful questions and supportive atmosphere made every meeting something to look forward to. I came away not only with a deeper appreciation for the book, but also for the power of shared learning."
May M, G'ville, Florida
“I went into my first professionally guided hike feeling nervous and unsure—but thanks to Sherrilene’s incredible preparation, I felt confident and ready before we even set foot on the AT trail. Her checklists, packing tips, lodging plans, and detailed daily hiking breakdowns left nothing to guesswork. Once we started hiking, everything shifted. Spending hours immersed in nature was calming, freeing, and deeply refreshing, like a mental reset combined with a soul grounding ritual. The group of women I hiked with was inspiring, supportive, and so much fun to be around. Even as a beginner, I always felt included and capable thanks to flexible route options and thoughtful pacing. Yes, my feet were sore—but my spirit was soaring! I’d do it again in a heartbeat and recommend it to anyone considering it. If you’re even thinking about it—GO. You won’t regret it.”
Joanna S., G'ville, Florida
“Trail adventure with Sherrilene: Organized to the smallest detail, all you have to do is show up, smile and enjoy the experience! I loved the opportunity to deepen and develop friendships with likeminded individuals, physical challenges while being surrounded by the stunning nature, and an opportunity to quiet and distance myself from everyday stressors.”
Nancy B., G'ville, Florida
“I enjoyed getting to know the ladies on a more personal level. Theres nothing like a walk in the woods to quiet the world around you.”
Kabita, Gainesville, FL
“Sometimes your instincts tell you to reach out to someone because what they are doing looks adventurous, inspiring, and almost unachievable. That was how I felt about Sherrilene. I hesitated before reaching out, wondering how I would be received and whether I would be met with questions or judgment. Instead, I was welcomed and became part of something much bigger than a trip.
What started as a simple connection turned into an experience filled with moments I will carry with me for life. This book is a reflection of that journey and of the unexpected connections that can become some of life’s defining moments.
This is my personal experience with Sherrilene and this book—the perfect excuse to settle into my swing chair and relive some trail memories.”
May, Gainesville, FL
“I truly enjoyed reading The Trail Within. Its unique format resonated deeply with me because it felt so much like the way thoughts actually unfold inside my own head—honest, fluid, reflective, and wonderfully spectomagnubulous. I think many readers will see a mirror of themselves in these thoughts and easily connect them to their own everyday experiences. The book is flowing and easy to read, yet full of wisdom that stays with you.
I learned that freedom emerges by leaving something behind, that engagement means showing up with all of yourself, and that control is ultimately an illusion. ‘Preparation is never rewarded with predictability’ was perhaps my favorite line, along with the spot-on definition of grit as taking the next step when you desperately want to stop.
I marked so many passages that I know I’ll return to whenever I need one of those reminders—and perhaps exactly the voice I need to hear in that moment.”
Faith R. Amazon Review
“I will never walk any part of the Trail, but through the author’s clear, flowing writing style and plentiful photographs, I felt like I was walking with her. Rather than focusing on the enormous physical challenges, though, she instead focuses on opening herself to the unexpected and unscripted experiences that the Trail offered her and how they changed and expanded her thinking about her approach to her own life/trail going forward.
This book is a deeply personal, carefully-considered introspection about life, beauty, wonder, and challenge, presented simply but with great insight. The book is small but had a huge impact on me because of the authenticity of the writing and the relatability of the ideas. This is a book I will reference often because there is great and universal wisdom to be found within it.”
Heather W., G'ville, Florida
“Hiking with 6 empowered women elicited three themes for me:
Transformative - Being on the trail changes you both inside (emotionally and spiritually) and outside (physically).
Simple - Life is just one step in front of the other, and the worries of the world fall away.
Sisterhood - Walking side by side with such a diverse group of women, who are sharing strength and laughter, is truly inspirational.”