Dr. Bechtel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Lebanon Valley College, a Master’s degree in Exercise Science with a focus on Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention from California University of Pennsylvania (now PennWest University), and a Doctorate in Psychology with a specialization in Sports and Performance from the University of Arizona.

With a deep passion for fitness and athletics, Dr. Bechtel is a former collegiate field hockey player and a PA Golden Gloves champion, as well as a professional boxer from 2000 to 2004. She has competed in the figure division as a professional fitness competitor. Her work with the military includes overseeing the High Intensity Tactical Training program for the Marines and developing fitness programs for military contractors such as Triple Canopy. Dr. Bechtel also contributed to the rollout of the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) for TRADOC at Ft. Eustis.

In her leisure time, Dr. Bechtel enjoys hiking, kayaking, and spending time with her gigantic dog, Kosi.