Resume

About SARA Academy

SARA Academy stands for Sports AI Resilience Academy—a global initiative committed to blending sport, technology, education, and creativity to design powerful learning experiences. Whether you’re a university, organization, or individual, we work with you—or your Subject Matter Expert (SME)—to build effective, intuitive, and impactful online learning.

📧 Contact: sara@sara.academy


Sara J. Ferrari, Ph.D.

Sara is currently pursuing her second doctorate—a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Education at the University of South Florida. She previously earned a Ph.D. in Motor Learning and Development and a Master’s in Instructional Design and Technology from the University of Tampa in 2021.

A former university professor, Sara is a dynamic educator, instructional designer, photographer, and professional badminton coach. She has over two decades of experience teaching in Iran, Canada, and the U.S., integrating physical education, mental performance coaching, and innovative instructional methods. Her passion lies in helping others learn, perform, and thrive in hybrid and digital spaces.


Key Strengths

  • Effective communicator and collaborator with diverse learners and clients
  • Expert in digital learning tools: Canvas, Moodle, Blackboard, Articulate Rise 360, Storyline, Camtasia, Padlet, Google Suite, MS Office
  • Experienced PE instructor and international-level badminton coach
  • Creative instructional designer and mental coach
  • Highly organized, with strong project management and multitasking skills

Professional Experience

Founder & CEO
SARA Academy | 2021–Present

Pickleball Coach
Tampa/Florida | 2023-present

Badminton Coach
Vancouver, Canada | 2015–2019

Freelance Photographer
2014–Present | Focus: street, nature, and educational photography

Assistant Professor (Tenure-Track)
Research and Science University, Tehran, Iran | 2008–2013

  • Taught graduate courses in motor learning
  • Supervised PhD dissertations and master’s theses
  • Directed the Motor Behavior Research Group

Mental Performance Coach
Iranian Olympic & Paralympic Committee | 2008–2013

  • Supported national tennis and dragon boat teams
  • Delivered mental skills workshops to athletes and coaches

Lecturer
Esfahan Medical University | 2006–2013

  • Taught first aid, health, and sport science

International Badminton Coach & Instructor
Iranian Badminton Federation | 1998–2013

  • Trained coaches and assessed qualifications nationwide

Registered Nurse
Al Zahra Hospital, Esfahan | 1995–2005

  • Specialized in psychiatric care and ICU

Education

  • Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Education (in progress) – University of South Florida
  • Ph.D. in Motor Behavior, Physical Education – Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran (2008)
  • M.S. in Instructional Design & Technology – University of Tampa, Florida (2021)
  • B.Sc. in Physical Education – Azad University, Esfahan (2003)
  • B.Sc. in Nursing – Esfahan Medical University, Iran (2000)

Leadership & Service

  • Board Member, Canadian Iranian Foundation
  • Board Member, Soroptimist International