She was born in West Medford, Massachusetts,[1] the daughter of William and Anatasia (Mahoney) Neilson.
She subsequently joined the faculty of Lowell State College where she became a full professor, then went to Boston College where she became professor and chair in the Department of Health and Physical Education for several years.
She was the founder and editor-in-chief of the journal Health Values - Achieving High Level Wellness.
She was active in the American School Health Association (ASHA) holding numerous positions including service on the Membership Committee, Governing Council, National Advisory Council, and the Editorial Board of the Journal of School Health.
She was awarded fellowships in the American School Health Association, the National Honor Society for Women in Education, Pi Lambda Theta, and the Royal Society for Health.