Student Staff Members

Strong Survivors Program Staff Members

Emma Baalman, BS

Hometown: Hardin, Illinois
SIUC major: Master’s in Exercise Science/Pre-Physical Therapy

I am currently a Master’s student SIUC majoring in Exercise Science and this is my 4th semester volunteering with Strong Survivors. I am planning on becoming a physical therapist with hopes of working with an athletic population. I have played sports for as long as I can remember and I am currently a member of the Saluki Volleyball team. I have heard non-stop wonderful things about the program and that’s what sparked my interest in volunteering. I am extremely excited to get started working with the participants. 

Haley Barrett

Hometown: Carbondale, Illinois 
SIUC major: Exercise Science 

I’m a junior at SIUC and this will be my 3rd semester being a part of the Strong Survivors program. Once I graduate, I plan to go to school to become a physical therapist. I’ve played sports all my life and my family used to own a fitness facility, so I’ve become very familiar with exercise and the benefits of it. My grandmother is a breast cancer survivor, so when I heard about this program, I knew right away that I wanted to be a part of it! After hearing so many great things about Strong Survivors, I’m excited to see how impactful it truly is and all the progress everyone will make.

Natalie Bethers

Hometown: Cary, IL
SIUC major: Exercise Science/Pre-Physical Therapy

I am a senior at SIUC and this is my 1st semester with Strong Survivors. I am currently working as a licensed physical therapist assistant and plan to pursue a doctoral degree in physical therapy. I have been an athlete for as long as I can remember and even had the chance to be a part of SIU’s first women’s soccer team. These experiences have served to increase my passion and drive to use exercise as a means of healing and happiness! I am excited for the opportunity to volunteer with the Strong Survivors program and get to know all of the participants. I hope to instill an increased enjoyment and appreciation for physical activity in these individuals, as well as learn from their unique experiences.  

Maris Boelens

Hometown: Aledo, IL
SIUC major: Exercise Science/Pre-Med

I am a senior at SIUC and this is my 4th semester volunteering with the Strong Survivors program. I am planning on becoming a surgeon or a pediatric physician after graduation. I play on the Saluki Softball team at here at SIUC and I have been playing my entire life so I am very familiar with the ins and outs of exercise training. I joined Strong Survivors after a fellow teammate of mine informed me how great of a program it was, and she encouraged me to join. I wanted to be a part of the Strong Survivors program to better educate myself, as well as work hands-on with people who want to better themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. I am extremely excited to form new friendships/relationships, and to see how this program affects each participant in a positive way. 

Josie Brown

Hometown: Geneseo, IL
SIUC major: Exercise Science/Pre-Physical Therapy

I am a sophomore at SIUC and this is my 1st semester with the Strong Survivors program. I am majoring in Exercise Science on the Pre-Physical Therapy Track. I aspire to work in physical therapy due to experiencing multiple injuries in which I needed a physical therapist for both physical and mental support. I have participated in numerous sports growing up and currently on the SIU Cross Country and Track and Field Teams. The Strong Survivors program is a big reason I came to SIU. I am very excited to be involved with the program so that I can gain hands-on experience and help others come to enjoy and reap the benefits of exercise. I can't wait to help the strong and courageous individuals who participate in this program.

Kiley Carter

Hometown: Ewing, IL
SIUC major: Exercise Science (minor: Psychology)/Pre-Occupational Therapy

I am a freshman at SIUC and this is my 1st semester with the Strong Survivors program. I am an Exercise Science major and I am getting a minor in psychology. After I graduate, I plan on becoming an occupational therapist. I have played sports for pretty much my whole life, so I have experienced many of the benefits of exercise training. Ever since I heard of the Strong Survivors program, I wanted to be a part of it. This program can help me get a lot of experience, but it will also give me the chance to experience how exercise training can help cancer survivors and caregivers.

Jeremy Chinn

Hometown: Fishers, Indiana
SIUC major: Exercise Science

I am an Exercise Science graduate and I am currently playing my rookie season in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers. This is my 3rd semester volunteering for Strong Survivors. I was a member and 4-time captain of the Saluki football team. Being someone who has grown up an athlete and around athletes my post-NFL career aspirations are to open a training facility back home and work with athletes that are in the same situation as myself. I first heard of the Strong Survivors program last year and it immediately became something I had an interest in. Ever since being introduced to the program I’ve only heard positive things from its staff members and outcomes for participants. As someone who wants to work with adults in an exercise setting in the future, I’m excited that I’ll get an opportunity to leave my mark on this program and have the opportunity to assist cancer survivors and caregivers to achieve better health and wellness.

Cailey Clark

Hometown: Pittsburg, IL
SIUC Major: Exercise Science/Pre-Physical Therapy

I am a junior at SIUC and this is my 3rd semester volunteering with Strong Survivors. After graduating, I plan on pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. My personal experience with exercise includes being active in sports throughout high school and being a gymnastics instructor for kids very recently. I spent a lot of time in physical therapy for a hip injury and it really made me want to be able to help people improve their quality of life in the same way that it did for me. Exercise as a therapeutic tool is something I have become truly passionate about. I am volunteering with Strong Survivors because the whole program was a big part of why I chose to attend SIU. Strong Survivors is also a great way to help me gain experience in my field of interest. I am excited to develop personal connections with participants, as well as be a small part in showing what a difference exercise can make in someone’s life.

Josh Cortez

Hometown: Mount Vernon, Illinois
SIUC major: Exercise Science/Pre-Physical Therapy

I am a senior at SIUC and this is my 6th semester helping out with Strong Survivors. Upon graduation, I plan to acquire my Doctorate in Physical therapy and work as a military physical therapist. I have shadowed an Army DPT and have seen how impactful their work can be, especially for soldiers who have been in war and have acquired permanent disabilities. I joined the Strong Survivors program because I have a passion for serving others. The Strong Survivors Staff Training Course has provided me the knowledge about cancer and the hands-on experience that will help me do just that. It’s also exciting to be part of a program that’s innovative. I’ve learned through the military that it’s essential to understand others and Strong Survivors provides me with that opportunity.

Vince Falzone, BS

Hometown: Greenview, IL   
SIUC major: Exercise Science

After earning my Bachelor’s in Exercise Science at SIUC, I am now a 1st year Master’s student studying Exercise Science and this is my 3rd semester with Strong Survivors. I've been lifting weights and practicing martial arts for over 8 years. I plan on going to graduate school at SIUC and eventual attaining as position as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist. I am also a Staff Sergeant in the Illinois Air National Guard and have been PTing with them for 5 years. Between that and my Exercise Science classes, I have learned a lot of about exercise and its impact on human physiology.  I look forward to working with Strong Survivors and helping to improve participant quality of life!

Katie Gray

Hometown: Hardin, Illinois
SIUC major: Exercise Science/Pre-Physical Therapy

I am currently a senior at SIUC majoring in Exercise Science/Pre-PT and this is my 4th semester volunteering with Strong Survivors. I am planning on earning my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree when I graduate. I have been an athlete the majority of my life and I am a member of the Saluki Swimming and Diving team. I joined Strong Survivors to gain valuable professional experience for my PT career, but more importantly, I want to help the program participants improve their health and quality of life.

Majesty Gunn

Hometown: Chicago, IL
SIUC major: Exercise Science/Pre-Physical Therapy

I am a junior at SIUC and this is my 3rd semester as a member of the Strong Survivors staff. After graduating with my Bachelors, I plan to pursue a career as a physical therapist. I love exercising myself and I love helping people reach their wellness goals. Exercise is the best therapy in my life on most days and I would love to help others feel its benefits. Participating as a staff member in this program will not only help me bring joy into the participants lives, but also help me gain experience in the field I have chosen to pursue. I am grateful for the opportunity, particularly the chance to better a life by doing what I love.

Josh Hardy

Hometown: Country Club Hills, IL       
SIUC major: Exercise Science

I’m a senior at SIUC and this is my 4th semester working with Strong Survivors. I’ve played sports most of my life, but when my high school basketball career ended, I took a “break” from fitness for a year and it was a mistake. For the past two years I’ve been regularly visiting the SIUC Recreational Center and eating much better, trying to achieve my former physique. After graduation, I plan on attending medical or physical therapy school. I love volunteering and helping people as much as I can. The Strong Survivors program will not only help my professional career but, more importantly, it will allow me to help those who have been through tough times and hopefully make their lives a little better through education, exercise, and good company. 

Taylor Hauck

Hometown: Riverton, IL
SIUC major: Exercise Science

I am a senior majoring in Exercise Science and this is my 1st semester volunteering with Strong Survivors. After graduation, I would like to get a job working with cancer patients. I wanted to be a part of the Strong Survivors program because I thought it would be great experience for my future career. I have always known that I wanted to help people in whatever way I can and I think this program provides a great opportunity to do that. Learning about Strong Survivors was what led me to change my major so that I could be involved with it.

Seth Higgins

Hometown: Charleston, Illinois 
SIUC major: Exercise Science/Pre-Physical Therapy

I am a junior at SIUC and this will be my 3rd semester with the Strong Survivors program. After I graduate, I plan on going to physical therapy school. I have been involved in baseball, football, and basketball my whole life which has kept me in good shape and taught me the importance of exercise and how it can impact many aspects of life outside of sports. I heard about the Strong Survivors program through one of my professors and thought I would enjoy the program. I thought it would be good experience for working with people in a clinical setting for when I become a physical therapist. I love working with people and this program allows me to help people who have already been through so much, so I am looking forward to this opportunity to not only learn, but help others. 

Marissa Holmes 

Hometown: Marion, IL         
SIUC major: Exercise Science

I am a junior at SIUC and this is my first semester volunteering for the Strong Survivors program. I am also a member of the Saluki Track & Field team. My future career goal is to be a physical therapist. I got involved in Strong Survivors because I am eager to start rehabilitation with patients and to help people. I grew up doing gymnastics and with that came many injuries. I had to participate in physical therapy multiple times growing up and my therapists really helped me physically and mentally. I want to help others the same way I was helped and I believe I can achieve that for survivors and caregivers.

Brad Hudson

Hometown: Dallas, Texas
SIUC major: Exercise Science

I am a senior at SIUC studying Exercise Science/Pre-Physical Therapy and this is my 4th semester volunteering for Strong Survivors. I have played a variety of sports my whole life and am currently a student-athlete playing on the Saluki Baseball team. In high school, I began to take training, nutrition, and fitness seriously for baseball. I have trained for speed and power, and have incorporated as well, power yoga and have become a vegan for superior health. I have interned and worked at the Michael Johnson Performance Center in the Dallas area where I have helped to evaluate and train young athletes. Because I have played sports for so long, I have had my share of injuries and, therefore, physical therapy. It was through these sessions that I have become interested in becoming a physical therapist. Ultimately, I would like to help elite athletes rehabilitate. I decided to become involved with Strong Survivors because it allows me to utilize my training experience to help people during a critical time of their lives and to help them become stronger as a result. It’s a wonderful opportunity to, not only help others, but to also gain valuable experience for the future.

Kyra Hunter

Hometown: Hoover, AL          
SIUC major: Exercise Science

I am a senior at SIUC and this is my 2nd semester with the Strong Survivors program. I have hopes of becoming a physical therapist and I believe that working with Strong Survivors will help me achieve that goal. I come to SIU by way of Hoover, Alabama and I am a part of the Saluki Volleyball team as well. I can’t wait to be able to have a positive impact on people in the community. Go Dawgs!

Abriana Jones

Hometown: O'Fallon, MO
SIUC Major: Masters - Exercise Science

I am a graduate student at SIUC and this is my 1st semester with Strong Survivors. After graduating, I plan to attend occupational therapy school to become a pediatric occupational therapist and potentially get my doctorate in occupational therapy. I heard about the Strong Survivors program from Dr. Anton during a tour for my younger sister. I was immediately interested in program because of my love for helping others, as well as my grandfather having cancer three times. Also, as a diabetic, I know how helpful exercise can be in terms of management of a disease diagnosis. I am excited to be able to help others as well as gain knowledge for my future career path.

Ean Katz

Hometown: Columbia, MD
SIUC major: Masters - Exercise Science

I am currently working towards attaining my Masters degree here at SIUC in exercise science and this is my 1st semester with Strong Survivors. After I graduate, I plan on continuing my passion for cancer rehab through exercise. I have lived in the Maryland area all my life where I played college football and lacrosse until I was diagnosed with cancer twice, ending my collegiate athletic career. Having spent a majority of my life exercising, I continued to do so through my cancer treatments. I later discovered that cancer exercise is my passion and once I learned of the Strong Survivors program I knew that it would be a great fit for me. I have a passion for exercise, nutrition and overall wellness and I am excited to move forward working with fellow cancer survivors and caregivers.

John Kolade, B.Ed.

Hometown: Ekiti, Nigeria
SIUC major: Exercise Science (Masters) / Pre-Physical Therapy

I am a second-year Masters student at SIUC and this is my 4th semester volunteering for the Strong Survivors Program. I am also a Graduate Research Assistant for the SIUC Cancer Rehab Laboratory. This is my first time in the USA, as I just moved here from Nigeria for graduate studies. After graduation, I plan to proceed to pursue a doctorate degree in Physical Therapy. I have a strong interest in helping people improve their quality of life through structured physical activity programs. The opportunity of working with the Strong Survivors influences my interest in getting a career in Physical Therapy. It will be a great joy for me to help others improve their overall health and quality of life. Also, to have them do what they never believed they can do.

Jake Krotz

Hometown: Plano, IL
SIUC major: Exercise Science/Pre-Physical Therapy

I am a senior and this is my 3rd semester in the Strong Survivor program. After I graduate this upcoming year I have plans on pursuing a degree as a physical therapist. Exercise is a hobby of mine that began in my childhood when I played little league sports. I participated in baseball, football, and wrestling though high school, and transitioned into a focus on resistance training after those sports ended for me. I was interested in joining the Strong Survivors program upon hearing about it. I see how beneficial exercise can be to not only have a strong and healthy body, but to help psychologically be healthy and have a sense of accomplishment. For this reason, I believe this program has the ability to be very useful and meaningful to those who participate and this lead me to want to be a part of it.

Justina Lanni

Hometown: Mount Laurel, New Jersey
SIUC major: Exercise Science/Pre-Physical Therapy & minors in Coaching & Psychology

I am a senior at SIUC and this is my 4th semester volunteering with the Strong Survivor Program. After I graduate from SIUC, I plan to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. I took an interest in this program because exercise is a big part of my life, pertaining to my career with the Saluki Swim and Dive team. I strongly believe that exercise is a key factor in recovery and helping people to lead happier lifestyles. I feel that I will benefit greatly from this program, but being able to help Strong Survivors participants improve their quality of life is my number one goal. 

Sydney Laurent

Hometown: Chicago, IL
SIUC major: Exercise Science

I am a transfer junior at SIUC, majoring in Exercise Science and this is my 1st semester with Strong Survivors. Ever since I first expressed an interest in it in high school, my grandmother who helped raise me always encouraged me to go into the medical field. My Strong Survivors experience will help me make this dream a reality, but most importantly, it will allow me to help and learn from the program participants. As I began to understand the mission of Strong Survivors, I became inspired to be a part of it, especially because my grandmother had fought cancer and my grandfather had passed away from it. I look forward to helping the participants improve their lives.

Lindsey Leatherman

Hometown: Wadsworth, OH
SIUC major: Exercise Science/Psychology

I am a junior at SIUC and this is my 2nd semester being a part of the Strong Survivors staff. I am working towards my Bachelor’s in Exercise Science and Psychology. I plan on going to graduate school to become a sports psychologist. I have been involved in physical activity and exercise since I was younger by participating in a variety of different sports like cross country, track, soccer, and swimming. I have always been interested in the positive physiological and psychological effects that exercise can have. I joined Strong Survivors mainly because I want to help people live their best and happiest lives.

Tien Lee

Hometown: Taichung, Taiwan
SIUC major: Exercise Science/Pre-Physical Therapy

I am a senior at SIUC and this is my 4th semester volunteering for the Strong Survivors program. After graduating from SIUC, I plan to attend physical therapy school to pursue a career as a physical therapist. I used to play basketball in college when I was in Taiwan, and now I train by my own bodybuilding and strength workout plan which I really enjoy. I participate in the Strong Survivors program is because it offers me the opportunity to get hands-on experience to help people who have been affected by cancer. I also believe that exercise is extremely important especially for cancer survivors because my father has survived from liver cancer by doing exercise and yoga almost every day. I am excited to be a part of this program so that I can help individuals to improve their quality of life.

Casey Macabulos, BS

Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii
SIUC major: Exercise Science/Nutrition-Dietetics

I hold a BS in Exercise Science and this is my 8th semester with the Strong Survivors program. I am currently working on a degree in Nutrition/Dietetics. I spent 8 years in the United States Army, serving three tours in Iraq. I was never one to participate in sports during my childhood and through high school, and eventually received a shocking crash course in exercise when I went to basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia in 2003. I developed an appreciation for a healthy lifestyle as I became physically and mentally stronger during those years and would like to guide others into a path that leads them into achieving permanent, positive health and fitness goals. I am extremely excited to continue being a part of the Strong Survivors staff.

Alex Mcraven

Hometown: Jonesboro, IL
SIUC major: Exercise Science/Pre-Physical Therapy

I am a senior at SIUC and this is my 1st semester with Strong Survivors. After becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant in 2018, I decided to return to school to finish my bachelor's degree. I plan on attending PT school next spring to start my path towards becoming a physical therapist. Before becoming a PTA, I was a multi-sport athlete in high school and then played two years of junior college baseball. I have been involved in sports my entire life and my injury history lead me towards my career path. Between my experience in sports and my three years as a PTA, I have seen the power of exercise and movement as medicine. After learning about Strong Survivors from classmates, I knew I would enjoy the opportunity to work with the program participants and show them how exercise can improve their lives. I love working with people and helping them in any way I can and I hope to make a positive impact in people's lives.

Isabel Neira

Hometown: Chicago, IL
SIUC major: Exercise Science/Pre-Physical Therapy

I am a senior and this is my 4th semester volunteering for Strong Survivors. I took a very special interest in exercise from an early age because I was a very athletic child and I loved to play sports in general. I am currently a member of the Women's SIUC Club Soccer team and I also volunteer to coach youth soccer in Carbondale. I am volunteering for Strong Survivors because I believe it to be a great opportunity to get hands-on practice for my future career as a Physical Therapist and believe exercise to be a fun but effective form of treatment. I am proud to be a part of this program which focuses on helping and providing a better quality of life to cancer survivors and caregivers. I eventually expect to come out of this program with knowledge, experience and patience.

Adam Orynczak

Hometown: Niles, IL
SIUC Major: Exercise Science

I am a 5th year at SIUC and this will be my first semester volunteering as a Strong Survivors staff member. I am currently finishing my Bachelor’s in Exercise Science and am planning on attending Western Colorado University in the High Altitude Exercise Physiology program. Training and fitness have always been a passion of mine. I was a swimmer for 4 years in high school and have been weightlifting on and off for about 6 years now. I am excited to finally have the chance to work with Strong Survivors because exercise has personally pulled me through hard times, and I believe it can for others as well. I believe, as people with the knowledge and skills to help others, we have an obligation to do so and nothing would make me happier than to be able to do that with the Strong Survivors program.

Quianya Payne

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
SIUC major: Workforce Education and Development (Masters Program); Higher Education Administration Doctorate in Education (Ed. D) (Candidate)

This is my 3rd semester with Strong Survivors as I complete my Master of Science in Education (M.S. Ed) and begin my journey as a candidate in the Higher Education Administration Doctorate in Education (Ed. D) program here at SIUC. I am excited about building relationships with the program participants as we focus on restoring health and wellness in their lives. My goal is to assist survivors/caregivers in applying positive physical and mental systems to improve the quality of life. Cancer has affected my family tremendously over the past decade with the loss of several loved ones. This is a great way to facilitate my personal healing as well as the healing of others. I have a passion for helping others and I’m looking forward to being involved with Strong Survivors for years to come.

Jessica Renner

Hometown: New Albany, IN
SIUC major: Exercise Science/Pre-Physical Therapy

I am a freshman at SIUC and this is my 1st semester with the Strong Survivor Program. I’m an Exercise Science major and I plan to become a physical therapist. I grew up playing sports, so I’ve experienced the benefits of exercise training first-hand. I have also been in physical therapy myself and have seen the amazing things rehab can do to improve someone’s life. I wanted to be a part of the Strong Survivor Program to gain experience in rehabilitation and to improve the quality of life of cancer patients and their caregivers.

Kara Rich

Hometown: Deer Creek, Illinois
SIUC major: Exercise Science/Pre-Occupational Therapy

I am a senior at SIUC and this is my 4th semester volunteering with the Strong Survivors program. After graduation, I plan to pursue a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree and work in an environment that serves children with special needs. I competed in volleyball throughout my childhood and through high school. I also participated in a weight-lifting program in high school, becoming a member of the first ever group of women to compete in my school district’s annual weight-lifting competition and I learned a great deal about exercise training from those experiences. I have seen the hardships that one faces when dealing with cancer and I hope that through my time volunteering in this program, I can help improve the quality of life of those who have experienced battling cancer in honor of my late grandmother, Karol, and dear friend, Derek.

Willie Rodgers

Hometown: Gainesville, FL
SIUC Major: Exercise Science

I am currently a senior at SIUC and this is my 1st semester volunteering for Strong Survivors. I am planning on becoming a clinical exercise physiologist post-graduation. I am a part of the Saluki Men’s Track and Field team here at SIUC and it has been a rewarding experience that has taught me much about exercise training. I joined Strong Survivors because I am passionate about bringing joy to people’s lives through fitness. I also have lost many close family members to cancer and witnessed the effects on them mentally and physically. I want to build connections, help people reach their goals, and show them that they are amazing.

Tori Schullian

Hometown: Herrin, Illinois
SIUC major: Exercise Science/Pre-Physical Therapy

I am a junior at SIUC and this is my 3rd semester volunteering for Strong Survivors. After graduating, I plan to pursue another degree, Doctor of Physical Therapy. As a student-athlete, exercise has always played an important role in my life starting at a young age (I am currently a member of the Saluki Women’s Softball team). Strong Survivors is the perfect opportunity to help others as well as broaden my knowledge and experience. I think Strong Survivors is a great way to learn more about my field of interest as well as improve the quality of life of cancer survivors and caregivers. I look forward to using my experiences from the Strong Survivors program to help other individuals in my professional career. 

Nate Shaw, BS

Hometown: Quincy, Illinois
SIUC major: Exercise Science (Masters)

After graduating with my Associate’s degree in Physical Therapist Assistant in August 2019 and with my Bachelor’s in Exercise Science in May 2020, I began pursuing a Master’s of Science in Exercise Science at SIUC. Health and fitness became an important part of my life starting in 2012. At the time, I was beginning my four-year contract as an infantry rifleman and radio operator in the United States Marines Corps. I became very invested in improving my own health through exercise, but it was not until 2016 that I discovered my passion for working with others and teaching them ways to improve their own health and wellness. I have five years of experience working as a personal trainer at various gyms throughout the southern Illinois region and I am a certified CrossFit Level 1 trainer at 618 CrossFit. I have worked with diverse clientele, from high school students working on strength and conditioning, college students looking to improve their health and wellness, and seniors looking to improve their mobility, range of motion and overall health. When working with clients, I apply what I have learned in my education and bring my passion for fitness to help them reach their goals. I am hoping to do the same with the Strong Survivors participants.  

Sidney Sikes

Hometown: Crandall, TX
SIUC major: Exercise Science/Pre-Physical Therapy

 I am a senior at SIUC and this is my 1st semester with Strong Survivors. I played volleyball and softball in high school and I am a member of the Saluki Softball team. When softball is in its offseason, I enjoy doing cross-fit to work on my strength, power, flexibility, and conditioning. I have experience shadowing in a physical therapy setting, as well as giving softball lessons to younger players. I decided to be a part of Strong Survivors because I think it is an amazing opportunity to work within the community here in southern Illinois. It is also a great hands-on learning experience that allows me help individuals who have fought cancer.  

Makayla Smothers

Hometown: Herrin, IL
SIUC major: Exercise Science/Pre-Physical Therapy

I'm currently a senior at SIUC and this is my 3rd semester with Strong Survivors. Once I graduate, my goal is to pursue a career in physical therapy. What interested me the most about Strong Survivors is that it allows you to work one-on-one or in a group environment while building relationships with others. Another important aspect was the fact that several of my family members have passed away from cancer. I believe this program will truly help me understand how one's body, mind, and soul can be affected by the cancer experience and how exercise can play a positive role. For my future career in physical therapy, I hope to use everything I learn the Strong Survivors program to strengthen and rehabilitate individuals for the better.

Deven Speed

Hometown: Cache, OK
SIUC major: Exercise Science (minor in Psychology)

I am a junior here at SIUC and this is my 1^st semester working with Strong Survivors.  From the time I was five, I was playing sports and being physically active and my whole life has revolved around that.   I have been a swimmer for a long time and I am a member of the Saluki Swimming and Diving team.  Through my sports experience, I know what it is like being injured and having to take rehabilitative measures to become mobile again. I chose to do Strong Survivors so that I can learn more about cancer rehab and apply my knowledge of exercise to help the program participants have a positive and fun experience with exercise. 

Adam Warfel

Hometown: Dieterich, IL
SIUC major: Exercise Science/Pre-Physical Therapy

I am currently a senior at SIUC and this is my 4th semester working with Strong Survivors. My personal experience with exercise started in high school, as running cross country required many miles of running per week. It was when I strained my hip flexor my junior year of high school and began going to physical therapy sessions to help me recover that my interest in exercise as a therapeutic tool increased. Also, during my senior year of high school I was able to shadow physical therapists through a program called Health Occupations and getting a glimpse of what they did every day led me to my career goal as a physical therapist, ideally working with a major league sports team of any sort (preferably baseball). I am volunteering for Strong Survivors because after I graduated from high school my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Experiencing the impact cancer has on a family firsthand made me want to help those who have been in that situation too.

Charlotte Westmoreland

Hometown: Marengo, IL
SIUC major: Exercise Science

I am a senior at SIUC pursuing a degree in exercise science and this is my 1st semester as a part of Strong Survivors. I work as a CNA back home in Marengo, so I have always had the passion to help people. After graduating I hope to get a job that had to do with rehab care. This is very important because everybody deserves to feel their best even. I heard about this program from Dr. Anton talking about it in class and I thought it was a good opportunity to get a feel of what I would like to do in the future. I’m excited to work with Strong Survivors participants and be able to help them reach their goals.

Austin Williams

Hometown: Marion, IL   
SIUC major: Exercise Science

I am currently a senior at SIUC and this is my 3rd semester volunteering for the Strong Survivors program. I learned how important exercise was at a young age when I started participating in organized sports. Although my sports career ended when i graduated high school, I knew exercising was essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I'm very excited to gain experience and work with all the program participants. I look forward to the opportunity to offer a service to those who wish to improve their health and quality of life. 

Abbie Young

Hometown: Fort Wayne, IN 
SIUC major: Exercise Science/Pre-Physician’s Assistant 

I am currently a senior at SIUC and this is my 3rd semester with Strong Survivors. Physical activity has been a big part of my life and I have played almost every sport growing up. I have been swimming for 14 years and am currently a member of the Saluki Swim and Dive team. My love for helping people and the medical field is what drove me to target PA as a career. Once I heard about Strong Survivors, I immediately knew I wanted to be involved. This is a perfect way to combine my love for physical activity and the medical field into one passion. I am excited to be a part of something so impactful and I am looking forward to helping others improve their lives through the benefits of exercise.

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