About Us
Directors
Claudio Battaglini
Dr. Claudio Battaglini has been an Assistant Professor in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) since 2005 and an Associate Member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center since 2007. Prior to his arrival to Chapel Hill, Dr. Battaglini conducted research on exercise and cancer as a graduate student at the University of Northern Colorado, Rocky Mountain Cancer Rehabilitation Institute. His research focuses on the effects of individualized exercise prescriptions for the alleviation of treatment-related side effects in cancer patients. He has published over 50 research papers and scientific abstracts. His publications appear in Journals such as: Integrative Cancer Therapies, Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, Journal of Endocrinological Investigations, Sao Paulo Medical Journal, International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, and others. Dr. Battaglini has presented the results of his experiments nationally and internationally. Some of the awards and honors Dr. Battaglini has recently received include the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center Population Sciences Award (2008), Junior Faculty Award from the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost (2007), and for the third time since joining the Exercise and Sport Science faculty at UNC-CH, the Award of Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching (2008). Prior to Dr. Battaglini’s involvement in cancer and exercise research, he was an international level endurance sports coach, with some of his athletes achieving World Champion top rankings, Pan-American Champion status, and Olympic Game appearances.
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Contact Dr. Battaglini at (919) 843-6045 or claudio@email.unc.edu
Diane Groff
Dr. Diane Groff is an Associate Professor in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH). Her current line of research focuses on the effects of exercise and recreation therapy on the physical and psychological functioning of women with breast cancer. Dr Groff has recently received two awards recognizing her work in the field. She received the Ray E West Distinguished Member award from the North Carolina Recreation Therapy Association in October, 2008. The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation also honored her with the Spirit of One award, presented on behalf of the NC Triangle Affiliate of the Susan G Komen for the Cure Foundation. Prior to her work with women with breast cancer she studied the effects of recreation therapy and adapted sports on individuals with disabilities. She specifically focused on the impact of these interventions on identity, physical self-perceptions and quality of life. Her publications appear in journals such as the Therapeutic Recreation Journal, Annual in Therapeutic Recreation, Journal of Sport Behavior, Medicina Sportiva, Disability and Rehabilitation, and Leisure/Loisir. Her work also appears in numerous edited books including Facilitation Techniques in Therapeutic Recreation, Trends in Therapeutic Recreation, and Leisure Services in North Carolina. In addition Dr. Groff has presented at numerous national and international conferences such as the Society for Integrative Oncology, American Therapeutic Recreation Conference, American College of Sports Medicine, National Recreation and Park Association, and the International Congress on Physical Activity and Public Health. She currently serves on the Executive Committee for the NC Triangle Affiliate of the Race for the Cure and on the Physical Activity Board for the North Carolina Office on Disability and Health. Dr. Groff also has an extensive background in adventure recreation where she has served as a ropes course facilitator, rock climbing instructor, whitewater canoe instructor and raft guide for a variety of populations.
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Contact Dr. Groff at (919) 962-0534 or groff@email.unc.edu
Staff
Program Coordinator:
Mrs. Jennifer Cashion, Get REAL & HEEL; (919) 962-1222; cashion1@email.unc.edu
Exercise Trainers:
Elizabeth Evans, B.S., M.A., Ph.D. Student at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Human Movement Science, Department of Exercise and Sport Science
Jean Owen, M.A.. Exercise Physiology Specialization, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Exercise and Sport Science
Eric Martin, Second Year Master Student, Exercise Physiology Specialization, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Exercise and Sport Science
Sheri Branson, M.A. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Instructor in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science Physical Education Program.
Recreational Therapists:
Amber Alsobrooks, MSRA, LRT/CTRS; Certified HeartMath Provider; Get REAL & HEEL, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (919)962-1222
Cari Sipe, LRT/CTRS; Galloway Ridge and Get REAL & HEEL, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Associates
Physicians/ Physicians Assistants:
Jeffrey Peppercorn, M.D., MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Division of Medical Oncology
David Kirk, M.D. Wake Med Health & Hospitals, Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine, Critical Care Medicine
John Strader, PA-C. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Division of Hematology/ Oncology
Consultants/ Collaborators:
Shelton Earp, M.D. Professor and Director of UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
