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Sue Beckham, PhD
Director
Adult Initiatives Program Leader: Personal Training Education
Dr. Sue Beckham earned a doctoral degree in physiology and Master of Science degree in Exercise Physiology from Oklahoma State University. Certified by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) as a Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist (RCEP) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), she has 25 years of experience in the health/fitness field.
Sue’s experience includes three years as Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Noninvasive Cardiology at the Dallas VA Medical Center, 10 years as Associate Professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, as well as experience in sports medicine, exercise testing, personal training, and corporate wellness. She has published research articles on nutritional supplements, authored chapters in ACSM’s Resource Manual, and serves on the Editorial Board for ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal.
Sue is a former age-group triathlete, competing several times in the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon World Championship. Currently, she enjoys recreational cycling, resistance training, and running with her four-legged friends.
Gina Cortese-Shipley, MS
Associate Director
Gina Cortese-Shipley has an Master of Science in Exercise Physiology from Texas A & M University and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a minor in Health and Wellness from Washington State University.
At The Institute, Cortese-Shipley creates innovative ways to deliver education on health and wellness to both professionals in the field and the public. This includes providing instruction in a wide variety of health and wellness areas and developing curriculum for our workshops, designing and leading online learning, and creating behavioral based educational materials and products.
Prior to joining our team, Cortese-Shipley served as Exercise Physiology Department Supervisor for the Baylor Tom Landry Center where she worked with medical professionals conducting physiologic assessments and providing wellness enhancement through lifestyle intervention. Cortese-Shipley has been actively involved in the wellness field serving as a speaker for many educational series, health conferences, and certification courses; authoring articles pertaining to health and exercise published both locally and nationally and advising student interns.
She is an avid exerciser and loves to create tasty, healthy meals, something she hopes to pass on to her two little ones, Luca and Gianna.
Stephen W. Farrell, PhD
Science Officer
Dr. Farrell received his doctorate from Texas Woman’s University in 1996 with a major emphasis in exercise physiology and a secondary emphasis in nutrition. His Master of Science in Exercise Physiology and Bachelor of Physical Education degrees were earned at the University of South Carolina and Springfield College, respectively.
Employed by The Cooper Institute since 1982, his current position is Science Officer for the education division. He is also involved with updating course content for our workshops. Dr. Farrell has teaching responsibilities both here in Dallas and worldwide, and has conducted over 200 workshops for various branches of the U.S. military, federal, state, and municipal law enforcement agencies.
On numerous occasions he served as workshop director for the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Exercise Test Technologist and Health Fitness Instructor certification courses. He has been a lead author or co-author on several peer-reviewed research publications. His primary research focus is the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness, adiposity, and various health outcomes. He has presented at the annual meeting of the ACSM on numerous occasions. Dr. Farrell currently holds the position of chair of The Cooper Institute’s Review Board (IRB), which reviews and approves all proposed research studies. He also served as a consultant for the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
A former competitive runner with racing distances and PR’s ranging from 800 meters (1 minute and 58 seconds) to 10 miles (54 minutes and 45 seconds), he is still an avid exerciser, and enjoys cycling and weight training.
Michael Harper, MEd
Associate Director
Strategy Leader: Military and First Responder Programs
As an instructor, Michael Harper provides instruction in a wide variety of health and wellness areas and is a liaison to the military and first responder programs of The Cooper Institute. In working with all branches of the military and first responder communities, Harper helps to ensure that all of the programs, courses, products and services provided are helping to meet the needs of these groups. In this capacity, he also works with groups to bring fitness and health related At-Your-Site courses to locations throughout the U.S. and all around the World
He has a Bachelor of Science from Howard Payne University and a master’s degree in education with a major in health and physical education from Tarleton State University. Prior to joining The Cooper Institute, Harper had been heavily involved with sports performance enhancement in the athletic setting as a Strength & Conditioning Coach at the division I & II levels – most recently Head Strength Coach at Tarleton State University.
Harper also stays active with philanthropic quests with The American Legion and other organizations such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, in addition to his own athletic endeavors both here in Dallas and while on the road teaching. As a triathlete, he has competed in races of all distances, including the full Ironman distance. As an ambassador for fitness, Harper tries to stay connected and share fitness tips with students, the community and others through www.Facebook.com/Harper4Fitness.
Karyn Hughes, MEd
Associate Director
Karyn Hughes, MEd has devoted her life to the promotion of fitness and wellness. As an Associate Director of Education, She delivers fitness and health course instruction worldwide to aspiring personal trainers and military personnel, plus numerous federal, municipal, and state law enforcement agencies and academies across the United States.
Karyn earned her Bachelors in Kinesiology from the University of Texas and Masters in Education, with a Major in Physical Education, from the University of North Texas. With 35 years of experience in the field of fitness, exercise, and health promotion, she has taught and coached in public schools, led corporate wellness programs, and was the first female personal trainer in Dallas.
Karyn is also the founder and CEO of Better Body Systems, Inc., and has invented the WOW Stretch and WOW Sequential Stretching System.
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Don Disney, MS, MA
Director
Youth Initiatives
Prior to coming to The Institute, Don was the Director of Health and Wellness for El Paso ISD where he led the implementation of FG in EPISD schools well before it was a Texas requirement. Don has had a long, successful history of making a difference in the health and wellness of youth which began in Maryland as a teacher and administrator. As a young PE teacher, he was inspired by Dr. Cooper’s aerobics movement to create a precision jump rope team called the “Kangaroo Kids” (kangarookids.org). The team became fitness ambassadors across the country, have performed worldwide, and still exist today as a school based/parent organization. Don’s many achievements over the years attest to his passion in this area. Most recently Don received the Congressional Recognition Award for his leadership in health initiatives for the city of El Paso, and the EPISD was named a finalist in the Healthy Living Innovation Award sponsored by the Dept of Health and Human Services. EPISD also participated in our NUTRIGRAM pilot program.
On a more personal note, Don is married and has 4 children now living in different parts of the US. He works out avidly, and loves outdoor activities such as hiking, golf and tennis. He is also the only man to be inducted into the Women’s Athletic Hall of Fame in Maryland.
Marilu D. Meredith, EdD
Director
Perot International Youth Data Center (PYDC)
At the Institute since 1982, Dr. Meredith has served in numerous capacities including Director of Operations and Director of Information Technology. Her primary responsibility has always been the direction of the national FITNESSGRAM project.
Prior to joining the staff at the Institute, Dr. Meredith was employed as a physical educator. She was in the Richardson I.S.D., Richardson, Texas for a 10-year period serving in various capacities, including Director of Health and Physical Education. She also taught at the Austin State School for the Mentally Retarded and the Lockhart I.S.D.
She is a member of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance and Texas Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (TAHPERD), having served TAHPERD as vice-president of the Physical Education Division, chairperson of various sections, and chairperson of the TAHPERD Board of Trustees.
Dr. Meredith has been an integral member of the FITNESSGRAM staff since the program began in 1982. She has been involved in every aspect of the FITNESSGRAM program including designing software, authoring manuals, developing awards systems and publishing materials. She has presented FITNESSGRAM to groups at national, district, and state conferences plus worked with thousands of teachers conducting teacher in-service meetings. Dr. Meredith has been a member of the FITNESSGRAM Scientific Advisory Board since its inception in 1987.
During leisure time, she enjoys cycling, walking, sewing, needlework, and working two of her four Labrador Retrievers in Animal Assisted Therapy.
Catherine Vowell, MBA
Director
FitnessGram
Recently accepting the role of FitnessGram Director, Catherine previously served as an Associate Director of Youth Initiatives with a focus on program evaluation, Catherine consulted on current Cooper Institute Youth Initiatives, project evaluation, and collaborated with the Fitnessgram Scientific Advisory Board. Prior to coming to The Cooper Institute, Catherine worked for the El Paso Independent School District as the Coordinator of Health and Physical Education. During her tenure with EPISD, Catherine developed and implemented an array of health and wellness initiatives to improve the health of her school communities. Catherine is intimately acquainted with The Institute by leveraging products, services and research while working with El Paso ISD.
Catherine holds several physical education and health certifications and has presented at numerous health and physical education conferences. She has an MBA in International Business and a BS in Kinesiology from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). Catherine is a member of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAPHERD), American School Health Association (ASHA) - Future Leaders Academy Cohort 2011, and a Leadership Texas Alumna.
Nancy Beasley, MBA
Associate Director
NutriGram Program
In 2010, Nancy Beasley began her career as NutriGram Project Manager at The Cooper Institute - fully overseeing the $1.86M NutriGram initiative, funded by the Texas Department of Agriculture. The nutritional component of FitnessGram, NutriGram strives to empower children to make healthier eating choices through education and awareness. Nancy has overseen the website creation (NutriGram.org), video game development (The Quest to Lava Mountain) and a successful 2011 pilot program in local schools. She believes, "It's encouraging when children make even small changes like learning to ask for water or milk instead of soda. We're all role models whether we believe it or not. Children watch what we eat and drink, and then pattern their behavior after us. If we start the conversation of how to make a school or organization healthier, it's amazing the change that can take place. Communities will change for the better."
Prior to joining the Institute, Nancy worked at JP Morgan Chase in the Global Private Bank Internet Product Development group. In her career at Chase, she was the project manager for the first web-based account access application on Chase.com. In her spare time, she teaches art to children, is a recognized National artist (represented by 6 galleries), and travels as often as she can to Taos, New Mexico with her son and their two papillions.
Nancy received her Master of Business degree in Marketing from The University of St. Thomas in Houston, and her Bachelor of Arts degree from Texas A&M University.
Norma Candeleria, MS
Associate Director
Healthy Zone School Program
Norma Candelaria, MS, began her career at the Cooper Institute in 2008 as a Lab Tech/Research Coordinator in the Exercise Lab. She moved into the Youth Initiatives division in 2009 as the Youth Fitness Project Coordinator, where her primary responsibility was to help physical educators implement health and activity promotions in 19 schools throughout the Dallas – Fort Worth area. She is currently managing the Healthy Zone School Recognition Program, a 6-year, two-tier program in which she will be assisting 70 schools throughout the Dallas Metropolitan area in becoming Healthy Zones.
Norma graduated received her bachelor’s and master’s Degrees from The University of Texas at El Paso, where she served as a Teaching Assistant for Biomechanics and a Research Assistant for numerous projects involving running and strength training. She is a member of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance and Texas Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. During her leisure time, she enjoys running, watching sports, and shopping.
Julie Stefko, MS
Associate Director
NFL PLAY 60 / FITNESSGRAM Project
Julie Stefko has been the Youth Fitness Project Manager for The Cooper Institute since 2007. Her main responsibility has been to manage the NFL PLAY 60 FITNESSGRAM partnership that began in the fall of 2009. Educating communities, schools, parents, teachers, and students about the Healthy Fitness Zone and the importance of “playing” 60 minutes are key components to this partnership. This partnership will also allow more schools to benefit from FITNESSGRAM, launch new research efforts, and support continued developments of FITNESSGRAM. Before this role, she oversaw the development and implementation of a youth physical activity research project called the FITNESSGRAM “Centers of Excellence” project.
Prior to coming to The Cooper Institute, Julie was employed by the McKinney Independent School District where she taught physical education and health and took on a variety of coaching roles that included serving six years as head volleyball coach for the McKinney High School Lionette Volleyball program. In 2003, she was honored by the City of McKinney with the Commissioner’s Award for her valuable contributions toward the betterment of McKinney’s youth. Before her move to Texas, she worked for the University of Minnesota Volleyball program under the direction of the head coach, Dr. Mike Hebert.
Julie received her Master of Science degree with an emphasis in adapted physical education from Texas Women’s University and she completed her undergraduate work in physical education at the University of Wyoming. She is a member of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance and Texas Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
She enjoys taking long walks her husband, Michael and their goldendoodle, Cabby, playing golf, volunteering, traveling, and staying in touch with friends and family.
Monika Faltiss, BA
Administration Coordinator
Youth Initiatives
Monika is the newest member in Youth Initiatives and works with the team on various projects including NFL PLAY 60 FITNESSGRAM and NUTRIGRAM. Prior to joining the staff at the Institute, Monika worked at the American Cancer Society in Atlanta, GA in the Health Promotions department. She worked with the journals group on their flagship journal, CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. She has also worked for McGraw-Hill as a project editor in their computer books division. In her spare time, she enjoys tennis, cycling, and traveling within and outside the US.
Irene Leverette
Director
Education Operations
Irene joined the Cooper Institute in July 1996. Her roles over the years have consisted of Program Coordinator, ELITE Certification Program Manager and Products Manager, Admin Team Supervisor, Credentialing Certification Manager, Educations Operations Manager, Associate Director of Education Operations and Director of Education Operations. Currently her focus is on business operations, overseeing and employing systematic processes within the education division.
Irene is passionate and dedicated to providing quality service to her colleagues and customers. During her time at CI she has been honored to receive the Spot, Bohannon, S. Sterling Team, and Kenneth H. Cooper awards.
Prior to joining the Cooper Institute Irene worked for an independent professional baseball league based in Dallas. She served as an Administrative Assistant and was the Director of Merchandising when the league office moved to Abilene. She still enjoys baseball but prefers to watch her daughter play softball. Irene, her husband Craig, daughter Brooke, and cavapoo Ace, live in the Frisco/McKinney area.
Margo Simmons, MS
Learning Technologies Specialist
Margo has served in a multitude of managerial capacities and directorships since joining The Cooper Institute in April, 2000. She currently works with Learning Technologies staff in the Education Division.
Margo holds an Associate of Liberal Arts and Sciences degree, a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree in two concentrations: Psychology and Business Administration, and a Master of Science degree in Education, with a focus on Instructional Design.
Patty Rogers
Bookstore/Warehouse Manager
Patty Rogers coordinates all efforts in The Cooper Institute Bookstore and Warehouse. Patty has been a valuable asset since she joined the Education team in February 2003. Her multi tasking and organizational skills support her ability to meet job responsibilities in both roles; however, customer service is her primary focus. She has been in the sales field for over 33 years and enjoys working with people.
Julie Reed
Program Coordinator
Julie Reed began her work at The Cooper Institute in January 2006 with the Administration team. The Education team was lucky to acquire her customer service talents in 2008. Julie’s focus is on the coordination of offsite courses. She also provides support to her team by providing excellent customer service to all course participants.
Julie earned a Business Administration degree from El Centro College. She has over 25 years of customer service experience and has received numerous customer service awards.
GeGail J. Warren, BS
Program Coordinator
GeGail J. Warren oversees course coordination, provides customer service for participants of both onsite and online courses and manages the Susan Sterling Scholarship. Her energy makes her an exceptional team member.
GeGail earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Dallas Baptist University in June of 2002 and joined The Cooper Institute October 2005.
Laura Fast, MBA
Director
Certification
Laura Fast is responsible for all aspects of credentialing certifications offered at CI which includes overseeing developmental and operational processes for the certification program and working with CI management and the independent certification Board. She was instrumental in achieving national accreditation for The Cooper Institute Certified Personal Trainer (CI-CPT) program and is responsible for maintaining compliance with accreditation standards.
Additionally, Laura provides project leadership for managing the development processes for CI’s online continuing education courses. She received her Bachelor of Science from North Texas State University and her MBA from the University of North Texas.
Juli Doyal, BBA
Manager
Certification
Juli Doyal is the Certification Manager for The Cooper Institute. Juli graduated with a BBA in Marketing from Baylor University. Juli helps certification candidates learn about the credentialing certification and exam processes and assists current certificants in understanding and meeting renewal requirements to maintain their certification.
