About Us
Directors
Claudio Battaglini
Claudio L .Battaglini, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Exercise and Sport Science (Exercise Physiology Specialization) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an UNC Lineberger Full Member in Cancer Prevention and Control. Dr. Battaglini received his BS degree from the Catholic University of Brasilia Brazil (1992) and his MA (1999) and PhD from the University of Northern Colorado in 2004. Dr. Battaglini's research focuses on the effects of acute and chronic exercise on physiological, psychological, and physical functioning in cancer patients. He co-directs the Get REAL & HEEL Breast Cancer Research Program and the Integrative Exercise Oncology Laboratory. Over the past 10 years, Dr. Battaglini has been the recipient of 22 funded research grants and has published over 60 journal articles and scientific abstracts and 2 textbooks chapters related to exercise oncology. Dr. Battaglini was the 2010 recipient of Tanner Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching and Mentoring presented by the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill College of Arts and Sciences. Prior to Dr. Battaglini's involvement in exercise oncology research, he was an international level endurance sports coach, with some of his athletes achieving World Champion status, 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:
Kelly Hermanson, Get REAL & HEEL; (919) 962-1222
Recreational Therapist:
Amanda Moore, LRT/CTRS, Get REAL & HEEL, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
(919) 843-6528
Leah Cox, CRC, LRT/CTRS, Get REAL & HEEL, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
(919) 843-6528
Exercise Trainers:
Jean Owen, M.A ., Registered Clnical Exercise Physiologist, Get REAL & HEEL, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
D.J. Amatuli, B.A., Certified Personal Trainer, Get REAL & HEEL, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
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
Sheri Branson, M.A. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Instructor in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science Physical Education Program.
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
