Our Staff
Carol Ewing Garber is Professor of Movement Sciences and Education and Chair of the Department of Biobehavioral Sciences at Teachers College, Columbia University, where she also serves as the Director of the Graduate Program in Applied (Exercise) Physiology. She is also the Director of the newly launched EXerT Clinic, in which she and her student team are providing fitness testing and exercise training advice to athletes and to the community at large. She served as a Fulbright Specialist in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Balamand in Beirut, Lebanon, and she was previously on the faculty at Northeastern University and Brown University School of Medicine. Professor Garber is a past President of the American College of Sports Medicine and she is the 2019 Citation Awardee of that organization. She also has served in leadership roles in the American Heart Association and in several regional and statewide organizations. She received her BS, MA, and PhD from the University of Connecticut.
Dr. Garber is a clinical exercise physiologist, and her research falls under the broad umbrella of the role of physical activity and exercise in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. She has worked with diverse populations across the lifespan in clinical, community and laboratory settings. Her current work involves the development and testing of a theory- and scientific evidence based creative movement program in low-resourced urban toddlers and their parents and a home-based creative movement program for young children with congenital heart disease. Under her direction, her lab team has been developing new measurement tools for assessing physical activity and movement quality in young children and their parents. In addition to being a Fellow of the National Academy of Kinesiology, she is a fellow of the American Heart Association, and the American College of Sports Medicine. She is the author of over 80 original peer-reviewed articles and numerous book chapters, including the ACSM Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. In her spare time, Dr. Garber sings with the Cecilia Chorus of NYC where she can be seen on stage at Carnegie Hall, and she is an avid Pilates practitioner, urban bicyclist and wilderness backpacker.
Carol Ewing Garber is Professor of Movement Sciences and Education and Chair of the Department of Biobehavioral Sciences at Teachers College, Columbia University, where she also serves as the Director of the Graduate Program in Applied (Exercise) Physiology. She is also the Director of the newly launched EXerT Clinic, in which she and her student team are providing fitness testing and exercise training advice to athletes and to the community at large. She served as a Fulbright Specialist in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Balamand in Beirut, Lebanon, and she was previously on the faculty at Northeastern University and Brown University School of Medicine. Professor Garber is a past President of the American College of Sports Medicine and she is the 2019 Citation Awardee of that organization. She also has served in leadership roles in the American Heart Association and in several regional and statewide organizations. She received her BS, MA, and PhD from the University of Connecticut.
Dr. Garber is a clinical exercise physiologist, and her research falls under the broad umbrella of the role of physical activity and exercise in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. She has worked with diverse populations across the lifespan in clinical, community and laboratory settings. Her current work involves the development and testing of a theory- and scientific evidence based creative movement program in low-resourced urban toddlers and their parents and a home-based creative movement program for young children with congenital heart disease. Under her direction, her lab team has been developing new measurement tools for assessing physical activity and movement quality in young children and their parents. In addition to being a Fellow of the National Academy of Kinesiology, she is a fellow of the American Heart Association, and the American College of Sports Medicine. She is the author of over 80 original peer-reviewed articles and numerous book chapters, including the ACSM Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. In her spare time, Dr. Garber sings with the Cecilia Chorus of NYC where she can be seen on stage at Carnegie Hall, and she is an avid Pilates practitioner, urban bicyclist and wilderness backpacker.
Dave started out as an ACSM certified personal trainer in college before earning his Masters degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology from Appalachian State University in North Carolina. He worked as a research assistant in the Vascular Biology and Autonomic Studies Lab while pursuing his degree. After graduation he went on to work as an exercise physiologist in a Phase 2 cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program within the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System. He also taught several undergraduate classes at Appalachian State University, including Anatomy and Physiology and Introduction to Physiological Assessment, and also served as a site supervisor for undergraduate interns. In his time at TC, Dave has also taught Applied Physiology Lab classes. When he is not in the lab, you can find him hiking or training for triathlons.
Dave started out as an ACSM certified personal trainer in college before earning his Masters degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology from Appalachian State University in North Carolina. He worked as a research assistant in the Vascular Biology and Autonomic Studies Lab while pursuing his degree. After graduation he went on to work as an exercise physiologist in a Phase 2 cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program within the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System. He also taught several undergraduate classes at Appalachian State University, including Anatomy and Physiology and Introduction to Physiological Assessment, and also served as a site supervisor for undergraduate interns. In his time at TC, Dave has also taught Applied Physiology Lab classes. When he is not in the lab, you can find him hiking or training for triathlons.
Anamaria Amador is a first year Ed.M. student from the Applied Exercise Physiology program and a second-year recipient of the Arthur Zankel Urban Fellowship. As a fellow, she has been able to work with the SKIP! Program and teach movement activities to children and their parents, within an early childhood education setting. She has facilitated the classes in both Spanish and English, serving a diverse community of students. She is originally from Puerto Rico and already earned a BA in Psychology from the University of Puerto Rico with one year as an exchange student at CUNY Hunter College, an MFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from Tisch School of the Arts NYU, and an MA in Clinical Psychology and Education with a concentration in Spirituality Mind Body Practice from Teachers College. Her Integrative Project, Blooming Self: A Dance Curriculumwas selected as exemplary work of the Spiritual Mind Body Summer program. Anamaria has been recently accepted to the Leadership & Diversity Training Program from the American College of Sports Medicine.
Anamaria Amador is a first year Ed.M. student from the Applied Exercise Physiology program and a second-year recipient of the Arthur Zankel Urban Fellowship. As a fellow, she has been able to work with the SKIP! Program and teach movement activities to children and their parents, within an early childhood education setting. She has facilitated the classes in both Spanish and English, serving a diverse community of students. She is originally from Puerto Rico and already earned a BA in Psychology from the University of Puerto Rico with one year as an exchange student at CUNY Hunter College, an MFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from Tisch School of the Arts NYU, and an MA in Clinical Psychology and Education with a concentration in Spirituality Mind Body Practice from Teachers College. Her Integrative Project, Blooming Self: A Dance Curriculumwas selected as exemplary work of the Spiritual Mind Body Summer program. Anamaria has been recently accepted to the Leadership & Diversity Training Program from the American College of Sports Medicine.
Byul is a doctoral student in the Applied Physiology program. She was born and raised in South Korea, but her passion for exercise physiology brought her to TC. She is an ACSM-certified EP-C (Certified Exercise Physiologist), and CPT (Certified Personal Trainer), and her current research interests include the relationship between motivation and maintenance of physical activity. She also engaged in various international events, including the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics as a medical interpreter and the 76th/77th UN General Assembly as a delegate of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea. She enjoys communicating with people from multicultural backgrounds and learning from them.
Byul is a doctoral student in the Applied Physiology program. She was born and raised in South Korea, but her passion for exercise physiology brought her to TC. She is an ACSM-certified EP-C (Certified Exercise Physiologist), and CPT (Certified Personal Trainer), and her current research interests include the relationship between motivation and maintenance of physical activity. She also engaged in various international events, including the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics as a medical interpreter and the 76th/77th UN General Assembly as a delegate of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea. She enjoys communicating with people from multicultural backgrounds and learning from them.
Adrianna Keener-DeNoia is a research study manager at the Center for Behavioral and Cardiovascular Research at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. She is also an Instructor in the Applied Physiology program at Teachers College, Columbia University, where she is in the process of completing a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Applied Physiology. Adrianna holds a 500-hour yoga certification concentrating in human anatomy and is a Yoga Medicine® Registered Therapeutic Specialist. Adrianna’s research seeks to increase the access and acceptability of cardiac rehabilitation for women.
Adrianna Keener-DeNoia is a research study manager at the Center for Behavioral and Cardiovascular Research at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. She is also an Instructor in the Applied Physiology program at Teachers College, Columbia University, where she is in the process of completing a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Applied Physiology. Adrianna holds a 500-hour yoga certification concentrating in human anatomy and is a Yoga Medicine® Registered Therapeutic Specialist. Adrianna’s research seeks to increase the access and acceptability of cardiac rehabilitation for women.
Embarking on a Ph.D. in Applied Exercise Physiology at TC, Columbia University in Spring 2021, Zeinab Khodaverdi swiftly honed in on a mission to promote physical activity among youth. Currently, Zeinab is engrossed in a captivating study exploring the effects of aerobic exercise on the executive function of children, aiming to bridge the gap between physical vigor and cognitive agility. This research not only stems from academic curiosity but also a profound aspiration to mold future physical education curriculums that resonate with the youthful spirit, nurturing both their bodies and minds. Outside academia, Zeinab relishes the tranquility and endurance found in long-distance running and the creative outlet provided by photography. These hobbies reflect Zeinab's appreciation for both the physical and aesthetic dimensions of life. Through every stride in this scholarly journey, Zeinab is not merely chasing a degree but is paving a path towards a healthier, cognitively enriched younger generation.
Embarking on a Ph.D. in Applied Exercise Physiology at TC, Columbia University in Spring 2021, Zeinab Khodaverdi swiftly honed in on a mission to promote physical activity among youth. Currently, Zeinab is engrossed in a captivating study exploring the effects of aerobic exercise on the executive function of children, aiming to bridge the gap between physical vigor and cognitive agility. This research not only stems from academic curiosity but also a profound aspiration to mold future physical education curriculums that resonate with the youthful spirit, nurturing both their bodies and minds. Outside academia, Zeinab relishes the tranquility and endurance found in long-distance running and the creative outlet provided by photography. These hobbies reflect Zeinab's appreciation for both the physical and aesthetic dimensions of life. Through every stride in this scholarly journey, Zeinab is not merely chasing a degree but is paving a path towards a healthier, cognitively enriched younger generation.
Kellie Hoehing is a first year doctoral student in the PhD Applied Physiology program. Her research interests include exercise therapies for advanced heart failure and the treatment and prevention of diabetes. Kellie completed her undergraduate course work while simultaneously gaining experience at Henry Ford Hospital- Detroit in the Preventive Cardiology Department. She completed her Master of Science in Exercise Physiology at Central Michigan University before moving to New York City to work at the Center for Advanced Cardiac Care at Columbia University. Kellie is an experienced exercise physiologist, testing and working with a wide range of patients including those who have heart disease, heart failure, transplants, diabetes, and peripheral artery disease. She has experience teaching clinical skills to students and health education information to patients. When Kellie is not in the lab, you can find her running along the west side highway, participating in a yoga class, or finding a new book at the library.
Kellie Hoehing is a first year doctoral student in the PhD Applied Physiology program. Her research interests include exercise therapies for advanced heart failure and the treatment and prevention of diabetes. Kellie completed her undergraduate course work while simultaneously gaining experience at Henry Ford Hospital- Detroit in the Preventive Cardiology Department. She completed her Master of Science in Exercise Physiology at Central Michigan University before moving to New York City to work at the Center for Advanced Cardiac Care at Columbia University. Kellie is an experienced exercise physiologist, testing and working with a wide range of patients including those who have heart disease, heart failure, transplants, diabetes, and peripheral artery disease. She has experience teaching clinical skills to students and health education information to patients. When Kellie is not in the lab, you can find her running along the west side highway, participating in a yoga class, or finding a new book at the library.
Jacqueline A. Burnes is a postdoc in the Department of Biobehavioral Sciences at Teachers College, Columbia University. In addition, Jacqueline is the founder of Burnes Health, a cardiac prevention and wellness center specializing in the development and delivery of cardiovascular education programs. Specifically, projects under Jacqueline's directive serve as an expansion of her dissertation research entitled, Multifactorial Prevention Strategies to Reduce the Onset of Coronary Artery Disease. Jacqueline’s clinical interests include non-invasive cardiac testing, exercise prescription, primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, and cardiac rehabilitation.
Jacqueline A. Burnes is a postdoc in the Department of Biobehavioral Sciences at Teachers College, Columbia University. In addition, Jacqueline is the founder of Burnes Health, a cardiac prevention and wellness center specializing in the development and delivery of cardiovascular education programs. Specifically, projects under Jacqueline's directive serve as an expansion of her dissertation research entitled, Multifactorial Prevention Strategies to Reduce the Onset of Coronary Artery Disease. Jacqueline’s clinical interests include non-invasive cardiac testing, exercise prescription, primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, and cardiac rehabilitation.
Lexi Jourdan has been a group fitness instructor and personal trainer for almost five years. She received her BS in Legal Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and is currently an MA student at Teachers College, Columbia University in Applied Physiology. She believes growth is about 1% improvements. Maybe today “1% better” means just showing up for your appointment. Maybe next week it’ll mean complimenting yourself after each workout. Maybe next month it will mean heavier weights or longer distances or improved health metrics. You’ll be shocked to witness, firsthand, the power of “1% betters” and meet the version of yourself waiting to be realized. Lexi’s passion and purpose in life is to help others find the joy in movement.
Lexi Jourdan has been a group fitness instructor and personal trainer for almost five years. She received her BS in Legal Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and is currently an MA student at Teachers College, Columbia University in Applied Physiology. She believes growth is about 1% improvements. Maybe today “1% better” means just showing up for your appointment. Maybe next week it’ll mean complimenting yourself after each workout. Maybe next month it will mean heavier weights or longer distances or improved health metrics. You’ll be shocked to witness, firsthand, the power of “1% betters” and meet the version of yourself waiting to be realized. Lexi’s passion and purpose in life is to help others find the joy in movement.
Carly Fajardo is currently an MA candidate in Applied Physiology at Teachers College, Columbia University. She received her bachelor’s degree from Vassar College in Science, Technology, & Society and Media Studies, where she was also a captain of the varsity volleyball team. Her experience with Vassar’s strength and conditioning department inspired her to pursue a master’s degree in physiology and has helped shaped her career goals over time. Carly is interested in injury prevention and athletic performance, as well as exercise testing and prescription. When she is not at school, Carly works as an ocean rescue lifeguard on the Sea Colony Beach Patrol and is the head coach of SCBP’s junior lifeguard program.
Carly Fajardo is currently an MA candidate in Applied Physiology at Teachers College, Columbia University. She received her bachelor’s degree from Vassar College in Science, Technology, & Society and Media Studies, where she was also a captain of the varsity volleyball team. Her experience with Vassar’s strength and conditioning department inspired her to pursue a master’s degree in physiology and has helped shaped her career goals over time. Carly is interested in injury prevention and athletic performance, as well as exercise testing and prescription. When she is not at school, Carly works as an ocean rescue lifeguard on the Sea Colony Beach Patrol and is the head coach of SCBP’s junior lifeguard program.
Wangfai Chan is a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with a passion for improving athletic performance and overall health. He is currently working toward an MA in Applied Exercise Physiology at Teachers College, Columbia University, building on his Bachelor's in Human Physiology from Boston University. His field experiences include assisting in the training of elite-level professional boxers and witnessing their remarkable improvements. He also interned at Boston College, leading warm-ups and assisting in coaching.
Wangfai Chan is a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with a passion for improving athletic performance and overall health. He is currently working toward an MA in Applied Exercise Physiology at Teachers College, Columbia University, building on his Bachelor's in Human Physiology from Boston University. His field experiences include assisting in the training of elite-level professional boxers and witnessing their remarkable improvements. He also interned at Boston College, leading warm-ups and assisting in coaching.
Kana Okada is an MA student in Teachers College, Columbia University’s Applied Physiology program and is studying to become a physical therapist. Her research interests revolve around injury prevention and recovery and she aspires to work with a range of different athletes in the future. In her spare time, she enjoys powerlifting, Pilates, and skiing through fresh powder.
Kana Okada is an MA student in Teachers College, Columbia University’s Applied Physiology program and is studying to become a physical therapist. Her research interests revolve around injury prevention and recovery and she aspires to work with a range of different athletes in the future. In her spare time, she enjoys powerlifting, Pilates, and skiing through fresh powder.
Yuval Surpin is an MS student in the neuroscience and education program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She holds an exercise and health certification from the Wingate Institute and a bachelor's degree in psychology with a concentration in neuroscience. After completing her master's degree, Yuval plans to pursue her PhD in health psychology and engage in research and academia, in addition to clinical work. She is deeply interested in the connection between the mind and the body and how this connection can be harnessed for health promotion, both physically and mentally.
Yuval Surpin is an MS student in the neuroscience and education program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She holds an exercise and health certification from the Wingate Institute and a bachelor's degree in psychology with a concentration in neuroscience. After completing her master's degree, Yuval plans to pursue her PhD in health psychology and engage in research and academia, in addition to clinical work. She is deeply interested in the connection between the mind and the body and how this connection can be harnessed for health promotion, both physically and mentally.