Meet the Staff
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Kerry Howell, M.S., ACSM EP, ACSM/ACS CET Specializing in:
Kerry is the Director for Cornell Wellness. She uses her knowledge of exercise physiology and nutrition to help improve the lives of not just the members but all of the Cornell community. Kerry graduated cum laude with a B. S. in Fitness & Cardiac Rehabilitation/Exercise Science from Ithaca College and received her Master's degree in Exercise Physiology. She is a certified Health Fitness Specialist through the American College of Sports Medicine, a certified Cancer Exercise Trainer through ACSM/ACS, a certified Intrinsic Coach through Totally Coached, and she has completed over 25 credit hours in nutrition course work through Central Arizona College receiving her Nutrition and Health Promotion certificate. Kerry co-hosts large annual fitness-based events, creates educational exercise videos, co-manages Wellness marketing, and lectures on campus on a variety of wellness topics. In addition, Kerry helps to support the fitness goals of others through offering fitness consultations, general fitness & nutrition education sessions, general health & wellness sessions, and physical fitness testing meetings. Personally, Kerry enjoys running, kayaking, biking, swimming, skiing, hiking, strength training, fishing and hunting. Contact Kerry at kk253@cornell.edu. |
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Keri Johnson, A.A.S., NASM-PT, ISSA-Certified Nutritionist, LMT, CrossFit-L2, USA Weightlifting Coach Specializing in:
Keri is a Wellness & Fitness Specialist for Cornell Wellness providing multiple types of wellness consultations, lectures & workshops, and coordinating Wellness' Healthy Living Program. She has 17 years in the health and wellness industry. Keri holds a degree in Applied Sciences and Integrated Health Care, plus she is a NYS licensed massage therapist, personal trainer, and aroma therapist. Currently Keri is continuing her education, part-time, at Cornell University in International Health Management. And, she is a Certified Nutritionist through ISSA, holds a Plant Based Nutrition Certificate through the Center For Nutritional Sciences through eCornell, and a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate through eCornell. One of her passions is group fitness and over the years she has acquired many certifications and taken several workshops - these include becoming a: registered yoga teacher, certified Stott Pilates Instructor, CrossFit level 2 instructor, and Tac Fit Commando trainer, along with becoming a certified intrinsic life coach. Her personal philosophies on training include "nothing is impossible, it just takes dedication" and "the body can only achieve what the mind believes, keep it positive!". Contact Keri at kaj84@cornell.edu. |
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Derek Fiacco, M.A., RDN Specializing in:
Derek is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and the Nutrition and Health Outreach Specialist for Cornell Wellness. Derek graduated with a Master’s degree in Dietetics from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City and is a member of the Alpha Eta Honors Society for Allied Health Professions. He has provided nutrition consultations, medical nutrition therapy, cooking demonstrations, and general nutrition guidance in a variety of settings, from community clinics and veterans hospitals, to collegiate athletics, campus dining, and the fitness industry. He believes in taking nutrition information and breaking it down into digestible pieces that are easy to understand and can be put into practice realistically. He is always willing to meet an individual where they are currently at in their nutrition journey, while working towards attaining achievable goals that lead to life-long healthy habit changes. He feels that eating well and making small positive changes to your daily routine should be enjoyable and rewarding, not overly difficult or complicated. He enjoys educating individuals on the incredible power food has on our overall wellness and offers support through nutrition consultations and general health & wellness consultations. In his free time, he enjoys all forms of sports and physical activity, cooking, traveling, and taking on new adventures and challenges. Contact Derek at df426@cornell.edu. |
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Mary Beth Tierney, PhD, M.S., RDN, CDN Specializing in:
Mary Beth is the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Cornell Wellness. She has provided nutrition consulting in a wide range of settings, from private practices, community clinics, home visits, and hospitals to international corporations. She has experience treating a broad range of conditions. Formerly, Mary Beth was an Assistant Professor at Ithaca College, a Visiting Scientist with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and a co-instructor for one of the largest courses on campus, Nutrition, Health, and Society. Some of her best professional memories were formed while working with a team of volunteers at summer camps for children with diabetes. She is also a proud parent of two Cornellians. Contact Mary Beth at mbt4@cornell.edu. |
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C Lucas, PhD(c), M.Ed, AFAA CPT Specializing in:
C is a Fitness Professional for Cornell Wellness. C graduated from Purdue University with a double B.A. in Neuroscience and Human Movement, earned a M.Ed. from Bowling Green State University in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sport Psychology, and is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Iowa in Health & Sport Studies and Gender & Sexuality Studies. C has been a personal trainer and group exercise instructor for nearly ten years, and along the way found their passion for creating accessible and approachable fitness programming that meets people’s individual needs no matter what those needs are. C has a certificate in Functional Aging from the Functional Aging Institute, and they are pursuing affiliation as a Fit2point0 Professional with the Body Positive Fitness Alliance. C believes in the socio-cultural power of fitness and movement, and they have dedicated their work to creating intentional communities and inclusive fitness practices. A recent arrival to Ithaca, C enjoys exploring the outdoors by foot, boat, bicycle, or motorcycle. C’s passion lies in working with a wide range of individuals from elite athletes to those just getting started with exercise, older adults, and those who are a part of historically marginalized communities. Contact C for an individual fitness consultation or fitness assessment at cl2478@cornell.edu. |
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Ashley Wallace, B.A. Specializing in:
Ashley is the Administrative Assistant for Cornell Wellness and the entire Recreation Services Department. She graduated cum laude from Johnson C. Smith University, an HBCU in Charlotte, NC, with a B.A. in criminology. Ashley has worked for Cornell University for 7 years and enjoys being the first point of contact for all faculty, staff, retirees, spouses and partners that sign up for a Wellness Recreation Membership. She is also the main source for Cornell Wellness information. Providing exemplary customer service is something Ashley prides herself on, having been in the hospitality industry for 9 years and she’s worked in the customer service sector her entire working career. Outside of work, Ashley enjoys advocating for animal rights, touring and volunteering at farm sanctuaries, maintaining a workout regime, preparing plant based meals, writing her own music and taking road trips and vacations with her partner Kari, who is also a Cornell employee. Contact Ashley at akw53@cornell.edu. |