The Exercise Science Advisory Council is composed of professionals currently working in Exercise Science careers who volunteer to provide feedback to the program and come to campus to meet with students on an annual basis. The majority of the people on the Advisory Council have gone through ISU’s Exercise Science Program. They represent the wide range of career opportunities available to graduates of our program.
See below for rotating interviews with our advisory council members.
Advisory Council Member Interview
This Advisory Council Interview highlights Dr. Keith Thraen-Borowski for an insightful interview on life, career, and passions. You can view the interview here.
Current Advisory Council Members
Krisann Calhoun
Associate Director at WebMD Dunlap, Illinois.
Heather Caputo (nee Cox)
Commercial fitness. Owns three Orange Theory Fitness franchises. Teaches our Fitness Management Class for Exercise Science majors.
Brittany Clayton (nee Armstrong)
PT, DPT. Brittany is an outpatient orthopedic physical therapist at Springfield Clinic in Springfield, IL. She treats a wide array of diagnoses from head to toe however, she specializes in the athlete shoulder and elbow. She treats all population ages from 5 years old and older. Brittany graduated with her exercise science degree in 2007 from ISU while being a member of the Swimming and Diving team. She went on to earn a doctorate in physical therapy from at Bradley University. She has been working in the outpatient physical therapy world since 2010.
Drew Henneberg
DPT.
Drew Henneberg is a Physical Therapist and clinic manager at Advanced Rehab and Sports Medicine Services in Bloomington Illinois. Drew received his bachelor’s degree in exercise science from ISU in 2010 and Doctor of Physical Therapy from Governors State University in 2013. As a Therapist he works with a wide range of Patient age groups on a daily basis treating orthopedic and neurologic conditions. Drew also specializes in return to sport rehabilitation for variety of athletes at the youth, colligate and professional levels. Drew’s clinical interest include hip and knee rehabilitation and treatment of the overhead athlete.
Leann Croft
PT, MSPT. Owns HOPE Center Physical Therapy, Pain and Pelvic Rehab. BS Exercise Science Illinois State University, MSPT University of Miami, Clinical rotations and employment with Rhonda Kotarinos, PT and Bernadette Kamin, PT 2004 – present: Private practice owner specializing in pelvic floor rehabilitation for all genders and ages.
Josh Kauten
K’s Training Academy
Coach Josh Kauten was drafted by the Detroit Tigers out of Illinois State University, where he was named the Male Scholar Athlete of the Year and studied Exercise Science and Biomechanics. After 5 seasons in professional baseball, he helped jump start the Heartland CC baseball program as both the Pitching and Strength Coach. He’s has since moved on to start his private baseball/softball training facility called K’s Training Academy. Additionally he has spent time in the medical sales world as an orthopedic surgery sales rep and biologics wound healing rep.
Erin Kennedy
Erin serves as the Manager for the Community Resource Center at OSF HealthCare St. Joseph Medical Center. With over 25 years of experience in the health care field, Erin’s focus has been on improving the health and well-being of her communities through education, prevention, and chronic disease management. Erin’s primary responsibilities include program development, community health needs assessment and planning, and community benefit reporting. She also manages the hospital switchboard and volunteer services at OSF HealthCare St. Joseph Medical Center. Her favorite part of her job are the partnerships she’s involved in to collectively make an impact on overall health of the community. Erin received her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology from Illinois State University.
Kevin McCarthy
PATH Performance Coaching and Consulting. Kevin is also a member of the Normal Town Council.
Alex Nigro
Strength and Conditioning – Director of Strength and Agility at K’s Academy. With a decade of experience in strength and conditioning, Alex is passionate about helping athletes reach their full potential. Inspired by his own journey as high school wrestling captain, Alex discovered the transformative power of weight training. After earning his B.S. in Exercise Science from Illinois State University, Alex has dedicated his career to coaching athletes from various sports, including baseball, softball, basketball, and hockey. As Director of Strength and Agility at K’s, Alex collaborates with the coaching staff to design and implement “Safe, Proven, and Effective” training programs for athletes. His commitment to excellence and personalized approach ensures that athletes receive the highest quality support.
Emily Reynoso-Romero
Graduated from ISU’s Exercise Science Program. ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist. Worked in cardiac rehab for a year and then graduated from ISU’s Accelerated Nursing Program in August of 2024. Currently working as an RN at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Leah Rodriguez (nee Wagner)
Leah is the Wellness Director at Westminster Village in Bloomington, IL. With 16+ years of experience in the fitness and wellness field, Leah’s focus has been on improving the health and well-being of others through education, group exercise instruction, and exercise prescription. Leah’s primary responsibilities include program development for Westminster’s 430+ resident and 370+ team member population. Her favorite part of her job is forming close relationships with her residents and team members. Leah is an active member of Westminster’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee. She also serves on their team member activities committee and safety team. Leah has written several articles that have been published in the local Healthy Cells magazine. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology from Illinois State University.
Liz Rodriguez (nee Callham)
After graduating in 2005 Liz went on to work as a Personal Trainer, Pilates Instructor and Nutrition Coach, and spent 16 years in Fitness Management in the Chicago, NYC and Westchester County markets. She went on to complete a Masters in Business and Administration from DePaul University to further her career and formed her LLC in 2016.
After spending time working on the franchise side of the industry she now focuses on women’s health coaching and virtual training alongside her work as the Partnership Director at the Fitness Business Association which hosts online events for continuing education.
She is a Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and holds several certifications including Certified Exercise Physiologist through ACSM, Precision Nutrition, TRX, Functional Range Conditioning, Wellcoaches, FMS and Power Pilates. She is also a Corporate Representative on the Board for NASM/AFAA.
Sarah Schroeder
Occupational Therapist focusing on hand OT at AXES Physical Therapy
Tyler Tanzyus
Family Nurse Practitioner Specialization, Sparta Community Hospital. Exercise Science and Accelerated Nursing at ISU. Doctor of Nursing Practice.
Keith Thraen-Borowski
Associate Professor of Kinesiology, Director of Loras CARES (Cancer Research in Exercise Science) Loras College, Iowa.
Jill Usiak
Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation at OSF St. Joseph in Bloomington, IL; Jill has her MS in Exercise Physiology from ISU and is also a Respiratory Therapist. Certifications: AARC RRT, AACVPR CPRP, CETI
If you would like to become a member of our Advisory Council, please contact us at exercisescience@ilstu.edu.
Previous Advisory Council Member Interviews
Our first interview was with Leah Rodriguez. You can view the interview here.