Employee Contacts:

Below is a list of the primary individuals involved in the FITKIDS research project.

Charles H. Hillman, Ph.D. Charles H. Hillman, Ph.D.
Dr. Hillman is the principle investigator and his primary research emphasis is to better understand factors that relate to increased cognitive health and effective functioning of individuals.
E-mail: chhillma@illinois.edu

Jeanine Bensken Jeanine Bensken
Jeanine Bensken is the FITKIDS research coordinator.

E-mail: jbensken@illinois.edu
Phone (1): 217.722.6515
Phone (2): 217.333.3893


Darla Castelli, Ph.D. Darla Castelli, Ph.D.
Dr. Castelli's primary interests are in youth physical activity and learning. Her work examines the effects of physical activity and fitness on motor competence and cognitive performance.

Kaci Lierman Kaci Lierman
Coordinator of FITKids After school program
Macie Sinn Macie Sinn
Supervisor of FITKids After school program

Undergraduate Assistants


Adrianna Jelen


Alyssa Barbaro


Alexia Rudofski


Amanda Chung


Anisa Nandy


Brittaney Chang


Brian Plotner


Brooke Murawski


Cara Warning


Danielle Weiser


Dashon Rivers


Eden Bluhm


Graison Tjelle


Jackie Surd


Jazmon Carroll


Jeanne Disis


Jennifer Graham


Jon North


Julian Rameriez


Kathy Barnas


Kim Bello


Lydia Oh


Maddy Mutz


Meghan Gauthier


Michael Forst


Michelle Presslak


Radhika Patel


RJ Olson


Shannon McNamara


Steve Bashor


Tori Olson


Trent Richards