Full-Time Staff

Sandi Carlisle, Director

B.S. Physical Education, St. Edward's University
M.A. Education, Texas State University

Sandi started her career in Student Affairs in 1983 at Texas State University (TSU).  During her tenure at TSU she served as the Coordinator and Assistant Director of Student Development, Assistant Director of Campus Recreation in Sport Clubs, and then as the Assistant Director of Campus Recreation for Intramural Sports.  She also served as an Associate Director of Facility Operations at TSU and assisted in building a dedicated Student Recreation Center.  After moving to Illinois she opened a shared recreation, athletic, and physical education facility at an Illinois park district.  Sandi began working at NIU in 2001 as an Assistant Director and then Associate Director in Residential Facilities/Housing and Dining.  Sandi became the Director of Campus Recreation in August, 2006.

carlisle@niu.edu
815-753-9419

Eric Appiah
Assistant Director of Fitness and Wellness

Eric has eleven years of experience in the fitness and wellness industry. Eric started his career in recreation at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan as the Assistant Director of Fitness & Wellness. Previously, Eric worked with the Chicago Rush arena football team, Reebok/Adidas, and served as a fitness director for a major fitness corporation. Eric holds a certification as a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Eric's experience includes the overall management and administration of a comprehensive fitness and wellness program including personal training, group fitness, nutrition, massage therapy and university wellness programming. Eric is interested in developing strong campus collaborations within the university community to create a culture of wellness.

eppiah@niu.edu
815-753-9421

Rhonda Hampton, Assistant Director of Intramural Sports and Sport Clubs

B.S. Business Administration, Marketing, Oklahoma State University
M.S. College Student Affairs, Conflict Resolution and Analysis, Nova Southeastern University

Rhonda started her career within university recreation as the Director of Intramural Recreational Sports at Truman State University.  She has administered a comprehensive Intramural Sports program and demonstrated ability to increase student participation in these type of activities.  Rhonda is currently serving on the National Intramural Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) Softball Committee.  Also, she is a certified Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA) Slow-Pitch Umpire.  Rhonda has experience as a Student President and Treasurer of the Oklahoma State University Crew (Rowing) Sports Club and served as a Volunteer Assistant Coach for the Rowing Team at Nova Southeastern University. Additionally, she has been a advisor to the Women's Soccer Club and Taekwondo Club at Truman State University.  As an advisor, she has helped both clubs become more actively involved with in state and out of state competitions, fund-raising efforts, budgeting, and peer development. 

rhampton3@niu.edu
815-753-0516

Christine Lagattolla
Assistant Director for Outdoor Adventures

B.S. Physical Education, Northern Illinois University
M.S. Educational Psychology, Northern Illinois University, Dec. 2011

Christine has been working for Campus Recreation for four years. In spring 2006, she started working for the Outdoor Adventures program as a Trip Leader and Student Manager. She also has instructed several different Group Fitness classes and special events since 2007. After completing her degree, Christine spent the fall 2009 semester as a G.A. at Western Illinois University for a traveling semester program focused in Outdoor Recreation, ECOEE. Christine returned to NIU Spring 2010 and worked as the GA for Sport Clubs. She currently teaches yoga and assists the Outdoor Adventure program with trip planning, staff training, management of equipment rentals, marketing and service projects.

clagattolla@niu.edu
815-753-9418

Chrissy Tluczek, Assistant Director of Open Recreation and Summer Camps

B.A. History, Western Illinois University
M.S.Ed. Student Affairs Administration, Baylor University

Chrissy joined the Campus Recreation staff in the summer of 2009.  Her responsibilities include coordination of student employment, oversight of all aspects of open recreation, and the organization and implementation of Huskie Pup Camp.  Prior to coming to NIU, Chrissy worked as a Facilities Graduate Assistant and International Rec Social Graduate Assistant in Campus Recreation at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. 

ctluczek@niu.edu
815-753-9353

Ebony Winfield, Chief Clerk

B.S. Management, Northern Illinois University

Ebony has been with the Campus Recreation staff since 1999.  Ebony began her career in Campus Recreation as a student employee, and has worked in every facility area.  In 2001 she moved into a full-time role as a Secretary III and is now the Chief Business Clerk.  Ebony assists in the management of the Campus Recreation budget, oversees departmental purchasing, and supervises membership, program sales, and cash operations for the department.

ewinfield@niu.edu
815-753-9417