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
B.A.Sports Medicine/Athletic Training Trinity International University
M.S. Exercise Science, Western Michigan University
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.
eappiah@niu.edu
815-753-9421
Greer Blaustein, Coordinator of Marketing and Public Relations
B.A. Theatre Studies, Northern Illinois University
Greer is a graduate of NIU and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies. She has gained marketing experience in the NIU School of Theatre and Dance, the Office of Admissions, and Campus Recreation. Greer brings skills and experiences to the position which include: web and graphic design; using social media for marketing; developing and implementing marketing strategies; facilitating an incentive recreation participation program; and facilitating surveys, focus groups, and other assessment initiatives. She will be a great addition to our staff and help us further develop the department's website, social media, marketing materials, sponsorships, and advertising.
gblaustein@niu.edu
815-753-9425
Rhonda Hampton, Assistant Director of Competitive Sports and Youth Programs
B.S. Business Administration, Marketing, Oklahoma State University
M.S. College Student Affairs, Conflict Resolution and Analysis, Nova Southeastern University
Rhonda joined Campus Recreation at NIU in 2010 as the Assistant Director of Intramural Sports and Sport Clubs. She oversees both programs in regarding to student officials/supervisors development, sport/activities offerings, team/player maturity, Sport Club officer development, tournament/competition organization, club budget oversight, and serving as a resource to all student participants and staff members. Currently, Rhonda is serving on the NIRSA Student Development Committee. 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 all types of activities at Truman.
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
Christine has been working for Campus Recreation since the spring of 2006. She started working for the Outdoor Adventures program as a Trip Leader and Student Manager. Christine has instructed several different Group Fitness classes and special events since 2007. 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 oversees adventure trips and team building, staff training, equipment rentals, and service projects.
clagattolla@niu.edu
815-753-9422
Patty Lee, Office Support Associate
B.S. Elementary Education, Marantha Baptist Bible College
Patty joined the Campus Recreation staff in February, 2009. She has been employed at NIU for eight years, previously working in Dining Services. Patty assists Campus Recreation in the areas of membership and payroll and managing the day-to-day front office operations.
patlee@niu.edu
815-753-0232
Dave Lochbaum, Associate Director of Facility Operations
B.S. History, Illinois Wesleyan University
M.S. Leisure and Sport Administration, Illinois State University
Dave started his career in recreation at the University of California Santa Barbara as the Assistant Director of Intramural Sports and Departmental Special Events. In 1996 he joined the Campus Recreation staff as the Coordinator for Intramural Sports, Sport Clubs, and Summer Camp. Since then he has served in various roles including Assistant Director of Facilities and Student Employment and now as the Associate Director for Facility Operations. Dave oversees facility reservations and rentals, capital improvement projects, capital fitness equipment purchases and maintenance,the day-to-day facility operations of both the Student Recreation Center and Chick Evans Field House, and the Aquatics Program. Dave is also a certified American Heart Association CPR/AED and 1st Aid Certification Instructor.
dlochbaum@niu.edu
815-753-9420
Ryan Morse, Coordinator of Competitive Sports and Youth Programs
B.L.A. Communications, Minor in Political Science, Colorado State University M.S.Ed Recreation and Resources, Southern Illinois University
Ryan received his Masters of Education degree at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree at Colorado State University. He has significant experience including: coordinating over 35 diverse Sport Clubs; designing and implementing a Leadership Training program for Sport Club Officers; advising a Sport Club Council and Executive Board; managing club budgets; coordinating Intramural programs; training sports officials; and serving as a recreation leader for a youth summer camp. Ryan will be a great addition to our staff and help lead the Sport Club and Huskie Pup Camp programs and assist in facilitating the Intramural program.
rmorse@niu.edu
815-753-1370
Chrissy Tluczek, Assistant Director of Open Recreation
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 and supervision of all Open Recreation staff in the Student Recreation Center, Chick Evans Field House, and New Hall Fitness Room; risk management training including CPR/AED and First Aid certification; and oversight of all aspects of open recreation. Prior to coming to NIU, Chrissy began her Campus Recreation career 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, Staff Clerk
B.S. Management, Northern Illinois University
M.B.A. Business Administration, 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 Staff Clerk. Ebony assists in the management of the Campus Recreation budget, oversees departmental purchasing, program sales, and cash operations for the department.
ewinfield@niu.edu
815-753-9417