Faculty Directory
Kristine grew up in Cache Valley, Utah, where she developed a passion for an active lifestyle, enjoying activities such as hiking, biking, sports, skiing, and ice skating. She earned both her B.S. and M.S. degrees in Exercise Science with an emphasis in Nutrition from Utah State University. After completing her graduate program at USU, Kristine moved to North Carolina, where she worked as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist at the Duke Diet and Fitness Center. During her time at Duke, she gained invaluable experience working with a multi-disciplinary team to help clinical populations safely achieve healthy weight loss. In 2003, Kristine joined North Carolina State University (NCSU) as a Lecturer in the Physical Education Department. While teaching at NCSU, she pursued a second Master's degree in Human Nutrition from Eastern Michigan University, which led to her becoming a Registered Dietitian. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Kristine also served as the Registered Dietitian for the NCSU Campus Recreation program, providing nutrition counseling and services to students, faculty, and staff. Kristine joined Western in 2011 and currently serves as the Exercise Science Facilitator, where she oversees the Exercise Science program, Health Education courses, Physical Activity courses, and the Fitness Center. Her diverse background in exercise science and nutrition provides a comprehensive approach to wellness, both in the classroom and through the programs she manages.
Adjunct Faculty
Chris is a mental health, fitness and wellness professional with several years of experience helping people make lasting lifestyle changes that facilitate growth and healing. He specializes in health and athletic counseling. He is the current President of the Wyoming Counseling Association. Prior to starting his own practice, Wellness Associates, Chris worked at the Duke Diet and Fitness Center, Duke Integrative Medicine, coached high school sports and has provided sport counseling for NJCAA All-Americans and elite high school athletes. He teaches Wellness, Yoga, Pickleball, Sports and Exercise Psychology, Strength Training courses here at Western.
Prakai teaches Beginning and Intermediate Yoga
Dr. Erin Nitschke, NFPT-CPT, NSCA-CPT, ACE Health Coach, Fitness Nutrition Specialist, Therapeutic Exercise Specialist, and Pn1, is a health and human performance college professor, fitness blogger, mother, and passionate fitness professional. She has over 15 years of experience in the fitness industry and college instruction. Erin believes in the power of a holistic approach to healthy living. She loves encouraging her clients and students to develop body harmony by teaching focused skill development and lifestyle balance. Erin is an editorial author for IDEA, NFPT, and ACE. Erin teaches Wellness here at Western.
Mya teaches Beginning Yoga.
Christine teaches a variety of group fitness modalities in the PEAC 1000 course.
Jim has been involved in competitive bowling (leagues, tournaments) since he was five years old. As an undergraduate, he bowled on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln bowling team, which has won multiple NCAA national titles. Jim holds a Level 1 Coaching Certification through the USBC (United States Bowling Congress). He is also an Associate Professor of Spanish and Social Work here at Western.