Kerri Winters-Stone, Ph.D., FACSM
Principal Investigator

An exercise physiologist by training, my expertise is on the use of physical activity to prevent and manage chronic disease. My studies have shown that cancer survivors can benefit from exercise that reverses treatment-related side effects and symptoms. Ultimately the goal of my work is to develop safe, targeted and effective exercise programs that translate well to community settings and clinical practice so that people can make positive lifestyle choices for better long-term health.

Carolyn Guidarelli, M.P.H., CCRP
Senior Clinical Research Associate and Lab Manager

From an early age, and due to personal family experiences with cancer, I knew I wanted to dedicate my career to making life better for patients with cancer. After completing my undergraduate degree at the University of Portland, I pursued a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from Boston University where my studies focused on non-infectious, chronic diseases, such as cancer. Having grown up in Oregon and being an avid sports enthusiast, I jumped at the opportunity to return to the Pacific Northwest and engage in research that combines two things close to my heart: exercise and cancer. I have witnessed first-hand how therapeutic the right exercises can be, especially in the lives of those affected by cancer. I have been working in Dr. Kerri Winters-Stone’s Exercise Lab since 2012 and I am proud to be a part of a team that is leading the charge in developing evidence-based exercise programs that may one day be an integral and complimentary part of routine clinical cancer care. As the lab manager, I oversee a multitude of grant-funded trials, manage an ever-growing team, contribute to scientific development, data management and analysis, and dissemination of our findings. I stay active with my husband and our two young kids in my free time.

Jessica Sitemba, M.S.
Clinical Research Associate

Since obtaining my master's degree in exercise science in 2006, I have been blessed with the opportunity to work as a project director on multiple exercise intervention studies aimed at using exercise to improve symptoms and side effects from cancer and cancer treatment, ultimately improving quality of life for many cancer survivors. I have seen firsthand what exercise can do for this population and am thrilled to continue working on these types of studies as long as possible with the ultimate goal of implementing the classes into the community for all cancer survivors to benefit from. As a research associate, my main role is to manage the exercise interventions for multiple trials.  This includes assisting in the initial design of the programs, instructor training and management, and overseeing the overall progress and conduct of the exercise classes.

Stephanie Krasnow, Ph.D.
Project Director

After earning a Ph.D. in physiology and biophysics from the University of Washington, I spent a decade at the bench studying the central nervous system pathways that disrupt appetite, metabolism, and neuroendocrine function during acute and chronic illnesses. I was trained in clinical and translational cancer research by completing a Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Disease fellowship and earned a certificate in Human Investigations. My research is focused on identifying predictors of treatment-related side effects and strategies to mitigate their negative impact on clinical outcomes and quality of life in patients with cancer. As a project director, I oversee the design, conduct, and analysis of an observational study examining neuropathy and mobility deficits in patients with cancer that are treated with neurotoxic chemotherapy.

Deanne Tibbitts, Ph.D., MCR
Assistant Research Professor 

I grew up in Georgia, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in genetics and cellular biology at the University of Georgia. I then moved to Portland and completed my Ph.D. in molecular and medical genetics at OHSU studying the molecular basis of leukemia and the application of targeted cancer therapeutics. I went on to complete a certificate in Human Investigations at OHSU and an NCCIH-funded clinical research fellowship in complementary and integrative health at the National University of Natural Medicine. During my fellowship, my research focused on using mind-body interventions, including trauma-informed yoga and yoga nidra, to improve emotional well-being. In the Winters-Stone Exercise Lab, my work focuses on the use of exercise and mind-body interventions to improve psychosocial outcomes and quality of life in cancer survivors.

Sharon McCoy, M.S.
Clinical Research Associate

After earning a master’s degree in clinical exercise physiology, I spent numerous years in basic science research and biotechnology. I transitioned to clinical research by becoming a project coordinator for an aerobic exercise study in people with multiple sclerosis at OHSU.  I’m now the project director for iLIVE, a diet and exercise study in men with prostate cancer, in the Winters-Stone exercise oncology lab. I am passionate about the use of health practices such as exercise, nutrition, sleep and meditation to both prevent and cure disease. I’m so excited to be part of the Winters-Stone lab and the iLIVE project, and to contribute to the goal of improving the quality of life in cancer survivors.

Christopher Chalmers, M.S.
Clinical Research Associate

I worked as a personal trainer for years, coaching a myriad of different clientele from collegiate athletes to retired veterans. After finishing my bachelor's degree, I worked in military physiology research, where our efforts were to improve the efficiency and safety of our soldiers. Subsequently, I received a master’s degree in exercise and sport science at Merrimack College where my thesis focused on the effects of seated load carriage on the soldier's physical and mental performance. Now, I am fortunate to work with an amazing team at the Winters-Stone Exercise Lab, learning, and researching how exercise plays a critical role in cancer survivorship. Cancer has affected everyone to some degree, and seeing how our work positively affects cancer survivors brings me immense fulfillment. As a Project Director, I coordinate all aspects of a research study to ensure milestones are met and that the overall study is successful. I also manage the ever-evolving technology aspects of study involvement and help facilitate access and support to our participants across trials.

Sydnee Stoyles, MBST, MAT
Biostatistician 2

I have always wanted a career where I could help others. After a few years in secondary education as a math teacher, I realized the classroom was not the fit I was hoping it would be. I returned to school and received my master's degree in biostatistics from OHSU’s School of Public Health in 2015. I have worked under Dr. Nathan Dieckmann at the OHSU School of Nursing since 2015. There I have been able to assist on a variety of projects including improving nursing education, fall prevention, post-partum depression, and understanding chronic pain in adolescents, as well as exercise intervention trials with the Winters-Stone lab. My work focuses on data management and analysis. I participate in creating analysis plans, preparing data, and running analyses as well as contributing to posters and manuscripts. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Dr. Winters-Stone’s lab where I can contribute to the lab’s work on improving quality of life and well-being for cancer survivors.

Alan Trinh, B.S.
Clinical Research Assistant

I graduated from the University of Oregon in 2023 with a degree in human physiology. My journey led me from being an emergency medicine scribe to my current role as a research assistant at the Winters-Stone Exercise Lab. During my time as a scribe, I developed a profound interest in the medical decision-making process, inspiring my pursuit of becoming a physician. My primary areas of interest lie in physiatry and oncology, fueled by both my love for exercise and personal family experiences with cancer. The Winters-Stone Exercise Lab's mission perfectly aligns with my intersection of interests, and I feel blessed to be a part of this team. As a research assistant, I recruit research participants, schedule and conduct data collection appointments, and ensure survey completion. Beyond my professional pursuits, I find joy in exercising, cooking, and cherishing quality time with my loved ones.

Ella Douthit, B.A.
Clinical Research Assistant

For as long as I can remember, I have believed that exercise is one of the most powerful forms of medicine. This belief was shaped by my lifelong love of physical activity and by witnessing a family member benefit from participating in one of Dr. Kerri Winters-Stone's exercise studies. Inspired by these experiences, I pursued a bachelor's degree in human Physiology and Spanish at the University of Oregon, graduating in 2025. 

Shortly after graduation, I was thrilled to join Dr. Kerri Winters-Stone's Exercise Oncology Lab as a Clinical Research Assistant. In this role, I have the opportunity to support research that helps improve the health and quality of life of individuals affected by cancer. 

Gemma Pleas, B.A.
Clinical Research Assistant

I graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in Cognitive Neuroscience in 2024, where I was involved with several behavioral neuroscience labs involving behavioral interventions and physiological response techniques such as EEG, ECG, and skin conductance. I’ve always been passionate about research, and after graduation, I spent a few years in an OHSU lab investigating the impact of sleep and circadian rhythms on physiology, metabolism, and cognition. My time there spurred my interest in lifestyle interventions such as diet, sleep, and exercise and how they impact health outcomes, both acutely and in the long term.

This interest, coupled with my lifelong passion for exercise and time as a collegiate athlete, led me to the Winter-Stone Exercise Oncology lab. Here, I work on research participant recruitment, as well as screening, scheduling, conducting data collection, and ensuring survey completion. I feel very appreciative to contribute to research aimed at improving well-being for cancer survivors, and I hope to continue this contribution to research in my eventual career as a healthcare professional. Outside of the lab, I enjoy running, strength-training, Pilates, reading and hiking!

Teresa Roland, B.S.
Clinical Research Assistant

I received my B.S. in Public Health Studies from Portland State University with a focus in community health and health promotion.  My prior experience at the Knight Cancer Institute spans outreach and recruitment, sample collection, and participant data management for the implementation of multi-cancer early detection tests (MCEDs) in the Early Detection Clinical Trials department, notably the Pathfinder 2 Study and REACH Study, which utilized the GRAIL Galleri test. I am also a former AmeriCorps member for the Cooperative Extension family program in Southern Arizona and my work in behavioral health settings serving those in historically marginalized communities in Northeast Portland introduced me to the importance of integrated health systems and compassionate care in clinical settings. My current interests lie in advancing health equity, healthy aging, and the importance of mind-body wellness. I am thrilled to pivot into the field of exercise research and survivorship within the Winters-Stone Lab, including but not limited to studies such as iLIVE, and I hope to pursue a SOCRA certification to further my knowledge in Clinical Research. In my free time, I am an avid reader and love going camping, trying new outdoor hobbies (i.e. beginner mountain biking), and exploring Portland to find the next best restaurant. I am delighted to join the Winters-Stone Lab as a clinical research assistant, where I continue my work in recruiting research participants, scheduling and conducting data collection appointments, and ensuring timely study survey completion.

Shirlene Wang, PhD

I am passionate about conducting research that translates into meaningful change. After receiving my PhD in Preventive Medicine (Health Behavior Research), I went on to complete a postdoctoral fellowship in behavioral and psychosocial aspects of cancer prevention and control at Northwestern University.

My research sits at the intersection of behavioral science, digital health, and population health sciences to understand how physical activity interventions can prevent cancer, improve functional outcomes, and enhance the well-being and quality of life of cancer survivors using mobile technologies.

I am excited to join the Winter-Stone Exercise lab to help survivors not only live longer but live better through preserved physical function. As a postdoctoral researcher, I oversee and manage our new study on exercise that enhances social support.

Maya Trajkovski, PhD, MA

I received my PhD from Oregon State University in psychosocial kinesiology. I am passionate about understanding how people experience movement in their bodies, especially when that experience is shaped by body image, shame, and health challenges. My research is rooted in my desire to develop approaches that support autonomy, safety, and long-term exercise adherence. I hope to use my graduate experience alongside my own cancer journey in this postdoc position.

As a cancer survivor, I am excited to be part of the Winters-Stone Exercise lab, where I can contribute to meaningful cancer research and support interventions that improve quality of life. I am committed to ensuring that exercise interventions are effective, responsive, and safe for the physical and emotional aspects of those in treatment and recovery. 

Ultimately, my goal is to inspire meaningful change, joyful movement, and a more active community.