Group Leaders:
Group Leaders are graduate or senior students who have been chosen to assist with the administration of the program. Group Leaders are not paired with one buddy, but have the opportunity to interact with all of the clinicians and children assigned to their group.
Group Leaders will be interviewed for a position and participate in training prior to the clinicians training.
Group Leaders are assigned to work with 4-5 clinicians and their FitCatZ buddy to:
- Assist with parent communication and attendance
- Manage drop off and pick up times with the children and parents
- Assist with child motor evaluation and goal setting
- Assist with weekly motor and aquatic lessons
- Review and critique weekly clinician lessons
- Help to manage the changing area, drop off and pick up
- Assist with the set up and clean-up of equipment used in the program
- Conduct weekly pre and post program meetings
Chris Barongan
Chris Barongan graduate from The College of Charleston, =in Exercise Science and Biomedical Physics. He is from Rock Hill, SC and originally from the Philippines. He took FitCatZ as an FYE course, and fell in love with the mission of the Program.
Liam Zevgolis
Liam Zevgolis is a Sociology graduate from The College of Charleston. He is from Myrtle Beach, SC. He volunteered with FitCatZ because he loves teaching children and know that this is a great way to interact and learn how to teach .
Ericka Sclafani (graduated)
Erika Sclafani is a graduate from The College of Charleston majoring in public health. She is from Colts Neck, NJ. She was placed in FitCatZ as a freshman and have been attached ever since. Erika stated "Nothing compares to the fulfillment of helping kids with special needs in such a supportive and enthusiastic environment. I would like to one day be an occupational therapist with a concentration in special needs." Erika is a graduate student studying Occupational Therapist.
Sophia Razzi (graduated)
Sophia Razzi graduated from The College of Charleston in Exercise Science with a minor in Biomedical Physics. She is from Pawley's Island, SC. She was a clinician for FitCatZ as a freshman and continued to volunteer all four years at CofC. She shared, "Wholeheartedly say that FitCatZ has changed my life in more ways than imagined. I am studying pediatric physical therapy at Duke University and thank FitCatZ for igniting my passion."
Abbie Cantrell
Abbie Cantrell graduated from The College of Charleston in exercise science with a minor in psychology. She is from Greenville, SC. She is in graduate school studying Kinesiology and Adapted Physical Education. Abbie shared, "FitCatZ was an amazing program to be a part of because it offered me a unique opportunity to gain experience in a therapeutic setting while improving a child's motor and aquatic skills. This program has influenced my appreciation of the therapy world and given me opportunities I would not have had otherwise."
Caroline Purcell
Caroline Purcell is from Clemson, SC. She graduated from The College of Charleston studying exercise science with a minor in Spanish. Caroline shared, "FitCatZ is a great way to get involved with the school and gain experience in the world of therapy with kids with special needs. I am seeking graduate work in occupational therapy and focusing on working with children with special needs."
Savannah Culkin
Savannah Culkin is a senior at The College of Charleston studying Special Education. She is from Ladson, SC. Savannah started FitCatZ as a freshman and continued through her college career. Savannah shared, "FitCatZ is an amazing program because I just love seeing the kids. It is such a good environment and the highlight of my week. I plan on becoming a special ed teacher for either elementary or middle school kids."