About Us
About the Cancer Rehabilitation Institute
University of Northern Colorado Cancer Rehabilitation Institute
In 2016, the name was changed to the University of Northern Colorado Cancer Rehabilitation Institute. The Institute is the only facility of its kind and is recognized as a frontrunner in exercise-based cancer rehabilitation. UNCCRI has served over 1000 adult cancer survivors with all types of cancer in various stages of treatment. Research initiatives have produced over 150 national presentations, journal articles, and manuscripts culminating in a published textbook. Educational endeavors have resulted in more than 500 students mentored to conduct clinical and basic research in cancer rehabilitation. International and national educational programs along with public and private sector consulting services which teach others how to implement and manage cancer rehabilitation centers have established UNCCRI as a leader in the field.
Ben Nighthorse Campbell Center
In 2003, the Ben Nighthorse Campbell Center (BNCC) was built on the campus of the University of Northern Colorado to provide a facility where cancer survivors could benefit from the program developed by Dr. Schneider. The 10,000 square foot facility was built with funds from a federal grant that was obtained with the assistance of Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell. Senator Campbell, who served in the U.S. Senate for the state of Colorado from 1993-2005, was also a cancer survivor. Dr. Carole Schneider passed away in July 30, 2013 after a long battle with cancer. All of the students and staff are committed to carrying on the legacy she left behind.
Meet the UNCCRI Staff
Reid Hayward, Ph.D.
Director
Dr. Reid Hayward serves as the Director of UNCCRI. He is a Professor of Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Northern Colorado, and is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Physiological Society. Dr. Hayward oversees all UNCCRI operations.
Michael Lazio, M.S.
Clinical Coordinator
Michael Lazio serves as the UNCCRI Clinical Coordinator. He is a Certified Exercise Physiologist and a Clinical Cancer Exercise Specialist. He earned his undergraduate degree and his master’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado. After leaving UNC he directed the CancerFit Program for the City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado. In his current role as the Clinical Coordinator, Mike is responsible for the coordination of all clinical services, he supervises UNCCRI staff and students, and he oversees all daily operations of the Institute.
Melissa Villafana
Program Manager
Melissa Villafana is the Program Manager for UNCCRI. In this role, she oversees the Institute’s daily operations, manages patient intake and referral procedures, coordinates initial physical assessments, and supports staff training initiatives. Melissa holds a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology from the University of Northern Colorado. Prior to stepping into her current leadership role, she served as a specialist at UNCCRI, where she gained extensive experience in patient care and cancer rehabilitation programming.
Brooke Mattocks
Graduate Assistant
Brooke Mattocks serves as the Graduate Assistant at UNCCRI. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Slippery Rock University and her Master of Science in Cancer Care from Saint Francis University. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Exercise Physiology at the University of Northern Colorado. In her role at UNCCRI, her responsibilities include supervision of Cancer Exercise Specialists, assisting with exercise assessments and interventions, supervising ongoing clinical research studies, and teaching undergraduate courses.
History
The University of Northern Colorado Cancer Rehabilitation Institute (UNCCRI) was established in 1996 by Dr. Carole Schneider to investigate the role exercise plays in the rehabilitation of cancer survivors. When Dr. Schneider, a Professor in the School of Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Northern Colorado, was diagnosed with cancer in November of 1995 she soon began her cancer treatments. She was left struggling with many side effects including fatigue and muscular weakness. While investigating possible interventions to alleviate her symptoms, Carole and her physician found that cancer treatment toxicities were closely mirrored by the positive effects of exercise. Further investigation revealed that there was minimal information on post cancer treatment interventions. With Carole as its first cancer survivor, the program began to take shape and was originally named the Rocky Mountain Cancer Rehabilitation Institute.
Donate
The University of Northern Colorado Cancer Rehabilitation Institute relies on external financial support in order to continue offering our unique services to cancer survivors. Although there are nominal fees for participants in our program and although we conduct various fundraisers each year, these only partially offset the cost of our operations. Please consider donating to the Institute and making a difference in the lives of cancer survivors.
Donate to UNC’s Cancer Rehabilition Program
If you have questions regarding financial support for UNCCRI, please contact Dr. Reid Hayward at reid.hayward@unco.edu or the University of Northern Colorado Office of Development at 970-351-2551.
Mailing Address for Donations
University of Northern Colorado Foundation
Judy Farr Center
1620 Reservoir Road
Greeley, CO 80631
Phone: (970) 351-1889 or 1-800-288-5104