A proud native of Columbus, Ohio, Leah graduated from the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Spring 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, focusing on Art and Commerce, and a minor in Sociology. She is currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration.

During her time at UCF, Leah distinguished herself as a student leader through various impactful roles. She served as the Office Assistant for UCF’s Office of Civil Discourse & Engagement, where her passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion thrived. In this role, Leah spearheaded diversity programs, developed initiatives, crafted marketing strategies, and provided meaningful support to minority students.

After graduating, Leah became the Executive Coordinator at the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, where she championed the growth of the Black economy. Her efforts were instrumental in providing resources and support to foster entrepreneurial success within the community.

Fueled by her passion for marketing, Leah transitioned to her current role as the Marketing & Communications Manager at the Recreation and Wellness Center (RWC), where she oversees all marketing efforts for the center.

In her free time, Leah enjoys watching cooking shows, shopping, and spending time with friends.

Kristofer Newsome hails from the great state of Ohio and is driven by a purpose to help others, regardless of their circumstances or background.

Kristofer earned his bachelor’s degree in Sports and Leisure Studies from The Ohio State University, where “THE” stands for Tradition, Honor, and Excellence. He then pursued his master’s degree in Sport Management at Georgia Southern University, proudly known as “The Real GSU.”

With experience spanning four of the six NIRSA regions, Kristofer brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his work.

In his free time, Kristofer enjoys napping, spending quality time with family and friends, and playing flag football and slow-pitch softball.

Aliyah was born and raised in Miami, Florida. She attended the University of Central Florida (UCF), where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sport and Exercise Science and began her journey with the Recreation and Wellness Center. During her time at UCF, Aliyah served as a Group Exercise Instructor, F45 Coach, and Fitness Supervisor.

To further her passion for collegiate recreation, Aliyah became the Group Fitness Graduate Assistant at The Ohio State University, where she earned her Master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs. She then went on to serve as the Coordinator for Fitness & Wellness at UNC-Chapel Hill.

In June 2023, Aliyah returned to UCF and now serves as the Assistant Director of Fitness.

In her free time, Aliyah enjoys weightlifting, going on walks, trying new foods, watching TV shows (her favorite is Grey’s Anatomy), and spending time outdoors. Her favorite color is blue, and she’s always looking for new adventures

Stacey is originally from North Carolina and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She went on to earn her Master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Science from the University of Central Florida (UCF) in 2019 while completing a graduate assistantship in Fitness.

Stacey is a Certified Exercise Physiologist, as well as a certified Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor, dedicated to promoting health and wellness.

Katherine grew up in Ocean Springs, a small town along the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Environmental Studies from the University of Mississippi. She then completed her Master of Social Work at the University of Mississippi, where she also served as the Graduate Assistant for Ole Miss Outdoors.

After graduating, Katherine broke new ground as the first female Wilderness Therapist at Oxford Treatment Center in Etta, Mississippi. Eventually, she decided to return to campus recreation, joining the UCF community.

In her free time, Katherine enjoys exploring Florida’s great outdoors with her husband and their dogs, as well as daydreaming about her ideal home while browsing Zillow.

 

Heather Marshall, originally from Cape Coral, Florida, earned her B.S. in Math Education from the University of Central Florida (UCF) and her M.Ed. in Higher Education from the University of Georgia.

Heather’s journey with the Recreation and Wellness Center (RWC) began in 2009, when she worked with the Intramural Sports program until 2013. She then expanded her experience by working at Appalachian State University within the Intramural and Club Sports program.

Heather returned to UCF as the Coordinator for Intramural Sports and RWC Park, where her passion for collegiate recreation truly shined. Later, she transitioned to the facilities side of operations, collaborating closely with the Building Manager and Aquatics teams.

In her current role, Heather oversees the RWC Intramural Sports program as well as RWC Park, continuing her dedication to providing impactful recreational experiences for the UCF community.

Originally from Boston, MA, Bethany Bonilla is a proud 2019 graduate of Emmanuel College, where she excelled both academically and athletically. During her four years at Emmanuel, Bonilla was a key member of the Women’s Lacrosse team, showcasing her dedication and skill on the field.

Before joining the UCF Recreation and Wellness Center as the Assistant Director of Facilities, Bonilla gained valuable experience as a Game Day Coordinator Intern at Northeastern University in addition to her previous role as a Program Manager of Professional Development & Outreach at Florida State University. Her diverse background includes not only her collegiate athletics and professional experience but also her commitment to serving her country as a current member of the United States Air Force Reserves.

A fun fact about Bethany’s lacrosse career was serving as the goalie for the Women’s Puerto Rican National Team during the 2022 Women’s World Championship in Towson, Maryland. This tournament marked Puerto Rico’s inaugural year in the competition, making it a memorable and historic experience for Bethany.