Gateway

77 West Port Plaza, Suite 480
St. Louis, MO 63146-3125

Team In Training Staff and Coaches

The Team In Training program relies on the extraordinary talent and dedication of our support staff! Our support staff is passionate about the mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and dedicate time, resources, and encouragement to exhibit Purple People Power!

STAFF

Shaunna Shaw Campaign Coordinator shaunna.shaw@lls.org 314-878-0780 - 30	I graduated in May 2009 from Columbia College in Columbia, MO with a B.A. in Speech Communication. I am originally from Rolla, MO and still have family who reside there, but I am now living in Chesterfield. I began competitive sports early on, and played one year of collegiate soccer at UCM. I came to the Society with a personal connection to blood cancer, my grandmother was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, typically a childhood leukemia, in May of 2008. Unfortunately her battle with the disease could not be won, and we lost her in July 2008. A year after her passing I began looking intensely at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Team in Training, and was thrilled when I began working with TNT in 2009. I have met so many incredible and inspiring people while working with TNT, and feel very blessed to be a part of such a great cause.
Michelle Livingston Campaign Coordinator michelle.livingston@lls.org 314-878-0780 - 24	I graduated in May 2010 from Missouri State University in Springfield, MO with a B.A. in Science, emphasis in Marketing/Advertising and Promotions and a minor in Sales. I was born and raised in beautiful South County St. Louis and returned home following graduation. I have always been a runner and the passion Team In Training athletes have is very true to my heart. I always knew that I wanted to work for an organization that helped others and their families so I began searching for work with non profits and this career opportunity was something I couldn?t pass up! I am very excited to take my first team to the Rock ?n? Roll Marathon in San Diego. After meeting so many amazing athletes and dedicated Teammates, the next step I need to take is choosing a Team In Training event I can take part in! I have only been here for a short time but the people I have met have created a special place in my heart.
Rich Sloan Campaign Coordinator Richard.sloan@lls.org 314-878-0780 - 31	I started my journey with Team In Training five years ago. Since that time I have completed two full Ironman competitions, a number of triathlons and a half marathon. My experience with TNT has been rewarding, both in my personal growth as an athlete and in seeing how LLS improves the lives of those suffering with cancer. My personal connection with cancer drives me to support this cause and challenge others to live their lives to the fullest. In fall of 2011, I had the opportunity to coach my first triathlon team, shortly after that amazing event I was hired by TNT full time and am now a Campaign Coordinator. TNT has changed my life and I know it will change yours too. I love this program and now as an employee I am even more driven to continue to help change the lives of our participants and Honored Heroes.

COACHES

Susie Altepeter Triathlon	My first marathon I did for TNT in honor of my neighbor, Jack, in 1997. Jack was diagnosed with leukemia at nine months, but is now a healthy 15 year old! Since then, I have done 15 events with TNT. I am a "quadruple Team In Training Triple Crown", completing every sport TNT has to offer! I have done nine marathons (including Boston), several century rides and triathlons, and one hike. In March of 2011, I became a TNT certified triathlon coach. Being involved with TNT has become a way of life, and an honor to be involved with so many good people. We are all on the quest to obliterate all blood-related cancers and find a cure.
Flavia Bader Run/Walk	I have been involved with LLS since 1999 when I joined the TNT Anchorage marathon team as a participant. I had such a good time and met so many wonderful people that TNT became part of my life. Since Anchorage I have done five other events as a participant and three as a mentor. I coached triathlons, I am a TNT certified running coach and the 2011Go! St. Louis will be my eleventh season coaching marathoners and � marathoners. Besides for TNT events, I have participated in more than one hundred triathlons (including my proudest moments - two Ironmans), many running races and several swimming competitions. Having a healthy lifestyle and helping others is very important to me and the way I raise my kids. TNT has enriched my life in a way I cannot even describe. I have met the most wonderful people though TNT both participants, survivors and their families and I feel blessed for being a part of this wonderful program.
Rick Brown Run/Walk	I'm a longtime runner (since my high school track days), and have completed six marathons and twelve half marathons, however nothing compares to running an event for Team In Training. I joined Team In Training in 2007 as a participant in the Chicago Marathon. The experience was so tremendous and the mission so meaningful that I wanted to stay involved and began coaching in 2008. Since then I have coached runners and walkers for five events, including Go! St. Louis, Nike San Francisco, San Diego and Virginia Beach Rock N Roll. I recently completed my second event as a Team In Training participant - the Disney World Marathon. Also I was recently certified as a coach for Team In Training. I am extremely proud to be a part of Team In Training ? it?s a fabulous organization made up of remarkable people.
John Gray Run/Walk	I've been with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Team in Training since 2005 when I did my first full marathon in St. Louis. To this day, I remember everything about that event, from the staff and coaches to the Honored Teammates. What a feeling knowing the money I raised was going to help people I didn't even know. And crossing the finish line was very emotional. When I signed up for this event, I knew nothing about blood related cancers and didn't know anyone who had one of these diseases. I love it so much I signed up for the same event in 2006. In 2007, I was the fundraising mentor for the Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon. In 2009, I went back to Walt Disney World, but this time as a coach. The experience of watching participants complete their event was just as amazing as my first event. Since then, I've participated in 7 other events with TNT, more recently as a coach. It's very gratifying to me to see all these participants working so hard to raise needed funds for research and training for months on end. The dedication and commitment is so inspiring. Along the way, I've met so many great people and I'm still friends with many of them. Most notably are the Honored Teammates I've met. These are the people we work so hard for. They are the ones who inspire us to do things we never thought possible. In July '11, as I was coaching my team for San Antonio, my wife, Debbie, was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Even though I knew several Honored Teammates, I still had no personal connection ? until now. Luckily, for us it's a slow growing cancer and, in many cases, needs no treatment unless there are outward symptoms. Debbie isn't being treated at this point. Just a regular blood-draw to monitor her white cell counts. Now, more than ever, I am committed to this amazing organization and everything they do. I'll continue to raise money and help train other participants until a cure is found.
Dave Hanson Hike	I joined Team in Training in 2007 as a participant on the spring Grand Canyon team. Since then I've been involved as a mentor on the 2008 and 2011 Yosemite teams and the coach for the 2009 Rocky Mountain team and the 2010 Zion team. In 2009, my brother-in-law lost his battle with Lymphoma and TNT has become a way for me to do something in his memory. Hike On! Go Team!
Sarah Hux Run/Walk	In the spring of 2009 I completed my first marathon, the Go! St. Louis marathon. A few months later I became involved with Team in Training (TNT) and ran with TNT in the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco, CA. I enjoyed every aspect of racing with TNT. Since completing my MBA in December 2010 I have been looking for opportunities to utilize my talents in a way that has a positive impact on the community. Lucky for me, coaching for TNT provides me the greatest opportunity to do that! I have completed 3 marathons and 5 half marathons over the past 6 years and am just starting to train for a variety of sprint triathlons this coming summer (2011). This will be my first season coaching for TNT and I am really excited to join TNT as an assistant coach for the Fall 2011 Rock 'n' Roll St. Louis event.
Janet Johnson Triathlon/Run/Walk	I first joined Team In Training in January 2008. In April 2010, I will have completed two half marathons, two century rides, one triathlon, and two full marathons as a TNT participant. I have served as mentor for four teams and began coaching in August 2010. I was certified as a triathlon coach by Team In Training in March 2011. I am committed to ensuring a positive TNT experience for every participant.
Mark Katich Hike	I am an alumnus of the first Hike event at the Grand Canyon in 2006. I went to an info meeting prompted by a direct mail piece. I didn't have a personal connection but I found out right away that someone I worked with closely did. I hiked in honor of a friend and co-worker's father who passed away during the event weekend. I was a LLS Board Member from 2007 through 2009, have worked in the background for several LLS events, and have been a staunch supporter and advocate for the cause. I have coached 6 hike teams starting in 2007 through the present.
Amy Kaller Walk	I have only recently began my journey with Team In Training. My first event was the Go! St. Louis Half-Marathon in April of 2011. Team In Training has changed my life in ways that I could have never imagined. I have made great friends and raised more money than I ever thought I could. I am so excited to be an Assistant Coach for the Rock-n-Roll Marathon in St. Louis and can not wait to share in a life changing expereince with our participants. Go Team!
Doug Kaufman Run/Walk/Cycle	I've been a Team In Training coach for the Gateway Chapter since 2006. I started with TNT as a participant in 2003, about a year after my mother was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Mom is the reason I came to TNT, and I am committed to TNT and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in her memory, and in honor of all my friends who are survivors or are still battling blood-related cancer. I'm a lifelong athlete, and I coach running/walking and cycling for TNT. I have taken cycling team to Maryland, Lake Tahoe and Hawaii, and run/walk teams to Seattle in 2009 and 2010. This year I am preparing runners and walkers for the Mayor's Marathon June 18, 2011 in Anchorage, Alaska, and I will coach the Honolulu Century team this summer for a late September event. I'd like to invite you to join us in Team In Training and enjoy this life-changing experience. You will make new friends, stretch your horizons and make a difference in the lives of cancer patients who would love to be physically active. Thank you.
Pam Lee Hike	My name is Pam Lee. I have a huge love and passion for TNT! I've had the pleasure of joining LLS in 4 events. The century bike ride in Tahoe? Two training hike events for the Grand Canyon? The hike training for Yosemite? I know far too many people who have or love someone who battles Leukemia or Lymphoma. I have heard many stories of how TNT has impacted lives. This organization CHANGES lives! I am honored to be a part of TNT!!!
Chris Ludwig Cycle	If you asked me 12-years ago what Team In Training was, I wouldn't have known. It must have been a higher calling that led me to coach 11 teams, over 250 participants and result in more than one million dollars raised. I immediately fell in love with the program, its staff, participants and a little 9-year-old girl named Kailie Rhines. Kailie motivated me not only to coach, but also to raise awareness and money (over $30,000) for the cause. In those first few years my love for the mission and Kailie grew. When Kailie was called to the beyond in August 2004, my resolve only hardened. There are many children and adults alike that fight cancer every day. With each successive honored-teammate turned friend, new participant, and support staff my motivation continues. As a former elite athlete (1988 Olympic Trails, 12-time District Champion) and certified coach, I seek to pass on my love and knowledge of cycling. More importantly I wish to instill in every participant what they do makes a world of difference for those who have leukemia, lymphoma or other blood-borne cancers. Join me for my twelfth-year/event and help find a cancer cure one mile at a time.
Jeffrey Promnitz Run/Walk	In 2009 I became a member of the TNT family as a participant of the Inaugural Mardi Gras Rock n Roll Marathon running in honor of my good friend's dear mother, Margie. Truly I can attest that this event, as are all of them, amazingly memorable. What we do in our training and the accomplishments we reach are incredible, but who we do it for - our honored teammates and loved ones - are amazing! In 2010 I'll be coaching as an assistant for my first team, the Nike Women's Marathon team. Go Team!
Abby Rolbiecki Run/Walk	In 2007 I ran the LaSalle Bank (now Bank of America) Chicago Marathon with Team in Training. Training with TNT was one of the best experiences I've ever had. I've enjoyed it so much that I decided to become one of the Columbia Coaches. Since Chicago, I have coached two seasons of Team in Training in Columbia; the Roots n' Blues and BBQ 1/2 marathon and the Rock n' Roll San Diego 1/2 and full marathon. I have just signed up to coach the Nike Women's group as well! I have several personal connections with blood cancers, and am proud to belong to this organization. Run on!
Bethany Schmidt Run/Walk	My journey began with TNT in 2002 after the birth of my daughter. Having been a runner for a few years, I decided that I needed to get back into shape while also being able to give something in return. After being a participant and a mentor, my journey would continue as a coach. I began coaching for TNT in 2004. While my initial reason for joining TNT was more for myself, I have found that it is more about a person?s determination to put others before yourself. It has been an amazing journey with so many miles and so many amazing people on all of my teams. The miles and the smiles of participants, survivors, and patients inspire me to give what I can to help find a cure.
Sharon Schmitz Run/Walk	My journey actually started in Jan. of 2003, but I didn?t know it at the time. That January I vowed to do something "original" for my 40th birthday. About a month later, I got this flier in the mail about Team In Training. I decided to check it out, went to the info meeting and went home and thought about it. I signed up! BUT then the REAL reason all came together, because almost 2 weeks after I signed up my sister-in-law, Melissa, got diagnosed with non-Hodgkin?s Lymphoma ? stage 4. Needless to say ? I KNEW why I had signed up at that moment! I ran in Melissa's honor for three events before she passed and at that point, I vowed to complete at LEAST one event with TNT each year and call it "Melissa Marathon". I've now completed over 15 events with TNT, now as a participant and a coach. It was truly an honor to be asked to coach for TNT. What a great feeling I get each time I get to meet a new participant that will complete his or her first TNT event. I get to feel that peace from Melissa every time I watch someone raise the funds and complete something they thought they never would. I take pride in this organization and believe that ONE DAY there will be "no more sad stories" (Thanks Jenn Been for that quote!) SO ? what?s in it for you, sometimes you will not know it until you sign up. For me, it was the beginning of a very fulfilling part of my life and I can?t imagine my life without TNT in it. I will continue to train, help others train, raise funds, and hopefully bring a cure to these blood diseases ? I want to continue for as long as the good Lord will allow me to or until we finally get to cross the finish line for the last time. God Bless and GO TEAM!!!
Amanda Skillman Run	I first joined Team in Training in 2005 where I did my first full marathon in San Diego, CA. I am a Radiation Therapist and joined in honor of my many patients. I have always been an athlete and dedicated my career to fighting cancer?TNT seemed like a perfect way to combine my two passions. Besides being a participant in 2005, I have also been a mentor and coached both Half Marathon and Marathon teams. Outside of Team in Training, I have completed 3 Marathons, 6 Half Marathons, and several Triathlons. In 2008 my connection to cancer got even closer. I had already experienced a personal connection beyond work with my Grandmother who died when I was in high school and my Aunt who fought and beat cancer while I was in college. This time it was my mother. She was diagnosed with an unknown type of cancer that had already spread to many areas of her body when they found it. She endured Radiation Therapy and several different types of Chemotherapy for almost 2 years before losing her battle. I believe that we got those 2 years with her because of the research that organizations like the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society provide. Over the years, I have met so many wonderful people through Team in Training. I feel privileged to be a part of the TEAM and truly enjoy helping others cross the finish line!

Tina Steck Walk	I first got involved with TNT in 2002 when I received a direct-mail piece at the right time in my life. I went on to do six TNT events as a participant and mentor, staying involved because of the wonderful people, experiences and mission. Thus far, I've completed ten full marathons and ten half-marathons, so I definitely practice what I preach as a coach. I have enjoyed coaching walkers year-round since 2007 and I can't wait to train you for an upcoming event! Go Team!
Lisa Tennenbaum Run/Walk	My first event was the 2011 Walt Disney World Half Marathon. I?m the mom of two daughters, married to my college sweetheart, and enjoy reading and LOVE naps! I worked in non-profit before having children, and now make fitness my full time career. I am an ACE certified Personal Traininer, ACE & AFAA certified Group Fitness Instructor and have many specialty certifications in various fitness activities. In May of 2009, my best friend, chosen sister and life long confidante was diagnosed with AML. She lost a five month battle that included chemo, radiation, daily transfusions and a stem cell transplant. I was with her throughout the process and watched helplessly as leukemia ravaged her body. Cynthia left two children to grow up without their mom and while I promised her that I would take care of them, I promised myself that I would do something to prevent more tragic losses from blood cancer.
Jacob Volkmar Run/Walk	I joined the Gateway Chapter of TNT in August 2006 knowing nothing about the society, or having ever run in an organized event before. I decided to be ambitious and signed up for the Walt Disney World Marathon. With the help of Team in Training I was able to complete my first full marathon, and I have been running ever since. I have been able to run in 5 full marathons, 12 half marathons, and 2 Goofy Challenges. I would have never been able to do this if I hadn't joined Team in Training. I joined as a participant and have served as a mentor, and now as a coach. It has truly been a life changing experience.
Kate Zigarowicz Run/Walk	I first became involved with TNT in 2004 in Rochester NY when I was participant for the Rock and Roll San Diego Marathon. I met great people; some of which I am still close with today. Since then I moved to St. Louis and I wanted to meet new people and get in shape again. I ran the Mardi Gras Marathon in Febuary 2010. I was reminded of what a great cause LLS was and I wanted to stay involved. I signed up to coach for the Rock and Roll San Antonio Marathon with John Gray. I had another great experience and met even more great people all while raising funds and helping others raise funds for blood related cancer patients and research. I am thrilled to be a part of such a dedicated group of people. GO TEAM!