Blythe holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Sciences (concentration in Nutrition) from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina, and a Master of Science Degree in Movement Sciences (concentration in Applied Exercise Physiology) from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Blythe has worked for both the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability (NCPAD) and the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Exercise Physiology and Recreational Technology for People with Disabilities (RERC RecTech at www.rectech.org) in the Department of Disability and Human Development at UIC since January of 2004, as a graduate and research assistant and now as an Information Specialist.

Blythe plays a prominent role in material and product development for NCPAD’s many resources on physical activity and disability and is the editor of the monthly newsletter.  She is also directly involved with the Inclusive Fitness Coalition (http://www.incfit.org) which was launched in Washington D.C. on January 24th, 2007. Blythe received her Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist certification from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) in May of 2008.

Biosketch

Positions and Employment

2002-2004            

Physical Therapy Aide, AthletiCo Physical Therapy, Chicago, Illinois

2004-2004            

Research Assistant, University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Nursing

2004-2006      

Graduate/Research Assistant, University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Disability and Human Development

2006-2007

Project Manager, University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Disability and Human Development

2007-              

Information and Content Specialist, University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Disability and Human Development

2007-              

NCPAD Newsletter Editor, University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Disability and Human Development

Professional Memberships

2005  

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

2006

American College of Sports Medicine

Certifications

2008                       

Clinical Exercise Physiology Association (CEPA)

May 2008

Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist, RCEP      

American College of Sports Medicine

June 2007    

Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers 

American Heart Association                                      

Non-peer-reviewed publications (in chronological order)

Rimmer, J.H. & Hiss, S.B. (2005). Physical Activity and Fitness. In Nehring, W.M. (Ed.), Health Promotion for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (pp. 87-128). Washington, D.C.: American Association on Mental Retardation.

Hiss, B. (2005). Physical Activity Can Reduce Secondary Conditions in Youths with Limb Differences, Expectations, 1, 32-33.

Hiss, B. & Lawson, V. (2006). Disability Awareness and Customer Service. American College of Sports Medicine’s Certified News, 16, 2-4.

Hiss, B. & Rauworth, A. (2007). Creating an Accessible Fitness and Wellness Facility. The International Council on Active Aging Developer’s Guide 2007, 39-53.

Projects

NCPAD, Information Specialist and Newsletter Editor