Meet Our Faculty
Experienced, Skilled, and Supportive Instruction
Exercise Science faculty at COCC are leaders in their field who provide students with industry insights, hands-on learning opportunities, and knowledgeable advising. View the Health and Human Performance directory for a full listing of faculty and staff.
Faculty Profiles
Jenny Cruickshank
Associate Professor of Health and Human Performance
Email: jcruickshank@cocc.edu
Jenny — whose scope of work includes classroom instruction in Sports Psychology, Wellness Coaching and Exercise Science, and the very popular Total Fitness and Staff Wellness programs — is a former rugby player at Colorado State University (where she earned her bachelor's degree in exercise physiology) and an ultra-marathon runner.
Jenny joined COCC in 2004, and in the years since she has brought a personal mix of positivity and fun energy to her classes. In fact, Jenny was recently selected as COCC's Faculty Achievement Award recipient. It's an honor that recognizes the full-time faculty member who best embodies the highest standards of COCC, where student learning is the mission.
Her classes don't shy from demanding every effort; Jenny's sprint sessions up College Way are the same. But her teaching is always delivered with passion and guidance, with a focus on self-acceptance. Along the way, Jenny has pushed herself, too — completing her master's degree in sport psychology and becoming a Nationally Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach.
John Liccardo
Associate Professor
Email: jliccardo@cocc.edu
As a former Division 1 distance runner who continued to competitively run marathons through his 40s, John understands the critical importance of science-based performance and exercise plans.
"I love to teach kinesiology, exercise physiology, and exercise testing and prescription because these subjects allow students to see how science, particularly knowledge of anatomy and physiology, is what makes true professionals," he says. "A true professional knows how and why each workout (and each day of rest) fits into a long-term master plan to maximize consistent improvement in performance and fitness."
Prior to becoming a teacher, John directed a wellness center and worked as a personal trainer. John completed his bachelor's and master's degrees in exercise and sport science from the University of Utah, with a focus on periodization and long-term program design. He is also a certified strength and conditioning specialist with the National Strength and Condition Association.