Caroline Strinsky was born in Washington and raised in South Carolina. She graduated from Clemson University in 2024 with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in American Sign Language. Her passion for mental health extended beyond the classroom by working with professors on research projects related to well-being. This research experience, intertwined with her background as an athlete (rock climber & whitewater kayaker) and coach, propelled Caroline to pursue a graduate degree in sport and exercise psychology at WWU. Post graduation from WWU, Caroline plans to continue her education through a clinical or counseling psychology Ph.D. program, with a long-term goal to become a licensed clinical sport psychologist. Her focus as a mental strength coach at the CPE is to enhance the performance of both athletes and exercisers, creating a positive environment where all can grow.

Ben Tallent is from Seattle, Washington. He graduated with a B.S. in Psychology from Lewis & Clark College in 2025, where he also competed on the men’s soccer team. Ben has been coaching soccer for 8 years, working with children of a variety of ages and skill levels. Ben’s life-long love of sports combined with a strong interest in psychology, led him to pursue a M.S. in Sport and Exercise Psychology at WWU. After graduating from the M.S. program, Ben plans to work as a mental strength coach with athletes and others who are looking to perform at their best. Eventually, Ben plans to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology.

CC was born and raised in Colorado and graduated from the University of Utah in 2024 with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Health. Throughout CC’s life she has been actively involved with sports and exercise. Having had her own transformative experience with a Certified Mental Performance Consultant during her time as a competitive figure skater, CC became passionate about being able to make that same positive impact on athletes, exercisers, and performers. During her undergraduate degree, that passion solidified, resulting in CC pursuing an M.S. in Kinesiology concentrating in Sport and Exercise Psychology at WWU. After completing the program, CC hopes to continue enhancing the enjoyment and performance of others and will pursue a PsyD in clinical psychology, becoming a licensed clinical sport psychologist. 

Madi Kisker is originally from Kirkland, WA and she recently graduated from Montana State University in 2025 with a B.S. in Psychology. Madi played several elite youth and high school sports in Washington, with a focus on basketball. In college, Madi continued her involvement in sports and exercise through coaching and participating in outdoor activities. These experiences contributed to Madi’s desire to pursue graduate work in sport psychology. After completing her Kinesiology master’s degree at WWU (Sport and Exercise Psychology option), she plans to become a Certified Mental Performance Consultant and help others achieve optimal performance and improve their relationship with a variety of sports.

 

Linda Keeler, EdD, CMPC #262

Co-Director, Center for Performance Excellence

Professor, Sport and Exercise Psychology, Department of Health and Human Development
Dr. Keeler is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant, an Association for Applied Sport Psychology Fellow, and is listed on the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee Sport Psychology and Mental Training Registry. After completing her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Colgate University, Dr. Keeler obtained her master’s degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in sport psychology from the University of Maryland at College Park. Her education was completed at West Virginia University with a doctorate in sport and exercise psychology and a second master’s degree in counseling. Dr. Keeler has been at Western since 2012. She was a competitive rugby player for twelve years, attended National team camps, select-side competitions, and was a member of a nationally ranked club team. Dr. Keeler also served as the Mental Skills consultant for USA Women’s Rugby from 2003-2010. Further, Dr. Keeler has worked with a wide range of individual exercisers and athletes, as well as youth, intercollegiate, recreational, and elite level teams.

Co-Director, Center for Performance Excellence

Professor, Sport & Exercise Psychology, Department of Health & Human Development

Emeritus Faculty

Founder, Center for Performance Excellence

Dr. Vernacchia, founder and previous director of the CPE, was a professor in the department of Physical Education, Health and Recreation at WWU for nearly 40 years, where he directed undergraduate and graduate courses in sport psychology. He is a co-author/editor of two sport psychology books and has presented extensively on a variety of sport psychology topics throughout the nation. He has served as a performance consultant to coaches, parents, and numerous athletes on the youth sport, high school, university, professional and Olympic levels. He has also traveled internationally with USA track and field teams to several world championships.