Five CHHS Alums Win UNC Charlotte Awards Over Homecoming Weekend
10 Under Ten Award Recipients from The College of Health and Human Services
Ciara Castagno ‘10
Ciara Castagno ‘10 used her degree in exercise science from UNC Charlotte to start a personal training business, STAG Human Performance, with her husband, Ret. Army Capt. Christopher Castagno. She has published more than 20 professionally accredited research articles and speaks internationally on exercise science, health and fitness. Charlotte’s Elevate Lifestyle Magazine named Castagno Charlotte’s Top Female Personal Trainer from 2016-2018.
Daniel Jacobs ‘08
Daniel Jacobs ‘08 is a physician assistant and director of orthopaedic urgent access services at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA. Prior to taking that job Jacobs, who earned a degree in athletic training at UNC Charlotte, worked for several years at OrthoCarolina’s University office in Charlotte, specializing in sports injuries and total hip and knee arthroplasty. He also worked as a trainer for the 49ers, was an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Kinesiology and has held multiple leadership roles at the University, in the Atlantic 10 Conference and the NCAA. Jacobs was president of UNC Charlotte’s Young Alumni chapter and an ambassador for Niner Nation Gives.
About the 10 Under Ten Awards
The Inaugural 10 Under Ten Awards, sponsored by the UNC Charlotte Young Alumni Chapter, recognize and spotlight UNC Charlotte alumni who have graduated within the past ten years.
excellence in leadership award recipients from the college health and human services
Tesha Boyd ‘91
Tesha Boyd ’91 is assistant health director for Clinical Services for the Mecklenburg County Health Department. She is also the co-founder and executive director of Promise Youth Development, Inc., a grassroots non-profit organization that develops and empowers youth through academic enrichment, health promotion and career exploration. Boyd earned her undergraduate degree in nursing from UNC Charlotte and her master’s degree in health administration from Pfeiffer University.
Keith Cradle ‘07
Keith Cradle ’07 is the adolescent program manager for the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office. He helped develop the Jail Arts Program with the Bechtler Museum that works with youth in detention discover, cultivate and harness their appreciation for art and also serves on various boards including Carolina Voices, Bechtler Museum, Inspire the Fire and Juvenile Crime Prevention Council for Mecklenburg County. Cradle earned his undergraduate degree in communications from Johnson C. Smith University, his master’s degree in health administration from UNC Charlotte, a MBA/MSL from Pfeiffer University and his Ph.D. in organizational leadership & management from Walden University.
Rondell Richardson ‘99
Rondell Richardson ’99 is a clinical director and certified prosthetist/orthotist who has provided orthotic and prosthetic services in the Charlotte area for over 17 years. He is the co-founder of Impact Orthopedics and serves as a board member for the International African American Prosthetic Coalition. Richardson is also a residency/internship supervisor, providing guidance and supervision for students across the country. He earned his undergraduate degree in health fitness from UNC Charlotte, a graduate certificate in orthotics from the University of Connecticut and a graduate certificate in prosthetics from Queen’s University.
About the Excellence in Leadership Awards
The 8th annual Excellence in Leadership Awards, sponsored by the UNC Charlotte Black Alumni Chapter, recognize the accomplishments of UNC Charlotte alumni and friends who have achieved “excellence” in the areas of Education, Entrepreneurship, Financial Services, Healthcare, Philanthropy, Public Service and STEM.