To Teach…To Lead…To Succeed
The Center For Human Performance is the dream and vision of Dr. Barbara Walker. After working in Australia at the Academy of Sport, Dr. Walker recognized the benefits of an integrated approach toward optimizing performance. Dr. Walker returned to the Cincinnati area determined to create a place where those seeking peak performance could find the services and tools necessary to achieve their best.
The Center combines the latest knowledge and principles about optimal human performance, specifically in the areas of leadership, attention, stress, competition, nutrition, and exercise with a personal, client-centered approach. We also utilize the science of biofeedback and neurofeedback.
We help people lead more satisfying, happier, productive, optimal lives through a balanced and holistic, strengths-based approach, integrating the mind and body. Our mission is to improve the lives of others, one client at a time.
Our Team
- Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Exercise and Sport Psychology
- Licensed Psychologist
- Certified Consultant with the Association of Applied Sport Psychology
- Performance psychology consultant for individual athletes, athletic teams, businesses, and performing arts
- International and national experienced consultant at multiple athletic levels, from professional to high school sports
- Consultant to Fortune 500 companies
- National professional conference presenter
- Competitive triathlete, marathon runner, and former team member of U.S. National Duathlon Team
- Guest expert on radio and television
- Serves on the Board of Directors for the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon
- Previously served on the Executive Board as the Professional Standards Division Head for the Association of Applied Sport Psychology
- Psychology consultant to three tri-state sports medicine fellowship programs
- Associate Adjunct Professor at the University of Cincinnati
As a high level competitive triathlete, marathon runner, and business owner, Barbara has faced the same challenges as many of you, and knows first-hand what it takes to reach your goals.
Her experience as an athlete and her extensive background as a Performance Psychologist provide her with the perfect combination of knowledge and ability to help excellence-seeking individuals realize their potential. She is passionate for ‘walking the walk’ and willing to share all that she knows to help others reach their highest potential!
Each consultation with individuals and teams/groups is individualized. Together, we decide what you need and what approach will work best.
As Seen On
Marika Ruschmeyer is a Licensed Massage Therapist who specializes in neuromuscular therapy, craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation, lymphatic drainage and myofascial release. She was raised by a family whose first line of defense to combat everyday maladies or chronic pain was massage; developing in Marika an innate awareness of the body’s capability to heal itself through touch. Following this family tradition, Marika studied classical massage, infant/toddler massage and body success at Axelsons Gymnastiska Institut in Stockholm, Sweden and the Cincinnati School of Medical Massage. She has been practicing in Cincinnati since 2000.
As a massage therapist and an active person Marika is keenly aware of the need for a tissue maintenance program. The higher our activity level and the older we get, the more challenging it becomes to maintain healthy muscle tissue. Stiff, congested muscles are more prone to injury. Soft, released muscles not only perform better but also provide more effective shock absorption, thus protecting your joints.
Marika’s goal is to optimize each of her client’s tissues regardless of activity level. Let her help you maintain muscles that respond to your needs and keep you happy! You may reach Marika directly at 513.379.5123 or mruschmeyer@gmail.com.
Kathleen Krumme,
CHP Program Director
Kathleen comes to the Center for Human Performance from the worlds of bicycling and non-profit. She began her career in the bike business, after falling in love with the sport as an amateur competitor in road racing and triathlon. She carved out a specialty in bicycle fitting and served as instructor and Executive Director of the Serotta International Cycling Institute, an organization which trains retailers, medical professionals and coaches in bicycle fitting. She and her husband currently own Fifty West Cycling in Mariemont, Ohio, a full service bicycle retail shop.
Kathleen is a co-founder of the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders, along with Tour de France cyclist and Parkinson’s patient, Davis Phinney , his wife, 1984 Olympic cycling gold medalist Connie Carpenter –Phinney and her husband, David Ariosa. She founded and directed its signature event, the Sunflower Revolution Gala and Bike Ride in 2004. She currently co-ordinates the Sunflower Rev It Up for Parkinson’s ride and 5k walk/run for the University of Cincinnati Gardner Center for Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders and serves on the Gardner Center Community Advisory Board.
As a mother of 2 grown children and a working woman, Kathleen understands the challenges faced by women in the workplace and is excited about helping to grow CHP’s programs to reach a larger audience of professionals interested in successful and sustainable mindful living, peak performance, life balance and effective leadership.
Kathleen Krumme, CHP Program Director
Our Partners
Dawn Weatherwax is a Registered/Licensed Dietitian with a specialty in Sports Nutrition and Founder of Sports Nutrition 2Go. She is also a Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics, which is the premier professional sports nutrition credential in the United States. In addition, she is an Athletic Trainer with a Certification in Strength and Conditioning from The National Strength and Conditioning Association. Therefore, she brings a comprehensive and unique understanding of the athlete’s body, and its nutritional needs, to those interested in achieving specific performance goals and optimal health. Weatherwax is also the author of The Official Snack Guide for Beleaguered Sports Parents and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Sports Nutrition. She is an Official Speaker for the Gatorade Sports Science Institute and on the approval speaker list for the NCAA. She has also been featured on television shows including: Good Morning America, MSNBC, Geraldo Rivera, and Fox News.
Dawn is an active member in the American Dietetic Association (ADA), Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutritionists Dietetic Practice Group (SCAN), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA), National Athletic Training Association (NATA), & Greater Cincinnati Athletic Training Association (GCATA).
