Meet out Project Lead, Sarah Grunden! She graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi in 2022 with a Master's in public health. Sarah has always been passionate about community health and improving health outcomes. She is excited to have the opportunity to help the population make healthier choices to reach their fullest potential. In her free time, Sarah enjoys taking walks with her husband and their Golden Retriever, Finley.
Meet Prevention Specialist Julie! She has always had a heart for young adults - with a bachelor’s degree in Youth Ministry and an LCP in Clinical Mental Health. She is passionate about helping others find freedom in themselves, so they are more fully alive and in turn, so is the world. She loves the foundation of The Human Performance Project (HPP) because its goal is to inspire toward optimal performance which include all the good stuff: positivity, healthy choices, accountability, and untapping your greatest potential.
Meet Prevention Specialist, Erika! Erika graduated from Illinois State University in 2020, where she studied recreation and leisure management, along with community health promotion. She also received a minor in dance. Erika has always had a passion for moving her body, advocating for others, and an appreciation for learning about other cultures, which inspired her to enter the field of community health. Being able to advocate for adolescent well-being is what made her want to join the prevention team. When Erika isn’t working, you can find her at yoga, on the soccer field, in the dance studio, or on a hike. Erika is excited to utilize her creativity to find ways to connect with her communities and to promote the Prescription Playbook to parents, coaches, trainers, and adolescents.
Meet our Digital Marketing Specialist! Allison graduated from DePaul University in Chicago with a major of Graphic Design. She excited to be on the team to spread positive messaging to make a difference on the youth and their communities. Outside of work she loves running, photography, and trying new things.
Leah is a Prevention Specialist and Health Educator within communities in our target counties in the Central and Southern Illinois through The Illinois Human Performance Project (IL HPP) and The Prescription Playbook (Rx Playbook). She graduated from Brandeis University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, and Health, Science, Society, and Policy. Leah is passionate about and committed to community wellness and access to information for healthy decision making. When Leah isn't working, she is baking, crocheting, sewing, and cooking.
Marissa Thompson is a Prevention Specialist working within communities through the Illinois Human Performance Project (IL HPP) and the State Opioid Response (SOR) grant. She graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, with an emphasis in Health Promotion. Marissa is passionate about empowering communities through education and supporting informed, healthy decision-making. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, hiking, cooking, and spending time with her dog and two cats.
This work is made possible by OMNI Youth Services. Please visit their website to learn more about the variety of services they offer.
© 2026 ILHPP. All rights reserved. This was developed and funded in whole and or part, by grants from the Illinois Department of Human Services and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The views, opinions, and content of this publication are those of the authors and contributors, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or policies of IDHS, SAMHSA, or HHS, and should not be construed as such.
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