Ethos & Credibility
The Barbells for Boobs Medical Advisory Board (MAB) provides insight, scientific direction, and expertise to Barbells for Boobs.
The information gathered and approved by Barbells for Boobs MAB is for general knowledge and education only, and does not constitute guidance, recommendations or specific medical advice for individuals.
Ciaran recently accepted a position as the Director of the Exercise Oncology Research Lab at the University of South Carolina. His research focuses on the impact of exercise, nutrition and supplementation in the management of muscle loss in individuals with cancer. Ciaran received his PhD in Kinesiology from Ohio State University and recently completed a Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship in Exercise Oncology within the School of Medical and Health Science (SMHS) at Edith Cowan University. He holds certifications through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (CSCS) and The American College of Sports Medicine (CET, CEP) and has over a decade of experience specifically designing exercise programs for individuals with cancer.
Ciaran is also a strong advocate of the dissemination of scientific research to a variety of audiences. He is the founder, CEO, and chief exercise physiologist at REACH (Research in Exercise and Cancer Health), a company designed to provide evidence-based guidelines of physical activity to health/medical professionals and individuals with cancer.
Sandra Zori is a mother, wife, friend, Crossfit enthusiast, pharmacist and breast cancer survivor. Sandra was born in Iraq, and lived in the United Arab Emirates until she was 15 when her family immigrated to Canada. She finished high school in Windsor, Ontario, found a love for science and health, and continued on with her studies at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. She studied chemistry with an emphasis in biochemistry, and then went on to study pharmacy and earn her Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Currently, Sandra works in the community setting, and has been instrumental in precepting student pharmacists, managing vaccine clinics, and providing accessible healthcare to the greater Detroit area.
In 2018, Sandra found a lump in her breast, and within six weeks had a confirmed diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer. She started chemotherapy, had a double mastectomy, radiation, more chemotherapy, and finally immunotherapy to treat the disease. During this time, she never stopped pursuing her fitness goals and her passion for lifting, and believes that was fundamental for her recovery and continued wellness. Sandra obtained her CF-L1 while still in treatment, and helps to coach other breast cancer survivors on their own paths to health, wellness and fitness.
Sandra lives in Michigan with her husband, Aleksa, her two daughters, Stella and Juliet, and their two dogs, Rosie and Ruby. Sandra can be found on Instagram @thefightingfox where she openly shares her breast cancer survivorship. She believes in the power of mindfulness, as well as giving the body grace and time to heal. You can also hear Sandra's story in an episode of the Barbells For Boobs podcast, Behind The Bra.
In 2018, Sandra found a lump in her breast, and within six weeks had a confirmed diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer. She started chemotherapy, had a double mastectomy, radiation, more chemotherapy, and finally immunotherapy to treat the disease. During this time, she never stopped pursuing her fitness goals and her passion for lifting, and believes that was fundamental for her recovery and continued wellness. Sandra obtained her CF-L1 while still in treatment, and helps to coach other breast cancer survivors on their own paths to health, wellness and fitness.
Sandra lives in Michigan with her husband, Aleksa, her two daughters, Stella and Juliet, and their two dogs, Rosie and Ruby. Sandra can be found on Instagram @thefightingfox where she openly shares her breast cancer survivorship. She believes in the power of mindfulness, as well as giving the body grace and time to heal. You can also hear Sandra's story in an episode of the Barbells For Boobs podcast, Behind The Bra.
Double Board Certified, Dr. Brown received his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and his medical degree from The Chicago Medical School. He then completed his General Surgery residency at Northwestern University in Chicago.
While at Northwestern, Dr. Brown joined Dr. Thomas Mustoe’s lab and spent one year dedicated to wound healing and scarring research. During that year, he wrote and published papers in one of the top Plastic Surgery Journals, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He then graduated and became certified by the American Board of Surgery in General Surgery. Dr. Brown completed his residency training in the field of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in Omaha.
Dr. Richard J. Brown founded his practice, Brown Plastic Surgery in 2009 with the vision of creating a complete and personal plastic surgery experience focused on patients’ overall health and wellbeing. He provides procedures for cosmetic body enhancements and breast reconstruction after breast cancer.
In addition to being a skilled surgeon, Dr. Brown is a published Author of the book The Real Beauty Bible: Navigating Your Journey Through Plastic Surgery. His book is a comprehensive guide to body rejuvenation, and is a must read prior to having your procedure.
Patient experience and satisfaction is Dr. Brown’s first priority. His vision is to inspire patients to become the best version of themselves. He prides himself on helping patients choose only those procedures that are right for them. As an expert Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Brown is dedicated to helping others feel confident in their own skin.
Elizabeth Hernandez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. She is currently a Behavioral Health Clinician for the County of Orange, Adult and Older Adult Behavioral Health Services, providing mental health services to the older adult population. Elizabeth has worked in the field of mental health for over ten years. She has worked with underserved, culturally diverse populations of various social and economic backgrounds. She received a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Sociology at California State University, Long Beach. After several years of working in the mental health field, Elizabeth returned to her alma mater to pursue and receive her Masters degree in Social Work with a concentration in integrated health.
In 2019, she partnered with OC Fit Las2winz to help fundraise the gym’s first fundraising event for Barbells For Boobs. Elizabeth took the initiative to fundraise with her very own gym community and through that partnership, OC Fit Las2winz won the title of 2019 California State Champions and 2019 World Champions for being the top fundraising team.
Dr. Glass is a clinical research scientist at Duke University where he studies the impact of exercise in cancer and liver disease. His work has been published in high-impact scientific journals and featured in the Crossfit Journal. He is a former Crossfit Games athlete and an avid proponent of evidence based science to improve health and longevity.
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