Kids Power Up Logo

The Kids PowerUP study is a pilot study designed to address eating and activity habits among children living in rural areas. This study will develop and test a program that is provided to rural children through activity kits mailed to the home. The activity kits include educational materials, food samples, recipe cards, and activity props like jump ropes and stopwatches. This program will be compared to a science program to see if it impacts diet and activity behaviors.

Participants are children living in the area of Bennett, Colorado or rural communities in North Carolina. Research staff advertise the study through flyers in the communities, distributed via schools or health clinics, and social media promotion. English- or Spanish-speaking children aged 7-10 years in these areas are invited to participate.

Wake Forest University School of Medicine Team

Katherine Ann Sauder, PhD

Kate Sauder, PhD

Kate Sauder, PhD, is a Principal Investigator of the Kids PowerUP project. She is an Associate Professor of Implementation Science and Pediatrics. Dr. Sauder and her family lived in Bennett from 2014 to 2023, and launched this project out of a desire to support kids and families in her home community. She convened a Community Advisory Board of parents, teachers, and community leaders from the Bennett area to help her develop the program and tailor it to diverse kids in rural communities. With her move to Winston Salem in 2023, the study has expanded to allow kids in rural North Carolina communities participate. Dr. Sauder’s favorite part of the Kids PowerUP project has been working with the community members and study team to bring this exciting program to life.

Cristel Castelo, BS

Cristel Castelo, BS

Cristel Castelo, BS, is the Project Manager for Kids PowerUP. Ms. Castelo is responsible for study implementation, including supporting staff and partners in producing program materials, promoting the program to rural kids through online and in-person engagement, and managing all administrative aspects of the research study. Ms. Castelo’s favorite part of Kids PowerUP is the satisfaction of seeing the final intervention materials come together behind the scenes. She especially enjoys hearing the excitement from participants when they receive these materials, knowing they will help promote healthier eating and activity habits among children in rural communities.

Sheccid Ontiveros-Santillan, BS

Sheccid Ontiveros-Santillan, BS

Sheccid Ontiveros-Santillan, BS, is the Assistant Project Manager for Kids PowerUP. Ms. Ontiveros-Santillan engages with families and partners in the rural communities, enrolls kids into the program, collects research data, provides health coaching, and organizes all program material. Her favorite part of her Kids PowerUP job is being able to connect with families, offering support tailored to their unique health journeys and assisting them in achieving their goals.

Ralph B. D'Agostino JR., PhD, FASA

Ralph D'Agostino JR., PhD, FASA

Ralph D’Agostino, Jr, PhD, is the Biostatistician for Kids PowerUP. Dr. D’Agostino is a Professor of Biostatistics and Data Science who has conducted observational and clinical trial research at Wake Forest University for 30 years. Dr. D’Agostino advises on study implementation and directs data analysis.