Caitlin Fredericks

Caitlin Fredericks serves as a statewide Extension Specialist for the University of Illinois Extension Health and Community Wellness program. In this role, she provides leadership in statewide projects and training opportunities for professional staff related to physical activity, chronic disease prevention, and healthy living. Fredericks supports Extension work by establishing and building relationships with campus faculty from across the University of Illinois system, statewide partners, and other stakeholders. She is passionate about helping individuals and families cultivate a healthy lifestyle using physical activity to improve mood and physical function, build strength across the lifespan, and reduce stress and chronic disease risk. Fredericks develops and supports engaging programs and resources to enhance the health and well-being of Illinois families and communities. 

Prior to joining the Extension, Fredericks worked in higher education as a Kinesiology Physical Activity Program instructor and before that as a Parks and Recreation Director. She is an active volunteer with parkrun where she serves as an event director and weekly volunteer.

Fredericks earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in sports studies and exercise science from St. Lawrence University in 2014. She then earned a master’s degree in exercise science with a concentration in sport and exercise psychology from Ithaca College in 2015. Fredericks holds several professional certifications as an American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) certified personal trainer, an American Council on Exercise (ACE) group fitness instructor, and an Oh Baby! Fitness pre/postnatal exercise specialist. She also holds the ACSM Exercise is Medicine credential.