Our Staff

Jan Schmidt
Director
(913) 588-7703
jschmidt@kumc.edu

I received a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education and Art Education from Wichita State University in 1983 and Master's degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Kansas in 1991. I have been an aerobics instructor since 1983 and have received several certifications through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) including Aerobics, Step Aerobics, Personal Training, and Weight Room.

I am in the process of working toward my Fitness Practioner Certification. The driving force in my career is the desire to help as many people as possible discover the benefits of being physically active. My major job responsibilities include designing exercise plans for members, performing fitness assessments and personal training. I also the oversee the aerobics program which allows me to stay active as an instructor in Aqua-Aerobics, as well as subbing other classes as needed.

Other responsibilities include coordinating several special health promotion events such as Corporate Challenge, Hospital Hill Run, National Employee Health and Fitness Day. I share my home in Overland Park with my husband, Bill, two teenagers, Phil and Stephanie, and our Yellow Labrador, George. When I'm not running around to my kids' activities, I enjoy training for triathlons (swim-bike-run). My husband and I share interests in "do-it-yourself" home improvement projects and in racing our 1984 Mazda RX-7 at Solo II events.

Mike Miller
Associate Director
(913) 588-7705
mmiller10@kumc.edu

Mike Miller has 39 years of professional experience in health, physical education, recreation, and administration. He possesses a Bachelor’s Degree in Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse and a Master’s Degree in Administration of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation from New Mexico State University. During his seventeen years in Wisconsin, Mike served as head swimming and diving coach of age group, high school and university teams. He also served as Director of Aquatic Programs and Facilities at three major universities and led the opening of a new multi-million dollar fitness and recreation facilities in aquatics at Wichita State University and the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

He has presented at the state, district and national level, co-authored or was a contributing author for a number of professional books and manuals, and has extensive experience as an expert and consultant in teaching, programming, training, risk management, swimming pool design, and aquatic injury litigation. Mike has worked as a volunteer for the American Red Cross throughout his professional career. During those years he has been an instructor trainer in life guarding, swimming, and CPR. He also has been a Scuba Diving Instructor since 1974.
Mike is the Associate Director and is starting his fourth year with Kirmayer. He is primarily responsible for facility operations, staffing, and the Intramural program.

Jeffrey Sygman
Fitness Specialist/Program Coordinator
(913) 588-7702
jsygman@kumc.edu

It has been twenty years since I pushed troops in the Army. I never imagined that those jumping jacks, pushups and early morning jogs at 5:00 am while singing cadences would have been the stepping stone to a career in fitness. Now, two decades later, I guess it is safe to say, few careers are more rewarding than being a fitness professional. Now, as the program coordinator for Kirmayer Fitness , I am extremely proud to be part of a mixed and diverse family of cats and birds.

Education . University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez campus and transfered to Kansas State Univeristy, graduating with with a degree in Kinesiology in 1993.

Certication- ACE certified PFT Amercian Counsel on Exercise . 1996-present

Being a career fitness trainer and group exercise instructor, I have been fortunate to have worked with professionals in sports medicine and other competitve fitness markets. Here is some of my past experiences:

• 1999-2004 Quivira Sports and Health in Lenexa. Personal Training Director.
• 1998, People to People Sport. Spinning in South Africa delegate promoting good will and education through cycling.
• 1995-1998 Fitness Director, Prairie Life Center Overland Park, KS.
• 1994 Employer Health Services at Health Plus Fitness and Rehabilitation. Fitness Specialist Conducted lower back injury prevention seminars for a corporate account acquired with Sprint/Centel.
• Intership in 1992- World Trade Center, New York City with (TFC) The Fitness Company. A fitness managment company from the east coast.

Philosophy- Stay green and grow. I enjoy keeping current with new trends and research in my field. Educating my clients has always been important to me. It is why I have been fortunate to have a strong and distinguished list of clients over the years. Personally, inspiring people to improve any aspects of there life through physical activity and nutrition has made getting up in the morning easier and purposefully. It is definitely what fuels my middle muscle.

I'm the proud father of Jonas and Payton Sygman. Fraternal twins.

Mary Saunders
Administrative Specialist
(913) 588-7704
msaunder@kumc.edu

I’ve been part of the KUMC Family since 1985 and a part of the Kirmayer Fitness Center since June 2003. My main responsibilities include processing memberships, employee payroll, and class registration. My mission statement is this: If you want to be Fit, I can put you in a workout class Fit for you!

I have two sons, Joey and Frank, who are the most gratifying part of my life. I enjoy the great outdoors and staying busy with my boys and their activities. My most recent accomplishment is being awarded Honorary Warrior in the tribe of Mic-O-Say.

Ann Perius-Parker
Administrative Specialist
(913) 588-7701
aperiusp@kumc.edu