Slocum Research and Education Foundation Staff
Kate Spitzley, PhD
Director of Research Operations
Kate joined the Slocum Foundation in 2023. Kate earned her doctorate in Human Physiology, in the area of Orthopedic Biomechanics, from the University of Oregon in 2023, a Master's of Science degree in the area of Orthopedic Biomechanics, from the University of Oregon in 2019, and a Bachelor’s of Science degree in the area of Exercise Science, from California State University Long Beach in 2015.
Kate has specialized training in orthopedic research design and grants, focusing on improving human performance, preventing injury, and enhancing the quality of life for clinical and healthy populations. She has extensive experience teaching, managing, and mentoring undergraduate and graduate research students from her time at the University of Oregon. Throughout her academic career, Kate has worked to serve the local communities by organizing professional conferences, serving on committees, and running community education events for middle and high school students. Kate is passionate about dedicating her time and energy to a career improving health and wellness in the community.
Tessa Kirkpatrick, BS, CCRC
Associate Director of Research Operations
Tessa joined the Slocum Foundation in 2014 to manage and coordinate the University of Oregon's NIH R01 trial examining the impact of essential amino acid supplementation in total knee arthroplasty patients. Under the direction of the study Principal Investigator, Hans Dreyer, PhD, PT, Tessa combines her background in clinical orthopedics with her formal education in Human Physiology.
Tessa graduated from the University of Oregon in 2007 with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Physiology and a minor in Biology. After graduation, she spent seven years as an orthopedic Medical Assistant and Clinical Services Coordinator. Since joining the Foundation she has served an essential role in coordinating across research sites at the Slocum Center, Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend, PeaceHealth Labs, and various research sites at the University of Oregon. In addition to her research responsibilities, Tessa helps manage the Foundation's continuing medical education conferences and series events, such as our monthly Journal Club.
In 2018, Tessa passed the examination to become a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC). The CCRC credential is awarded to experienced professionals who can demonstrate proficiency on specific knowledge and job-related skills, and set the standard for quality, ethical, and responsible clinical research.
Hannah College, DPT, MS, CCRC
Clinical Research Coordinator
Hannah joined the Slocum Foundation in 2025. Hannah earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Baylor University in 2020, a Master of Science in Integrative Physiology from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2018, a Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology from the University of Oregon in 2014, and her Certified Clinical Research Coordinator credential in 2025.
Hannah has several years of experience working in clinical research. Additionally, she worked as a physical therapist specializing in orthopedic conditions and women's health. Hannah combines her desire to positively contribute to the community with her interest in human physiology and research to serve as a Clinical Research Coordinator at the Foundation.
Ellie DeLoretto, BS
Assistant Clinical Research Coordinator
Ellie joined the Slocum Foundation as an intern in 2023. While completing her undergraduate degree, Ellie started working at Slocum Orthopedics in 2022 as a medical scribe for the hand and upper extremity team. She graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Physiology from the University of Oregon. After graduation, she spent time cross training in Slocum’s specialty clinics and has continued to scribe for hand surgeon Dr. Heather Campion. Ellie was promoted to Assistant Research Coordinator in 2024 and brings clinical expertise to her position. Her long-term goal is to attend medical school and continue with research, one day as a Principal Investigator herself.
John Over, BS
Research Intern
John joined the Slocum Foundation in 2024 after initially spending time as a patient and later shadowing physicians. He earned his BS in Biology from Linfield University in 2024, where he was also a pitcher on the baseball team. At SREF, John focuses on a multimodal pain management project for adolescent ACL patients, as well as Slocum’s opioid quality improvement initiative. He collaborates on both with Dr. Jenna Godfrey. Their quality improvement work builds on Dr. Godfrey’s previous opioid intervention project, which John contributed to through statistical analysis and manuscript revision, ultimately resulting in a publication. Outside of SREF, John runs a small business as a fly fishing guide on the McKenzie River. His long-term goal is to become an orthopedic surgeon, with the goal of advancing healthcare one patient at a time, all while finding time to fish along the way.