CardioHeartConnect
CardioHeartConnect or Rehabbing with Peloton (RWP) is an 8-week intervention beginning immediately upon referral to cardiac rehabilitation (CR), designed to be initiated while patients are placed on CR waitlists. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) recipients engage with Peloton walking, strength, and stretching workouts (not the fitness bike) via a mobile platform to promote physical activity. The RWP platform provides comprehensive CR content and smartwatch integration with a clinically reviewed, pre-set, tailored, and socially engaged set of modules focusing on walking, strength exercises, yoga breathwork, and stretching, areas of exercise previously used in home-based CR but not in mobile asynchronous format.
Jennifer Portz, PhD
Associate Professor
Dr. Jennifer Portz is a social work scientist and Associate Professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, with appointments in the Department of Medicine’s Division of General Internal Medicine and the Colorado School of Public Health’s mHealth Impact Lab. She is also an Affiliate Investigator at Kaiser Permanente Colorado’s Institute for Health Research. Dr. Portz’s research focuses on the design, implementation, and evaluation of digital health interventions for older adults and their care partners, with an emphasis on health equity and clinical integration. She serves as a principal investigator or co-investigator on multiple NIH-funded studies advancing digital health approaches in aging and chronic disease management.
Jennifer Portz Profile
Christopher Knoepke, PhD, MSW, LCSW
Associate Professor
Chris Knoepke is an Associate Professor in the Division of Cardiology the University of Colorado School of Medicine, and on the leadership committee for the Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative. He uses mixed method and qualitative approaches to studying methods by which to improve patient-centered care in advanced cardiology settings, as well as suicide and violence prevention in clinical and community settings. He serves as PI or Co-I on several NIH, NIJ, and foundation funded projects to improve care for those with technologically complex or otherwise difficult to talk about conditions.
Christopher Knoepke's Profile
Emily Greenway MPH
Project Manager
Emily Greenway, MPH is a Research Services Program Manager in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. She has extensive experience in managing complex research initiatives, coordinating multi-stakeholder collaborations, and advancing projects that bridge science with community impact. With a background in health behavior theory and a passion for understanding the sociological constructs that influence human behavior, Emily’s work centers on supporting research teams in exploring innovative approaches to health, rehabilitation, and wellbeing. She is particularly dedicated to projects that not only advance scientific knowledge but also prioritize the human experience, equity, and meaningful change.
Madeline Balser MPH, MSW
Research Assistant
Madeline Balser is a Senior Clinical Science Professional within the Adult & Child Center for Outcomes Research & Delivery Science at the University of Colorado with her dual Master's degrees in Public Health and Social Work. Madeline's focus lies in exploring the intersection of public health policy, social justice, and equitable healthcare access. She is dedicated to leveraging her interdisciplinary training to contribute empirically grounded insights that address systemic disparities and improve the health and well being of the community.
Joshua Rosen BA
Research Assistant
Joshua Rosen is a research assistant primarily within the Division of Geriatrics at the University of Colorado. He has supported studies focused on advance care planning and geriatric patient outcomes. He is passionate about improving health equity and empowering patients through education and meaningful conversation. Joshua plans to pursue a career in medicine, using his research and clinical experience to better serve vulnerable populations.
Ilian Mino
Research Assistant
Ilian Mino is a research services senior primarily within the Division of Geriatrics at the University of Colorado. She brings over 20 years of experience in the medical field. Her career has been dedicated to supporting underserved populations and advocating for improved healthcare access within underserved communities. With a deep commitment to making a positive impact, she strives to bridge care gaps and contribute to meaningful research that benefits those who need it most.
