About

Duncan Simpson

Dr. Duncan Simpson is the Director of the Kirsten and Eugene F. “Buddy” Teevens ’79 Center for Peak Performance at Dartmouth College, a role he has held since July 2025. With more than 15 years of experience spanning higher education and elite sport, he leads evidence-based initiatives in mental performance, leadership development, and holistic student well-being, partnering across athletics, academics, and campus services to translate research into practical, high-impact programming. Since 2005, Duncan has worked with athletes and coaches ranging from beginners to NCAA Division I–III, professional, and Olympic performers. As a researcher and writer, he has published extensively in leading peer-reviewed journals and has authored multiple book chapters on performance psychology. Duncan earned his PhD in Sport Studies with a specialization in Sport Psychology from the University of Tennessee and holds graduate training in sport and exercise science, along with advanced study in mindfulness and therapeutic practice. 

Read more about Dr. Simpson's appointment as Director of the Teevens Center.

Jill Kochanek

Dr. Jill Kochanek is the Moore Family Assistant Director for Leadership and Mental Performance and also works for the Teevens Center. Jill has over 10 years of professional experience as a mental performance coach, leadership developer, dialogue facilitator and educator in the field of sport and performance psychology. Prior to Dartmouth, she spent four years as the athletic leadership master’s program director at Springfield College where she prepared students to be high-impact leaders in sport and beyond. Stemming from her experience as a former college student-athlete, Jill deeply values the pursuit of high academics and athletics. Her mission is to support student-athletes and other student performers in embracing their process to elevate their performance, well-being, and enjoyment. She holds a master’s degree and doctorate in kinesiology with a specialization in sport psychology from the University of Minnesota and Michigan State University, respectively. 

Read more about Dr. Kochanek's endowed position.

Valentina Accardo

Valentina Accardo is the Sports Dietitian within Dartmouth Peak Performance (DP2) and also works for the Teevens Center. Valentina brings professional experience in performance nutrition across collegiate, professional, and performing arts settings. Prior to Dartmouth, she worked at Teamworks, where she developed and executed performance nutrition strategies for NCAA and professional teams, managed athlete performance goals, and delivered a monthly nutrition education curriculum. She has also supported the football programs at Boston College and Arizona, overseeing fueling stations and advising athletes on supplement safety, hydration, and macronutrient needs, and designed nutrition and wellness programming for performing arts institutions with Performance Chefs. Her mission is to help student-athletes and other student performers fuel with intention so they can sustain their performance, well-being, and enjoyment. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences from Arizona and a Master of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance from Merrimack.

Serena Creary

Serena Creary is the Project Manager of the Dartmouth College Wellness Education Program. As a Project Manager, Serena organizes and administers the wellness courses at Dartmouth. Serena joins the Teevens Center with a wellbeing, advocacy, and organizing background. She brings her passion for wellness and work in the  to Dartmouth College. When not working, Serena enjoys hiking, embarking on creative projects, solving puzzles, listening to music, and spending time with friends and animals. Serena holds a B.A. in Comparative Literature and a B.M. in Music Composition from Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music.