My decision to pursue Athletic Training never faltered upon entering my freshman year of undergraduate studies – that was 20 years ago. Today, I have earned a terminal degree of Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT) and am currently employed as Assistant Professor of Exercise Science at Carson-Newman University located in Jefferson City, Tennessee. My journey to Tennessee began in 2012 after getting hired as a full-time Athletic Trainer at Carson-Newman. Prior to TN, I worked in an outpatient physical therapy and sports medicine clinical setting (outreach – secondary school) in Maryland. In 2020, I received the Tennessee Athletic Trainers Society (TATS) Eugene Smith/Mickey O’Brien College Athletic Trainer of the Year and in 2021 received the Southeastern Athletic Trainers Association (SEATA) Kenny Howard College/University Athletic Trainer Award. These awards honor Athletic Training legends who exemplified great character and resilience within the profession. I believe it is vital to understand the virtues of those who established a solid foundation to help gain perspective for a greater future as athletic trainers.
My goal as the East Regional Representative is to help bridge the gap linking the precedent set before us with new and future generations of Athletic Trainers. As an educator, I understand the importance of communication, camaraderie, and rapport. There are many concepts and issues that must be addressed at the local and state level. How are you data tracking so others will appreciate your value? How are you balancing your psychological well-being? Do you have access to the best available research and protocols for injury rehabilitation for your patients? The answers aren’t necessarily easy and may vary based on job setting. At the helm, I will help fight for you as we collaboratively network to help address these concerns among many other issues that we face. How may I serve you?