"Stephanie Kuzydym is a sports enterprise and investigative journalist for The Louisville Courier Journal, which is part of the USA TODAY Network. For the last decade, Kuzydym’s reporting largely focused on health and safety of athletes. In “Safer Sidelines,” a four-part series based on several months of reporting, Kuzydym uncovered the many ways high schools, athletic associations and lawmakers have failed to prepare for the worst-case scenario – sudden death in sports. The project included a first-of-its-kind searchable database of U.S. athlete deaths, as well as a survey and expert assessment of athletic emergency action plans for Kentucky high schools.

Safer Sidelines was heralded as a catalyst for change and called "the single most impactful contribution to the health and safety of high school athletes that has ever been produced from a media source in our country’s history," by Dr. Doug Casa, the CEO of the Korey Stringer Institute, who has dedicated his career to shining a light on sudden death in athletes.

Kuzydym’s work received the 2023 National Athletic Trainers' Association’s President’s Service Award, the 2023 NATA Secondary School Committee’s Advocacy Award, the 2023 Korey Stringer Institute’s Lifesaving Education Award and the 2023 Jon Fleischaker Freedom of Information Award."

Nancy Burke is a highly accomplished and pioneering professional in the field of athletic training, with over four decades of experience in education, public safety, and sports medicine.

Throughout her illustrious career, Nancy has held various teaching positions, leaving a lasting impact on students across different educational institutions. From her early years teaching Health, Physical Education, and Driver Education in Galax City Schools to her role as a Science instructor at George C. Marshall High School and later as a Health and Physical Education instructor at South Lakes High School, Nancy's dedication to educating young minds has been unwavering.

Nancy's expertise in athletic training has been a cornerstone of her career. She held licenses and certifications from prestigious organizations such as the Board of Medicine, Commonwealth of Virginia, and the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA). Her tenure as an athletic trainer spans from her early days at James Madison University, where she provided care for women's athletic teams, to her extensive work with Fairfax County Public Schools and the Fairfax County Police Department.

At Fairfax County Public Schools, Nancy not only served as an Athletic Trainer but also played a pivotal role in curriculum development, particularly in the establishment of the first sports medicine class in the county. Her contributions extended beyond the school walls as she mentored students from various universities and spearheaded initiatives to promote athletic training in public safety agencies nationwide.

In addition to her teaching and athletic training roles, Nancy has been actively involved in research, professional presentations, and community service. Her dedication to advancing the field of athletic training is evident in her numerous publications, presentations at national and international conferences, and involvement in research projects aimed at improving safety standards in sports.

Nancy's contributions have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including induction into the National Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame and the Virginia High School League Hall of Fame. She continues to inspire future generations of athletic trainers through her mentorship and leadership roles in professional organizations.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Nancy is deeply committed to serving her community, participating in various charitable events and organizations aimed at promoting health and wellness.

Tim Kelly has been the Head Athletic Trainer at the United States Military Academy for the past 37 years where he oversees a staff of 20 full-time ATC’s that cover 28 sports and provide athletic training services to 1,050 cadet-athletes. He has served in numerous capacities at the state, regional and national levels. He is a former NY state president and has sat on New York State Board of Athletic Training for over 13 years. He has lectured extensively on the need for more certified athletic trainers in the military and is the former President of the Armed Forces Athletic Training Society. He is graduate of the University of Iowa Athletic Training Education program and received a Master’s Degree from the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

Linda’s 30 plus years of health care experience boasts an extensive management leadership background spanning clinical, outpatient rehabilitation, business ownership, as well as national roles in expanding worth and value to ancillary services and program development for outpatient clinics. She has served for state, regional and national health care associations including the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society, Athletic Trainers’ Society of New Jersey, National Athletic Trainers’ Association and Board of Certification, as well as the West Chester University Health Sciences Advisory Board, West Chester University Athletic Training Alumni Association Board, Harcum College Business Advisory Board and Alumni Award Committee. She recently retired as the Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society and is currently Manager of Clinical Operations for Rothman Orthopaedics in Pennsylvania.Linda earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Student Design, Athletic Training from West Chester University and her Associate of Science degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant from Harcum College. Linda completed her Master of Science in Exercise Science and Health Promotion in 2004 at the California University of Pennsylvania.

Elaine is the Director of Athletic Training & Wellness for the Radio City Rockettes Madison Square Garden Entertainment. She has been part of the performing arts industry for her entire career. Following her time as a Radio City Rockette, Elaine integrated her professional experience as a dancer with the profession of athletic training and created the first in-house Athletic Training & Wellness Program for the Rockettes, where she currently works as the program’s director and head athletic trainer.

Elaine holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a Master of Science Degree in Applied Physiology & Nutrition from Columbia University. She is a Certified Licensed Athletic Trainer and NY State Emergency Medical Technician and has held athletic training positions in a range of settings including high school, collegiate, corporate/industrial, and performing arts.

Elaine has served as the performing arts liaison for both the NATA’s Council on Employment and the Clinical and Emerging Practice Athletic Trainers’ Committee. Throughout her career, she has mentored many athletic trainers, teaching them the importance of demonstrating their value in their respective settings.

In addition to her work with the Rockettes, Elaine has implemented health and wellness programs for performing arts companies nationwide including Blue Man Group, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Troika Entertainment, and The Museum of Modern Art. Elaine is skilled at designing in-house programs, all resulting in significant injury reduction, allowing performers to have lasting careers.

She refers to dancers as performing athletes, uniting their abilities as refined artists with their capabilities as highly skilled athletes and is passionate about bringing healthcare to the performing arts industry.

Sara Richardson attended the University of Indianapolis to receive her AT degree and her master's degree from Indiana University. Sara is the owner and founder of Myo-Fit Mobility & Therapy. Myo-Fit will celebrate 10 years of business this year! She has grown Myo-Fit from herself in a shared room at a gym to 4 offices in the central Indiana area and to 2 out of state locations- St. Louis and Atlanta. Sara has learned how to create, grow and manage a business in the healthcare world and though enjoys the business aspect of the profession, she still has a heart for providing patient-care.

COPA Con 2024 Presentations:
Entrepreneurial Insight

Brandi Anderson is a certified athletic trainer and certified strength and conditioning specialist.
Brandi’s athletic training career spans 32 years, 20 of which have been dedicated to the US Navy. Her military experience began in 1993 founding the first embedded rehab center for Naval Special Warfare at Little Creek. From there, she assumed a supervisory role for the SEAL Team contract and developed athletic training programs for area high schools. In 2014 she returned to the military, working for the physical therapy department at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. Here, she was selected to build relationships and promote a positive work environment while developing a multidisciplinary clinic with physical and occupational therapists, a podiatrist, chiropractic, and orthopedic physicians. In 2020 she was recruited to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Command where she is part of a remarkable human performance team. The focus of this program is operator longevity, resiliency, and human optimization. Program development and working with the military has been a career long passion for Brandi, and she is thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the Armed Forces arena in athletic training.

COPA Con 2024 Presentations:
Exploring Athletic Training in Military Settings

Kyra Dodson, MBA, MS, LAT-ATC, CEAS III, serves as the Athletic Training: Prevention and Wellness Residency Program Director at St. Luke’s University Health Network in Bethlehem, PA. She is also the Occupational Medicine Manager of Prevention and Wellness. She developed and now manages the department’s Worksite Injury Prevention Program; a program that utilizes Industrial Athletic Trainers at employer locations to create a healthier workforce and safer workplace through ergonomic and evidence based preventative medicine. Kyra leads the Network’s external employer -based ergonomic program. Kyra earned her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Western Carolina University, NC and went on to obtain her Master’s Degree in Athletic Training from the University of South Carolina. She is currently pursuing her MBA in Healthcare Management from Youngstown State University. Clinically, Kyra has worked in a multitude of industrial and warehousing facilities, along with collegiate and semi-professional athletics. Kyra currently manages St. Luke’s On-site Employer and University Health and Wellness Clinics located in the Lehigh Valley. She is a published author in the Journal of Athletic Training and Sports Health Care. She has presented in the fields of athletic training and occupational medicine in regional, district and national levels.

COPA Con 2024 Presentations:
Occupational Health: The AT in an Interdisciplinary Team
COPA Talk - From Athletes to Employees: Transition to Occupational Health

Dr. Elliot Smithson PT, DPT, MS, ATC, EMT has been working in sports and entertainment medicine since 2013 (Walt Disney World) and Division 1 level (UCF, Marshall University), and transitioned into esports medicine in 2019. He has worked with professional esports teams such as 100 Thieves, NRG Esports, and Immortals. He is passionate about advancing the line of knowledge in the esports industry and cultivating the next generation of professionals.

COPA Con 2024 Presentation:
Are Esports Really Sports? The Role of Athletic Trainers in Esports Programs

Dr. Caitlin McGee, PT, DPT, MS received her undergraduate degree in Neuroscience and Exercise and Sport Science from Ursinus College and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Delaware. She has been working in esports and orthopedic medicine since 2015. She is the co-founder of 1HP, a company that provides health and performance services to players, professional teams, and scholastic esports programs. She also co-founded the Esports Health and Performance Institute, a continuing education platform for medical and performance science professionals interested in esports. She is an editor of the Handbook of Esports Medicine, the first clinical textbook for the field of esports health and performance; serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Electronic Gaming and Esports; and has published research on the topic of tendinopathies in esports.

COPA Con 2024 Presentation:
Are Esports Really Sports? The Role of Athletic Trainers in Esports Programs

Dr. Castle is a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer (since 1991), LSBME credentialed athletic trainer (LAT since 1994), and is an American Red Cross Instructor (since 2005). Dr. Castle has an extensive background in education, clinical practice, and professional service spanning over 28 years. Dr. Castle's clinical practice background has included experiences at the high school, college, and international (1996 Atlanta Olympic Games; USOC Sports Medicine Staff for 2003 Pan American Games; and 2004 US Women's Bobsled) levels.

Dr. Castle is a highly active member of the athletic training profession, having made more than 120 presentations at the local, state, national and international levels, numerous publications, as well as serving on various organization committees at state, district, and national levels. Dr. Castle served as Vice President (2013-16) of the Louisiana Athletic Trainers Association. At the national level, he has served as chair of the NATA Educational Multimedia Committee (2004-08), a member of the NATA's Education Council Executive Committee (2004-08), board member of NATA Research and Education Foundation (2010-12), and board member on Commission on Accreditation for Athletic Training Education (2011-2017).

Dr. Castle has been recognized for his service efforts in the athletic training profession, and has been the recipient of the following honors including:  Louisiana Athletic Trainers’ Association (LATA) Hall of Fame (2019); Commission on Accreditation for Athletic Training Education (CAATE) Bob and Lynn Caruthers Service Award (2018); LSU College of Human Sciences and Education Outstanding Faculty Service Award (2018); National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award (2017); LATA President’s Award (2016); Southeast Athletic Trainers’ Association (SEATA)  Hall of Fame (2014); SEATA Chuck Kimmel Award of Merit (2011); SEATA Education/Administration Award (2009); NATA Athletic Trainer Service Award (2007); SEATA District Award (2005); and Athletic Trainers’ Association of Florida (ATAF) College/University Athletic Trainer of the Year Award (2001).

Dr. Castle is the owner of Action Medicine Consultants, LLC. His company provides sports medicine coverage, sports medicine consulting, and related services for organizations and events. He currently serves as medical coordinator for several large-scale events, including the RiverRoux Triathlon, Tiger 10K, Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon, and the Louisiana Marathon.  He is married to Katherine Castle since January 2004 and has a son, William, who is a Sports Administration major at the University of Tennessee - Chattanooga.

COPA Con 2024 Presentation:
Artificial Intelligence: ChatGPT’s Role in Enhancing Patient Care and Work Efficiency in Athletic Training Practice Settings

Michael Donahue was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa. He went to the University of Iowa where he double-majored, receiving a Bachelors of Science in Athletic Training and a Bachelors of Science in Health and Sports Studies. He went on to complete a Master’s in Higher Education at Iowa State University where he worked as an athletic trainer for the football team. After graduating, he founded The ATR in the summer of 2014. He then completed his Doctorate in Athletic Training from Temple University Since 2015, he has become involved with the Iowa Athletic Trainer’s Society where he currently serves as Secretary.  He is also the Chair of the Private Practice and Emerging Settings Committee with NATA COPA.  He lives in Des Moines with his wife Kaitlin and his two year old daughter Evelyn.  

COPA Con 2024 Presentation:
AT Entrepreneurship: Staying Ahead of the Curve

Alan Reid brings over 20 years of clinical experience and a wealth of knowledge.  After graduating from TCU in 2003, he completed a post-professional Master’s in Athletic Training from California University of Pennsylvania in 2004.  Just three years ago, Alan opened Rally Time Athletic Therapy, a small AT clinic offering one-on-one therapeutic and rehab services to the active population of Fort Worth.  Previously to opening the business, he has gained valuable experience working in a variety of settings from Major League Soccer and Minor League Hockey, to working at an Independent K-12 School and serving as the Clinical Education Coordinator at TCU for 1 year.  Professionally, Alan has presented at regional conferences on a variety of rehab-related topics, served on the NATA-Professional Education Committee, and worked as an adjunct professor and preceptor for multiple AT Programs.  Alan lives with his wife, Deven, in Fort Worth and they enjoy traveling via air or long road trips whenever they get a chance.  

COPA Con 2024 Presentation:
AT Entrepreneurship: Staying Ahead of the Curve

Driven by his mission to empower, support, and guide others in recognizing, achieving, and celebrating their potential, Ryan Stevens, has showcased passion and optimism as a specialty-trained leader, coach, speaker, and clinician across a spectrum of healthcare, wellness, fitness, and sports settings since 2004. A speaker and organizational coach via "cATalyzing Coaching & Consulting'', he is known as "Your guide to creating Awesome Teams!" and is the host of "The cATalyzing Podcast". A 2003 graduate of Penn State University's Athletic Training program, Ryan has led large rapidly-expanding interdisciplinary teams across wide geographic regions for three healthcare systems, was the Staffing Lead for two COVID-19 Vaccine Megasites (including the largest in New Jersey), and was Vice President of a start-up fitness business. A specialist in the realms of employee experience, team development, servant leadership, & workplace advocacy, he brings a uniquely-trained background inclusive of his Masters degree in Humanistic & Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. His leadership approach has garnered a best-in-class employee Net Promoter Score, and his Press Ganey "Employee Engagement Team Power Index" and "Leader Index" scores ranked among the highest in NJ’s largest healthcare system. Based in New Jersey, Ryan is a proud father of 4, and can be found across social media via @cATalyzingATs

COPA Con 2024 Presentation:
Creative Concepts from Beyond Health Care To Ignite Your Work Team and Elevate Your Practice

Anna J. Applegate is a digital transformation and operations specialist in the healthcare technology sector. After earning her BSc in Athletic Training from Boston University, she pivoted into healthcare tech. She's held pivotal roles in implementing the patient portal and ambulatory care in Northern Ireland and spearheading an interoperability initiative for Canadian customers during COVID-19. Leading teams of over 60 analysts in the customization of software and design of workflows,  Anna excels in guiding healthcare professionals in meaningful technology and data utilization. Since leaving Epic Systems, she has begun working with WaveOn to change the way Athletic Trainers deliver care. Her current focus lies in operations, scalability, and process strategy, emphasizing a 'people-first' approach and robust solution assessment. Anna's expertise makes her an influential voice in health technology, combining strategic vision with operational excellence.""

Anna J. Applegate is a digital transformation and operations specialist in the healthcare technology sector. After earning her BSc in Athletic Training from Boston University, she pivoted into healthcare tech. She's held pivotal roles in implementing the patient portal and ambulatory care in Northern Ireland and spearheading an interoperability initiative for Canadian customers during COVID-19.
 
Leading teams of over 60 analysts in the customization of software and design of workflows,  Anna excels in guiding healthcare professionals in meaningful technology and data utilization. Since leaving Epic Systems, she has begun working with WaveOn to change the way Athletic Trainers deliver care. Her current focus lies in operations, scalability, and process strategy, emphasizing a 'people-first' approach and robust solution assessment. Anna's expertise makes her an influential voice in health technology, combining strategic vision with operational excellence.

COPA Con 2024 Presentation:
Data Collection and Utilization: Strategies for Success in Any Practice

Haided Estevez is an accomplished and passionate Industrial Athletic Trainer with four years of dedicated experience in the industrial setting. With a deep-rooted belief in empowering individuals to lead happy and healthy lives, she has made a significant impact on the overall wellbeing and performance of countless workers in their community.Having completed a Master’s of Athletic Training from Moravian University, Haided possesses a broad understanding of the latest advancements in sports medicine and injury prevention. Additionally, Haided holds a Bachelor's Degree in Sport Exercise Physiology from Desales University, further strengthening her foundation in exercise science and human performance. This comprehensive educational background has nurtured a profound understanding of the intricate relationship between physical health and overall wellbeing.As an Industrial Athletic Trainer, Haided is deeply committed to the concept of total worker health, understanding that a thriving and engaged workforce is key to a successful industrial environment. She firmly believes that prioritizing the health and well-being of workers not only enhances productivity but also boosts job satisfaction and reduces workplace injuries.

COPA Con 2024 Presentation:
An Introduction to Ergonomic Assessment Tools: Bridging Tradition With Innovation