GLATA Committees

Biography:

With over five decades of involvement in the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA), I have been a proud member for 51 years, 46 of which I’ve held certification. I’ve actively practiced athletic training for 36 of those years, primarily in the secondary school setting.

My professional journey began with 11 years working in suburban Houston, Texas. In 1990, my family and I returned to Mankato, Minnesota, where we've lived ever since. Throughout my career, I’ve served in both roles as a teacher and athletic trainer, as well as a clinic-outreach AT, always dedicated to supporting student-athletes at the secondary school level.

In the other 10 years outside of full-time roles, I stayed connected to the profession through PRN event coverage. However, at least six of those years were intentionally spent away from active practice so I could focus on being a sports parent, proudly supporting the athletic endeavors of my own children.

I retired from teaching in 2020, but have remained actively involved in athletic training through part-time work. My professional passion continues to be advocating for and supporting secondary school athletic trainers.

Currently, I serve as the Secondary School AT Committee Chair for the Minnesota Athletic Trainers’ Association (MATA), and as one of the Minnesota ATLAS Ambassadors for the Korey Stringer Institute. I also represent athletic trainers on the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee for the Minnesota State High School League.