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2023 PATS ELECTION

PATS Elections will open April 3 to April 17th

 

All Certified Members, Certified Retired Members, and Certified Student Members are entitled to one (1) vote in the 2023 Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers' Society election.   The offices for the Regional Representatives shall be voted upon by only those members that reside within the geographic region.

 

An email will be sent on April 3rd with details and links to vote. All votes will be verified and certified.

 

Meet the candidates for Secretary, Northeast Representative, and Southcentral Representative below!

Candidates for Secretary

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Jason Edsall

I am honored and humbled to be nominated for the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers Society (PATS) Secretary position. This position affords the opportunity to work in collaboration with the other PATS officers and contribute to the continued success and advancement of the state organization. The secretary's appointment is vital in organizing and disseminating communications regarding the PATS's daily and long-term operational goals. The secretary position is imperative in the organization's continued structural success and future development and evolution. This position is vital in bridging connections between each region and the NATA district levels to ensure the mutual success of all individuals and the state while promoting and advocating for the constituents.

 

After earning my bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from Slippery Rock University and my master’s in education at Salisbury University (MD), I have had the privilege to work in various Western and Northeast Pennsylvania settings for the past 15 years. Throughout my career as a certified athletic trainer, I have obtained a wide range of experience in several levels of clinical athletic training, both direct hire and outreach, working in high schools, clinics, and college settings. I transitioned from clinical practice to education in a dual role (teaching and clinical) position before becoming a program director after completing my Ph.D. in Athletic Training at Rocky Mountain University. Combining these clinical experiences with my most recent two as an educator and program director has allowed me to understand better the current landscape of successes and pitfalls of athletic training at various levels. Each position has confronted me with new obstacles and challenges in which my leadership qualities were challenged differently. I have been faced with numerous opportunities to provide leadership working in a multitude of situations; one-on-one, small group, large group, classrooms, and professional settings, and successfully utilized facilitative leadership focused on the people involved in a task or group. In this, the quality and results of the group drive the process of developing and supporting a culture within an environment that facilitates goal achievement. I hope to continue this in the PATS and empower individuals and groups to reach goals beyond their expectations. I feel that my positive attitude, passion for the profession, driven personality, and ability to motivate others can lead to success. Additionally, I feel that modeling the desired qualities and actions for success will encourage others to participate and ensure the advancement of the society. These are just some traits I intend to display if elected to the PATS Secretary position.

 

I am confident that I can make an immediate impact on the continued success and growth of the PATS. If elected to this position, I will work diligently to enhance the connections and relationships between the PATS and District 2 and the national organizational levels. This increased interaction and strong working relationship will guarantee the mutual success of all organizations, individuals, and the National Athletic Trainers Association as a collective. I will work to increase the engagement of members in both traditional and emerging settings throughout the state. Too often, professionals in one setting are stakeholders in a particular issue, and members of other settings disengage or are not included in decision-making processes. Increased engagement will allow the state to create a unified front in supporting the initiatives in the best interest of the entire profession in both the short term and the distant future. Increased engagement will also ensure the success of enhancing the education and awareness of the general public. If elected, I will work with the other PATS officers and committees in enhancing contacts and accessibility of the officers to its members and the general public. As reflected in the A.T.L.A.S. (Athletic Training Locations and Services) Project and other ongoing projects, many areas throughout the state still lack adequate access to certified athletic trainers in public secondary schools. Advancing existing initiatives and establishing new ideas and avenues could enhance awareness of the need for certified athletic trainers, create job opportunities, and improve athlete safety in these previously deficient areas. The PATS secretary position is more than simply a position that manages communications, it is predicated on serving as an advocate for the athletic training profession and athletic trainers as health care providers. If elected, I will approach this opportunity with excitement and passion and dedicate my efforts to the needs and opinions of the PATS to serve the profession and its members best.

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Branden Green

I am currently an athletic trainer at Ursinus College. I joined the sports medicine staff at UC in 2019 after earning my undergraduate degree in athletic training from East Stroudsburg University and master’s degree from West Chester University. Throughout my education, I was fortunate enough to have great mentors that demonstrated the value of professional service. It was while I was at WCU, that I started my involvement with PATS, working on the logo redesign workgroup. From there, I took on the role of co-chair of the PR committee. I also serve on the Quiz Bowl committees for PATS, EATA, and NATA, which is definitely a full circle experience for me as I competed in the PATS Quiz Bowl as a student! Currently, I serve as the secretary on the PATS Executive Board. In each role, I have enjoyed working with athletic trainers across the state who share a passion for athletic training and the high-quality health care that athletic trainers are uniquely qualified to provide. I am looking to continue my service to PATS in the role of secretary because I want to continue to positively promote athletic training in Pennsylvania and advocate for the advancement of the profession.

Candidates for NorthEast Representative

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John Ostrowski

I am excited and honored to be nominated for the PATS Northeast Representative position. I bring nearly 20 years of experience as a board-certified Athletic Trainer, and feel that my educational and clinical experiences have prepared me well for this opportunity. I feel that service is an important aspect of the profession at this stage in my career, and am currently the EATA Site Selection Committee Chair while also previously serving as the EATA Assistant to the President-Elect.

 

I am a Certified Athletic Trainer by the Board of Certification (BOC) and licensed as an Athletic Trainer by the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine. Additionally, I holds certifications in Mental Health First Aid, am a Graston Technique Specialist, and am an instructor of CPR/AED and First Aid by the American Heart Association. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from the University of Michigan (2003), a Master of Science degree in Kinesiology and Health Promotion with a Specialization in Athletic Training from the University of Kentucky (2005), and my Doctor of Athletic Training Degree from Moravian University (2022). Prior to my current appointment at Nazareth Area School District, I served as the Coordinator of Athletic Training Services at Moravian University. I have also served previously as an Assistant Program Manager and Athletic Trainer for St. Luke’s Sports Medicine in Bethlehem, PA. Prior to moving to PA, my experience includes serving as a Clinical Athletic Trainer for McKay Dee Hospital in Ogden, UT, Head Athletic Trainer for Curry College in Milton, MA, and Assistant Athletic Trainer for The College of Holy Cross in Worcester, MA.

 

Again, I am honored and excited to be nominated for the PATS Northeast Regional Representative, and if elected I look forward to serving in this role to the best of my ability.

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Stephenie Snyder

Stephenie Snyder, MS, LAT, ATC, is a Sports Medicine Coordinator at St. Luke’s University Health Network in Bethlehem, PA, where she has served for the past 7 years. This role encompasses a variety of administrative tasks, including but not limited to staff development, onboarding / organizational socialization strategies, accounting, and clinical responsibilities. Stephenie earned her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC. She obtained her Master of Science in Athletic Training from East Stroudsburg University in East Stroudsburg, PA. She is completing a dissertation for her Ph.D. in Health Science with a concentration on Athletic Training from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Utah. Her field of research is in onboarding / organizational socialization strategies for employees. She has served as a clinical athletic trainer in the NCAA Division 1 setting for 6 years at Gardner-Webb University in North Carolina and as the Clinical Education Coordinator for 2 years at Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee.

 

Stephenie enjoys spending time with her husband, daughters Harper (3) and Nora (1), and their puppy, Chilli. She also enjoys time with family, traveling, and exploring the outdoors.

Candidates for SouthCentral Representative

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Sheila Hershey

My Name is Sheila Hershey and I have been a certified athletic trainer since 2003. I completed my undergraduate degree through West Chester University in 2003. I then went on to work as a graduate assistant at Millersville University where I earned a Masters of Education in Sports Management in 2005.

My work experience includes Albright College (6 years) and Warwick High School, at which I have been employed since 2011. Most recently I have worked to help organize free heart screenings for our students as well as putting a focus on mental health support. I am also a Red Cross Instructor for First Aid/ CPR and AED.

Professionally I have a passion for educating our secondary population on the importance of sleep and nutrition. Together with my athletic director we are working on making healthy snack options available for our student athletes after school hours. I am also striving to bridge the gap between our young professionals and veteran ATs in our area by planning social gatherings for us to connect outside of our working hours.

I reside in Lititz, PA with my husband Jeremy and our fun loving yellow lab, Kona.

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Kelly McNeal

Kelly earned her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from West Chester University. She went on to Concord University in West Virginia to work with their collegiate athletes while earning her Master of Arts in Health Promotion. After Concord, Kelly returned home to Lancaster, PA to work at her alma mater, Penn Manor School District. She is currently still working for Penn Manor as their Athletic Trainer. Kelly is a member of the PATS Young Professionals committee and enjoys advocating for the profession through her interactions with the public. She resides in York with her husband and their dog.

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Alexander “Sandy” Zettlemoyer

Alexander “Sandy” Zettlemoyer has been the Head Athletic Trainer for Mechanicsburg Area School District since the summer of 1995. He is a member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Association (EATA), and the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers Society (PATS). Sandy Currently serves as the PATS Co-Chair of the History and Archives Committee.

 

In addition to his primary work duties, Sandy is a Clinical Supervisor for Messiah College and Lebanon Valley College and Adjunct Athletic Training faculty at Lebanon Valley College. Prior to his position at Mechanicsburg, Sandy worked in several other Central Pa school districts including Bishop McDevitt, Central Dauphin East and Shippensburg. He has also served as a PIAA State Championship athletic trainer for +25 years and continues to serve PIAA District 3 in the same capacity. He has worked for the Keystone State Games and had served on their Sports Medicine Advisory Committee. He also worked for the Harrisburg Heat Indoor Soccer team and Central Penn Piranhas Football team.

 

Sandy is a 1991 graduated from LVC with a degree in Psychology. He then attended West Chester University and was certified in 1994. Sandy continued his education at CalU earning a Master’s degree in Exercise Science. In 2017, he earned his DAT degree from the University of Idaho. Sandy has published peer-reviewed articles on the preventing ketoacidosis in diabetic athletes and utilizing the Mulligan Concept for lateral ankle sprains. Additionally, Sandy is asked to speak to health professionals on contemporary sports medicine issues and promote Athletic Training.

 

Sandy and his wife, Michelle, reside in Cumberland County. They have a son, Gaige(25) and a daughter, Sydney(20).

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Emily Horn

Emily Horn is an Athletic Trainer who has worked for Select Physical Therapy since March of 2021. Within Select, she oversees documentation Audits for Athletic Trainers in her region and training new hires in the use of ATS. Additionally, she has begun mentoring fellow young professional Athletic Trainers within her region of Select Physical Therapy. She is currently providing outreach services to Central Penn College as their first ever on Staff Athletic Trainer. Prior to this role, she worked at Harrisburg Academy, McKeesport High School and Saint Francis University. She completed her graduate assistantship at Edinboro University. She also has Undergraduate experience at the D1 and D2 level.

 

Emily earned a Bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Lock Haven University in 2018 and a Master’s degree in sport and exercise science with a concentration in sports psychology from California University of Pennsylvania in 2019.

 

She currently resides in Mount Joy Pa. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, attending concerts and theater performances as well as reading and spending time with family and her two cats Zulu and Milo.

 

“I always knew I wanted to go into a field where I was able to help others and make a positive impact in their lives, being an athletic trainer provides me a unique opportunity to do so. I get to share in an athlete’s entire journey and watch them grow as athletes and people over the course of four or more years. All the while providing support throughout the entire process whether it's through injury prevention and education, rehabilitation, or just lending an ear on a tough day,” says Emily.

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Jeremy Stevens

My name is Jeremy Stevens. I am excited to be nominated for the PATS southcentral representative position. I have been a certified athletic trainer for 8 years and have worked in the clinical setting and profession at the local, regional, and state level excites me. Most of you probably do not know me yet, but if I get selected to serve as the PATS Southcentral representative you will get to know me. I am very outgoing, and I value communication, engagement, transparency, and intentional advancement of the profession of athletic training, none of which can be done alone. We need to unite to help advance athletic training in PA and I am eager to take on a leadership role in my region to facilitate our evolution.

 

To tell you a little bit more about myself, I want to start by sharing that I am originally from Bartlesville, Oklahoma. After high school, I served in the Marine Corps for 5 years and enjoyed traveling while serving. In 2010, I started pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science and Sports Studies at Rutgers University. For 3 years at Rutgers, I worked as an athletic training student aide with the football team. Determined that athletic training was the profession for me, I pursued a master’s degree in athletic training at Florida International University from 2014-2016. While at FIU, I served on the NATA Student Leadership Committee as the district 9 student representative. That position was an introduction to service that I knew I wanted to return to upon gaining experience working as an athletic trainer.

 

My first job was working as an athletic trainer at the Cleveland Clinic in Weston, FL. I worked with a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Arjun Srinath. I enjoyed the balance of working in the clinic and as a 2nd assistant in the operating room which helped me earn my OTC credential.

 

In 2017, my wife and I moved to Annville, PA as she obtained an assistant professor position in the athletic training program at Lebanon Valley College. Since I loved working at Cleveland Clinic, I sought out a position at Orthopedic Associates of Lancaster working with a sports medicine board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Kathryne Stabile. That experience was a great opportunity to work in both the clinic and do field/court/mat coverage PRN.

 

In 2020, I transitioned from the clinic to the secondary school setting as a position at Northern Lebanon High School opened. The proximity to home is what made Northern Lebanon HS a desirable opportunity for me. I have been at Northern Lebanon for 4 years and have grown tremendously as an athletic trainer. I have enjoyed working more autonomously and building great relationships with other district athletic trainers. One of my biggest rewards has been serving as a preceptor for the LVC MAT program. I had exceptional preceptors that have mentored me and paying it forward in serving as a preceptor has made me a better clinician.

 

I am excited about what the future holds for me professionally. Personally, I am grateful for the support of my wife, Eva, and son, Klaus, as I take on the nomination for PATS Southcentral representative. I know I am a great candidate for this position because I value clear and effective communication and collaboration. I love the profession of AT and with my open and outgoing personality, I take pride in my ability to engage people. If selected, I look forward to meeting you and advancing the profession of athletic training in the state of PA together. VOTE FOR ME!

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