Athletic Training Program, Class of 2017-2018

Samantha is originally from Missoula, Montana. She received her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from the University of Montana in 2014. She spent 1 year working at multiple small high schools and an orthopedic clinic before attending graduate school at the University of Montana. Samantha earned her Master of Science in Health and Human Performance in 2017. During graduate school, she worked with youth, high school and adult hockey, as well as lacrosse. She completed research on youth hockey participants and their parents' concussion education levels. Additionally, she assisted on research for an assessment of Montana's concussion legislation. The research contributed to Montana's most recent changes to concussion legislation which now includes youth sports organizations. Samantha served as a clinical preceptor and adjunct professor in the Health and Human Performance department teaching a variety of classes. She looks forward to enjoying all the outdoor activities Vail has to offer!

Anna is originally from Apple Valley, Minnesota. She graduated from Iowa State University with her Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training. While at Iowa State University, Anna worked with Football, Men’s Wrestling, Women’s Soccer and Women’s Volleyball. After obtaining her Bachelor’s degree, Anna moved to North Carolina, where she accepted a graduate assistant athletic training position at East Carolina University (ECU). During her time at ECU, Anna worked with Men’s and Women’s Track and Cross Country, as well as Women’s Volleyball. She obtained her Master’s degree Exercise and Sport Science, with an emphasis in Sport Management. She also served as a preceptor, and taught health classes to undergraduate students at the University. She loves hanging out with friends, spending time with family, and being outside. Anna has grown up skiing and snowboarding, and enjoys hiking and all other outdoor activities. She was a competitive figure skater for 10 years, and hopes to continue with that in her free time. She is excited to live in Vail, and embrace the cold weather she has missed over the last two years!

Originally from Boise, ID, Cali VanValkenburg graduated from the University of Montana with a Bachelor’s of Science in Athletic Training. She went on to become a graduate assistant Athletic Trainer at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA. While pursuing a Master’s in Health, Exercise, and Sports Science, Cali was responsible for a dual appointment – Athletic Trainer with the Divisional Championship Field Hockey team and administrative Preceptor for the Student Athletic Training Program. She also coordinated and provided sports medicine coverage for local high schools in Stockton and Lodi. In the summer of 2016, Cali was fortunate enough to travel with the Pacific Field Hockey team to South Africa. In her free time, Cali enjoys running, hiking and playing basketball; during the winter months, she enjoys snowboarding in her spare time and loves the snow. She is looking forward to moving to Vail, CO to once again be closer to the snow.

Cassandra is originally from Mercer, Pennsylvania which is a small town in between Erie and Pittsburgh. She graduated from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania with her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training in December of 2014. She then furthered her education at The University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio. During her time at UT she worked as a graduate assistant/head athletic trainer at Toledo Public E. L. Bowsher High School and obtained her Master's Degree in Exercise Science with a concentration in Athletic Training in 2017. Cassandra completed her Master's thesis on the muscle activation of the forearm flexors during late-phase UCL rehabilitation in baseball pitchers. She enjoys the outdoors and hitting the trails, whether it's hiking or running. Cassandra looks forward to experiencing all that Vail, Colorado has to offer.

Zach was born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia. He moved to Tuscaloosa, Alabama where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from The University of Alabama. He had the opportunity to work very closely with the Alabama football team, and also did rotations with the volleyball, swimming/diving, and a local high school. He then worked as a graduate assistant athletic trainer at University of Pittsburgh for the the football team, for two years, while also working closely with the University of Pittsburgh Neuromuscular Research Lab and UPMC Sports Medicine Department. There, he completed research on Platelet-Rich Plasma injections and its effectiveness in treating a variety of orthopedic injuries, while earning a Master of Science degree in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences with a Concentration in Sports Medicine. He then went on to work as an Intern Athletic Trainer with the Florida State University football team for one year before accepting the Athletic Training residency position here at The Steadman Clinic. Zach is very excited about skiing and enjoying the outdoors during his time in Vail.

Justy is originally from Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Athletic Training from the University of Vermont in 2013. Following graduation, Justy continued her education at Monmouth Univiersity in West Long Branch, NJ. While at Monmouth, she worked as a graduate assistant athletic trainer for the football, women’s lacrosse, field hockey and softball teams. She earned her Master of Arts degree in Corporate and Public Communications in 2016. Justy is an avid snowboarder and enjoys exploring the outdoors, spending time with friends and family, playing recreactional sports, and traveling. She is excited for the opportunity to work alongside exceptional medical professionals at The Steadman Clinic and is looking froward to leading an active lifestyle in the beautiful Vail, Colorado.

A native of Colorado, Erika grew up west of Denver in Conifer. She attended The University of Northern Colorado, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training. She followed her graduation in 2013 with an internship at Washington State University, where she covered women's swimming and assisted with women's soccer. She attended The University of Iowa, and served as the head athletic trainer for baseball while earning her Master's degree in Health and Human Physiology. In addition, Erika spent two summers as an athletic trainer in the Cape Cod Baseball League with the Bourne Braves. Erika looks forward to returning to mountain life and enjoying skiing, snowboarding, and SUP yoga.