Arizona Athletic Trainers' Association

03/10/2026

We would love to introduce; Gabbie Miller, MS, LAT, ATC
She currently works in the secondary school setting at AZ Compass Prep School
This is her 4th year working as a certified AT and has also volunteered on the AzATA's Honors and Awards committee.
Her favorite part of being an AT is "helping athletes work through challenges and regain confidence in their bodies. I enjoy the combination of problem-solving, individualized care, and being part of their progression."

03/09/2026

We would love to introduce; Ian Jeffer MS, ATC, LAT
He currently works in the secondary school setting at Desert Ridge High School.
He has been an AT the past 2.5 years and has volunteered with the Honors and Awards Committee with AzATA as well as the Emerging and Early Professionals Committee with RMATA.
His favorite part of being an AT is "The athletes I treat every day and the support of our tight-knit athletic training community, all united by one goal: caring for our athletes."

03/08/2026

We would love to introduce; Kiley LC Blake DAT, MS, LAT, ATC
She currently works at Momentum Athletic Therapy and Chino Valley High School
This is her 10th year working as a certified AT and she has also volunteered on the AzATA's GAC committee.
Her favorite part of being an AT is "being part of my high school athletes’ journey and watching them grow up is something I’m deeply grateful for, especially the trust they’ve placed in me to take care of them over the last four years. I’m also incredibly proud to be someone my community trusts to help heal them."

03/07/2026

We’re excited to highlight Reco as a new AzATA sponsor!

Reco is passionate about helping athletes achieve peak performance and supporting the professionals who make that possible. They’ll soon be adding ATs as advisors, continuing to strengthen their connection to the athletic training community.

They value AzATA because it’s filled with essential professionals who help advance sport across Arizona.

Thank you, Reco, for supporting Athletic Trainers and investing in the future of sport performance.

RECO

03/06/2026

We would love to introduce; Michael McKenney EdD, ATC, CSCS, CES
He currently works as an Associate Professor Grand Canyon University Athletic Training Program as well as Owner/Athletic Trainer of Summit Athletics LLC.
This is his 29th year working as a certified AT and his favorite part of being an AT is enjoying and giving thanks to the people he's met, the places he's been, and the opportunity to positively impact others throughout his career.
He also volunteers and has been a former chair of the Professional Education committee for past 10 years.
The attached photo illustrates what he love about this profession. People, Places, and Impact!

03/05/2026

We would love to introduce; Kendall Stewart, DAT, MS, MHI, LAT, ATC, CPSS, CSCS, CES, PES, cert. DN
He currently works as the Director of Medical Services, for Athletes Unlimited (Professional Sports)
This is his 13th year working as a certified AT and his favorite part of being an AT is "Supporting the dreams of others that I had when I was a young athlete."

03/04/2026

For National Athletic Training Month we would like to spotlight our wonderful sponsors!

We’re proud to recognize A.T. Still University’s Department of Athletic Training as an AzATA sponsor for the past 3 years.

All of their faculty are Athletic Trainers, dedicated to advancing the profession and improving patient care. They are passionate about elevating AT practice and providing educational experiences that meet students where they are AT.

They value AzATA’s advocacy efforts across Arizona, and many of their students and alumni serve in committee and leadership roles within the organization.

Thank you for supporting Athletic Trainers and the future of our profession!

Athletic Training Programs at ATSU

03/04/2026

We would love to introduce; John M. Valencia, AT, ATC, CSCS, ITAT
He currently works in Physician Practice, High School and Community Athletic Training at Tucson Orthopaedic Institute.
This is his 39th year working as a certified AT and his favorite part of being an AT is;
"I enjoy being there for athletes and giving them the best care I can, whenever and however they need it. I enjoy giving great care at multiple levels of the continuum of care. Sometimes it’s as simple as caring for an athlete at an event and providing whatever interventions are necessary to keep them safely participating. Properly treating a blister or managing a mild sprain can be a game changer for an athlete in the middle of a competition. Other times, it’s evaluating a severe acute injury or illness, identifying the correct diagnosis, doing immediate interventions, and then helping the athlete and their parents navigate the health care system to achieve the best possible outcome. I also enjoy giving care to an athlete/patient during long-term rehabilitation, when I guide an athlete through recovery and return them to play safely and confidently, knowing they are ready to perform at their best. In each of these moments, I’m reminded that my presence—using my education, experience, and professional judgment—made a meaningful difference in that athlete’s or patient’s outcome. Being there for your athletes and patients is what it is all about."

03/03/2026

We would love to introduce; Carissa Russell MHA, ATC
She currently works in Outpatient Orthopedics at The Physio Shop Tucson as well as Head Athletic Trainer for the Tucson Sugar Skulls of the Indoor Football League.
This is her 24th year working as a certified AT and her favorite part of working as an athletic trainer is helping athletes and patients safely return to the sports and activities they love. She enjoys working in an active, dynamic environment and bringing positive energy and encouragement to support engagement and successful rehabilitation outcomes.

03/02/2026

We would love to introduce; Luis Eduardo Estala-Lopez M.S, LAT, ATC
He holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Athletic Training (The University of New Mexico 2016), Master’s of Science in Exercise Physiology (The University of Akron 2018). BOC certified in 2016, and a licensed athletic trainer in Arizona and Ohio.
He currently works in Professional Baseball (Level Rookie Ball) with the Cleveland Guardians Baseball Club.
This is his 10th year working as a certified AT and his favorite part of his career is being able to see and be a part of an athlete’s journey from rookie ball all the way to the major leagues.
Let's give it up for Luis!

03/01/2026

03/01/2026

Kicking off National Athletic Month with Athletic Training Spotlights everyday!
We would love to introduce; Kelli Schneider LAT, ATC, MS, ITAT, CES who is also currently pursuing a DAT!
She currently works in the secondary school setting in Tucson, AZ providing care for athletes at Ironwood Ridge High School.
This is her 6th year working as a certified AT and her favorite part is building rapport with her athletes and watching them return to their sport after coming back from an injury.
Kelli was nominated because of her love of the profession.

Let's give it up for Kelli!