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Athletic Training

At Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, we recognize the value in athletic training, which is why the standards for our trainers are so high. Athletic trainers (AT) are well-educated healthcare professionals skilled in the prevention, recognition, management, and rehabilitation of injuries that result from physical activity.

Specifically, the AT specializes in five practice areas or domains: prevention of athletic injuries, recognition, evaluation and immediate care of athletic injuries, rehabilitation and reconditioning of athletic injuries, health care administration, and professional development.

Athletic trainers function as an integral member of the health care team. The AT works under the direction of a licensed physician and in cooperation with other health care professionals, athletics administrators, coaches and parents. Each athletic trainer has fulfilled the requirements for certification established by the National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification, Inc. He/she must also be licensed by the state through the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board.

To help support the health and well-being of our local high school athletes, Beacon provides many of the top schools with athletic trainers. See below for more details on our athletic trainers or for a list of the schools and teams, click the button below:

Beacon Partnerships

Mike Slemons – Director Sports Medicine Outreach

 

Mike is joining Beacon Orthopaedics with over 30 years of experience as an Athletic Trainer and is currently the Director Sports Medicine Outreach, allowing him to maintain and develop new business as it relates to the sports medicine needs of our community.

He obtained his master’s degree in health and nutrition sciences from the University of Cincinnati and is fellowship trained in human biomechanics from the Gray Institute.

Mike was formerly the Director of Human Movement and Strength at Wellington Sports medicine and co-founder of the Running Academy. Mike spent 15 years as the athletic trainer for Anderson High School, while treating patients in the physical therapy department. Mike also serves as a biomechanical consultant to the Kansas City Royals.

Mike and his wife, Dawn, reside in Anderson Township. They have two children who attend the University of Cincinnati. Their daughter Jordan is majoring in Health and Exercise Science and their son Grayson is attending the Lindner School of Business, majoring in business and finance.

Craig Lindsey – ATC Manager

 

Craig has served as the Head Athletic Trainer at Archbishop Moeller High School since 1995.  In 1992 he earned his B.A. Degree in Physical Education and Health from Berea College.  He then completed the Athletic Training Curriculum from Wright State University in the Spring of 1995.

In addition to his duties at Moeller High School, Craig also serves as the Lead Athletic Trainer for Beacon Orthopaedics, where he works extremely close Mike Slemons, who serves as our Manager of High School & College Outreach.

Craig is a member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, Ohio Athletic Trainers’ Association and the Greater Cincinnati Athletic Trainers’ Association.  He proudly serves as an Approved Clinical Instructor for the following Athletic Training College Programs:  University of Cincinnati, Xavier University, Northern Kentucky University and Wright State University; which provides high school internship opportunities for their athletic training students.

Craig and his wife, Robin reside in Hebron, Kentucky with their two children, Austin & Ashlee.

Susan Blackson – Senior Athletic Trainer

 

Susan is a certified athletic trainer at Indian Hill High School and also works with Craig Lindsey and Mike Slemons organizing outreach event coverage. She has been with Beacon since 2012. Susan is a native of Strongsville, OH and received her bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine from Marietta College in 2001 and her master’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science from the University of Florida in 2003. Since being certified as an athletic trainer in 2001, she has worked at both the high school and collegiate levels and has also worked in the education of undergraduate athletic training students.  She is currently an approved clinical instructor for the Master’s program at Xavier University. She lives in Northern Kentucky with her husband, Cory, their daughter, Emily and their son, Colin.

Morgan Cabe

 

Morgan Cabe is currently a Certified Athletic Trainer at Oak Hills High School and Middle School. Morgan is a Cincinnati native and alum of Oak Hills High School. She recently graduated Ohio Northern University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training, where she was a cheerleader all 4 years. She is currently getting her Master’s in Education with the goal of becoming a high school science teacher. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Kendall Cramer

 

Kendall Cramer is a Certified Athletic Trainer at Talawanda High School. She is originally from the Oxford area and is a Talawanda High School alumni. Kendall attended Miami University where she graduated with a B.S. in Athletic Training in 2021 and is currently pursuing her MBA. In her free time, Kendall enjoys skiing, hiking, reading, and spending time with family.

Dan Forcum

 

Dan has been the Head Athletic Trainer at LaSalle HS since 2005. He graduated from the College of Mount St Joseph in 2003 with a B.S in Athletic Training. Dan has been employed by Beacon Orthopedics since the spring of 2007 serving the La Salle community and helping in the West PT office.  In his spare time, he enjoys the outdoors, hiking and camping, obstacle course racing and training, the Bengals, and spending time with his family. Dan and his wife Nicole live in Westwood with their 2 children Logan and Holli.

Tanner Harned

 


Tanner Harned serves as an Athletic Trainer for Milford High School. Originally from Berea, Kentucky, Tanner first came to the Cincinnati area to attend Northern Kentucky University. After graduating in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training, he worked for Lexington Clinic Orthopedics and Sports Medicine prior to returning to school to pursue his master’s degree at Auburn University. Upon graduating from Auburn, Tanner returned to Cincinnati, working at Cincinnati Children’s hospital for 5 years in their athletic training outreach program serving Cincinnati Public Schools.

Tanner Joined Beacon in 2022, becoming Head Athletic Trainer for the Florence Y’alls baseball team for 2 years. Outside of work, Tanner enjoys spending time with his wife, Sicari, and their daughter, Indy.

Vanessa Heath

 

Vanessa has been serving as an Athletic Trainer for Mason High School since 2022. She originally grew up in the Mason area and is an alumnus of Mason High School. She received her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Miami University in 2022. She has prior experience with Varsity Cheer and has traveled out of state for nationwide tournaments. Her future endeavors include getting a master’s degree in dietetics or pursuing a Physical Therapy career. In her spare time, she likes to kayak and attend sporting events as a spectator.

CJ Hubbard

 

CJ is a Certified Athletic Trainer for Lakota West High School and Freshman School. CJ is a local native and alumnus of Monroe High School. He attended Wright State University where he earned a BS in Athletic Training and earned his Athletic Training certification and Ohio licensure in August 2019. CJ began his career with another health organization, practicing in the greater Dayton area until Summer of 2021 when he began his career with Beacon Orthopedics.  CJ is familiar with Beacon Orthopedics because he was here as an intern in multiple roles in the clinic before graduating in Summer of 2019. CJ is a Member of NATA, OATA, GLATA, and GDATA.

Mark Keiser

Mark Keiser is a Certified Athletic Trainer and a part of the Beacon Bridge and Tactical Programs, specializing in Beacon’s Baseball Throwing Program. He holds a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Ohio University and a master’s degree in athletic training from East Carolina University. Mark is dedicated to helping athletes heal from injuries and optimize their performance. He has previously worked as a Minor League Athletic Trainer and was with the Kansas City Royals for several years, including 2015 for their World Series win. Mark is an Ohio native and currently resides in Taylor Mill, KY with his wife Rachel and their children Blair and Barrett.

Nic Keuler

 

Nic serves as an athletic trainer for Kings High School. Originally from Salem, Oregon, Nic received his undergraduate degree from Oregon State University in 2004, and his Master’s in Science from the University of Idaho in 2006. After finishing grad school, Nic moved out to Ohio to be an intern athletic trainer with the University of Cincinnati working closely with future MLB players and an Olympic gold medalist. He then moved on to Hamilton High School, where he was for 13 years until 2020 when he came to Lakota West and Beacon Orthopaedics. Nic lives in Liberty Township with his wife Kelsy and their 2 children, Lucas and Lilah.

Ryan Piper


Ryan is an athletic trainer at Archbishop Moeller High School. Having initially trained as a physical therapist at the University of Southern California, Ryan wanted to work with an athletic population and decided to attend the University of Cincinnati to earn his Master of Athletic Training. During his time at UC, he spent six months at Moeller High School as a graduate student in the summer and fall of 2021. Ryan also had the opportunity in his final year to work with UC football and UC baseball. He is passionate about sports medicine, strength & conditioning, and helping athletes perform at their best.

Ryan and his wife are both Cincinnati transplants and love living in the Cincinnati area. They live in Blue Ash with their three children and love being a part of the Sycamore area community

Kyler Hendricks

 

Kyler serves as the Head Athletic Trainer at East Central High School in St. Leon, IN. He is a Northern Kentucky native and graduated from Northern Kentucky University in 2017 with his bachelor’s degree in athletic training. Kyler has collaborated with many local high schools, universities, and professional teams during his athletic training career. In his free time, Kyler likes to play golf, watch the Bengals, Reds, and spend time with his family and friends.

Tara Eisenacher

 

Tara serves as the Head Athletic Trainer for Loveland High School, a role she has held for 5 years. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from The Ohio State University in 2016 and her Master of Science in Athletic Training from Ohio University in 2018. She lives in Cincinnati with her husband Jake and daughter Parker.

Ben Wimmer

 

Ben is a Certified Athletic Trainer and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist at our Loveland Middle School and High School. Ben is a Cincinnati native and an alumnus of Colerain High School.

Ben completed his undergraduate work at the University of Cincinnati obtaining his Bachelors of Science degree in 2017, with a concentration in Exercise Movement. He then attended Xavier university, where he obtained a Master of Science degree in Athletic Training in 2020.

Since becoming certified, Ben has had success treating athletes at all levels, from middle school to Division one athletes. He also has a large passion for soccer and was an integral piece of FC Cincinnati’s medical staff, addressing the sports medicine needs of the academy teams.
He is a current member of the NATA, NSCA, and the GCATA.

Ben is a faithful husband to his wife, Brittney, and father to their six beautiful children. Faith and family are his motivators to be the best man he can be both personally and professionally.

Andrew Cleves

 

Andrew is the Certified Athletic Trainer for Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy; he has been at Beacon since 2022. Prior to Beacon, spent 9 years as a minor league athletic trainer with the Cincinnati Reds. Holds Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Xavier University in 2012. A Cincinnati native, graduated from CHCA in 2008. Andrew and his wife Amy live in Madeira with their 3 children, Jacob, Bryson and Michaela.

Terri Konte

 

Terri has been an athletic trainer for Indian Hill High School since 1990 (Head Athletic Trainer since 1996). A native of Mentor, Ohio, Terri attended the University of Cincinnati where she earned an undergraduate degree in Athletic Training/Health Education and Promotion (1990) and a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology (1994). She is a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association, Ohio Athletic Trainers Association, Great Lakes Athletic Trainers Association and a Licensed Athletic Trainer (Ohio). She is also a Certified Instructor in CPR/First Aid through the Emergency Care & Safety Institute (ECSI). Terri is also currently an approved clinical instructor for the Master’s program at Xavier University. In her free time, Terri likes to travel, cheer on her Cleveland teams and spend time with family.​

Becca Lemmel

 

Becca is the certified athletic trainer for Mount Notre Dame High School, and spends some time in the physical therapy clinic at Beacon Summit Woods. She has been with Beacon since 2012. Becca received her BS in Athletic Training from Ohio University (2012). She is a licensed athletic trainer, a member of the NATA, GLATA, and OATA. She is a Cincinnati native and McAuley High School alumna. After facing sport-ending knee injuries, Becca still partakes in Olympic weightlifting and CrossFit classes. She loves hiking with her dogs, traveling, and attending FC Cincinnati games all with her husband, Chris.

Joe Lucas – Senior Athletic Trainer

 

Joe has been the Head Athletic Trainer at CHCA since 2004. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Health Promotion & Education with emphasis in Athletic Training from the University of Cincinnati in 1998. He spent one year as an intern with the Cincinnati Bengals, then completed his graduate assistantship with a Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology from Auburn University in 2001. During his free time he likes to work on home improvement projects, watch UC and Auburn sports. He lives in Northern Kentucky with his wife (Sacha), son (Andrew) and daughter (Parker).

Nico Martin

 

Nico is a Certified Athletic Trainer at Mason High School and a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association. She has a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training and a Master of Science in Exercise Science and Human Performance, as well as being a certified exercise physiologist. Her services encompass knowledge and guidance with physiological health, physical fitness, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. Nico’s career has allowed her to chase her passion for sports, with an emphasis on the physiology and biomechanics of athletic movement, with experiences in many hospital, military, and collegiate athletic settings.

Abigail Mathews

 

Abigail Mathews is currently a Certified Athletic Trainer at Loveland High School. During her time at Beacon, she has had a significant role assisting many of our schools on an as needed basis.  Abigail is a Cincinnati native and alum of Lakota East High School. She recently graduated Ohio Northern University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training, where she played collegiate soccer all 4 years. In her free time, she enjoys working out, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Amanda Merrell

 

Amanda is the Head Athletic Trainer at Lawrenceburg High School. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio Amanda graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from Cedarville University in 2020. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Exercise Science from Liberty University. Amanda is proud to serve the Lawrenceburg High School student athletes alongside the LHS staff.

Katie Miller

 

Katie has served as an Athletic Trainer at Oak Hills High School since 2011. Katie graduated from the College of Mount St. Joseph with a B.S. in Athletic Training in 2007. Katie is also a 2003 alum of Oak Hills. In addition to her work at the high school she also works with the Little Highlanders and all 3 middle schools in the district. Katie and her husband Elliott live in the Oak Hills District with their son Kaden.

Alex Mueller

 

Alex Mueller serves as the athletic trainer for Hopewell and Liberty Middle schools and helps with coverage at Lakota East High School. Originally from Cincinnati, and a Fairfield High School alumni, he graduated from Miami University in 2018 with his Bachelors of Science in Athletic Training.

Joining the Beacon staff in 2019, he has provided coverage for various sporting events, including the rodeo. In his spare time he enjoys watching the Bengals and Reds, along with spending time with friends and family.

Mike Olds

 

Mike is the Head Athletic Trainer at Kings High School, works with athletes of Midland Baseball, and also sees patients at Beacon Summit Wood’s physical therapy clinic.

 

 

Caitlin Perry

 

Caitlin graduated from Wright State University with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training. Her work experience includes: Troy High School, Atrium Medical Center with Middletown High School, and now with Beacon at Lakota East High School.

 

Alex Popken

 

Alex currently works as a Certified Athletic Trainer at LaSalle High School and Beacon West Physical Therapy Clinic. She received her BS in Athletic Training from The Ohio State University in 2017. She is from Cincinnati (White Oak) and attended Mount Notre Dame High School. In her free time she enjoys working out, running Spartan Races, and hanging out with family and friends.

Sara Broderick

 

Sara is a certified athletic trainer for Lakota West High School. She is a Cincinnati native and alumna of Mount Notre Dame High School and the College of Mount St. Joseph where she earned a BS in Athletic Training. She obtained her Athletic Training certification and licensure in 2008 and has since worked with the Lakota School District through another organization until 2016 where she transitioned to Beacon Orthopaedics. She is a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association, Great Lakes Athletic Trainers Association, Ohio Athletic Trainers Association, and Greater Cincinnati Athletic Trainers Association.

Kevin Stokes

 

Kevin Stokes is the lead athletic trainer for Lakota East High School.  Kevin comes to Lakota East and Beacon from Middletown High School and Premier Health.  Kevin is from Morehead, KY, and he received his undergraduate degree from the University of Louisville. From there, he went to University of Arkansas for his Master’s degree.  While at Arkansas, Kevin worked with the Razorback’s nationally ranked women’s track and field team, along with their women’s soccer and tennis teams. After receiving his master’s degree, Kevin went on to work at the University of Cincinnati. While with the Bearcats, he worked with the track and field, rowing, and swimming and diving programs.  He then went to the University of Mississippi and worked with the track and field team.  Kevin left Ole Miss and started working with Campbell Clinic out of Memphis, TN.  He moved back to the Cincinnati area to work at Middletown High School and Premier Health, prior to joining Lakota East and Beacon Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.  Kevin currently lives in Lebanon, OH with his wife Nikki, and three kids Kylei, Georgia and Joey.

Josh True

Josh True is the lead Certified Athletic Trainer for Beacon’s Bridge, Tactical Performance and Rehabilitation Programs. He is a Certified Athletic Trainer through the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Josh is a member of the NATA, GLATA, OATA, GCATA, NSCA, and FMS. Josh is certified in the Functional Movement Screen, Y Balance Test, Functional Capacity Screen, and Selective Functional Movement Assessments through Functional Movement Systems. Josh’s many certifications and techniques allow him to treat in a specific and diverse way.

Josh earned his Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Nebraska Wesleyan University, and his Master of Arts in Exercise Physiology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Josh began his career at Washington High School in Indiana, then continued his career at Warren Central High School/Methodist Sports Medicine in Indianapolis, and Indiana State University.

Josh previously served Beacon Orthopaedics in many capacities over the years, most recently as an athletic trainer at Lakota West High School as part of the partnership with Beacon Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. He has collaborated with athletes of all ages, including middle school to collegiate, professional to Olympian, all who are looking to get back to a full level of function after injury. The Bridge Program at Beacon is tremendously successful, as Josh and his team put the patients in a position of success daily.

He and his wife Erika reside in Loveland, Ohio with their three children Lillyan, Landon, and Kyler.

Becky White

 

Becky is the athletic trainer at Ursuline Academy, she first worked at UA from 2011 until 2018 then returned in 2020.  She is originally from Connecticut and graduated with her Bachelors of Science from the University of Connecticut in 2006.  Becky then moved to Cincinnati and earned her Master’s Degree from the University of Cincinnati  in 2009.  She is a licensed athletic trainer in Ohio and belongs to the NATA and OATA.   During her free time she enjoys running, baking and spending time with family.  She lives in Mason with her husband, Mike, son, Hudson and stepson, Reid.

Stefvany Miller

 

Stefvany Miller joined the Beacon Orthopedics Sports Medicine staff in May of 2023 as an Athletic Trainer for Mason High School.

Miller previously worked at Valparaiso University as an assistant athletic trainer from August 2021 until May 2023. At Valpo, Stefvany primarily worked with the volleyball, cross country, and track & field teams. Her duties at Valparaiso University included injury & illness prevention, emergency care, therapeutic intervention, injury assessment, and inventory management. She worked closely with team doctors, orthopedic surgeons, and administration to provide immediate and quality care for her athletes.

Prior to Valparaiso University, Stefvany served as a graduate assistant athletic trainer at Quincy University in Illinois. She worked primarily with the football and men’s lacrosse teams, along with occasional coverage for the men’s and women’s basketball teams. Stefvany attended QU from August 2019 until May 2021 and graduated with a Master of Science in education.

Stefvany’s athletic training career started when she was accepted into the athletic training program at Western Michigan University. She worked with the Bronco women’s basketball, football, men’s soccer, and softball teams. During her last semester she gained additional experience working fall sports with a local high school. Miller graduated from Western Michigan University in December of 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in athletic training.

In her free time, Stefvany enjoys going to concerts, golfing, and hiking with her dog, Keke.