Athletic Training Program

Mission Statement

The Loudoun County Public Schools Athletic Training Program is committed to high quality, efficient, timely delivery of athletic training services.  These include injury prevention, recognition, evaluation, treatment, emergency first aid, rehabilitation, documentation, and referral of athletic injuries.  The philosophy we are dedicated to is one of student-athletes first, as well as adherence to the NATA code of ethics and professionalism in our pursuit of being the best provider of athletic training services.  We aim to represent LCPS, the Virginia Athletic Trainers Association, and the Virginia High School League, with the utmost integrity.

Culture Statement

LCPS Athletic Training Program is dedicated to our 4 pillars of culture:

Healthcare & Safety- of all our student-athletes

Communication- with those involved in their care

Education- to our community

Growth- toward the future

Athletic Trainer vs Personal Trainer              

Sarah Pineda

Home School: Briar Woods High School

Certified Athletic Trainer since: 2015

LCPS Athletic Trainer since: 2018

Education: George Mason University (BS)

Credentials: Board Certified Athletic Trainer; Virginia State Licensed Athletic Trainer; ECSI CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor; VHSL Certified Measurer; Youth MHFA Certified

About me: Before joining LCPS, Sarah previously worked in a physical therapy clinic. Sarah is passionate about optimizing performance and promoting overall well-being, Sarah is a dedicated Certified Athletic Trainer committed to helping athletes reach their peak potential. With a profound understanding of sports medicine, injury prevention, and rehabilitation techniques, I bring knowledge and hands-on experience to every athlete.

Contact: Sarah.Pineda@lcps.org

Bailey Hartzel

Home School: Broad Run High School

Certified Athletic Trainer since: 2020

LCPS Athletic Trainer since: 2022

Education: Penn State University (BS); George Mason University (MS)

Credentials: Board Certified Athletic Trainer; Virginia State Licensed Athletic Trainer; ECSI CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor; VHSL Certified Measurer; Mental Health First Aid Instructor

About me: In her free time, Bailey enjoys staying active and participating in a variety of sports including volleyball, lacrosse and pickleball.

Contact: Bailey.Hartzel@lcps.org

Rickie Atkins

Home School: Dominion High School

Certified Athletic Trainer since: 2009

LCPS Athletic Trainer since: 2014

Education: George Mason University (BS);

Credentials: Board Certified Athletic Trainer; Virginia State Licensed Athletic Trainer; Emergency Medical Technician; ECSI CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor; VHSL Certified Measurer; Youth MHFA Certified

About me: Mr. Atkins’ professional career is deeply rooted in public service. For 24 years, Mr. Atkins served as a Firefighter and Paramedic with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. Mr. Atkins served 27 years in the military as a combat medic & diesel technician from 1980 – 2007.  In addition, he served in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm In Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Mr. Atkins received numerous medals, awards and commendations including the Navy unit commendation; Meritorious unit commendation with a bronze star; Good conduct medal; National Defense Service Medal; Southwest Asia Service Medal; Armed Forced Reserve Medal; Kuwait Liberation Medal; Meritorious Service Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Army Commendation Medal; and 2 certificates of commendation for operation desert storm.  In 2014 Mr. Atkins received the Fairfax County Valor Award for lifesaving CPR. 

Contact: Rickie.Atkins@lcps.org

Gary Lewis

Home School: Freedom South Riding High School

Certified Athletic Trainer since: 2017

LCPS Athletic Trainer since: 2019

Education: Northern Michigan University (BS); George Mason University (MS)

Credentials: Board Certified Athletic Trainer; Virginia State Licensed Athletic Trainer; NSCA-Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist; ECSI CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor; VHSL Certified Measurer; Youth MHFA Certified; SFDN-1 Dry Needling Certified.

About me: Gary Lewis is a born and raised 'Yooper' and attended Northern Michigan University where he obtained his degree in Athletic Training with a minor in Nutrition. He moved to Virginia to attend George Mason University for Grad School where he was a Graduate and Teaching assistant studying the topic of concussion while pursuing an EFHP degree. Gary has a variety of work experience and holds a range of additional certifications. Outside of the clinic Gary takes time to further his professional knowledge, shoot Archery, hike, cook, and enjoy time with his wife Katie and dogs Bambi and Bandit.

Contact: Gary.B.Lewis@lcps.org

 

Marcus Owens

Home School: Heritage High School

Certified Athletic Trainer since: 2003

LCPS Athletic Trainer since: 2012

Education: Messiah College (BS); Cairn University (MS)

Credentials: Board Certified Athletic Trainer; Virginia State Licensed Athletic Trainer; ECSI CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor; VHSL Certified Measurer; Youth MHFA Certified

About me: Mr. Owens collaborated and provided innovative care for patients while working for Temple University Sports Medicine. His career developed over nine years under the tutelage of Jimmy Rogers and Dr. Joseph Torg (Father of Sports Medicine). There he gained invaluable experience working with professional, collegiate, and urban settings. Mr. Owens is a proponent and advocate for holistic care that sees the athlete as a whole person, physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual. He is skilled in developing rapport with parents, athletes, administration and other medical staff. Mr. Owens organizes plans of care with staff and students and cultivates positives relationships to clarify, teach injury prevention, and physical and emotional safety. In addition, Mr. Owens believes it is important to educate the school community about health concerns. He believes that creating a safe learning environment and preventative health education with athletics will lead to a better outcome in athletic training care. As Heritage High School’s athletic trainer, he looks forward to building a community within his sphere of influence that will build up athletes and train our future students in the wellbeing of holistic athletic training.

Contact: Marcus.Owens@lcps.org

 

Larry Hess

Home School: Independence High School

Certified Athletic Trainer since: 1998

LCPS Athletic Trainer since: 2020

Education: Nova Southeastern University (BS); Nova Southeastern University (MS)

Credentials: Board Certified Athletic Trainer; Board and State Licensed Physical Therapist; Virginia State Licensed Athletic Trainer; ECSI CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor; VHSL Certified Measurer; Youth MHFA Certified

About me: Previously, Mr. Hess was the Head Athletic Trainer for the Washington Redskins/Football Team for 10 years and was with them for 18 years. Both a Physical Therapist and Certified Athletic Trainer, he began his career in professional sports in 1998 with the Miami Dolphins as a training camp intern.  He spent 3 seasons with the Dolphins and served as the Head Athletic Trainer at Dunbar High School in Florida. 

Contact: Lawrence.Hess@lcps.org

 

Sarah Charmo

Home School: John Champe High School

Certified Athletic Trainer since: 2014

LCPS Athletic Trainer since: 2018

Education: Radford University (BS); California University of Pennsylvania (MS)

Credentials: Board Certified Athletic Trainer; Virginia State Licensed Athletic Trainer; ECSI CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor; VHSL Certified Measurer; Youth MHFA Certified

About me: Before coming to JCHS, Sarah was previously at Warren County High School for two years, Gallaudet University for one, as well as a physical therapy clinic. Sarah is originally from Loudoun County and glad to be a part of the athletic training program.  She resides in Berryville, Va. with her husband Michael, their two dogs Annie and Tessie, and their two children Leola and Leighton. 

Contact: Sara.Charmo@lcps.org

Andrew Lerouge

Home School: Lightridge High School

Certified Athletic Trainer since: 2017

LCPS Athletic Trainer since: 2019

Education: Sage University (BS); Shenandoah University (MS)

Credentials: Board Certified Athletic Trainer; Virginia State Licensed Athletic Trainer; Graston M1 Provider; Class IV laser therapy; High Performance CPR; ECSI CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor; VHSL Certified Measurer; Youth MHFA Certified

About me:

Contact: Andrew.Lerouge@lcps.org

Megan Santos

Home School: Loudoun County High School

Certified Athletic Trainer since: 2008

LCPS Athletic Trainer since: 2010

Education: James Madison University (BS); Louisiana Tech (MS) 

Credentials: Board Certified Athletic Trainer; Virginia State Licensed Athletic Trainer; ECSI CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor; VHSL Certified Measurer; Youth MHFA Certified

About me: Megan grew up in Leesburg, VA and graduated from Stone Bridge High School. It was there that she learned about the field of athletic training while working as a student aide in their athletic training program and fell in love with the profession.  Megan lives in Chantilly, Virginia with her husband Ben, their dog Sawyer, and her 2 children.

Contact: Megan.Santos@lcps.org

Andy Gordon

Home School: Loudoun Valley High School

Certified Athletic Trainer since: 1990

LCPS Athletic Trainer since: 1996

Education: University of Virginia (BS.Ed); University of Virginia (M.Ed)

Credentials: Board Certified Athletic Trainer; Virginia State Licensed Athletic Trainer; ECSI CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor; VHSL Certified Measurer; Youth MHFA Certified

About me: Andy Gordon is originally from the North Shore of Massachusetts, having been born and lived there until the summer following his sophomore year of high school. During that summer, he moved to Middleburg, Virginia and attended Loudoun Valley High School for his last two years of high school, graduating in 1984. His first job out of college was working in Richmond, VA for a group of orthopedic surgeons and physical therapy center where he was also an outreach AT at two local high schools. After three years, Andy and his wife (also a LVHS graduate) decided to return to Loudoun County and he began working for Leesburg Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, where he worked both in the clinic and as an outreach AT at both Loudoun Valley and Loudoun County high schools.  In 1996, Andy was asked to speak to the Loudoun County School Board about the necessity of full-time ATs in all LCPS high schools. Following his presentation, the school board voted to approve the placement of a full-time AT in all high schools.  Subsequently, not only was he the first full-time AT hired in Loudoun County, where he has been the certified athletic trainer at Loudoun Valley High School since 1996, he was also the first full-time high school AT hired in the state of Virginia. 

Contact: Andrew.Gordon@lcps.org

Anthony Lucas

Home School: Park View High School

Certified Athletic Trainer since: 2014

LCPS Athletic Trainer since: 2021

Education: San Diego State University (BS); California University (MS)

Credentials: Board Certified Athletic Trainer; Virginia State Licensed Athletic Trainer; NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist; NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist; Certified Speed Specialist; Graston technique level 1; Owens BFR; ECSI CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor; VHSL Certified Measurer; Youth MHFA Certified

About me: Anthony Lucas is originally from San Diego, California. After undergrad, Anthony re-located to Washington, DC and was hired at Howard University. While at Howard, he was responsible for the care of 150 student athletes. In 2018, he transitioned to George Washington University where he was the ATC with Men's Basketball. Anthony was with the Colonials until he accepted the Head Athletic Trainer position with USL Championship team, Loudoun United-Second team for DC United. While at Loudoun United, he implemented his philosophy of Athletic Training, based on a blend of traditional Physical Therapy techniques, Athletic Training and Strength and conditioning, utilizing data-driven objectives and evidence-based practices for player care and all return to play aspects. Anthony is most passionate about building relationships through trust with athletes, coaches, parents and colleagues while working toward a collective goal. He lives in Leesburg with his wife Alicia and their three children; Ava, Everest, and Atlas. 

Contact: Anthony.Lucas@lcps.org

 

Damian Pulos

Home School: Potomac Falls High School

Certified Athletic Trainer since: 2016

LCPS Athletic Trainer since: 2018

Education: Ferrum College (BS); Shenandoah University (MS)

Credentials: Board Certified Athletic Trainer; Virginia State Licensed Athletic Trainer; ECSI CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor; VHSL Weight Control Program Coordinator and Certified Measurer; Youth MHFA Certified

About me:  Prior to coming to Potomac Falls, Damian spent 2 years working as an ATC for Fairfax County Public Schools. In his free time, Damian enjoys staying active on a regular basis through personal fitness and lacrosse leagues. Damian lives in Winchester, VA with his dog, Zeus.

Contact: Damian.Pulos@lcps.org

Ed Renehan

Home School: Riverside High School

Certified Athletic Trainer since: 1991

LCPS Athletic Trainer since: 2002

Education: Salisbury (BS); Northern Illinois (MS)

Credentials: Board Certified Athletic Trainer; Virginia State Licensed Athletic Trainer; ECSI CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor; VHSL Certified Measurer; Youth MHFA Certified; Health and Physical Education Virginia Teacher Certification

About me: After spending 9 years at Fairfax High School as a full-time Health and Physical Education teacher and Head Certified Athletic Trainer, Ed began working in the LCPS system. Ed has worked at two Loudoun County High Schools, spending 12 years at Dominion High School before moving to Riverside High School in 2015.  In addition to his Athletic Training duties, Ed began teaching the first ever Sports Medicine class at Riverside High School in 2019. Ed is married to Meghan Renehan and they currently live in Round Hill, Va.  Ed stays busy trying to keep up with his 5 children (Riley, Delaney, Kailey, Malachy, and Grady) along with his step-son, Logan.

Contact: Ed.Renehan@lcps.org

Cole Powell

Home School: Rock Ridge High School

Certified Athletic Trainer since: 2012

LCPS Athletic Trainer since: 2016

Education: George Mason University (BS)

Credentials: Board Certified Athletic Trainer; Virginia State Licensed Athletic Trainer; NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Dry Needling, FMS, Fascial Manipulation, ECSI CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor; VHSL Certified Measurer; Youth MHFA Certified

About me: Cole Powell is a certified athletic trainer with over 12 years of experience in injury prevention, rehabilitation, sports performance, and recovery. Over the years, Cole has worked with athletes at all levels, from weekend warriors to professionals, across various sports and settings. His approach to athletic training is individualized, focusing on the unique needs of each athlete and sport. He emphasizes injury prevention, long-term recovery, and optimizing performance through a combination of personalized care and lifestyle adjustments. Cole is also committed to continuous education, regularly attending courses, workshops, and conventions to stay current with advancements in the field. Cole’s philosophy is to meet athletes where they are, setting realistic goals and fostering open communication to ensure successful outcomes. He finds the most rewarding aspect of his work in helping athletes overcome challenges and achieve success, using a flexible, adaptable approach tailored to each individual.

Outside of work, Cole enjoys hiking and spending time with his family. Originally from Wyoming, Cole has lived in several states, including Virginia, Hawaii, and New Jersey, and continues to be passionate about helping others reach their full potential in health and performance.

Contact: Cole.Powell@lcps.org

Anthony Santos

Home School: Stone Bridge High School

Certified Athletic Trainer since: 2014

LCPS Athletic Trainer since: 2019

Education: George Mason University (BS); George Mason University (MS in Nutrition)

Credentials: Board Certified Athletic Trainer; Virginia State Licensed Athletic Trainer; NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist; SFMA Level 1 Instructor; ECSI CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor; VHSL Certified Measurer; Youth MHFA Certified

About me: Mr. Santos previous experience includes working with the Washington Redskins, the Washington Wizards, Fairfax County Public Schools, a summer with the University of Virginia. Tony specializes in movement screening, performance testing and injury prevention and also does private training sessions for sports performance and strength training.

Contact: Anthony.Santos@lcps.org

Stacy Kress

Home School: Tuscarora High School

Certified Athletic Trainer since: 2007

LCPS Athletic Trainer since: 2010

Education: Bridgewater College (BS); AT Still University (MS)

Credentials: Board Certified Athletic Trainer; Virginia State Licensed Athletic Trainer; NASM-Corrective Exercise Specialist; NASM-Performance Enhancement Specialist ECSI CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor; VHSL Certified Measurer; Youth MHFA Certified

About me: Before coming to Tuscarora, Stacy worked at Foxcroft in Middleburg VA as well as North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.  Stacy lives in Purcellville VA with her husband Russ and three children Kelsie, Dylan & Sophie and their dogs Rocky and Cocoa.

Contact: Stacy.Kress@lcps.org

Paul Peterson

Home School: Woodgrove High School

Certified Athletic Trainer since: 1988

LCPS Athletic Trainer since: 1999

Education: Ithaca College (BS); UNC-Chapel Hill (MA)

Credentials: Board Certified Athletic Trainer; Virginia State Licensed Athletic Trainer; ECSI Instructor Trainer; ECSI CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor; VHSL Certified Measurer; Youth MHFA Certified; LCPS Athletic Trainer Mentor

About me: Prior to his current position in LCPS, Paul held positions as an Athletic Trainer at Georgetown University in D.C. (‘95-‘00), Hampden-Sydney College in VA. (‘93-’95) and Jupiter High School in FL. (‘92-’93). Paul lives in Purcellville VA. with his wife Carolyn, a LCPS teacher at Evergreen Mill Elementary School. They have two children Libby and Carter.

Contact: Paul.Peterson@lcps.org

 

Dustin Kimbrell

Home School: John Champe, Stone Bridge, Rock Ridge High Schools

Certified Athletic Trainer since: 2022

LCPS Athletic Trainer since: 2022

Education: George Mason University (BS); George Mason University (MS)

Credentials: Board Certified Athletic Trainer; Virginia State Licensed Athletic Trainer; ECSI CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor; VHSL Certified Measurer; Youth MHFA Certified; Dry Needling; Functional Movement Screening

About me: Dustin's philosophy is based on the premise of the regional inter-dependence theory and the effects of exploring dysfunctional areas of the body that may not be symptomatic.  He strives to tailor his care to each patient's values and uniqueness.  When Dustin has free time, he likes to work out and learn new things.

Contact: Dustin.Kimbrell@lcps.org

 

Michael Kotelnicki

Home School: Park View and Dominion High Schools

Certified Athletic Trainer since: 1997

LCPS Athletic Trainer since: 2022

Education: Slippery Rock (BS); Indiana university of Pennsylvania (MS); Shenandoah University (EdS)

Credentials: Board Certified Athletic Trainer; Virginia State Licensed Athletic Trainer; ECSI CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor; VHSL Certified Measurer; Mental Health First Aid Instructor

About me: Michael Kotelnicki, a native of Indiana, Pennsylvania and prior to his arrival at LCPS, Mike was at Shenandoah University for 14 years as the department's first full-time Head Athletic Trainer. Kotelnicki has 25 years of varied athletic training experience. Prior to Shenandoah he spent two years as the head athletic trainer at Ferrum College before moving on to Division I American University as an assistant athletic trainer. After seven years in the nation's capital, Kotelnicki began a two-year stint as P.E. Instructor and assistant athletic trainer at WT Woodson H.S. in Fairfax, Virginia. Kotelnicki has been involved in other aspects of Athletic Training during his career - he served as the medical liaison for the Champions League exhibition game between AC Milan and Barcelona soccer clubs in 2003 and was the head athletic trainer for the Johnstown Steal, a Frontier League Professional Baseball team in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.  Additionally, Kotelnicki provided athletic training care for the Olympic wrestling Trials match between the United States and Germany in 2005.

In January, 2018, Kotelnicki was honored by the Virginia Athletic Trainers Association as its Athletic Trainer of the Year of colleges and universities and currently holds the office of president elect. Kotelnicki resides in Winchester VA with his wife Jessica and two children Cassidy and Jackson.

Contact: Michael.Kotelnicki@lcps.org

 

Andy Lee

Home School: Freedom, Broad Run, and Lightridge High Schools

Certified Athletic Trainer since: 1997

LCPS Athletic Trainer since: 2005

Education: Virginia Commonwealth University (BS); Frostburg State University (MS)

Credentials: Board Certified Athletic Trainer; Virginia State Licensed Athletic Trainer; BFR, Graston I, Cupping, ECSI CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor; VHSL Certified Measurer; Youth MHFA Certified

About me: Prior to his current position, Andy held positions as an athletic trainer at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, MA (’98 to ’05) and Bishop Walsh School in Cumberland, MD (’96 to ’98).  He also held positions as an Adjunct Instructor (Lasell College, MA) and an approved clinical instructor (ACI) for Boston University, Lasell College and Northeastern University while he was working at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.  Andy has been working as a Network Professional Athletic Trainer for United States Soccer Federation covering various US Soccer Youth National teams and US Paralympic Men’s National soccer team since 2000.  Andy resides in Aldie with his wife, Linda and daughter, Madison.

Contact: Andrew.Lee@lcps.org

 

Jordan Nougaret

Home School: Loudoun County, Riverside, and Heritage High Schools

Certified Athletic Trainer since: 2008

LCPS Athletic Trainer since: 2019

Education: University of Virginia (BS); University of North Carolina at Greensboro (MS)

Credentials: Board Certified Athletic Trainer; Virginia State Licensed Athletic Trainer; NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist; NASM-Certified Personal Trainer;

NASM-Corrective Exercise Specialist; NASM-Performance Enhancement Specialist;

NASM-Certified Nutrition Coach; ARC CPR/First Aid/AED Instructor; ECSI CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor; VHSL Certified Measurer; Mental Health First Aid Instructor

About me: Mr. Nougaret joined the LCPS Athletic Training Program in 2019 after spending 11 years as the Athletic Trainer at Eastern View High School in Culpeper, VA.

Contact: Jordan.Nougaret@lcps.org

Mark Wagner

Home School: Woodgrove, Loudoun Valley, and Potomac Falls High Schools

Certified Athletic Trainer since: 1988

LCPS Athletic Trainer since: 2006

Education: Slippery Rock University (BS); Slippery Rock University (MS)

Credentials: Board Certified Athletic Trainer; Virginia State Licensed Athletic Trainer; ECSI CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor; VHSL Certified Measurer; Youth MHFA Certified

About me: Mark, “Wags” has previous experience not only working in the secondary school setting, but also the clinical setting providing athletic training services to both High School and Community College athletes.  Mark resides in Hagerstown, MD with his wife Mary Anna. They have two adult children, Matthew, Heather and husband Kyle. His family has a boxer named Bailey.  The family always enjoys any vacation that involves a trip to the beach.

Contact: Mark.Wagner@lcps.org

Sequoyah Portee

Home School: Tuscarora, Briar Woods, and Independence High Schools

Certified Athletic Trainer since: 2022

LCPS Athletic Trainer since: 2024

Education: Shenandoah University (BS); George Mason University (MS)

Credentials: Board Certified Athletic Trainer; Virginia State Licensed Athletic Trainer; ECSI CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor; VHSL Certified Measurer; Youth MHFA Certified; IASTM and BFR trained, Trained in cupping.

About me: Sequoyah grew up in Woodbridge, VA. Her interest for Athletic Training began from her high school Athletic Trainer and her interest in the human body. She enjoys working through injury progression of athletes and returning them to the game. Sequoyah enjoys playing volleyball with her adult league during her off time as well as spending time with her niece, nephew, and one year old bichon poodle.

Contact: Sequoyah.Portee@lcps.org