Athletic Therapy Practitioners

Bio

Joan Carroll started participating in sports only months after the passage of Title IX, swimming first for Fordham University and then the State University of New York at Binghamton (now Binghamton University). This fueled an interest first in water sports and then sports and fitness in general. Over time she was drawn into a fitness-related research career, obtaining a PhD in Exercise Phyiology in 1992.

She moved to Fort Worth in 1998 to continue her research at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, focusing on topics such as exercise and aging, obesity and heart disease, and ethnic health disparities. As a result of her research career, Joan was inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame in the College of Health and Human Performance at the University of Florida in 2011.

After leaving the Health Science Center in 2009, she has followed her passion for photography, and her works can be seen gracing the hallways of Benny Vaughn Athletic Therapy Center (BVATC). She also keeps things running smoothly at BVATC as Operations Manager.

Education/Certification

• Doctor of Philosophy in Exercise Physiology - University of Florida, 1992
• Master of Arts in Physical Education - University of Florida, 1984
• Bachelor of Arts - State University of New York at Binghamton, 1975

Bio

Arlene graduated from the Institute of Natural Health in 1979, a massage school owned by Benny Vaughn. She became licensed to practice massage therapy in Florida in the same year.

In the early 1980s Arlene taught Reflexology and Animal Massage with a focus on Equestrian at the Florida School of Massage Therapy. In 1983 she started a private practice on St. John, Virgin Islands and maintains that practice today.

Arlene also apprenticed in Sports Massage with Benny Vaughn in 1991 at the University of Florida in Gainesville. This course of study lead to a position on the sports massage team for Track and Field at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996.

Arlene sees massage therapy as a tool that can help people become aware of their bodies and achieve a high performance level.

Specialties/Services

• Foot Reflexology including:
  • Zone Therapy
  • Injury prevention and recovery
  • Focus on orthopedic concerns
• Wellness, performance based bodywork including:
  • Overall health maintenance
  • Injury prevention and recovery
  • Focus on orthopedic concerns
• Soft tissue techniques including:
  • Sports Massage
  • Orthopedic Massage
  • Myofascial Techniques

Education/Certification

• Institute of Natural Health, Gainesville, FL, 1979
• Licensed Massage Therapist, State of Florida, 1983
• Private study with Benny Vaughn, 1991
• Ongoing Continuing Education in Health and Sports-related Areas, 1980-present

Bio

El Paso native Cassandra De Anda is a Certified Athletic Trainer, Licensed Massage Therapist and yoga and dance enthusiast. A highly capable and compassionate healer, she is deeply motivated by the health and healing of her clients and believes everyone deserves the best. After suffering her own sports injury, Cassandra began her journey towards becoming the practitioner that she is today. Bringing her first-hand knowledge, experience and wisdom of post-injury care into each session, Cassandra is there for her clients along every step of their healing journey. Cassandra earned her degree in Athletic Training through Texas State University and studied massage therapy at The Lauterstein-Conway Massage School in Austin, the premier massage school in the state of Texas.

Specialties/Services

• Myofascial Release
• Sports Massage
• Orthopedic Massage
• Gua Sha
• Clinical Diagnosis
• Injury prevention and recovery
• Rehabilitation of Injuries
• Deep Tissue Massage
• Swedish Massage
• Pregnancy Massage

Education/Certification

• Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training – Texas State University, 2016
• Lauterstein- Conway Massage School, 2016
• Certified Athletic Trainer, 2016
• Licensed Massage Therapist, 2016

Bio

Laura-Lisa Hardy has 17 years of experience as a licensed massage therapist. Her focus is on helping individuals who are recovering from injuries.

She started her career as a professional dancer. She performed with Dallas Black Dance Theatre at the Olympiad Arts Festival at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, GA. She was a member of the Ailey II Company for 2 years and traveled worldwide as a professional dancer for 15 years. Her extensive dance background has provided her with a deep understanding of the body in movement.

While specializing in Deep Tissue massage, Laura-Lisa also offers Swedish and Pregnancy Massage therapies. She has worked on professional dancers, Broadway performers, personal trainers, strength coaches, and professional athletes ranging from Major League Baseball players to track and field athletes.

Specialties/Services

• Deep Tissue Massage
• Reiki
• Swedish Massage
• Pregnancy Massage

Education/Certification

• Licensed Massage Therapist (graduated with Honors) - Wellness Skills Massage School, 1997
• Recipient of full scholorship to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, 1990

Bio

Kelly Hucklebridge started her career as an educator and swimming coach. When her children entered the picture, she changed her focus to personal training, working with active adults and seniors. Thereafter, she was director of the TCU Breast Cancer Recovery program for 5 years.

Kelly joined Benny Vaughn in his practice to continue following her passion of working with and helping anyone who wants to perform at a higher level, or just feel better for improved quality of life. In addition, she continues to serve as an Adjunct Professor for student teachers in the field preparing for a teaching career.

Kelly enjoys running (completed 8 marathons), skiing (raised in Wyoming), and virtually anything outside. She loves spending time with friends and family and when time permits, being slightly crafty, embarking on stained glass and painting projects. Her husband Lee and her two sons, Dane and Logan, have been a constant source of encouragement and inspiration.

Specialties/Services

• Certified Personal Trainer, Cooper Institute
• Certified Golf Fitness Specialist, Titlesist Performance Institute
• Stretch to Win Fascial Stretch Therapist
• Certified Cupping Therapist
• TRX Specialist

Education/Certification

• Master of Education, Educational Administration - Texas Christian University
• Bachelors of Science, Kinesiology - Arizona State University
• Certified Licensed Massage Therapist, 2011

Bio

Kyle has always been fascinated by the human body as well as with helping others maintain and exceed their full potential. He lives an active lifestyle which has included competing in national and regional paintball tournaments, Wednesday night soccer leagues, and weekends at the golf course. In his spare time Kyle keeps himself busy by learning new ways to achieve optimum mobility and health.

Kyle’s career in massage therapy began in 2012 when he attended Auburn University for Kinesiology and later earned his degree in Physical Activity and Health. He was then trained in massage therapy at Georgia Massage School while also gaining his Corrective Exercise certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). In his massage therapy practice, Kyle uses a combination of his Corrective Exercise training along with various skills learned through continuing education courses to achieve the best results for his clients.

Specialties/Services

• Orthopedic Massage
• Myofascial Techniques
• Injury Prevention and Recovery
• Posture Correction
• Pain Management

Education/Certification

• Bachelor of Science in Physical Activity and Health- Auburn University, 2015
• Licensed Massage Therapist - Georgia Massage School, 2015
• Corrective Exercise Specialist - National Academy of Sports Medicine, 2016

Bio

Linda's experience in Sports Massage includes working with teams and individuals who are motivated to perform at the highest level. Her background and education in health care, exercise therapy, and training and conditioning complement her hands on skills as a massage therapist.

Linda maintains a private practice based in Aspen, Colorado, and works periodically in the Benny Vaughn Athletic Therapy Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

Specialties/Services

• Wellness, performance based bodywork including:
  • Overall health maintenance
  • Injury prevention and recovery
  • Focus to specific orthopedic concerns
• Soft tissue techniques including:
  • Orthopedic Massage
  • Sports Massage
  • Myofascial Techniques
  • Flexibility Training

Education/Certification

• A.A.S. Nursing, Mesa State College
• B.A. Economics, Mesa State College
• Institute of Orthopedic Massage
• International Institute for Flexibility Science
• C.H.E.K. Institute
• Rolf Institute CE Programs
• Heartwood Institute

Bio

Summer Rogers has been active throughout her life. As a high school athlete, she fell in love with strength training. Currently, her passions are CrossFit, strength training and cycling.

Summer started her career as a Massage Therapist in 2001 as a way to pay some of her college expenses. In 2006 she completed her Exercise Science degree from the University of Texas in Arlington. In her massage therapy practice she works primarily with athletic and active people, combining her knowledge of the human body, movement, strength and conditioning, and massage therapy.

Specialties/Services

• Tecnica Gavilan Course, 2014
• Rock Tape Specialist, 2013
• Ashiatsu Certified, 2010
• CranialSacral Therapy - Level 2, 2006

Education/Certification

• North Texas School of Swedish Massage, 2001
• B.S. in Exercise Science, 2006

Bio

David began his career in massage therapy in Charleston, SC in 2005. A high school wrestling injury to his hip started David down the road to learning what he could do to help his recovery. Since then, David has worked with a variety of athletes, including the College of Charleston's equestrian team, the Moscow Ballet Company, and the Charleston Stingrays hockey team. He is currently completing his B.S. Degree in Physics and plans to pursue his goal of becoming an Osteopathic Physician (D.O.).

David's passion is helping athletes and active people do what they enjoy. His motto is: "Move better. Feel better. BE better."

Specialties/Services

• Neuromuscular Therapy
• Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques (Freedom from Pain Institute certification program)
• Sports/Orthopedic Massage
• Fascial Release Techniques
• Medical Massage
• Craniosacral Therapy Level 2

Education/Certification

• Associate of Science, Trident Technical College, 2013
• Southeastern School of Neuromuscular and Massage Therapy, 2005
• Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, 2005 - present
  (previously titled, Nationally Certified in Massage Therapy)

Bio

Mindy Simmons has always lead an active lifestyle and played for the University of Tampa soccer team. She knows first hand the importance of taking care of the body. Her experience as a competitive athlete fueled her passion to study physical body movements and therapy techniques that ensure optimal results and lasting recovery.

She started her career as an athletic trainer for athletes at all levels: high school, college division I, II, & III, professional, and recreational. Concurrently, she earned her certification as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Licensed Massage Therapist. Ultimately, by combining her athletic training skills with massage therapy, she discovered the perfect balance in fully helping active individuals with musculoskeletal pain and discomfort.

Mindy was recognized as Athletic Trainer of the Year from Clayton State University in 2007 and from Gwinnett Medical Center in 2010. She relocated to Ft. Worth, Texas to join the Benny Vaughn Athletic Therapy Center team in 2013.

Specialties/Services

• Certified Massage Therapist, 2012
• Licensed Massage Therapist, 2012 State of Georgia and Texas
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist 2006
• Certified Athletic Trainer 2003

Education/Certification

• Georgia School of Massage 2012
• Master of Education - Elmira University, 2006
• Bachelor of Science, Exercise Science - University of Tampa, 2002

Bio

KJ has a heart for people with pain. He has been active all his life and always thought being active would mean he would be pain free. However, he suffered a number of injuries resulting in muscle compensation and imbalance in his body. These frequent injuries led him to learn more about the human body. In 2013 he started taking Pilates from a Master Pilates Instructor. It was then that things about his injuries started to make sense. Fascinated with the principles of Pilates, KJ decided to become certified as a Pilates Instructor.

In his Pilates practice, KJ encountered clients with injuries that limited their active lifestyles. Pilates helped them strengthen their muscles and focus on body control and awareness. After benefitting from soft tissue treatment combined with body conditioning for his own injuries, KJ decided to learn more about soft tissue treatment. He attended massage school at the Georgia Massage School graduating in 2016.

Specialties/Services

• Orthopedic/Sports Massage
• Myofascial Release
• Fascial Stretching
• Postural corrections
• Trigger Point Therapy
• Deep Tissue Massage
• Swedish Massage

Education/Certification

• Georgia School of Massage, 2016
• Licensed Massage Therapist in Georgia and Texas, 2016
• Certified Pilates Instructor, 2014
• B.S. Technical Management, 2008

Bio

Mark Witty is a passionate and experienced athlete and bodyworker. After nearly 15 years serving in the British Army, Mark moved to the United States from Belgium. Born and raised in Yorkshire, England, and following his passion in Sports Performance, Manual Therapy and Rehabilitation, he came to the United States and became certified as a massage therapist at the Cayce/Reilly School of Massotherapy in Virginia Beach, VA in 2012.

Mark received a certificate in orthopedic massage from The Center for Pain Management, is certified as a personal trainer by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) and has experience working in a variety of settings with individuals, athletes, teams and in clinical environments. His background as a coach and athlete, including International Rugby with Belgium, and competing and enjoying many sports and outdoor activities, complements his knowledge and skills as a massage therapist. Mark also obtained a certificate in Movement and Moblilty (Mobililty|WOD) from Kelly Starrett.

Mark relocated from Hawaii to the Benny Vaughn Athletic Therapy Center in 2016 to follow his passion to provide people with hands on therapy and to restore and promote optimum physical performance in a world class environment.

Specialties/Services

• Orthopedic Massage - Certificate from The Center for Pain Management, James Waslaski
• Myofascial Release
• Sports Massage
• Performance based bodywork
• Core Myofascial Therapy - Certificate from Core Institute, George Kousaleos

Education/Certification

• National Certified Massage Therapist NCBTMB
• Certified Personal Trainer AFAA
• Texas Licensed Massage Therapist #MT124847
• Hawaii Licensed Massage Therapist #MAT-13978
• Graduated from Cayce/Reilly School of Massotherapy, 2012