Meet Your Athletic Trainer

Adam Thiesse, AT, is currently seeing athletes throughout Berrien County. Adam earned a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Central Michigan University. He has been certified by the National Athletic Trainers' Association since 2016 and is licensed in the State of Michigan.

“I always wanted a career that would allow me to help others while remaining part of the sports environment. In my role as an athletic trainer, I enjoy working with athletes to get them back to their peak performance and I can’t imagine doing more rewarding work.” 

Andre Hitt, AT, is currently seeing athletes within the Coloma and Watervliet Public School systems. Andre earned a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Central Michigan University. He has been certified by the National Athletic Trainers' Association since 2015 and is licensed in the state of Michigan.

“As an athletic trainer, I love being immersed on the sidelines in the competitive athletic atmosphere. I look forward to helping athletes be the safest, most educated, and healthiest version of themselves. Athletic Training is truly a profession it its own league, and something that I wake up passionate about each day.”

Bob Taylor, AT, is currently seeing athletes within the Niles Community School system. Bob earned a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Grand Valley State University and is certified by the National Athletic Trainers' Association and licensed in the state of Michigan. He has been working with athletes of all ages since 1993. Bob is also board certified in functional movement screen, a certified strength and conditioning specialist with distinction (CSCS*D), and a performance enhancement specialist (PES).­­

“I chose to go into athletic training after getting injured while playing sports in high school. I spent a lot of time working with my athletic trainer and we would talk a lot about what his job entailed, the educational background needed, and how this career allowed you to be involved with sports long after your personal sports career was over. I have always enjoyed working with and helping people and decided this would be a great profession to pursue.”

Dan Tinkey, AT, is currently seeing athletes within the Lakeshore Public School system. Dan earned a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Western Michigan University and is certified by the National Athletic Trainers' Association and licensed in the state of Michigan. He has been working with athletes of all ages since 1980.

“Growing up an athlete myself, I aspired to continue coaching or teaching and found that athletic training was a field that allowed me to work with a variety of sports and athletes. I began my career at Lakeland when the sports medicine program was just getting its start and I’m proud to have worked closely with local school systems ever since.” 

Emily Fix, AT, is currently seeing athletes within the Bridgman Public School System. Emily earned a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Hope College and a master’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa. She has been certified by the National Athletic Trainers' Association since 2005 and is licensed in the state of Michigan. Emily is also is board certified in functional movement screen, a clinical exercise physiologist (CEP), and a Cancer Exercise Trainer (CET).

“I’ve always had a strong desire to help others and an interest in human anatomy and exercise physiology so a career as an athletic trainer seemed like a great fit for me.” 

Julie Legault, AT, is currently seeing athletes within the Berrien Springs and Buchanan Public School systems. Julie earned a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Central Michigan University and is certified by the National Athletic Trainers' Association and licensed in the state of Michigan. She has been working with athletes of all ages since 1990.

“After undergoing knee surgery as a college athlete, I decided I wanted to help other athletes in similar situations, whether it be through prevention or rehabilitation of injuries.  I love working with student athletes and can't imagine a more rewarding profession.”

Matt Mabry, AT, is currently seeing athletes within the St. Joseph Public School system. Matt earned a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Central Michigan University. He has been certified by the National Athletic Trainers' Association since 1996 and is licensed in the state of Michigan. He is also is board certified in functional movement screen and a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS).

“A profession in athletic training seemed like a good fit for me because of my interest in a variety of sports and exercises as well as a strong desire to help others.” 

Philip Jasheway, AT, PT, is currently seeing athletes within the Lake Michigan Catholic School system. Philip earned a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy and was certified in athletic training from Indiana University. He went on to earn a master’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Indianapolis. Philip has been certified by the National Athletic Trainers' Association since 1995 and is licensed in the state of Michigan. He is also is board certified in orthopedic physical therapy (OCS) and functional movement screen and a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS).

“I went in to athletic training with the goal of helping student athletes identify injuries early on and prevent more serious injuries from occurring. Taking steps for early identification and prevention is a key factor to getting back in the game faster.”