Michele “Shelly” Leavitt Weinstein

PT, EdD, ATC

Email: mlweinstein@cogentsteps.net
Phone: 703.971.4834

Dr. Shelly Weinstein brings more than 40 years of experience providing care to athletes across all ages and levels of competition. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Temple University, followed by a Master of Science in Human Movement Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In 2021, she completed her Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership and Learning in Organizations at the Peabody College of Education and Human Development at Vanderbilt University.

Dr. Weinstein is a board-certified Sports Clinical Specialist and a nationally certified Athletic Trainer. She has also served as an adjunct professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at East Carolina University.

Since 1997, Dr. Weinstein has been certified as an Emergency Medical Response Instructor through AASPT and the American Red Cross. During her active-duty service in the U.S. Navy, she volunteered as the Medical Operations Coordinator for the Marine Corps Marathon, continuing in that role until her retirement at the rank of Captain. Following her military retirement, she served an additional nine years on staff in the same capacity, overseeing medical care, logistics, and operations for 12 events annually, supporting more than 45,000 participants and 120,000 spectators each year. She retired from the Marine Corps Marathon in 2025, concluding more than 38 years of government service. She currently serves as the medical coordinator for the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler and provides physical therapy services through MedStar Health.

Dr. Weinstein currently serves on the advisory boards of the World Academy for Endurance Medicine and the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) and provides consulting services for mass-gathering events nationwide.

She has authored peer-reviewed publications and wrote the original chapter for the Home Study Preparation Course for the Emergency Medical Responder program. In addition to serving as Lead Instructor for Cogent Steps, LLC, Dr. Weinstein is an active mentor and faculty member for the U.S. Navy Sports Physical Therapy Residency at Quantico, Virginia. She also serves as adjunct faculty in the hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Bowling Green State University.

Committed to service and global outreach, Dr. Weinstein has consulted for numerous large-scale sporting events. In 2016, she traveled to Beijing, China, to provide Emergency Medical Response training to the medical staff of the Chinese Olympic teams. She continues to serve as a medical provider at major events including the World Police & Fire Games, Boston Marathon, Falmouth Road Race, and others.

Dr. Weinstein’s podcast “Cogent Conversations” delves into the world of physical therapy, athletic training, endurance medicine, and emergency medicine with special guest interviews. LISTEN HERE.

Matthew Sedgley

MD, CAQSM, FACSM, FAAFP, FAMSSM

Email: msedgley@me.com

Dr. Sedgley is a fellowship-trained physician in both family medicine and sports medicine, specializing in comprehensive sports and endurance care. His clinical interests include musculoskeletal injuries, non-surgical orthopedic evaluation and management, and endurance medicine. He has particular expertise in working with runners, triathletes, and cyclists.

Dr. Sedgley serves as a team physician for the Baltimore Orioles, the Baltimore Running Festival, Coppin State University, and Howard Community College. He has also served as the primary care sports medicine medical director for multiple marathons and ultramarathons.

Trained in sports medicine ultrasound, he focuses on non-operative orthopedic care and the management of acute sports-related injuries. In 2024, he was recognized as a Top Doctor by Baltimore magazine. He currently serves as a board member of the World Academy for Endurance Medicine with World Athletics.

Barbara Baldwin

MPH

Barbara has over a decade of consulting experience with sports medicine organizations focused on the acute care of endurance athletes. During this time, she worked closely with the Boston Marathon medical coordinator, World Athletics, and other leaders in mass-participation event medicine.

In addition, Barbara is a yoga instructor and mountain biking coach, has taught group exercise classes for 40+ years, and holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.

Jared Kline

Adds online materials to the website in support of Cogent Steps.

Isabel Nieves

Edison Au

PT, DPT, SCS, OCS, FDNS, Cert DN, Cert MDT, GTS, CSCS, Dip Sport PT

Dr. Edison Au brings nearly 30 years of experience in sports physical therapy, including 22 seasons as a head therapist for collegiate and club-level contact sports such as hockey, wrestling, rugby, and lacrosse.

His extensive international experience includes serving as a national team therapist for Wrestling Canada for more than 20 years, as well as working with national teams in rugby, athletics, and field hockey. Dr. Au has also provided medical support at numerous prestigious international multisport events, including the 2001 and 2003 Maccabi Games, 2007 Rio Parapan American Games, 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games, 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games, 2011 and 2017 World University Games, 2015 Pan American Games, and 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

In addition to his clinical and international sports medicine experience, Dr. Au serves as Chair of New Jersey Sports Physical Therapy and State Representative for the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy (AASPT). He is also a faculty member in the sports and orthopedic physical therapy residency programs at Rutgers University and Atlantic Health, where he contributes to the education and professional development of future sports physical therapy specialists.

Angelique Bannister

PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS

Dr. Angelique Bannister has 20 years of experience in physical therapy, including service as an active-duty physical therapist in the U.S. Navy. She has been a Certified Emergency Medical Responder through the American Red Cross since 2010 and a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy since 2013.

For the past 13 years, Dr. Bannister has served as the lead physical therapist at Officer Candidates School, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, where she has gained extensive experience in the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of military personnel. She currently serves as Director of the U.S. Navy Sports Physical Therapy Residency Program, accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association.

Throughout her career, Dr. Bannister has demonstrated a strong commitment to sports medicine, emergency preparedness, and the education and development of physical therapists, particularly within military and tactical settings.

Joel Bannister

PTA

Joel Bannister joined Cogent Steps in May 2019 and currently practices as a Physical Therapist Assistant at Advanced Rehab Medical Group in Stafford, Virginia. He brings extensive experience in emergency medicine, military medical operations, and patient care to his professional roles.

A former Fleet Marine Force Hospital Corpsman in the U.S. Navy, Joel has a strong background in field medicine and emergency response. During his military service, he provided emergency medical care to officer candidates and staff at Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia, as well as during deployments to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and Fallujah, Iraq. He also trained Marines in combat lifesaving skills, further strengthening his expertise in emergency preparedness and response.

In addition to his military and clinical experience, Joel has served as a volunteer firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). He remains actively involved in sports medicine by volunteering in the medical tents at Marine Corps Marathon events throughout the year.

Katie Cusack

PT, DPT, MHS, OCS, SCS, CSCS, CMP

Dr. Katie Cusack brings more than 30 years of experience in sports and orthopedic physical therapy. She is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in both Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.

Throughout her career, Dr. Cusack has worked with athletes at all levels, from recreational to professional. Her diverse experience includes serving in clinical management positions, owning a private practice, holding various teaching roles, and providing athletic training room and sideline coverage across a wide range of sports and competitive levels. She also gained valuable international experience while living and practicing in Singapore.

Currently, Dr. Cusack works in a high school setting and operates a private, cash-pay physical therapy practice, where she provides individualized, one-on-one care.

Brad Eggebraaten

PT, SCS, ATC

Brad Eggebraaten serves as Director of the ATI Physical Therapy Sports Residency and Fellowship Programs. With more than 30 years of clinical experience in sports medicine, he brings extensive expertise as both a physical therapist and Certified Athletic Trainer.

Throughout his career, Brad has demonstrated a strong commitment to sports medicine, clinical education, and emergency preparedness. For more than a decade, he has served as an emergency care instructor for both the American Red Cross and Cogent Steps, sharing his knowledge and practical experience with healthcare professionals.

His extensive clinical background and dedication to professional education reflect his commitment to advancing sports physical therapy and preparing healthcare providers to respond effectively to medical emergencies.

Kristina Fleming

PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS

Dr. Kristina Fleming is a residency- and fellowship-trained physical therapist and board-certified Sports Clinical Specialist. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, Massachusetts, before completing her Sports Physical Therapy residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and Northeastern University.

Prior to relocating to Baker City, OR, Dr. Fleming held faculty positions with the MGH Sports/Northeastern University Residency Program and Northeastern University. She currently serves as adjunct faculty in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Bowling Green State University.

Dr. Fleming’s clinical practice focuses on recreational and competitive athletes of all ages, with an emphasis on biomechanical assessment and postoperative rehabilitation of the lower extremities.

She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and young daughter.

Rosa Franklin

Dr. Rosa Franklin is a Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialist with field coverage experience with collegiate hockey, marathons, powerlifting, and a wide range of additional sports and venues. She has extensive exposure to working with athletes of all ages and across a variety of sports. She is involved in academic instruction at Bowling Green State University.

She earned her doctor of physical therapy degree at New York University and currently resides in Seattle, WA, where she enjoys being with loved ones, playing basketball and tennis, and connecting with new people.

Ann Marie Husk

PT, SCS, ATC, CSCS

Ann Marie Husk has 35 years of physical therapy and athletic training experience. She is a board-certified Sports Clinical Specialist, Certified Athletic Trainer, and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She is employed by Duke University Health System and serves as Co-Coordinator of the Duke University Health System Sports Physical Therapy Residency and the Duke Division I Athletics Sports Physical Therapy Fellowship. Ann Marie covers community sporting events, high school and middle school athletics, and soccer outreach events.

Maureen Leavitt

RN

Maureen Leavitt has been a CPR instructor with Cogent Steps since 2024. With more than 25 years of experience as a visiting nurse, she brings extensive clinical knowledge and a strong commitment to patient care. She currently serves as a Care Manager for Blue Cross & Blue Shield of New Jersey, providing support and guidance to medically and socially vulnerable populations.

Outside of her professional life, Maureen is a proud mother of five wonderful children and in her spare time, she enjoys singing and cycling.

Donna Merkel

DPT, MS, SCS, CSCS

Dr. Donna Merkel brings 34 years of experience in physical therapy, with the majority of her career dedicated to sports medicine. Since 2003, she has held credentials as both a Board-Certified Sports Clinical Specialist and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She specializes in concussion management, injury prevention, and rehabilitation for young and female athletes. Her work reflects a strong commitment to helping athletes recover safely, reduce their risk of injury, and return to activity with confidence.

In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Merkel has contributed extensively to physical therapy education. She has served as an adjunct lecturer in the physical therapy programs at Arcadia University and Widener University and has lectured on the emergency management of injured and ill athletes since 2009. She has been a Cogent Steps instructor since 2015 and plans to serve as a lab instructor for Bowling Green State University.

Dr. Merkel’s professional accomplishments include publications and national presentations on a range of sports medicine topics, including disordered eating in athletes, care of the female athlete, sports injuries, and concussions in young athletes. She is an active member of the Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine Society, serving as President in 2025 and continuing to support the organization as its historian. Dr. Merkel has also volunteered for many years in medical tents at a variety of athletic events, bringing her sports medicine expertise directly to athletes in the event setting.

Megan Mitchell

PT, DPT, MPH

Dr. Megan Mitchell earned a Bachelor of Science from Idaho State University in 2006 and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Colorado in 2010. In 2024, she earned a Master of Public Health with a focus on global disaster management, homeland security, and humanitarian aid. Her professional interests center on the intersection of physical therapy, healthcare, emergency preparedness, and homeland security, with particular emphasis on the role physical therapists can play in emergency response and large-scale event operations.

Dr. Mitchell’s clinical career has focused largely on Level I trauma care, including the development of a dedicated emergency department physical therapy pathway and a Spinal Cord Injury Primary Care Clinic. In addition to her clinical work, she serves as an Emergency Operations Specialist with the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, supporting the National Disaster Medical System. She is also a faculty member in the University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program.

Drawing on her experience in acute injury response and large-event operations, Dr. Mitchell brings a unique perspective to medical planning and emergency response at sporting events. Her work emphasizes the integration of healthcare professionals into comprehensive event planning, operational response, emergency preparedness, and security initiatives. She has supported a variety of sporting events, including marathons, the Department of Defense Warrior Games, wheelchair rugby, and West Coast Swing regional events.

Dr. Mitchell has been an instructor with Cogent Steps since 2019, bringing her diverse clinical, emergency preparedness, and event-response experience to the education of healthcare professionals.

Joseph Molony Jr.

PT, MS, SCS, CSCS

Joe Molony is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. He previously served two terms as Chair of the Youth Athlete Special Interest Group of the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy (AASPT), a component of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

Joe has also served on APTA’s Specialization Academy of Content Experts (SACE) for the Sports Physical Therapy Board Certification Examination, as well as its standard-setting committee. He is a charter member of the Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine Society (PRISM) and was honored with the organization’s National Achievement Award in Physical Therapy in 2019.

An active contributor to research and professional education, Joe has published extensively on topics related to youth sports medicine. He currently serves as Manager of the Young Athlete Program at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York, where his work focuses on advancing the care, rehabilitation, and performance of young athletes.

Andrew Niemann

Andrew Niemann has more than 30 years of experience in emergency medicine and fire-rescue services. A Nationally Registered Paramedic, he holds degrees in Emergency Medical Services and Education, bringing extensive clinical, operational, and instructional experience to his work.

Andrew has maintained his National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) credentials since 1992 and has practiced as a paramedic since 1997. Throughout his career, he has provided prehospital and interfacility Advanced Life Support (ALS) services in multiple states, serving in both volunteer and paid positions.

A retired U.S. Coast Guard officer, Andrew remains actively involved in emergency response and community service. He currently volunteers as a paramedic in Warren, Rhode Island; supports disaster response operations with Team Rubicon; and serves as a volunteer pilot with the Civil Air Patrol. He also continues to contribute his medical expertise as a volunteer at the Marine Corps Marathon.

Andrew’s extensive background in emergency medicine, military service, disaster response, and volunteerism reflects his longstanding commitment to emergency preparedness, public safety, and community service.

Gary Schindler

PT, PhD, OCS, SCS, LATC

Dr. Gary Schindler has been a board-certified Sports Clinical Specialist since 2015. He serves as a professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of North Dakota (UND) in Grand Forks, North Dakota, where he also serves as Program Director of UND’s Sports Physical Therapy Residency and Faculty Residency. In addition to his academic responsibilities, Dr. Schindler provides direct patient care in an orthopedic private practice and supports athletes at the high school, collegiate, and semi-professional levels.

Dr. Schindler is actively involved in professional and university service, serving on numerous UND and state-level committees. He currently serves as UND’s Faculty Athletic Representative and as Treasurer of APTA North Dakota. He is also an ABPTRFE Site Reviewer and has served as an instructor for Cogent Steps, LLC, since 2019.

His research interests include biomechanics, electromyography (EMG), motion analysis, and anatomy.

Laura A. Schmitt

PT, DPT, OCS, SCS, ATC

Dr. Laura A. Schmitt has extensive experience in sports and orthopedic physical therapy, clinical education, and emergency medical response. She retired from the University of Delaware in 2020, where she served as a clinician and course coordinator for the university’s Integrated Clinical Experiences in Sports/Orthopaedic and Neurologic/Older Adult Physical Therapy. She continues to contribute to the University of Delaware’s Physical Therapy Program on a per diem basis.

Dr. Schmitt earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education, with a concentration in Athletic Training, from West Chester University in 1988; her Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Beaver College (now Arcadia University) in 1991; and her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Temple University in 2003. She is recognized as a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in both Sports and Orthopaedic Physical Therapy by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and has been a Certified Athletic Trainer since 1988.

With a strong clinical background in sports medicine and orthopedic rehabilitation, Dr. Schmitt has dedicated much of her career to advancing clinical education, injury management, and emergency preparedness. Since 2002, she has served as an American Red Cross instructor in Basic Life Support and Emergency Medical Response (EMR). She has also been an instructor for Cogent Steps’ Emergency Response for the Athlete (ERA) course since 2015, sharing her extensive knowledge and practical experience with healthcare professionals.

Abigail Smith

PT, DPT, SCS

Dr. Abigail Smith has been practicing physical therapy since 2006 and earned her Board Certification in Sports Physical Therapy from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) in 2012. She has a particular interest in emergency medical response for endurance athletes and high school athletics, with extensive experience providing medical coverage for runners and triathletes at both local events and some of the world’s largest endurance races.

Dr. Smith has lectured nationally on emergency response for endurance athletes, including presentations alongside Cogent Steps founder Shelly Weinstein at the American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA) Combined Sections Meeting, representing the Academy of Sports Physical Therapy.

In addition to her clinical and emergency response experience, Dr. Smith served for five years as an adjunct professor at Norwalk Community College, where she taught courses in Kinesiology and Principles of Therapeutic Exercise.

Through her clinical practice, event medical coverage, and educational contributions, Dr. Smith has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing sports physical therapy, emergency preparedness, and athlete safety.

Kristina Stanich

PT, DPT, SCS, LAT

Dr. Kristina Stanich is a Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialist with the Department of Defense working as a tactical physical therapist. She is currently an embedded physical therapist within the special operations community. Dr. Stanich’s role is to provide high-level care to the tactical athlete. She frequently provides sports medicine coverage for field training exercises, military free fall, combatives, endurance events, and physical standardized testing.

Dr. Stanich graduated from The University of Tulsa in 2008 with a BS in Exercise and Sports Science. She earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the University of Oklahoma in 201, and in 2013, became a Licensed Athletic Trainer. Dr. Stanich has an extensive sports medicine background which has provided her the opportunity to work with high school, collegiate, professional, and Olympic athletes. Additionally, she has provided countless hours of NCAA Division 1 sideline coverage.

She and her husband, Adam, live in Annapolis, MD with their dog, Bella.

Michael Turnwald

DPT

Dr. Michael Turnwald has extensive experience providing medical coverage for a wide range of athletic events and performance settings, including collegiate and USA Rugby, Broadway productions, CrossFit competitions, and numerous other sports and venues. He has worked with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee and NCAA Division I athletics at the University of Pittsburgh and The Ohio State University.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Turnwald holds teaching responsibilities in graduate programs at the University of Pittsburgh, Tufts University, and Bowling Green State University. He also developed the Cogent Steps onlne course Considerations and Emergency Response in Pregnant and Postpartum Athletes.

Dr. Turnwald earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Pittsburgh, completed a sports physical therapy residency at The Ohio State University, and participated in a traveling fellowship through the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy. He is also board-certified in orthopedics and musculoskeletal ultrasound.

Currently residing in Columbus, Ohio, Dr. Turnwald owns a private practice and collaborates with a local private clinic. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, as well as hiking and running with their two dogs, Tucker and Sadie.

Teonette Velasco

PT, DPT, OCS

Dr. Teonette Velasco has over a decade of experience in physical therapy, with expertise spanning orthopedic rehabilitation, clinical education, and research. She is recognized as a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.

Dr. Velasco earned her Master of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Florida and her transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Shenandoah University. She gained clinical experience in both private practice and military healthcare settings before completing an orthopedic residency at the University of Delaware. She is also an Advanced Credentialed Clinical Instructor through the American Physical Therapy Association and a Certified Exercise Physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine.

Throughout her career, Dr. Velasco has combined clinical practice, education, and research. She previously served as an Assistant Professor of Practice and Clinical Research Coordinator at the University of Delaware. Currently, she is a Senior Research Physical Therapist with The Geneva Foundation and holds an appointment as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.

Dr. Velasco’s research interests include chronic low back pain in older adults, chronic exertional compartment syndrome, and the use of orthobiologics in treating musculoskeletal conditions. Her diverse clinical and academic background reflects her commitment to advancing evidence-based physical therapy practice and improving patient outcomes.