Happy National Athletic Training Month to Stephanie Reybitz, ATC! We appreciate all you do for Encore Sports Medicine & Pike Road Schools.
Stephanie is a native of Pennsylvania and attended Temple University in Philadelphia, PA on a Division I Softball Scholarship, where she earned two Bachelor of Science degrees – Exercise Physiology and Athletic Training.
This August marks her 25thyear as a certified athletic trainer. Supporting her husband’s military career, she hasbeen licenced in PA, NY, MA, VA and AL. She has worked as an Athletic Trainer in Semi-Pro, Collegiate Secondary school and clinical settings throughout her career.
She is currently living in Pike Road AL, with her husband of 20 years, Colonel Kyle Reybitz and their two children. She is in her fourth year with Encore Rehabilitation where she is the athletic trainer for Pike Road Schools and is currently finishing up an MBA in Healthcare Administration. She enjoys traveling and has recently taken up golf.
Monday Willis is an Encore Sports Medicine Athletic Trainer providing coverage at Andalusia High School. Born in Philadelphia, PA, Monday moved to Pensacola, FL where he attended University of West Florida majoring in Athletic Training. Later, he attended Austin Peay State University acquiring a Masters degree in Human Health and Performance with a minor in Sports Psychology. Monday enjoys long walks on the beach and ice cream, even though he is lactose intolerant.
Thank you for all you do, Monday! Happy National Athletic Training Month!
Celebrating National Athletic Training Month with Jennifer Byrd!
Jennifer has been a certified Athletic Trainer for 20 years. She is in her 7th season as the Athletic Trainer at Baker High School and her 9th year with Encore Rehabilitation. She is originally from Cullman, Alabama and is a graduate of The University of Alabama.
We are glad to have you on the Encore Team, Jennifer! Thank you for all you do!
Happy National Athletic Training Month to Melinda Wilson, Regional Director and Encore Sports Medicine Athletic Trainer for Winfield High School and Brilliant High School!
Thank you for all you do, Melinda!
Melinda shares what is means to her to be an Athletic Trainer.
Why did you choose athletic training as a career? I played sports in high school and college and knew I wanted a career involving athletics/wellness. After college, I was working as a fitness instructor at Northport-DCH when I was introduced to Athletic Training through Rodney Brown, ATC. He said, “You look like you would make a good athletic trainer!” I said, “What’s that?” He said, “Come out to Tuscaloosa County High this afternoon and I will tell you all about it.” The rest is history! I fell in love with this career from the first day I stepped on a field.
What has been the highlight of your career? Starting the Sports Medicine Program in this area from the ground up. I have been blessed to offer these athletes a service that was not afforded to me.
What does it mean to be back home taking care of the people in your community? Winfield did not have an athletic trainer and I was able to return to my hometown and provide a service for the athletes, Winfield, and the surrounding communities. It means so much to give back and know I am making a difference. I am thankful for the parents trusting me to care for their children. I have built life-long friendships over the last 28 years! It’s definitely the most rewarding career!
What would you tell future students that might want to become an Athletic Trainer? If you want a career that doesn’t feel like a job, this is definitely the career for you. I have never felt like I was going to work. It is a lot of long days and nights but the end result is all the lifelong relationships you acquire. It is a special feeling to watch an athlete with an injury work to overcome and return to what they love.
Encore Rehabilitation-Winfield 199 Carraway Drive, Suite A1 Winfield, Alabama 35594 205-487-0540
Happy National Athletic Training Month to DeShena Thomas, ATC!
DeShena is from Leakesville, Mississippi, and is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi. She is in her ninth season as the Encore Sports Medicine Athletic Trainer with Citronelle High School. She has one son.
Thank you for all you do, DeShena! We are proud to have you on the Encore Team!
