Athletic Training

Gerard D. Rozea, Ph.D., ATC, LAT
Professor, Department Chairperson, Program Director

Education

• Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance, Department of Applied
  Physiology and Kinesiology. Concentration: Athletic Training/Sports Medicine.
  The University of Florida, FL (2005)
• M.S. Movement Studies and Exercise Science: Biophysical Concentration.
  East Stroudsburg University, PA (1997)
• B.S. Movement Studies and Exercise Science: Athletic Training Concentration.
  East Stroudsburg University, PA (1996)

History at ESU

• As a student I attended ESU from 1992 – 1997 through my MS in Movement Studies and Exercise Science
• Adjunct Faculty/Head Athletic Trainer 1997 – 1998
• Returned to ESU in 2006 to present
• Back at ESU for 19 years, 25 years including my time as student

Special Interests and Expertise

I teach the Clinically Oriented Anatomy/cadaver anatomy course and truly enjoy teaching anatomy. I also teach injury evaluation courses, pharmacology, in addition to teaching a number of courses in our graduate program including patho-mechanics. I have a particular interest in wrestling and weight certifications. I manage our PIAA appeals site for wrestling.

Accomplishments and Awards

As a student I received a number of awards including the David Carlyon Award.

Favorite ESU Memory

My favorite memory at ESU has been the many interactions in and out of the classroom and at conferences with students now as a faculty member. I enjoyed being a student being mentored by excellent faculty. I am excited to see the amazing accomplishments of our graduates and all the good things my classmates are doing! When I was working on my thesis, the memories of long days and evenings doing data collection. As Head Athletic Trainer, being able to work with the athletes, coaches and our Athletic Training Students was very special.

Kelly Harrison, Ph.D., LAT, ATC
Associate Professor

Education

• Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions: 2012, Doctor of Philosophy in Athletic Training
• Ohio University: 1989, Master of Science in Physical Education with a concentration in Athletic Training
• University of Delaware: 1988, Bachelor of Science in Health & Physical Education with an emphasis in Athletic Training

History at ESU

• I started at ESU in the Fall of 1991 as a temporary faculty member in the Professional Physical Education Department. This department was later renamed the Movement Studies & Exercise Sciences (MSES) department. This was a dual appointment position where I taught laboratory classes in the morning and provided clinical care in the afternoon to ESU athletes and infirmary patients’ referrals from the on-campus Student Health Center.
• In 1993 my position was converted to a tenure-track position. I received tenure in 1996.
• In 1999 the Movement Studies & Exercise Science department was restructured and divided into 5 smaller departments. As part of this restructuring the athletic training positions were restructured separating the teaching and clinical care responsibilities. My position transitioned to a full-time teaching load within the new Athletic Training Department.

Special Interests and Expertise

My areas of interest have always been in physical rehabilitation including various manual therapies, complimentary & alternative therapies, physical agents, strength & conditioning approaches and neuromuscular techniques.

Prior to coming to ESU, I worked at an orthopedic hospital (Alfred I. duPont Institute, now the Nemours Children’s Hospital). I provided physical rehabilitation to inpatient & outpatient pediatric patients. In this position I had an opportunity to provide a wide range of rehabilitative services including post-surgical care, performing pre-surgical computerized gait analyses for children with cerebral palsy, directed an injury prevention program and provided outreach AT services to area high school students. This work ignited my interest in learning and mastering skills in as many facets of rehabilitation as possible. I love acquiring, exploring, and investigating all types of rehabilitation techniques and interventions.

Then when I came to ESU I had the opportunity to work alongside incredible clinician-educators. John Thatcher had incredible mechanical knowledge of how joints moved. His differential diagnosis and clinical reasoning skills were amazing. He was great at building custom braces and clinical tools. Lois Wagner was an accomplished clinician with an intimate understanding of science (chemistry, physics, biology) and theories behind various interventions utilized in rehabilitation. She was detail oriented, grounded in evidence, and committed to bringing the best possible care to her patients. From Mert Shane I learned the importance of empathy, compassion, and endeavoring to see the whole person when providing quality care. John Hauth taught me the importance of focusing resources where they can be most impactful and the importance of effectively communicating and partnering with others.

Favorite ESU Memory

I have a lot of great memories.
Return to Play: When I worked clinically, my favorite memories were simply being on the sideline watching a player I helped rehab, score a goal or make a great play. I love sports and seeing people reconnect with the joy of playing.
Graduation or when an alumnus visits after working in the field: As an educator, I mostly enjoy watching students who kind of have a rough start to their educational journey, but who then dig deep, work through their challenges, and find success. I like helping students find their passion and then watching them run with it.
Seeing preceptors, that I helped train, teaching skills to a new students.

Keith A. Vanic, Ph.D., ATC, LAT, OPE-C, FASOP
Professor, Graduate Coordinator and Program Director

Education

• PhD in Human Performance and Recreation. Concentration: Teaching and Administration, University of Southern Mississippi, MS (1998)
• MS in Health Sciences, James Madison University, VA (1995)
• BS Physical Education: Athletic Training Concentration, East Stroudsburg University, PA (1994)

History at ESU

• Head Athletic Trainer 1998-2005
• Faculty 2005-present

Special Interests and Expertise

I teach the variety of course throughout the AT program from introductory anatomy and physiology lab, prevention and management of sport/fitness injuries to upper division orthopedic evaluation. In addition, to managing and teaching several courses within our entry-level graduate program, I have a particular interest in the orthopedic specialty for Athletic Training that includes casting, bracing, suturing and diagnostic imaging.

Accomplishments and Awards

• SOP Fellowship Award (FASOP) – 2022- American Society of Ortho Professionals
• 2018, Post-Professional Education Committee- NATA Service Committee Award
• 2004, Pennsylvania Athletic Training Society Outstanding Service Award
• 1995, East Stroudsburg University-Dave Carlyon Athletic Training Award

Favorite ESU Memory

As we celebrate 50 years of athletic training excellence at East Stroudsburg University, it’s impossible not to reflect on the remarkable journey that has brought us here. Our program has grown into a leader in athletic training education, producing generations of skilled professionals who have gone on to make a profound impact in the field. What started as a vision from our faculty “founders” decades ago has transformed into a nationally recognized, CAATE-accredited program that continues to uphold the highest standards of education, clinical practice, and professional development. The heart of our success lies in the unwavering commitment of our faculty, the passion of our students, and the ever-expanding network of alumni who carry the ESU legacy forward.

Over the years, we have embraced change and innovation, ensuring that our students receive the best possible education and hands-on experience. From advancements in orthopedic evaluation and rehabilitation techniques to the integration of evidence-based practice in our curriculum, we have continuously evolved to meet the demands of an ever-changing healthcare landscape. The collaboration between faculty, students, and clinical partners has fostered an environment where learning extends far beyond the classroom, preparing graduates to step into the profession with confidence and competence. Seeing our students excel reinforces the impact of what we do here at ESU.

This milestone is not just about looking back; it’s about celebrating what’s to come. The future of athletic training at ESU is brighter than ever, and as we mark this 50-year anniversary, we recommit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence, innovation, and student success. The relationships built here, the knowledge shared, and the passion that fuels our work will continue to shape the next generation of athletic trainers. Here’s to 50 years of success—and to the many more ahead!

Marguerite Carver, Ed.D., LAT, ATC
Assistant Professor, Graduate Clinical Education Coordinator

Education

• University of St. Augustine, Doctor of Education (2023)
• West Chester University, Master of Science (2015)
• King’s College, Bachelor of Science (2013)

History at ESU

• I began teaching at ESU in August 2015.

Special Interests and Expertise

Research interests include minority representation and experiences in allied health sciences, various therapeutic intervention studies, and the influence of substance use on unintentional injury.

Accomplishments and Awards

Eastern Athletic Trainer’s Associations Young Professionals Award

Favorite ESU Memory

Many great memories have been made during my time at ESU, but I would have to say meeting Robin Roberts of Good Morning America with a group of students to celebrate National Athletic Training Month.

Our annual senior dinner and graduation memories are bittersweet but incredibly rewarding to see how much professional and personal growth each student experiences during their time in our program.

Scott Gallup M.S., LAT, ATC
Full-Time Adjunct Instructor

Education

• Master of Science 2018, East Stroudsburg University
• Bachelor of Science 2016, East Stroudsburg University

History at ESU

• Full time instructor for 6 years

Special Interests and Expertise

Expertise: Functional rehabilitation/sports specific exercise, Advanced Emergency care/Primary care
Research interests: Interprofessional Collaboration in AT

Favorite ESU Memory

My favorite memories are catching up with former students and Alumni when they return to campus for events like Homecoming.

Caroline David, M.S., LAT, ATC
Full-Time Adjunct Instructor

Education

• Master of Science in Athletic Training, East Stroudsburg University
• Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training, West Chester University

History at ESU

• Full time instructor for 5 years

Special Interests and Expertise

Special interests include psychosocial aspects of sports, athlete mental health, kinesiology, and competent care for special populations.

Research interests include teacher-student relationships and academic outcomes.

Favorite ESU Memory

My favorite ESU memories are getting to spend time with students outside of the classroom. Doing club events like going on hikes, traveling to EATA with students, and our annual senior dinner. These events allow us to connect with students on a deeper level and grow the relationship.

Marissa T. Carafa, M.S., LAT, ATC
Full-Time Adjunct Instructor

Education

• Master of Science in Athletic Training, A.T. Still University
• Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training, East Stroudsburg University

History at ESU

• Full time instructor for 3 years

Special Interests and Expertise

Special interests include vestibular rehabilitation for diagnosed sports-related concussions, insidious onset conditions that arise from common dysfunctional patterns, and advanced emergency care.

Research interest include identifying the relationship between concussion symptoms and postural stability.

Accomplishments and Awards

Recipient of the David Carlyon Athletic Training Award at East Stroudsburg University.

Favorite ESU Memory

My favorite memories at ESU are working alongside students outside the classroom to deliver patient care, as well as collaborating with local EMS to simulate emergency care scenarios with students.