THE ATHLETIC TRAINERS'
ASSOCIATION OF FLORIDA
elections
ATAF 2025 Executive Board Regional Representative
Candidates for Central Representative
Carlos J. Gual, Ed.D, LAT, ATC
Clinical Associate Professor/
Clinical Education Coordinator
Master of Athletic Training Program
University of Central Florida
Carlos J. Gual is a dedicated husband, son, and brother. As an athletic trainer, he has a passion for serving the profession. He holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Florida, a Master of Science in Sports Administration from the University of New Mexico, and a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from the University of Central Florida.
Carlos has been an active Athletic Trainers’ Association of Florida (ATAF) member since 2013, serving in various leadership roles. He has chaired the ATAF Young Professional Committee, represented Florida on the SEATA Young Professional Committee, and contributed to the ATAF College/University Athletic Training Student Committee. He has also served on the Board of Certification Practice Analysis Task Force and is currently the Central Representative on the ATAF Executive Board.
Carlos is committed to developing the next generation of athletic trainers as the Clinical Education Coordinator at the University of Central Florida. He teaches various courses, including acute care, general medical conditions, and practicum experiences. Additionally, he remains active clinically as a medical consultant and athletic trainer for X-Med, Inc., serves as a senior clinical instructor for Sports Medicine Emergency Management, and instructor for the American Red Cross.
In his personal time, Carlos enjoys traveling, cooking, and experiencing new adventures with his wife.
Campaign Message: I am dedicated to serving the athletic training community and believe that a successful ATAF Area Representative must be a strong advocate for their members. My experience as an athletic trainer, educator, and leader has equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively represent the interests of the Central Region of ATAF.
As your Central Representative, I will prioritize open communication and active listening. I will strive to understand the unique needs and concerns of our members, and I will be readily available to provide support and resources. I believe my role as a clinical education coordinator allows me to interact with ATAF members in my region who work across various healthcare settings (i.e., high schools, colleges/universities, professional, rehab clinics, recreational/wellness, etc.). Constant communication with these members helps me view their concerns through various lenses. As a result, I will be able to make informed decisions when voting on key organizational and professional matters. Additionally, I will work closely with the ATAF Executive Board to ensure that the central region's voice is heard and represented.
I am confident that I can continue to effectively serve as the Central Representative for the Athletic Trainers’ Association of Florida. I am committed to working diligently to advance our profession's interests and ensure that our members have the support they need to succeed.
Emily Brode, MS, LAT, ATC
Head Athletic Trainer
Orangewood Christian School
Emily Brode is currently the Head Athletic Trainer at Orangewood Christian School in Maitland, FL. Brode is contracted to Orangewood through a sports marketing partnership with Advent Health. Brode came to OCS after serving as an assistant athletic trainer at James Madison University from 2021-2023 caring for the cheerleading, men's tennis, women's tennis, and women's swimming and diving teams. Prior to JMU, Brode was an assistant athletic trainer at the University of Richmond from 2018-2021, providing primary medical coverage for women's swimming and diving and football, where she was a part of the 2021 A10 Championship team. She completed her master's of athletic training degree at Shenandoah University in Virginia and her undergraduate bachelor's of science in Kinesiology at the University of Maryland, College Park. She is certified in Graston technique, dry needling through Structure and Friction, and American Heart association AED/CPR. Brode is a member of the National Athletic Training Association and serves on the Athletic Training Association of Florida Secondary School Committee. Brode was previously a member of the Virginia Athletic Training Association Young Professional's Committee as the Eastern Region representative, and was the VATA Intercollegiate Sports Medicine Committee Co-Chair.
Campaign Message: I am excited to accept the nomination for the ATAF 2025 E-Board Regional Representative. I have previously served at the state level in Virginia and am looking forward to the possibility of getting involved now that I am in the state of Florida. I love to volunteer my time to serve for our professional organization so I can give back to the profession that means so much to me. I want to be a part of the group that can continue to work to advance the profession. I hope that this position can set me up to develop more relationships with athletic trainers in the state of Florida and continue to professionally network. I work hard with continuing education and enhancing my knowledge to be the best athletic trainer that I can be and want to be a part of a group that focuses on doing the same for the profession as a whole.
Nikki Harris, EdS, DAT, LAT, ATC, CSCS
Associate Professor & Director of
Student Recruitment
Department of Athletic Training
A.T. Still University
Nicolette “Nikki” Harris serves as an Associate Professor and the Director of Student Recruitment for the Department of Athletic Training Programs at A.T. Still University. As a 2017 alumna of the ATSU Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT) program, Dr. Harris brings a wealth of clinical experience to her department. Prior to arriving to ATSU in 2021, she spent 6 years as the Coordinator for Athletic Training Services for Florida International University (FIU) where she worked to mature the healthcare services provided to both FIU students and campus recreation participants. In addition, she served 3 years as the Head Athletic Trainer at Miami Booker T. Washington Senior High school providing care to secondary school athletes during their pursuit of 4 State Championship Titles.
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Nikki actively engages in professional service at all levels, currently sitting as the NATA Career Advancement Committee (CAC) Chair, Co-Chair for the Educators Subgroup of the NATA AT Compensation Taskforce, the BOC Liaison to the Athletic Training Research Agenda Committee (ATRAC), the Chair for the ATSU ASHS Diversity Enrichment in Education Committee as well as a member of the CAATE Education Committee. Dr. Harris values the effects of research on practice and education and has demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of the athletic training profession through her scholarly work. Working for ATSU remotely from Orlando, FL, she also regularly engages in the provision of athletic training services throughout Central Florida through her company Sprains and Strains Athletic Training.
Campaign Message: As a lifelong advocate for athletic training and an experienced leader, I have spent over a decade building relationships, developing future professionals, and improving care for diverse communities in the State of Florida. I've seen firsthand the impact athletic trainers in various settings have on the health and well-being of our patients.
I’m running for 2025 ATAF E-Board Regional Representative because I believe in the power of community and think that together, we can strengthen our association through member recruitment and retention. Thus, my primary goal will be fostering a network of engaged professionals who support one another. Also, I aim to help advance the role of athletic trainers, particularly in secondary schools, so that we can ensure that those on the front lines have the resources and recognition they deserve. Additionally, my work with students and early professionals has shown me the importance of leadership development. In this role, I hope to assist in the creation of clear paths for future leaders in our state so that we can ensure that our profession thrives. Lastly, I am deeply committed to patient-centered care, and as a researcher of health disparities, I will work to ensure ATAF provides the resources needed to ensure all communities have access to equitable, quality care.
I’m ready to leverage my experience and passion to build a future where every athletic trainer in Florida feels valued, supported, and empowered. Together, we can create a stronger, more unified athletic training profession.
South I Representative
Raphaella Albites, MHScAT, LAT, ATC
Program Manager
Joe Dimaggio U18 Sports Medicine
My name is Raphaella Albites, but most people know me as Raffie. I am currently the program manager for U18 Sports Medicine at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital (JDCH) in South Florida. In this role I am the bridge between the hospital system and our athletic trainers who serve over 40 high schools in Broward and Palm Beach Counties. I completed my bachelors in athletic training from the University of South Florida in 2015. Upon graduation I came back down to South Florida and worked in a PT clinic and at a high school while earning my Masters in Health Science from the University of St. Augustine. I was then blessed to spend 5 years as the head athletic trainer at a K-12 private school in Boca Raton, Fl which then lead me to my previous role as athletic training coordinator for JDCH and now to program manager. While administration is a large part of my current role I am an athletic trainer and I love being in the thick of it. With that, I continue to practice at least once a week whether that be providing care to a local dance studio, covering for staff on their time off, or working soccer or rugby tournaments.
Campaign Message: The most honest thing about me is that I like to get straight to the point, so, why vote for me? I truly love being an athletic trainer. I can’t imagine doing anything else. We are the only profession that has the opportunity to watch sports, performing arts and other professionals do what they love and aid them through their most difficult times. I hate to see so many athletic trainers leaving the field or feeling like they aren’t supported. In my current role as program manager I make a strong effort to ensure that every single athletic trainer working for JDCH knows they are appreciated, valued, and respected. I want to spread the advocacy and support to more athletic trainers, because all athletic trainers deserve that and more. I have the desire to continue to grow this profession, the professionals that are within the profession, and to keep athletic trainers in the profession. My advocacy and passion for athletic training has lead me here…ATAF. I want to advocate for every athletic trainer, be a piece of the puzzle for the growth of athletic training, and I can’t think of a better group of athletic trainers to start with than those I work with and see often in the South I Region!
Sherina Kishin Idnani MS, LAT, ATC
Chief Executive Officer I Facilement
I am honored to be nominated for the ATAF 2025 E-Board Regional Representative position. As a dedicated Athletic Trainer I strive to advance our profession through education, advocacy, and community engagement. I hold a license from the Florida Department of Health and am in good standing with both NATA and BOC. My commitment to excellence in athletic training and my passion for supporting our members make me a strong candidate for this role.
Throughout my career, I have been an athlete who has experienced injuries firsthand and been personally affected by the lack of access to and knowledge about athletic training services. My diverse academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from the University of Miami, where I also completed seven minors in Chemistry, French, Public Health, Psychology, Sports Medicine, Exercise Physiology, and Dance. During my BSHS studies, I participated in a transformative six-week international immersion in Italy, completing a full surgical rotation across multiple departments. This experience enriched my understanding of pharmacology and reinforced my commitment to healthcare.
Following my undergraduate education, I pursued a Master’s degree at the University of Miami, which further expanded my medical background and solidified my dedication to advancing health and athletic performance. With over 10 years of clinical experience, my diverse academic and practical background has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of what is needed to bring attention to the athletic training field and make it better and more impactful.
I have been actively involved in organizations such as NATA, ACSM, ATAF, and SEATA. My expertise in manual therapy, osteopathic medicine, non-pharmacological interventions, and groundbreaking discoveries in weight loss, rehab, recovery, sports performance, nutrition, strength and conditioning, and personal training has prepared me to represent our region effectively. Additionally, my experience in business development and publishing research with ACSM underscores my commitment to advancing our field. I am dedicated to fostering collaboration, addressing member concerns, and contributing to the growth of our profession.
Campaign Message:
"Together, we can shape the future of athletic training in our region. As your Regional Representative, I will work tirelessly to ensure that our voices are heard, our needs are met, and our profession is advanced. Let’s drive positive change and support each other every step of the way. Vote for leadership that listens, represents, and delivers."
West Coast Representative
Steve Walz, DAT, MA, ATC, LAT
Associate Director of Athletics-Director of Athletic Medicine
University of South Florida Athletics
Steve Walz has been with the University of South Florida for 28 years, serving 24 of those as the Director of Sports Medicine for the USF Athletic Department and was the first ever Head Football Athletic Trainer when the program started in 1996. He oversees the healthcare of student-athletes, managing a team of athletic trainers, mental health professionals, and dietitians.
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Steve earned his Master’s Degree at USF in 1992 and his Doctorate in Athletic Training from Florida International University in 2022. He has held leadership roles in numerous sports medicine organizations and has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Athletic Trainer of the Year for Florida, the USF Outstanding Employee award, and was inducted into the ATAF Hall of Fame in 2022.
Steve resides in Tampa with his wife Shelley. Shelley and Steve have one son, Henry, who also resides in Tampa.
Campaign Message: As a 30-year professional in Athletic Training, I have come full circle in many aspects of my career. One area I truly enjoyed was serving on the ATAF Executive Board as West Coast Representative from 2003-2006. As a younger Athletic Trainer, it allowed me to grow and connect with a more experienced generation of Athletic Trainers and helped my knowledge and advancement of my career. Now almost 20 years later and at a different point in my life and career, I would like to represent the West Coast AT’s again coming from a much more experienced perspective and can hopefully help as many of those that helped me back then. It is a critical juncture in our profession no matter what the setting. Our state is a leader in this country for our profession and I would like to be part of Florida helping set the tone on how our profession can grow nationally.
Victoria Holmes, MS, LAT, ATC
Head Athletic Trainer
Collier County Public Schools
Victoria Holmes is in her 8th year as an athletic trainer. She recently transitioned back to the secondary school setting after 5 years in the collegiate (NAIA) setting. She held a leadership role for several years as the Director of Sports Medicine and participated in advisory committees within the university and the conference. Before residing in her current home in Naples, Florida, she completed her undergraduate studies at the College of Charleston and a post-professional Masters of Athletic Training at Ohio University. She provided AT services to rural high schools in the Athens, Ohio area as a graduate assistant during her time at Ohio University.
Campaign Message: I am passionate about giving back to the profession that has brought me so much fulfillment in my career so far. I was taught by my mentors and have experienced firsthand the positive effect that state and district association engagement can have on the profession and the individual members. I am eager to help support ATs and encourage others to get involved and have their voices heard. Interacting with leadership at my first ATAF annual symposium years ago ignited the idea that I too could make an impact outside of my immediate circle. Through my experiences collaborating with fellow ATs throughout the state, my goal as West region representative is to be accessible to and representative of a broad network.
Tatyana Wimbley, M.S, LAT, ATC, GTS
Athletic Trainer- Disney On Ice
Feld Entertainment, Inc.
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Hi, I’m Tatyana Wimbley, and I bring 4 years of dynamic experience as an athletic trainer, currently with Disney on Ice’s D37 unit. My career spans a broad spectrum—from industrial and performing arts to collegiate, secondary school, professional, and clinical environments.
Campaign Message: Hello Everyone! I’m excited to infuse the board with my diverse expertise and enthusiasm. I am running for the ATAF board with a clear goal: to advocate for our profession and keep it thriving. I’m dedicated to driving progress and ensuring our field evolves effectively. With your support, we can advance our profession and address our region’s challenges. Vote for me, and let’s move our field forward together!
Lora Stelzer, MEd, LAT, ATC
Program Manager
WHS Human Factors & Ergonomics
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Lora graduated from California State University, Sacramento in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology. She later pursued her Master of Education degree in Athletic Administration. Lora has been a certified athletic trainer for over 20 years working in all levels of athletics with the greatest portion of her career in college athletics. Locally she held the role of Head Athletic Trainer at State College of Florida for 6 years prior to moving to California to take on the Director of Sports Medicine role at a NCAA Division I University. For the past 5 years, Lora has worked in the industrial setting, working on injury prevention measures at Amazon. Lora has spent time in multiple states over her career but Florida has been home for 10+ years.
Campaign Message: I have always been passionate about being involved in our profession and being a voice for what Athletic Trainers do. I served in state organizations in both Missouri and Florida. I valued my time working with College and University Athletic Trainers as a part of the College and University Athletic Training Committee. During that time, I devoted our committee work to ensuring communications were shared across divisional lines and reached out to all college and University Athletic Trainers regardless of membership to the organization. My vision during that time was to make our large group a more close-knit community not divided by conferences, divisions or roles. I would like to continue that pursuit with involvement in the West Coast region. There are so many great athletic trainers in our area that are not involved in organizational activities or may miss out on valuable communications due to lack of membership. I have a strong desire to represent the West Coast and be a voice for our members. I would like to extend that vision to reach out and involve those that may not be current members of our organization and improve the impact of our profession.