{"id":42796,"date":"2022-01-11T18:04:30","date_gmt":"2022-01-12T01:04:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/new-athletic-trainers-join-southwest-health-system-staff\/"},"modified":"2026-03-31T03:09:38","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T09:09:38","slug":"new-athletic-trainers-join-southwest-health-system-staff","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/new-athletic-trainers-join-southwest-health-system-staff\/","title":{"rendered":"New athletic trainers join Southwest Health System staff"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
The Southwest Memorial Hospital Rehabilitation Department gained three new athletic trainers last week.<\/p>\n
Their work concentrates on the prevention of student-athlete injuries, rehabilitation for injuries, emergency medical care and first aid.<\/p>\n
\u201cAthletic trainers have been an integral part of our Rehabilitation Department over the past 18 months. We are lucky to have skilled and motivated clinicians to work with our youth. Not only to treat injuries after they occur and get them back on the field but to prevent injuries before they happen\u2026 We are fortunate in a small community to offer this service to our schools,\u201d rehabilitation director Brenton Wright said in a news release.<\/p>\n
In the news release, each of the new athletic trainers discussed their practice and what they love about Cortez.<\/p>\n
Mitch Taffe<\/div>\n
Mitch Taffe, one of the new athletic directors at the Southwest Memorial Hospital Rehabilitation Department.<\/span>Courtesy Southwest Health System<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>
Now working at Montezuma-Cortez High School, Taffe received his master\u2019s degree in athletic training from Daemen College in Amherst, New York, and his bachelor\u2019s in exercise science from University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.<\/p>\n
\u201cI enjoy the daily ebbs and flows of the job and solving patients\u2019 problems,\u201d he said in the news release. \u201cI also like the daily challenges associated with training high-school athletes. Some days will seem calm but can quickly become overly eventful, and I remain ready to help in all situations.\u201d<\/p>\n
Taffe is inspired by the natural environments surrounding Cortez \u2014 canyons, desert, forest and high country, as well as the cozy feel of surrounding small towns.<\/p>\n
Kevin Lichner<\/div>\n
Kevin Lichner, one of the new athletic directors at the Southwest Memorial Hospital Rehabilitation Department.<\/span>Courtesy Southwest Health System<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>
Lichner works at the Dolores and Mancos Middle and High Schools.<\/p>\n
He attended University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, where he received a bachelor\u2019s degree in sport and exercise science.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe most fulfilling aspect of my job is educating, motivating, and working with student-athletes,\u201d he said in the news release. \u201cI also enjoy working in this profession because of the constant learning and advancements in this field of practice.\u201d<\/p>\n
The appeal of outdoor activities like rock climbing, hiking and mountain biking drew Lichner to Cortez, as well as the \u201csmall-community feel.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lianne Shroba<\/div>\n
Lianne Shroba, one of the new athletic directors at the Southwest Memorial Hospital Rehabilitation Department.<\/span>Courtesy Southwest Health System<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>
Shroba works at Dove Creek Middle and High school.<\/p>\n
She attended Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, where she received a master\u2019s degree in exercise science, as well as State University of New York College in Cortland, New York, where she earned a bachelor\u2019s degree in athletic training.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve always wanted to work in a dynamic health care setting, and sports medicine offers the opportunity for problem-solving, creating effective change, and developing meaningful relationships with student-athletes, coaches, parents, and others in the community,\u201d she said in the news release. \u201cMy goal is to provide student-athletes with the tools and treatments that allow them to perform to the best of their ability.\u201d<\/p>\n
Like the other athletic trainers, Shroba was attracted to the rich environment of Southwest Colorado, where\u2019s she able to hike in the mountains and visit nearby national parks. She\u2019s also enjoys \u201cthe diverse culture and strong community ties\u201d here.<\/p>\n
\u201cSHS athletic trainers offer high-quality rehabilitative care to patients of all ages,\u201d said Jeanette Filpi, Southwest Health System Interim CEO, in the news release. \u201cAs experts in rehabilitative techniques, they are committed to evaluating and treating issues associated with an array of injuries while also helping to educate patients on strengthening and injury prevention. We are so pleased to have them join our care team to serve our communities better.\u201d<\/p>\n