Real Talk for Sports Parents w/ Samantha Livingstone

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast

Hosted by Samantha Livingstone

Ep. 16 - Olympic Gold Medalist Anita Nall Richesson - The New Gold Standard: Holistic Athletic Development

In this episode of the Real Talk for Sports Parents podcast, host Samantha Livingstone welcomes guest Anita Nall Richesson, an Olympian and holistic wellness coach. Anita shares her journey from an Olympic swimmer to a nutrition and wellness expert, discussing the importance of holistic approaches in nurturing young athletes. They discuss vital parenting aspects, including fostering intuition, emotional health, and the impact of diet on overall well-being. Anita also critiques outdated coaching methods and emphasizes the necessity for developmental processes and genuine connections between coaches and athletes. This conversation offers profound insights for parents, coaches, and athletes aiming to elevate sports experiences and personal growth.

· 03:25 Anita's Early Life and Swimming Journey

· 09:31 The Olympic Experience and Challenges

· 24:17 Post-Olympic Struggles and New Beginnings

· 31:40 Parenting and Coaching Philosophy

· 44:28 The Impact of Coaching Styles on Athletes

· 54:37 Navigating Late Entry into Sports

· 57:40 The Role of Intuition and Flow

· 01:00:16 Functional Nutrition and DNA Testing

· 01:06:51 Empowering Parents and Coaches

Quotes

• "I was from the generation where parents went to work all day and you just like dealt with it and fed yourself and did the whole thing. So they would go to work all day and really the only thing that was close to us to be able to walk to was the pool."[06:18]

• " Look your kids in the eye. Get to know them. Yeah. Find out who they're guys. If you don't have an interest in that, I'm sorry. You should not be coaching." [48:54]

• "I have found so many kids that, because they started soccer at five and they got good at it, they stay in it, but they hate it. They really don't even like it, but no one's ever asked them, Hey, do you wanna keep doing this? [53:35]

Social Media and Links

· RTSP Instagram

· samanthalivingstone

· Instagram @5d_athlete

· 5dathlete.com

Bio:

Anita swept the cycle (gold, silver, and bronze) at the 1992 Olympics, is an Elite member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, and spent three NFL seasons as a Nutrition Consultant & Wellness Coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Challenged by a series of "mystery illnesses" following the 1992 Olympics, Anita rediscovered her health through food. After working with top-tier high-performers like athletes and corporate executives for the last 20+ years, Anita founded Champion Power Programs & 5D Athlete, where she teaches and coaches other high-performers on how to reach and stay at the top of their game using her signature Power Plate Formula and other wellness strategies for sustained health and success.

• 40+ years of experience in sports
• Certified Holistic Nutrition Specialist
• Certified Life Coach
• Certified Essential Oil Coach
• Corporate Speaker
• Corporate Wellness Program Creator
• Nutrition & Wellness Coach to Olympians, UFC Fighters, NFL Players, Grammy-Award Winning Musicians, Fit from Foodies, and Developing Athletes

Empowering Youth Athletes: Beyond the Physical with Anita Nall

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast

Hosted by Samantha Livingstone

Ep. 15 - Brian Petrone, PA - Injury, Identity, and Recovery:

Insights from Sports Medicine

In this episode of the Real Talk for Sports Parents podcast, Samantha Livingstone hosts Brian Petrone, a seasoned sports medicine clinician and parent. Brian shares his extensive experience in sports medicine, both as a physician's assistant with Boston Orthopedics and Wellness and as a parent of three daughters who are competitive athletes. The conversation dives into the impact of sports injuries, especially in youth athletes, and discusses preventive measures, the importance of recovery, and mental health aspects. Brian also introduces his new venture focusing on regenerative medicine and recovery techniques. This episode is a valuable resource for parents looking to support their young athletes through the physical and emotional challenges of sports injuries.

· 04:06 Brian's Journey in Sports Medicine

· 06:16 The Role of Sports Medicine in Youth Sports

· 10:58 Challenges and Changes in Youth Sports

· 17:57 Injury Prevention and Recovery

· 39:59 Understanding Parents' Perspectives

· 40:47 Communicating with Parents and Athletes

· 43:18 Mental and Physical Challenges in Recovery

· 51:06 The Role of Regenerative Medicine

· 01:00:36 Balancing Sports and Recovery

· 01:06:51 Advice for Parents and Athletes

Quotes

• " Well, I can't tell you a hundred percent that the kid's not gonna get an injury. You know, it comes down to genetics. It comes down to body habitus. It comes down to the amount they're playing, what they're doing, um, what their strength and condition is." [25:08]

• " Kids always come in. They wanna know two questions from me. Mm-hmm. When can I have surgery and when can I play again? That's it. That's all they wanna know. Everything in between is Yeah. Irrelevant. [42:28]

• " So I'll give, I'll give you a quick example of, of stem cells. So at the age of 10, you have 4 million stem cells in your body. At the age of 30, you have 32,000 stem cells in your body. At the age of 50, you have 3,200 stem cells in your body." [58:12]

Social Media and Links

· RTSP Instagram

· samanthalivingstone

· bostonsportsmedicine.com

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast

Hosted by Samantha Livingstone

Ep. 14 - Tony Hajjar - How to Support Your Child in Sports

Without Adding Pressure

In this episode, host Samantha Livingstone sits down with Tony Hajjar, a coach, entrepreneur, and performance expert. Tony shares his journey from growing up in a coach's household to becoming a co-founder of Drive Custom Fitness and Hajjar Volleyball and Performance Center. He discusses his coaching philosophy of 'kids first, wins second,' emphasizing emotional intelligence, personal growth, and community building over perfection. The conversation delves into Tony's personal experiences as a sports dad, the importance of allowing children to play multiple sports, and providing a supportive environment for young athletes. Tony also shares insights on maintaining balance as a parent-coach and ensuring that the love for the game remains intact for children. The episode is filled with practical advice on how sports parents can foster a positive and empowering atmosphere for their young athletes.

· 01:28 Tony's Coaching Philosophy and Background

· 04:53 The Impact of Tony's Father on His Coaching

· 08:57 Tony's Journey Through Coaching and Personal Growth

· 27:05 Transition to Drive Custom Fitness and Community Building

· 32:25 Founding Elite Seacoast Volleyball Academy

· 37:26 Parental Pressure and Its Impact on Kids

· 40:28 Onboarding Coaches with the Right Philosophy

· 45:59 The Importance of Letting Kids Lead

· 52:12 The Role of Parents in Athletic Development

Quotes

• "I was born in really a, a coach's household. My dad, my dad came here and the early seventies from the Ivory Coast of Africa, um, as a soccer player in a volleyball player. And that journey really started. You know, his transition to America." [03:27]

• "I had a two year run where, yeah, I think I won a total of eight games. It was the worst two seasons of, of my life, but it brought so much light to how athletes are created." [16:25]

• "If we could project what everyone's outcome would be, everyone would be millionaires because we'd be at Vegas betting on everything." [58:21]

Social Media and Links

· RTSP Instagram

· samanthalivingstone

· drivecustomfit.com

· Instagram: @tonyhajjarfit

· Elitez Volleyball Academy

Tony's Bio:

As a Fitness Expert and Master Instructor, Tony Hajjar delivers a passionate level of energy and inspiration that is unrivaled. Driven to inspire, Tony delivers an unparalleled experience and motivates clients- of all fitness levels and ages- to push beyond perceived limitations and achieve their personal best.

Hajjar's philosophy is to connect with clients and create an atmosphere where finding the true you is allowed, a customized approach to well-being. This allows members of all ages, fitness levels, and personal goals to push beyond their limits and see that real results have been met.

Hajjar has trained professional boxers, professional volleyball players, snowboarders, and other high-level athletes, as well as numerous beginners to the world of exercise. His clients also include people with arthritis, rehabilitation patients, and people recovering from major surgeries such as liver transplants.

Tony's certifications:

· AFFA & NASM Certified Personal Trainer

· Baptiste Power Yoga 200 RYT

· Yoga Fit Training Systems Worldwide Inc

· ASFA Sports Nutritionist

· NESTA Sports Agility and Quickness

· Bommarito University Level I

· TRX Suspension Trainer

· Safe Sport

· IMPACT

· Certified Life coach

· Certified Nutrition Specialist NASM

· Certified Nutrition Specialist ACE

· CPR & AED Certified

· Certified Coach through National Collegiate Athletic Association and Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast

Hosted by Samantha Livingstone

Ep. 13 - Mike Murray - The Power of Connection

In this episode host Samantha Livingstone dives into the complexities of parenting in the world of sports, from youth to professional levels. The guest, Mike Murray, head coach and assistant athletic director at Albany Academy, shares his diverse experiences from being a swim coach, business owner, and sport parent. Their discussion explores the importance of centering human connections in athletics, reflecting on the pressures and ambitions that come with coaching and parenting. Strategies for managing athlete stress, maintaining family values, and the evolving dynamics of college sports recruitment are also discussed. Murray emphasizes the significance of fun and connection in sports and the importance of personal reflection and prioritizing family well-being.

· 02:03 Mike's Coaching Philosophy and Career Evolution

· 03:55 Balancing Roles: Coach, Parent, and Administrator

· 07:17 The Importance of Connection and Humanizing Sports

· 09:01 Challenges and Reflections in Youth Sports

· 13:58 The Impact of Over commitment on Coaches and Families

· 20:51 Creating Balance and Prioritizing Well-being

· 31:38 Building Relationships and Learning from Mistakes

· 37:31 Supporting Different Interests and Personalities

· 43:07 Reflecting on Coaching and Parenting Mistakes

· 53:07 Finding Joy in Sports Again

Quotes

• " Whether it's swimming or whether it's pickleball. We're, doing it for fun. For socialization, for creating platforms for our kids to explore discipline and commitment and enjoyment and lifelong health and fitness." [12:32]

• "I've always thought that it, it's the greatest honor in the world to have the ability to work with a team, to coach athletes, and to make a difference." [13:58]

• " The reason that you play lacrosse, that you play football, that you play softball, that you play squash or swimming or whatever it is, is because when you were little, it was really, really fun." [53:14]

Social Media and Links

· RTSP Instagram

· samanthalivingstone

· Instagram: @coachmurray3m

· Mike Murray's Website

· Albany Academy Athletics

Bio:

Mike Murray is dedicated to shaping the next generation of coaches & athletes by instilling values of balance, purpose, and success. With years of experience in coaching, he is committed to empowering coaches, athletes, and parents to reach their full potential.

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast

Hosted by Samantha Livingstone

Ep. 12 - World Champion Cara Stawicki - The Power of Expanders + Creating Space for Dreams

In this episode, Samantha Livingstone interviews world champion athlete and performance coach Cara Stawicki. Cara shares her journey from suburban New Jersey to becoming a world champion rower and mental performance coach. They discuss the importance of self-trust, the impact of cultural upbringing on sports, and the value of pursuing dreams despite the odds. Cara also talks about her transition to coastal rowing, the ethos of teamwork in rowing, and her new role as a boat handler. The conversation touches on the necessity of individualized support for young athletes, the role of parents in nurturing athletic dreams, and the common debate between single-sport specialization and multi-sport participation. Cara offers insights into balancing realistic expectations with fostering hope and ambition in young athletes.

· 02:41 Cara's Cultural Upbringing and Family Influence

· 04:13 The Role of Sports in Cara's Life

· 08:23 Transition from Swimming to Rowing

· 12:02 College Rowing Experience

· 28:33 Pursuing the National Team Dream

· 33:00 Balancing Goals and Flexibility

· 38:28 Navigating Parental Permissions and Disappointments

· 40:29 The Journey to Becoming a World Champion

· 41:06 Reflecting on the Emotional Impact of Achievements

· 44:05 The Importance of Vulnerability and Risk in Sports

· 51:28 Transitioning from Athlete to Mentor

· 54:08 Exploring Coastal Rowing and New Ventures

· 58:34 The Role of Mentorship and Coaching

Quotes

• "It was kind of just like woven into, you know, into my family. And it wasn't something that was. You know, preached or put upon us. It was, it was just there, it was just a parent and kind of like what was modeled for me." [03:47]

• "My dream was it was never about the gold medal that always felt like it was gonna be the cherry on top. I, there was something in me from when I was a child that I wanted to stand with the American flag and hear, hear the national anthem." [42:27]

• " I also feel very strongly that like we gain strength in sharing our experiences, right? And learning from each other." [01:00:00

Social Media and Links

· RTSP Instagram

· samanthalivingstone

· Performance Coaching with Cara

· Athlete Mentoring Program

· Instagram: @carastawicki

· LinkedIn: Cara Stawicki

Cara's Bio:

Cara Stawicki is a World Champion, High-Performance and Leadership Coach, and visionary dedicated to helping you unlock the freedom to dream big and perform.

When I read back the account of my podium moment in 2019, I am filled with deep gratitude. I remember my teammate trying to embrace me in the boat at the finish line and how my eyes instantaneously searched for my husband and parents in the grandstands. I remember how the entire experience was a fusion of intensity and overwhelm and joy.

When I look back at photos… on the blocks at swim meets in high school or in the boat as part of Lehigh University's Club Crew Team… I see a girl then young woman full of hope and desire. I am reminded of the joy and commitment that goes into being part of a team and am taken to a place a pure longing… longing to be a part of something bigger than my singular dream, and longing to "reach my potential" and become the world class competitor that I craved to become inside.

An important throughline of my athlete story involves a struggle with confidence and sense of belonging. I knew that I "had what it takes," yet fell short, again and again. After years of disciplined striving, I started working with my own high-performance coach who helped me home my ability to focus, trust in myself and let my skills shine. The best part of all those years striving? To taking the long, long, long road to reaching my number one rowing goal? They've enabled me to sit here today full of empathy, understanding and wholehearted belief in you…

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast

Hosted by Samantha Livingstone

Ep. 11 - From Blue-Collar Roots to Buckeye Leadership: Bill Dorenkott on Resilience, Family, and the Power of Sport

In this episode, Samantha sits down with Bill Dorenkott, the Director of Swimming and Diving at Ohio State University, to discuss the complexities of parenting athletes within the world of sports. Bill shares his extensive coaching experience, his personal athletic journey, and insights from being both a coach and a sports parent. The conversation delves into the importance of balancing process over outcomes, understanding developmental stages of young athletes, and maintaining open communication between parents, coaches, and athletes. The episode concludes with advice for parents on navigating the secret 'menu' of sports and giving themselves grace and space in their parenting journey.

· 02:07 Personal Connection and Reconnecting with Bill

· 05:03 Bill's Background and Upbringing

· 07:30 Discovering Swimming and Athletic Journey

· 15:49 Transition to Coaching and Early Career

· 22:44 Balancing Coaching and Family Life

· 30:52 Learning from Michael Dravet

· 32:10 Parenting and Coaching Insights

· 33:18 Navigating Learning Disabilities

· 35:34 Parenting Differences: Boys vs. Girls

· 37:24 Parental Role in College Athletics

· 40:02 Developing Independence in Kids

· 44:35 The Secret Menu of Sports Parenting

· 53:35 The Journey is the Reward

Quotes

• " And so I went down and met with him and he said, look, he goes, you'll probably never graduate from college and you'll probably never swim for us. But I'll, I'll give you a shot. And he didn't know it at the time. That was the greatest thing anybody could ever say,.." [12:49]

• " First week that I started coaching, I knew I'd do that the rest of my life.." [17:21

• " Improvement happens at the edge of your ability. Mm-hmm. And, and that feeling at the edge of your ability is productive discomfort." [53:55]

Social Media and Links

· RTSP Instagram

· samanthalivingstone

· Ohio State Buckeyes Women's Swimming & Diving

· Dr. Michael Gervais website: findingmastery.com

Bill Dorenkott's Bio:

Bill Dorenkott, who has 35 years of experience coaching at the collegiate level, enters his 18th overall season at Ohio State in 2025-26; he enters his ninth season as the Director of Swimming & Diving after spending nine seasons working with the women's team exclusively. His programs are among the best, if not the best, in the Big Ten Conference. Consider:

Dorenkott has also guided the women's team to 10 Top 20 finishes at the NCAA championships, including a program-best sixth in 2023, and he has coached the men's program to a Top 10 finish four times.

Dorenkott has guided eight teams to Big Ten championships, including the Penn State women three times – in 2002, 2005 and 2006 – in addition to the Ohio State women in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2025. Dorenkott has coached 87 individual Big Ten Conference champions, including 47 Buckeye champions, in addition to 30 relay championship teams. He has coached 449 total NCAA qualifiers. Dorenkott took over as the head coach of Ohio State's women's swimming program in 2008, and in March 2017 he was announced as the director of swimming and diving for OSU's new combined men's and women's program.

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast

Hosted by Samantha Livingstone

Ep. 10 - Jen Woodruff - The Power of Mentorship

In this episode of the Real Talk for Sports Parents podcast, host Samantha Livingstone brings in Jen Woodruff, her former University of Michigan swim teammate, to discuss the intricate dynamics of parenting in the world of sports.

Jen shares her journey from being a Michigan swimmer coping with significant life events, to becoming a collegiate coach, and now a sports parent and spouse of a coach. They discuss the importance of mentorship from figures like Greg Harden, the pressures of early specialization in sports, the necessity of balancing family time, and the challenges of ensuring that sports remain enjoyable and not solely results-driven. Jen emphasizes the significance of connection, allowing children to fail safely, and maintaining joy in athletic pursuits. This episode offers valuable insights for parents navigating their children's sports journeys.

· 03:50 Jen's Early Life and Athletic Journey

· 10:50 College Challenges and Mentorship

· 13:22 The Impact of Greg Harden

· 20:21 Transition to Coaching and Family Life

· 27:08 Balancing Sports and Parenting

· 34:19 Navigating Youth Sports Pressure

· 35:34 Parental Perspectives on Youth Sports

· 36:55 Balancing Performance and Enjoyment

· 40:07 The Role of Coaches and Free Play

· 42:07 Managing Expectations and Long-Term Goals

· 46:00 The Importance of Failure and Resilience

· 01:00:25 Practical Tips for Parents

Quotes

• "We get to teach our kids that it's not about being perfect—it's about staying connected." [06:01]

• "A mentor holds a mirror and reflects back what we sometimes can't see in ourselves." [13:42] • "There is profound power in simply showing up again and again." [38:17]

Social Media and Links

· RTSP Instagram

· samanthalivingstone

· "Staying Sane in an Insane World" by Greg Harden

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast

Hosted by Samantha Livingstone

Ep. 9 - Dr. Korrie Allen - Purpose-Driven Parenting in Sports

In this episode, Samantha welcomes Dr. Korrie Allen, a licensed clinical psychologist with over two decades of experience supporting children and families. Together, they unpack the emotional and psychological complexities of parenting young athletes—especially in high-pressure sport environments. Dr. Allen shares practical frameworks for behavior, boundaries, emotional regulation, and how to root your parenting in long-term purpose rather than short-term wins.

• 01:35 - Meet Dr. Allen and her path to sport parenting expertise • 05:45 - Helping kids find their identity outside of achievement • 09:52 - Why sport parents need emotional regulation tools too • 13:11 - Shaping behavior through connection instead of control • 16:44 - "Not every meltdown is manipulation" - understanding dysregulation • 21:08 - Why your reaction matters more than you think • 24:57 - How parents can help prevent burnout and identity foreclosure • 29:16 - The difference between teaching skills vs. controlling outcomes • 33:03 - What sport actually teaches us (if we let it) • 36:48 - Dr. Allen's advice for navigating tough sport parenting moments

Quotes

"You can do it and it's gonna be hard, but that's okay. And here's your plan for that."[14:26] My ultimate goal as a parent is to raise a healthy, balanced adult, not just a great athlete. [25:01] "I just try to be really intentional about helping the clients that I work with to see discomfort as part of a growth, not as a sign of something's wrong."[35:01]

Social Media and Links

· RTSP Instagram

· samanthalivingstone

Connect with Dr. Korrie Allen:

· birchpsychology.com

· Instagram @birchpsy

Dr. Korrie Allen is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with children and families. Her areas of expertise include autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, memory and learning, school readiness and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Dr. Allen received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame and her doctoral degree in Psychology from St. John's University.

She directed the Educational Services Clinic at University of Denver and was an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Eastern Virginia Medical School and on the professional staff at the Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters prior to joining Birch Psychology.

Dr. Allen has successfully completed several research projects funded by agencies such as the Commonwealth Health Research Board, U.S. Department of Education, Governor's Office of Substance Abuse Prevention and the Society for School Psychology Research. She is extensively involved in applied research that focuses on children with severe behavior problems. Her recent studies evaluated the impact of parent-child interaction training to address aggressive and oppositional behaviors among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has presented at national conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Allen is co-editing the book Cognitive Behavior Therapy in the School Setting.

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast

Hosted by Samantha Livingstone

Ep. 8 - Peter Verhoef - Power of Honoring the Whole Athlete, Human First

Summary

In this conversation, Head Swim Coach and Aquatics Director of the Bolles School, Peter Verhoef, shares his journey from a young swimmer to a coach, reflecting on the profound impact of his upbringing, family values, and the importance of community in sports. He discusses the lessons learned from his parents, the significance of perseverance, and the role of coaches in shaping athletes. Peter emphasizes the need for intrinsic motivation in sports and offers valuable insights for parents navigating their children's athletic journeys, highlighting the balance between support and expectations. In this conversation, Peter Verhoef and Samantha Livingstone discuss the complexities of youth sports commitments, the balance between family values and sports, and the role of parents in supporting their children's athletic journeys. They reflect on their own experiences in competitive swimming, particularly the pressures and expectations surrounding performance, and emphasize the importance of fostering a healthy relationship with sports for young athletes.

0:00 Introduction and Gratitude

02:02 Family Influence and Values

06:05 Lessons from Competition and Performance 12:01 Early Swimming Journey and Discovering Passion 17:49 The Role of Community in Sports 20:52 Transitioning to College Swimming and Recruitment 25:00 Navigating College Recruitment in Swimming 27:23 The Pressure of Performance and Parental Expectations 29:43 Understanding the Role of Data in Sports 32:24 Defining Success Beyond Sports 35:36 The Importance of Intrinsic Motivation 39:33 Balancing Multiple Sports and Commitments 42:08 Family Values and Decision-Making in Sports 45:31 Reflections on College Swimming Experience 52:48 Finding Fulfillment in Sports 55:51 The Role of Leadership in Coaching 59:42 Navigating Competition and Expectations 01:03:43 The Parent-Coach-Athlete Triangle 01:09:49 Supporting Young Athletes' Goals

Quotes

"If you're not addressing the human element, the emotional experience of your athletes, you're missing the whole point." [04:58]

"You can't just drive people and drive people and expect them to be okay." [09:12]

"We can talk about mental performance, but if we're not creating emotional safety first, it's a lost cause." [13:20]

Social Media and Links

· RTSP Instagram

· samanthalivingstone

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast

Hosted by Samantha Livingstone

Episode 7: Dr. Laura DeBruin - For the Love of Sport

In this episode, Samantha sits down with Dr. Laura DeBruin DPT, FAAOMPT, OCS; to explore the mental and emotional challenges athletes face during transitions. From injuries and performance slumps to sport retirement and identity loss, Laura shares how parents and coaches can support young athletes with empathy, language, and mental skills that build long-term resilience. This is a powerful conversation for anyone who wants to support the human behind the athlete.

• 01:00 Introducing Laura DeBruin and The Mindful Athlete • 04:20 Performance is not identity: helping athletes separate self-worth from results • 08:30 How transitions like injury or retirement affect mental and physical health • 12:00 What it means to normalize emotional waves • 16:00 Practical tools for rebuilding confidence after injury • 20:45 What role should parents play in helping athletes developing important skills • 25:30 When athletes feel lost: helping them connect to themselves with what they can do • 29:45 What to say (and not say) on the car ride home • 33:00 A parent's language shapes an athlete's mindset • 36:45 Laura's message to sport parents: you're writing more than just the athletic chapter

Quotes

• "Who you are is not what you do. That separation is a foundational step in navigating transitions well." [08:32] • "When an athlete is injured, it can be like an earthquake to their sense of self." [12:44] • "Instead of saying 'Don't be nervous,' try 'Of course you feel that way—it means you care.'" [24:07]

Social Media and Links

· RTSP Instagram

· samanthalivingstone

· www.debruinpt.com

Dr. Laura DeBruin's Bio:

Dr. Laura DeBruin is a Westfield, Massachusetts native. She grew up playing a variety of sports which led her to play four years of Division I soccer and lacrosse at the University of Rhode Island where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, specializing in fitness and wellness in 2001. In 2004, Dr. DeBruin obtained her Master's Degree from Springfield College in Physical Therapy. While attending Springfield College, she played two years for the New England Mutiny Semi-Professional Soccer Team. Dr. DeBruin began her professional career at Concentra Physical Therapy working in orthopedics.

Dr. DeBruin continued on the education tract and pursued her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Temple University in 2008. Her passion for orthopedic manual physical therapy was heightened following completion of her Residency and Fellowship Training through the Manual Therapy Institute. Dr. DeBruin achieved Fellowship status in the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (AAOMPT). Fellows of the AAOMPT provide the highest level of musculoskeletal care through advanced manual therapy practice. Most recently she has been named a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists. Dr. DeBruin also is involved in teaching at Connecticut Physical Therapy Specialists (Granby, CT), and the University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT), Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program. She has been invited as a guest lecturer at UCONN since 2012 to provide her expertise on the Sacroiliac Joint in relation to evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment procedures.

Dr. DeBruin is married, has a son, daughter, and a Labrador retriever whose presence is frequently requested by patients during therapy sessions. While her two teenagers keep her busy as a hockey mom, Dr. DeBruin still finds time to give back to the community as a volunteer soccer coach. Of note, Dr. DeBruin has over 30 years of soccer coaching experience and obtained the content for her Class D license in 2001. Dr. DeBruin treats many young and elite athletes due to her vast multi-sport experience. Her knowledge as a 20 year Physical Therapy veteran also attracts adults and seniors who appreciate the individual treatment sessions. Dr. DeBruin has a phenomenal group of colleagues that she collaborates with to ensure the best patient outcomes in various aspects of life.