Faculty and Staff
Mary Westby, ED.D, LAT, ATC - Program Director
Education
- 2020: Ed.D. Higher Education Leadership - Bethel University
- 2016: Certificate Private Higher Education Leadership - University of Minnesota
- 2007: M.S.Ed. Athletic Training - Old Dominion University
- 2005: B.A. Exercise and Sports Science - Athletic Training - University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
Employment
- 2015-Present: Program Director - Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN
- 2009-2016: Clinical Education Coordinator- Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN
- 2008-2009: Assistant Athletic Trainer - Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN
- 2007-2008: Assistant Athletic Trainer - Upper Iowa University, Fayette, IA
Contact
mwestby@gustavus.edu
800 West College Ave
St. Peter, MN 56082
(507) 933-6462
Wade Green, DAT, LAT, ATC - Clinical Education Coordinator
Education
- 2018: Doctor of Athletic Training - AT Still University Arizona School of Health Sciences
- 2010: Master of Education in Counseling and Human Development - Hardin-Simmons University
- 2007: Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology/Athletic Training - Southwestern University
- 2004: Associate of Applied Science in Kinesiology - Howard College
Employment
- 2021-Present: Clinical Education Coordinator- Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN
- 2019-2021: Clinical Athletic Trainer and Navigator, - TRIA Orthopedic Center, Woodbury, MN
- 2017-2019: Athletic Healthcare Administrator, Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene, TX
- 2014-2019: Director of Athletic Training Services, Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene, TX
- 2010-2014 Assistant Athletic Trainer, Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene, TX
Contact
wgreen@gustavus.edu
800 West College Ave
St. Peter, MN 56082
(507) 933-7614
Troy Banse, M.A., LAT, ATC - Head Athletic Trainer
Education
- 2002: M.A. Physical Education/Sports Administration - Loras College
- 2000: B.S. Physical Education - University of Dubuque
Employment
- 2008-Present: Head Athletic Trainer, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN
- 2004-2008: Assistant Athletic Trainer, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN
- 2003-04: Orthopedic and Fracture Clinic, Mankato, MN
- 2001-03: Head Athletic Trainer - University of Dubuque, Dubuque, IA
Contact
tbanse@gustavus.edu
800 West College Ave
St. Peter, MN 56082
(507) 933-6463
Lexie Eggert, LAT, ATC - Assistant Athletic Trainer
Education
- 2018: B.S. Athletic Training - Xavier University (OH)
Employment
- 2019-Present: Assistant Athletic Trainer - Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN
- 2018-2019: Supplemental Athletic Trainer - Mayo Clinic Square, Minneapolis, MN
- 2018-2019: Casual Athletic Trainer - Twin Cities Orthopedics, Golden Valley, MN
Contact
eggertl@gustavus.edu
800 West College Ave
St. Peter, MN 56082
(507) 933-6146
Katie Fischbach, MS, LAT, ATC - Assistant Athletic Trainer
Education
- 2018: M.S. Organizational Leadership/Sports Leadership, Mercyhurst University
- 2016: B.S. Athletic Training, Winona State University
Employment
- 2020-Present: Assistant Athletic Trainer, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN
- 2018-2019: Assistant Athletic Trainer, Gannon University, Erie, PA
- 20016-2018: Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer, Mercyhurst University, Erie, PA
Contact
kfischbach@gustavus.edu
800 West College Ave
St. Peter, MN 56082
(507) 933-6284
Maggie Willis '18, M.S, LAT, ATC - Assistant Athletic Trainer
Education
- 2021: M.S Kinesiology, Humboldt State University, CA
- 2018: B.A Athletic Training, Gustavus Adolphus College, MN
Employment
- 2020-Present: Assistant Athletic Trainer, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN
- 2018-2020: Assistant Athletic Trainer, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA
Contact
mawillis@gustavus.edu
800 West College Ave
St. Peter, MN 56082
(507) 933-6465
Bailey Hofmeister, MS, LAT, ATC - Assistant Athletic Trainer
Education
- 2021: MS Athletic Training, Minnesota State University - Mankato
- 2019: BA Minnesota State University - Mankato
Employment
- 2021 to present: Assistant Athletic Trainer, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN
Contact
Dr. Robert Gazzola '83, M.D.
Medical Director and Preceptor
Dr. Gazzola practices family medicine at Mankato Clinic in St. Peter. A Gustavus alum and Mankato native, Dr. Gazzola received his medical degree from the University of Minnesota and completed an internship and residency at Appleton Family Practice Center (Appleton, WI). Dr. Gazzola serves as the Medical Director for the ATP and students observe and interact with Dr. Gazzola during patient care at Daniels Health Center.
Leah Rutz, MS, LAT, ATC
Preceptor
Leah Rutz is the athletic trainer for St. Peter High School during the 2021-2022 school year. Leah is a 2020 graduate of the University of Concordia - Chicago with a M.S. in Applied Exercise Science: Human Movement Science and a 2019 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a B.S. in Athletic Training.
This is Leah's third year as a Preceptor for the Athletic Training Program, her first as an employee of Mayo Clinic Health Systems. Students observe and interact with Leah and the high school athletes in the Saint Peter High School Athletic Training Facility as well as at athletic events.
Kim Penkert, LAT, ATC
Preceptor
Kimberly Penkert will be entering her 18th year as the athletic trainer for New Prague High School during the 2021-2022 school year. Kimberly is a 2004 graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato with a B.S. in Athletic Training and minors in Corporate and Community Fitness and Athletic Coaching.
Kimberly is an employee of Mayo Clinic Health System and is contracted out by New Prague High School for her athletic training services. She also provides athletic training coverage for Tri-City United High School.
Kimberly has been a preceptor in the ATP since 2013. Students observe and interact with Kimberly in the New Prague High School Athletic Training Room as well as at athletic events.
Ashley Qualley, ATC
Preceptor
Ashley is the athletic trainer for Shakopee High School and is employed through St. Francis Rehab and Sports Medicine. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Sport Science from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2018. Following graduation, Ashley stayed in Duluth to earn her Master of Science degree in Athletic Training in 2020 from the College of Saint Scholastica. Ashley enjoys working with the active population and athletes in the high school setting because she gets to work with athletes from all sports. She appreciates the unique roles athletic trainers play in their patients' lives including acting as first responders when an injury occurs, assisting them through the rehabilitation process, and celebrating with them as they return to their sport.
Specialty Certifications
- Graston Technique M1 certified
- Mental Health First Aid certified
- Member of NATA
Kristie Heger, LAT, ATC
Preceptor
Kristie Heger is the athletic trainer for the Jordan High School. Kristie is a 2007 graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato with a B.S. in Athletic Training.
Kristie is an employee of St Francis Rehab and Sports Medicine and is contracted out by Jordan High School for her athletic training services. St. Francis also provides athletic training services to Shakopee High School.
This will be Kristie’s first year as a preceptor for the Athletic Training Program. Students observe and interact with Kristie in the Jordan High School Athletic Training Room as well as at athletic events.
Joe Sawicki
Preceptor
Joe Sawicki has been the Director of Sports Medicine at Shattuck-St. Mary’s in Faribault, Minnesota since 2015. In this role, Joe oversees operation of Athletic Training and Sports Performance. In addition to providing Athletic Training services to the school’s 350 athletes, he also designs, implements, and leads strength & conditioning programs for all the athletic programs.
Prior to SSM, Joe was the Athletic Director and Director for Sports Performance at Bridgton Academy in North Bridgton, Maine for 15 years. He has also spent time at Vermont Academy and Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital.
Joe earned a BS in Sports Medicine from Merrimack College and a M.Ed. in Health Education from Worcester State University.
Joe is heavily involved with the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA). He is currently on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota state association and also served as the Chair of the Ice Hockey Special Interest Group. He has spoken at many NSCA state and national clinics.
Clark Shirley, MS, AT, ATC
Preceptor
Clark has served as the Head Athletic Trainer of Shattuck-St. Mary’s School since October 2020. He received his B.S. in Athletic Training from Boston University in 2012 and his M.S. in Athletic Training from A.T. Still University in 2016. Clark’s professional interests include treatment and management of upper extremity injuries and advocating for the athletic training profession.
Prior to his role at Shattuck-St. Mary’s, Clark worked with the Boston Red Sox minor league medical staff, Cirque du Soleil Performance Medicine, Hamline University, and orthopedic clinic settings. Clark lives in Faribault, MN, with his wife Melissa and enjoys travel, attending sporting events, and concerts.
Jeff Chrest, LACT, ATC
Preceptor
Jeff Chrest, LAT, ATC received his Bachelors of Arts in Athletic Training from Gustavus Adolphus College in 2009. He spent 2 years at North Dakota State University as an Athletic Trainer with their baseball and football teams. Jeff enjoys working with athletes of various ages, sports and level of competition. His passion is helping return his patients to their pain-free activity, using patient specific exercises and manual therapy skills. He has a personal interest in helping overhead athletes and lower extremity related injuries, specifically throwing-based injuries and ACL injuries. Outside of work, Jeff enjoys playing baseball, fishing, hunting and spending time outdoors with his wife, son and their 2 dogs.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Athletic Training, Gustavus Adolphus College (2009)
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Exercise Physiology, Gustavus Adolphus College (2009)
Professional Certifications
- Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) by Board of Certification (BOC)
Professional Affiliations
- National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA)
- Minnesota Athletic Trainers Association (MATA)
Lisa Schniepp, MA, LAT, ATC, FMS, SFMA
Preceptor
Gustavus Team Physician
Gary B. Fetzer, M.D. - Physician and Orthopedic Surgeon
Gustavus Team Physician and Preceptor
- Specializing in sports medicine
- Medical Degree - University of Iowa
- Residency - Washington University at St. Louis/Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri
- Sports Medicine Fellowship - TRIA Orthopaedic Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- www.tria.com