Faculty

Jennifer Ostrowski, PhD, LAT, ATC, Associate Professor & Doctor of Athletic Training Program Director

PhD, Michigan State University, Kinesiology & Health Promotion
MS, University of Kentucky, Athletic Training
BS, Salisbury University, Athletic Training

Office location: SMRC 235
Office phone: (610) 625.7203
Email: ostrowskij@moravian.edu

Jennifer Ostrowski is the Director of the Doctor of Athletic Training Program, and an Associate Professor at Moravian University. Dr. Ostrowski's research centers on the psychology of injury, and therapeutic modalities. She has authored a national textbook, titled Psychosocial Strategies for Athletic Training, and nearly 30 peer-reviewed publications, as well as presenting more than 50 platform presentations and 30 poster presentations at professional conferences. Dr. Ostrowski's research on therapeutic modalities has focused on superficial and deep heating modalities, including shortwave diathermy, therapeutic ultrasound, and the ThermoStim probe. She has also examined muscle cooling using salted and wetted ice bags, and comparing ice to cryo-compression modalities. Dr. Ostrowski has been awarded several National, State, and private grants totaling nearly $100,000 to fund her therapeutic modalities research. Her research on psychology of injury has focused on educational interventions and psychosocial technique usage. She has been an invited speaker at several conferences and served as a subject matter expert for the NATA's pilot Self-Assessment Module in mental health. Dr. Ostrowski serves on the NATA Post-Professional Education Committee, the EATA Research Committee, and the BOC Exam Development Committee. She is also a member of the Board of Directors for Haven House, an organization that provides mental health services to residents throughout the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ostrowski teaches Evidence-Based Therapeutic Modalities, Psychosocial Issues in Athletic Training, Answering Clinical Questions, and the two-part Quantitative Methods & Research Design and Practice-Based Evidence courses in the DAT curriculum.

Ellen K. Payne, PhD, LAT, ATC, CSCS, EMT, Associate Professor & Interim Director of Clinical Education

PhD, University of Nevada, Reno Educational Leadership
MA, San Jose State University, Kinesiology
BS, Duquesne University, Athletic Training

Office location: SMRC 213
Office phone: (610) 625.7211
Email: paynee@moravian.edu

Dr. Ellen K. Payne is an associate professor at Moravian University, teaching in the Doctor of Athletic Training Program, the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program, undergraduate Rehabilitation Sciences. Her previous experience includes teaching Athletic Training at Radford University and teaching and serving as the Clinical Education Coordinator at Marywood University. Prior to becoming an educator, Dr. Payne spent 6 years teaching high school and practicing as an athletic trainer in the San Francisco Bay Area. Clinically, she has worked with all levels of athletes from youth sports to professional soccer. In the winter of 2019, she traveled to Spain with the US Paralympic Alpine Ski Team to serve as their athletic trainer during World Cup racing. Dr. Payne is also an EMT with Bethlehem Township EMS and member of the National Ski Patrol. Ellen's research interests include pre-hospital emergency care, athletic training education, and simulation-based education. She has authored more than 50 articles and presentations. Currently, she serves as an assistant editor for the Athletic Training Education Journal and is the EATA secretary.

James Scifers, DScPT, PT, SCS, LAT, ATC Professor & Master of Science in Athletic Training Program Director; Chair, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences

DScPT, University of Maryland-Baltimore, Orthopedic Physical Therapy
MPT, Emory University, Physical Therapy
BS, East Stroudsburg University, Physical Education/Athletic Training

Office location: Monocacy Hall 103
Office phone: (610) 625.7210
Email: scifersj@moravian.edu

James (Jay) Scifers serves as Associate Provost and Dean for the new College of Health Sciences at Moravian University. Dr. Scifers’ research interests include the sacroiliac joint, manual therapy, and therapeutic modalities. He authored the textbook Special Tests for Neurologic Examination and contributed to Therapeutic Exercise: From Theory to Practice and Therapeutic Modalities in Rehabilitation. His scholarship has also included more than 40 published articles and more than 400 professional presentations in athletic training and physical therapy. Dr. Scifers was named the NATA Sayers "Bud" Miller Distinguished Educator in 2018, recognized as an NATA Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer in 2011, received the Athletic Training Educator of the Year from the North Carolina Athletic Trainers' Association in 2014 and was the recipient of the NATA 2017 Professional Development Excellence Award. He has also served as President of the North Carolina Athletic Trainers' Association and the Maryland Athletic Trainers' Association. Dr. Scifers teaches Evidence-Based Assessment & Intervention for the Spine and Clinical Imaging in Sports Medicine in the DAT curriculum.

David Wilkenfeld, EdD, LAT, ATC Assistant Professor

EdD, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Kinesiology 
MS, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Athletic Training
BS, University of California at Davis, Exercise Biology

Office location: SMRC 236
Office phone: (610) 625.7208
Email: wilkenfeldd@moravian.edu

Dr. Wilkenfeld serves as the Program Director for the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program at Moravian University. Prior to becoming an educator, he spent 7 years as an athletic trainer for performing artists in Winston-Salem, NC. Dr. Wilkenfeld’s research interests center around hearing health and injury prevention among sports medicine professionals and performing artists. Dr. Wilkenfeld has numerous professional presentations in athletic training and performing arts medicine at state, district, national, and international conferences, and in collaboration with Moravian University’s Computer Science program developed a 3D model of the inner ear as a teaching tool for students and patients. David’s academic interests include performing arts medicine, human anatomy, and evaluation and management of the shoulder, foot and ankle. Dr. Wilkenfeld teaches the Performing Arts Medicine and Advanced Anatomy courses in the DAT curriculum.

Adjunct Faculty

Kathy Dieringer, EdD, LAT, ATC (Emerging Practices)

EdD, University of North Texas, Curriculum & Instruction
MEd, Eastern Kentucky University, Health Education
BS, The University of Texas at Austin, Physical Education

Email: dieringerk@moravian.edu

Kathy Dieringer is an adjunct professor in the Doctor of Athletic Training Program. Dr. Dieringer is the current NATA President, and is also the President of D&D Sports Med, and co-owner of three outpatient rehabilitation clinics in the north Texas area, employing over 45 staff members including physical therapists, occupational therapists, athletic trainers, and strength & conditioning coaches.  She has worked in the collegiate, secondary school, and clinical settings during her career as an athletic trainer. Dr. Dieringer is a leader in emerging practices in athletic training, publishing on the athletic trainer in physician practice and business models of athletic training.  In addition to serving on various state, district and NATA committees, Kathy has served as Chair of the NATA Clinical and Emerging Practices Athletic Trainers' Committee, President of District VI, NATA District VI Director, and Secretary/Treasurer of the NATA.  She currently serves as the NATA representative on the CAATE Board of Directors.  Dr. Dieringer has been a recipient of the NATA Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award, The Gail Weldon Award of Excellence, and the NATA Service Award.  She has been inducted into both the District VI and NATA Hall of Fame.  Kathy was elected NATA President in 2020 and began her term in June 2021. Dr. Dieringer teaches the Emerging Practices course in the DAT Program.

Katie Walsh Flanagan, EdD, LAT, ATC (Leadership in Athletic Training)

EdD, University of Southern California, Educational Leadership
MS, Illinois State University, Athletic Training
BS, Oregon State University, Physical Education

Email: flanagank@moravian.edu

Katie Walsh Flanagan is an adjunct professor in the Doctor of Athletic Training Program.  In addition to teaching at Moravian University, Dr. Flanagan is the Director of Sports Medicine, and a professor in the Department of Health Education and Promotion, at East Carolina University (Greenville, NC). Her research is on safety policy and environmental conditions. In addition to writing three NATA Position Statements, she is a co-author of the textbook Medical Conditions in the Athlete, as well as author of Medical Terminology with Case Studies in Sports Medicine. Dr. Flanagan has been inducted into the North Carolina Athletic Trainers’ Association Hall of Fame and has twice been named College/University Athletic Trainer of the Year.  She has been awarded the NATA Service Award, and Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award.  Dr. Flanagan is currently the NATA District 3 Director and sits on the NATA Board of Directors.  Her Leadership in Athletic Training course will challenge students to discover and demonstrate their own leadership traits within health care administration, and will prepare them to exhibit leadership responsibilities related to athletic training services, and other healthcare professions.  Appropriate managerial skills and public relation strategies will be explored in the context of athletic training. 

Jolene Henning, EdD, LAT, ATC (The Athletic Trainer as an Educator)

EdD, Ball State University, Adult and Higher Education
MEd, The University of Virginia, Athletic Training
BA, Catawba College, Sports Medicine

Email: henningj@moravian.edu

Jolene Henning is an adjunct professor in the Doctor of Athletic Training Program.  Dr. Henning is also an Associate Professor and Director of the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program at High Point University (NC). Jolene’s research and professional involvement have centered on athletic training education.  She has served on the NATA Professional Education Committee, the NATA Executive Committee for Education, and as project team leader for the NATA Clinical Instructor Educator Seminar series.  Jolene is an Accreditation site visitor for the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), and played a key role in the development of the upcoming iteration of the educational competencies/curriculum standards. Dr. Henning’s research interests include evidence-based education practices in athletic training professional education programs, specifically focused on the development of standards for clinical preceptors, role strain in preceptors, and the effectiveness of peer learning.  She is also on the editorial board for the Journal of Athletic Training and the Athletic Training Education Journal.  Jolene was named 2007 Educator of the Year by the North Carolina Athletic Trainers’ Association, and was inducted into the inaugural Athletic Training Hall of Fame class at her alma mater, Catawba College.  Her Athletic Trainer as an Educator course will focus on the athletic trainer as an educator, both in the formal role (faculty member) and informal role (preceptor).  Students learn to recognize the unique educational contributions of both didactic and clinical settings, and will learn pedagogical strategies from multiple perspectives.

Michael Higgins, PhD, ATC, PT, CSCS (Evidence-Based Assessment and Intervention for the Lower Extremity)

PhD, University of Delaware
MEd, University of Virginia
BS, State University of New York at Buffalo
BA, William Penn University

Email: higginsm03@moravian.edu

Michael Higgins is an adjunct professor in the Doctor of Athletic Training Program.  Dr. Higgins is also the Director of the Professional Graduate Athletic Training Program at the University of Virginia.  Michael has over 30 years of experience as a certified athletic trainer, with expertise in manual therapy, as well as protective equipment and head impacts in lacrosse.  He has delivered presentations at local, state, regional and National conference on manual therapy for the extremities and spine, has numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals, and is the author of a textbook, Therapeutic Exercise from Theory to Clinical Practice. Dr. Higgins has been recipient of the NATA Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award, and the NATA Service Award for his contributions to the athletic training profession.  In his Evidence-Based Assessment and Intervention of the Lower Extremity course, the student/clinician will use evaluation techniques and principles to enhance decision-making and develop more clinically-focused treatment plans.  The summer institute will provide hands-on opportunities to practice evaluation and treatment techniques, including manual therapy techniques for the lower extremity. 

Ashley Long, PhD, LAT, ATC (Entrepreneurship in Sports Medicine)

PhD, University of Mississippi, Exercise Science
MS, Ohio University, Athletic Training
BS, Wingate University, Athletic Training

Email: longa02@moravian.edu

Ashley Long is an adjunct professor in the Doctor of Athletic Training Program. In addition to teaching at Moravian University, Dr. Long is the founder and owner of NeuroActive, LLC, a concussion assessment and education company assisting physicians in quantitative, multidimensional assessment of concussion. She also founded and serves as Coordinator of the Concussion Clinic at Mt. Olive Family Medicine Center (NC). In addition to research into cognitive function following cumulative, subconcussive blows in adolescents, she has a particular interest in rural health and availability of athletic training services as it relates to economic measures. Her current clinical practice is at a state-designated Rural Health Clinic, which is funded by a grant from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. Long was the recipient of the Carolina Panthers Charities grant for concussion baseline testing, and was the co-recipient (with Mt. Olive Family Medicine Center) of the North Carolina Medical Group Management Association’s Practice of the Year for bringing concussion education and care to rural patients. In 2023 she was awarded the North Carolina Athletic Trainers' Association's Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award. Her philosophy for the Entrepreneurship in Sports Medicine course is that every athletic trainer is in the business of athletic training, regardless of the practice setting. The course will challenge the student/clinician to rethink and modify their clinical practice and metrics, recognizing that the future of the athletic training profession depends on entrepreneurial thinking, value demonstration, and innovative thought about how athletic trainers provide services, and how patients consume our services.

Jill Manners, ScD, LAT, ATC, PT, COMT (Summer Institute - Manual Therapy)

ScD, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Orthopedic and Manual Physical Therapy  
MPT, Western Carolina University, Physical Therapy
MS, West Virginia University, Athletic Training
BS, Ithaca College, Athletic Training

Email: mannersj@moravian.edu

Jill Manners is an adjunct professor in the Doctor of Athletic Training Program.  In addition to teaching at Moravian University, Dr. Manners is the program director of the Athletic Training program at the University of Georgia. Jill is recognized as a national leader in manual therapy within the athletic training profession, as evidenced by her selection to assist in the development and teaching of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Specialty Certificate in Manual Therapy.  She is also a Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist through the International Academy of Orthopedic Medicine and is a licensed physical therapist. She was a 2014 recipient of the NATA’s Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award, and the 2013 winner of the NATA’s prestigious Gail Weldon Award of Excellence.  In 2019, Jill was elected to the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Trainers' Association Hall of Fame. Jill’s role in the Summer Institute is teaching advanced manual therapy techniques for the upper and lower extremity. 

Dani Moffit, PhD, LAT, ATC, FNAP (Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Accessibility in Athletic Training)

PhD, Temple University, Kinesiology
MPE-AA, Idaho State University, Athletic Administration
MA, Western Michigan University, Physical Education, Athletic Training Specialization
BS, Idaho State University, Health Education and Physical Education

Dani Moffit is an adjunct professor in the Doctor of Athletic Training Program. In addition to teaching at Moravian University, Dr. Moffit is the Program Director of the Master of Science in Athletic Training program at Idaho State University. She volunteers her time with the profession, including work with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education, the Board of Certification, and the Pocatello Free Clinic. She current serves as a member of the NATA DEIA Workgroup and has served previously on as Chairperson of the District 10 LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee, Chairperson of the District 10 Ethnic Diversity Advisory Committee, member of the Self- Assessment Module (SAM) Cultural Competence Project, member of NATA Cultural Competence Work Group, and member of the NATA AT Minority Student Work Group. Dani’s current research passions range from sexual harassment perceptions in athletic training to cultural education in health professions. Her DEIA course is designed to increase the awareness and appreciation of diversity within athletic training and health care. It will examine from perspectives of diverse races, ethnicities, social class, religions, sexual orientation, gender identity, ages, and abilities, through an interprofessional intersection of health care.

Forrest Pecha, MS, ATC, LAT, OTC, CSCS (Healthcare Policy)

MS, Illinois State University, Health, Physical Education & Recreation
BS, University of Wisconsin, Physical Education/Exercise Science

Email: pechaf@moravian.edu

Forrest Pecha is an adjunct professor in the Doctor of Athletic Training Program. Mr. Pecha is also the Director of Clinic and Outreach at Steamboat Orthopedic and Spine Institute in Steamboat Springs, CO. Forrest is recognized as a national leader in healthcare policy, and his administrative practice focuses on the role of policy, compliance, credentialing, and business development. The majority of his research and presentations since 2013 have been related to athletic trainers’ role and requirements within healthcare reform and the Affordable Care Act. Mr. Pecha was a 2012 recipient of the NATA Service Award and a 2009 recipient of the Southwest Athletic Trainers’ Association Clinic/Industrial/Corporate Athletic Training Award. Forrest’s Healthcare Policy course will focus on how athletic trainers fit into the ever-changing healthcare landscape, and how athletic trainers should advocate for recognition and inclusion within the conversation of qualified healthcare providers.

Ashley Santo, PhD, LAT, ATC (Advanced Neurologic Evaluation & Treatment)

PhD, The University of Carolina at Chapel Hill, Human Movement Science
MA, The University of Carolina at Chapel Hill, Athletic Training
BS, Salisbury University, Athletic Training

Email: santoa@moravian.edu

Ashley Santo is an adjunct professor in the Doctor of Athletic Training Program.  In addition to teaching at Moravian University, Dr. Santo is an Assistant Professor in the Athletic Training Program at Towson University.  Ashley is a leader in concussion research, and has published widely with other nationally-recognized experts in the field.  Her publications cover topics such as sport concussion assessment tools, effects of ADHD and stimulant medication on concussion symptoms and neurocognitive testing, and management of sport concussions.  Her Advanced Neurologic Evaluation & Treatment course will focus on the evidence-based evaluation and management of patients with neurological conditions, with a specific focus on sport-related concussions.

Aaron Sciascia, PhD, LAT, ATC, PES (Evidence-Based Assessment & Intervention for the Upper Extremity) 

PhD, University of Kentucky, Rehabilitation Sciences 
MS, University of Kentucky, Kinesiology
BS, University of Delaware, Athletic Training

Email: sciasciaa@moravian.edu

Aaron is the Clinical Outcomes and Research Director at Lexington Clinic. He previously served as an associate professor for Eastern Kentucky University's CAATE-accredited Master’s in Athletic Training program and spent 13 years as the coordinator of the Shoulder Center of Kentucky. He received a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training degree from the University of Delaware and a Master of Science in Kinesiology degree, graduate certificate in Clinical and Translational Science, and Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Science, all from the University of Kentucky. He has been previously honored as Clinical Athletic Trainer of the Year and with the Award of Merit from the Kentucky Athletic Trainers’ Society and the Founders' Award from the American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Therapists (ASSET). Aaron has previously served ASSET as President and holds the distinction of Fellow within the Society. He is also an Affiliate Member of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and a Distinguished Fellow of the Athletic Training Academy within the National Academies of Practice. Aaron has produced multiple peer-reviewed articles and book chapters related to function, evaluation, and treatment of the shoulder and scapula, and he speaks at various venues annually. He has co-edited 2 textbooks and serves as an associate editor for the International Journal of Athletic Therapy and Training.

Wanda Swiger, EdD, LAT, ATC (Epidemiology & Informatics, and Special Populations)

EdD, West Virginia University, Physical Education and Curriculum/Instruction
MEd, Shippensburg University, Special Education
BS, West Virginia University, Physical and Health Education, Athletic Training 

Email: swigerw@moravian.edu

Wanda Swiger is an adjunct professor in the Doctor of Athletic Training Program. In addition to teaching at Moravian University, Dr. Swiger is the Athletic Training Program Director and Professor at Keene State College (Keene, NH), and the Athletic Health Care Administrator for Keene State College Athletics. Wanda was also the director of an Adapted Sports Program from 2005-2007, and has been a part of the medical staff for the Boston Marathon and the Clarence De Mar Marathon since 2008, and for the Deaflympics since 2009. Wanda has a Corrective Exercise Specialist certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and has provided healthcare to high school, college, professional and Olympic athletes. Dr. Swiger is the co-editor and author of Epidemiology for Athletic Trainers, and has delivered professional presentations on disqualifying conditions, medical aspects of treating the hearing-impaired athlete, and mass casualties at an athletic event. She currently represents District One on the NATA’s Education Advancement Committee. Her Epidemiology and Informatics course will provide a functional understanding of health, physical activity, and sport epidemiology.  Students will leave with practical skills to translate research, epidemiology data, and informatics into best practices in healthcare. Her Special Populations in Athletic Training course focuses on how to provide quality athletic training services to athletic patients with a variety of disabilities (i.e., sensory, cognitive, physical, emotional). This course is about adapting our traditional approach to sports healthcare for various populations, as well as learning the unique physiological and biomechanical characteristics that impact care.