Leadership
Meet our team of dedicated professionals devoted to Gymnastics Medicine and the continued studies of gymnastics-related injuries and prevention.
Founder
Dr. Elspeth (Elly) Hart
DScPAS, PA-C, MPAS, ATC, LAT
Our founder, Dr. Elly Hart, was only three years old when she began her gymnastics career. She competed in Region VI and was a Junior Olympic level 10 gymnast before attending James Madison University as a Division I athlete. During her time at James Madison, she studied Athletic Training & Sports Medicine with a minor in Biology and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science.
After graduation, Elly passed her boards and went on to practice as a Certified Athletic Trainer. During this time, she started competing again, qualifying and hitting four for four routines at level 10 Junior Olympic National Championships. She was one of the oldest gymnasts to do so at the age of twenty-three.
She obtained a Master’s degree in Physician’s Assistant Studies from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) and passed her Boards to become a Certified Physician’s Assistant. While practicing sports medicine, Elly made history by starting the country’s first Gymnastics Medicine Clinic. The clinic focuses exclusively on gymnastics injuries, diagnosis, education, treatment, and prevention. She has also written and published many research papers on the subject and is currently finishing multiple gymnastics-specific studies.
In 2019, Elly completed her Doctorate from MCPHS before founding Gymnastics Medicine: Education and Research. She is an avid snowboarder and surfer, and also competed in the 2021 National Ninja Warrior Championships and is currently ranked 3rd across adult, female ninjas.
Executive Board Members
Samantha Peszek
With 21 years of gymnastics experience, Samantha Peszek has been fortunate enough to compete at every level the sport offers.
Kerry Salerno
As a mom to two young gymnasts, Riley (14) and Chloe (12), Kerry Salerno knows the dedication it takes to be a gymnastics family.
Riley Salerno
Riley is a high school student and gymnast who brings a unique perspective to the Executive Board.
Megan Mistretta
Megan Mistretta is a family nurse practitioner and gym mom with a special interest in men’s gymnastics.
Owen Mistretta
Owen is a Level 9 gymnast and a two time USAG Academic All American award winner.
Working Board Members
Kerry Bair
RD, LDN, MPH
Kerry Bair is a registered dietitian and a gymnastics nutrition expert helping gymnasts fuel their bodies, prevent injuries, and reach their highest potential through proper eating habits.
Dr. Alyssa Herrera-Set
PT, DPT, SCS, NCPT
Dr. Alyssa Herrera-Set began her career at the University of California Berkeley, where she focused on education and ethnic studies.
Jamie Broz
MEd, ATC
Jamie Broz holds two Bachelor of Science degrees in Athletic Training and Exercise Science and a Master’s in Health Education and Promotion from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Ariana LeBlanc
LMHC, MS, BS
As a former elite gymnast, Ariana truly understands the mental struggle gymnasts face while at the gym.
Elizabeth Melvin
PT, OCS, CSCS
Elizabeth (Liz) Melvin is a sports physical therapist, life-long gymnast, coach and judge.
Dr. Kaysha Bates
PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS
Kaysha’s background as an athlete, coach, and physical therapist gives her a unique perspective on the prevention, rehabilitation, and performance of young gymnasts.
Dr. Ezara Greene
PT, DPT
Ezara has been involved in the world of gymnastics for over 20 years – as a competitor, coach, and now physical therapist.
Dr. Tenaya West
DPM
A former Division 1 NCAA Gymnast, Dr. West now specializes in conditions of the foot and ankle.
Former Board Members
Dr. Shannon Bauman
B.S., B.ScN., MD, CCFP (SEM), Dip. Sport Med
Dr. Shannon Bauman is a Sports & Exercise Medicine Physician who, for the last 15 years, has dedicated her practice to helping recreational, national team, Olympic, and professional athletes return to their sport.
Dr. Thomas Gill, MD
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine physician Dr. Thomas Gill is also chairman of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center and an orthopedic surgery professor at Tufts University School of Medicine.
Dr. Ellen Casey
Dr. Ellen Casey is an Associate Attending Physician at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. Dr. Casey’s clinical practice focuses on treating acute sports medicine injuries and spine disorders, and she has particular expertise working with female athletes.
Cale Robinson
Cale Robinson is a former Stanford gymnast and two-time team captain. After a successful athletic career, Cale made a quick but seamless transition from athlete to full-time coach.
Dr. Emily Sweeney, MD
Dr. Emily Sweeney is a pediatric sports medicine physician at the Children’s Hospital in Colorado and an assistant professor of Orthopedics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
Kelsey Griffith
MS
A former gymnast and dancer, Kelsey understands the mental requirements needed to succeed at every level in sport.
Dr. Diana Lattimore
PhD, CMPC
Dr. Diana Lattimore is passionate about helping athletes achieve mental strength and confidence to perform their best.
Dr. Jenny Borda
PT, DPT
With two gymnastics coaches for parents, you might say Dr. Jenny Borda has been involved in the sport since birth.