Melissa Ryan-Knowlton

Bio

I am a licensed and nationally certified athletic trainer with over two decades of diverse experience in athletic healthcare and education. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training with a minor in Psychology from Springfield College and a Master of Education in Special Education with an emphasis in Severe Disabilities from Bridgewater State University.

Currently a Senior Athletic Trainer for Mass General Brigham, supporting the athletic programs at Massasoit Community College. My professional background spans youth, high school, and collegiate, with expertise in program development, concussion management, mental health support, and emergency preparedness.

I have held leadership and instructional roles at institutions such as Bridgewater State University and New Canaan Country School. I am also experienced in adaptive recreation and spinal cord injury rehabilitation, having worked with the Massachusetts Hospital School as a recreation therapist and the Travis Roy Foundation/Shepherd Center of Atlanta Georgia where I ran a functional rehabilitation program for people with spinal cord injury type disabilities.

Outside of clinical work, I love to volunteer. Volunteer experiences include Make-A-Wish, the Boston Marathon medical team, International Federation for Animal Welfare Marine Mammal Research and Rescue team member, Mystic Aquarium marine mammal rescue team member, and numerous community-based programs.