Jody Russell

Biography

Jody Russell is the Director of the Master of Science in Athletic Training program at Commonwealth University where she also serves as a Professor in the Department of Biological and Health Sciences. Her academic background includes a Ph.D. in Kinesiology with a specialization in Athletic Training from Penn State University and a M.S. in Health and Physical Education from Valdosta State University. Dr. Russell’s research focuses on athletic training students’ experiences during standardized patient encounters, how trauma experiences can affect the brain, and the neurodivergent patient population (focusing on trauma-informed care). She has presented at several conferences on mental health issues. She teaches a wide range of courses, including graduate courses in therapeutic interventions and upper extremity evaluation techniques and undergraduate anatomy and physiology. She is dedicated to guiding students on their journey to success, supporting them through clinical experiences, capstone projects, internships, and exploring career paths in sport management.

Dr. Russell is actively engaged in the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) where she serves on the Peer Review Committee and is a peer reviewer. She is an Independent Medical Spotter for the Big Ten Conference. She is the foster and adoption support group coordinator for Dwell, a non-profit organization, as well as a Trust-Based Relational Intervention Practitioner. Fostering and adoption are near and dear to her heart, as her and her husband have two adopted sons.

Courses Most Commonly Taught  

• Therapeutic Interventions
• Evaluation Techniques (Upper Body)
• Foundations in Athletic Training
• Anatomy and Physiology I & II

Areas of Expertise

• Concussions
• Therapeutic Modalities
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Neurodivergent patient population