CONNECTICUT
ATHLETIC TRAINERS'
ASSOCIATION
2026 Executive Council Candidates
Matt Mills, Ed.D AT CHSE
President Elect:
Bio
Matt Mills, EdD, AT, CHSE is an Assistant Professor and Pre-Professional Athletic Training Program Director at Springfield College, where he also serves as Simulation Coordinator. He holds a doctorate in Interprofessional Leadership with a cognate in Educational Technology from Kent State University and is a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator. Matt has been an active member of CATA, contributing to the Governmental Affairs Committee and the Annual Meeting Planning Committee. At the regional and national level, he has served in leadership roles with the Eastern Athletic Trainers' Association and the National Athletic Trainers' Association, including as Chair of the EATA Moyer Award Committee and as the District 1 Representative of NATA's Professional Responsibilities in Athletic Training Committee. He is a Connecticut-licensed athletic trainer and has presented at more than 29 state, regional, and national conferences across a variety of topics, including ethics, leadership, and best practices in student and young professional development.
Statement of Interest:
I am running for President of the Connecticut Athletic Trainers' Association because I believe that state associations are where the profession is built, one member at a time. While national organizations such as the NATA set direction for the profession, state associations do the work that connects athletic trainers to their communities, their legislators, their colleagues across practice settings, and the next generation of professionals entering the field. That kind of work requires engaged, consistent local leadership, and it is the kind of leadership I want to provide. State associations also play a unique role in keeping members on the cutting edge of the profession. No one knows the continuing education needs of Connecticut athletic trainers better than the people who live and work here. CATA has the ability to develop and deliver programming that is directly relevant to our members' practice settings, whether that is new evidence in clinical care, emerging technology, or evolving standards in education. I want to make sure we are using that ability intentionally, building a CEU offering that reflects what Connecticut ATs actually need to grow. The same is true on the legislative front. The scope of our practice, the settings where
we can work, and the protections afforded to our patients are all shaped by what happens at the state level. National advocacy matters, but Connecticut law is written in Hartford, not Washington. A strong CATA means athletic trainers have a seat at that table. I have seen firsthand through my work on the Governmental Affairs Committee that showing up consistently and speaking clearly about what our profession does makes a difference. As President, I would prioritize keeping CATA visible and credible with state legislators so that our members can practice at the top of their license, now and in the future. My approach to leadership is grounded in collaboration and follow-through. As Chair of the EATA Moyer Award Committee, I learned what it takes to build and sustain a process that serves members well over time. As a member of NATA's Professional Responsibilities in Athletic
Training Committee, I gained experience working across stakeholder groups on issues that affect the profession at every level. My work on the CATA Governmental Affairs Committee and Annual Meeting Planning Committee has given me a better understanding of what our members need and where we have room to grow. I also bring a perspective shaped by athletic training education. Training the next generation of ATs is not just my job; it is a responsibility I take seriously, and I want to ensure that CATA is a place where new professionals feel welcomed, valued, and supported early in their careers. I am ready to serve this association with the same energy and commitment I bring to every role I take on. CATA has a strong foundation, built by the leaders who came before us and the members who have shown up for this association year after year. I do not take that lightly. My goal is to honor that work by continuing to move us forward, so that CATA's can continue to advance Connecticut athletic trainers as integral parts of the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
Vice President:
Heather Feiner, LAT ATC
Bio:
Heather is a CCSU graduate of athletic training. She assists PTSMC offices along the shoreline in areas of physician relationship development and community outreach. Heather has over 20 years of experience with high school and Division III athletics. She has been an American Red Cross Instructor since 1998 and certifies coaches, community groups and professional peers in CPR and First Aid. Heather has a passion for educating the communities we serve in areas of musculoskeletal health and concussion awareness for athletes of all ages.
Statement of Interest:
I am seeking another term as Vice President of the Connecticut Athletic Trainers’ Association and would be honored to continue serving our membership in this role. Over the past several years, the CATA has strengthened relationships with key
stakeholders across the state, creating meaningful collaboration and momentum for advancing athletic training in every practice setting. I am proud to have contributed to that progress and would welcome the opportunity to help carry it forward.
My focus has always been on supporting athletic trainers to help them thrive professionally, feel valued in their roles, and find satisfaction in the work they do each day. With a background in the secondary school setting, I remain committed to
improving conditions and expectations in that environment, where we know continued advocacy is essential.
If reelected, I will continue working alongside the Executive Board and our incoming president to build new partnerships, strengthen existing ones, and champion initiatives that elevate the respect and recognition athletic trainers deserve within the healthcare system. Creating sustainable job opportunities that encourage ATs to stay and practice
in Connecticut remains a top priority, and I am eager to support efforts that move us
closer to that goal.
Treasurer
Adam Romano, DAT LAT ATC
Bio:
My name is Adam Romano, and I am currently an assistant athletic trainer at Central Connecticut State University assigned to Men’s Basketball. I have experience in both collegiate and secondary school environments having worked in both for about 4 years each in my approximately 8-year career. I have worked at both Terryville High School and Wolcott High School and completed a graduate assistant program here at CCSU while obtaining my master’s degree. I am also currently a chair on the member engagement and value committee within the Connecticut Athletic Trainer’s Association (CATA). My education includes a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from CCSU (2018), a master’s in physical education
Statement of Interest:
I am currently an assistant athletic trainer at Central Connecticut State University with the Men’s Basketball team and currently a chair on the member engagement and value committee within the CATA. At CCSU, my job is to assist in day-to-day management of the ATR and maintain organization and workflow within the clinic. Within such, has allowed me to continue developing key skills of time management and organization of multiple pieces of work at a time. I believe this aligns me within the goals of the CATA treasurer which requires an eye for detail and keen organizational skills. I am interested in this position as I have assisted in book keeping as a secondary school athletic trainer who needed to keep information and specific details on their budget and what was being purchased and for what, and I am eager to contribute my skills and continue growing them with the CATA.
Secretary
Caty Mulligan, MS LAT ATC
Bio:
I am honored to submit my nomination for the position of Secretary of the Connecticut Athletic Trainers Association. Advocating for the athletic training profession has been a focus of my career, and I am eager to continue contributing to the growth and success
of the CATA in this role. I bring more than ten years of experience as a secondary school athletic trainer in the
state of Connecticut and have worked alongside many of you as mentors, colleagues and fellow healthcare providers. I served in a leadership position for five years as a Sports Medicine Coordinator at a private physical therapy company, where I oversaw
and supported athletic trainers while serving as a liaison between the company, athletic trainer and school stakeholders. In my current role as Training and Development Coordinator, I focus on providing positive employee experiences, professional
development opportunities, and organizational excellence. These roles have strengthened my skills in communication, strategic planning and development- skills essential to the Secretary role.
Statement of Interest:
My involvement with the CATA has been both long-standing and meaningful. I proudly served on the Secondary Schools Committee for many years and am currently completing my term as committee chair (2024–2026). During this time, our committee developed a seasonal newsletter to enhance communication among secondary school athletic trainers and created initiatives designed to improve engagement, membership, and connectivity across the state. While I am ready to pass committee leadership to a
new voice, I remain committed to continuing my service to the CATA and expanding my contributions to serve the many settings in which our membership practices. I am excited by the progress the CATA has made in recent years and motivated to
contribute to its continued success. By serving as Secretary, I hope to support the Board through efficient processes, clear and effective communication, and strategic organization- helping to keep the association moving forward & supporting its members.
Thank you for your consideration and for the opportunity to serve.
Board of Directors
Becky Mella, Ed.D, ATC LAT
Bio:
Rebecca (Becky) Mella is a Senior Associate Athletic Trainer at Quinnipiac University, where she has served since 2011, primarily working with Division I women’s basketball. Becky oversees injury prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and game and travel
coverage, while collaborating closely with physicians, strength and conditioning staff, and sports nutrition professionals to provide comprehensive, athlete-centered care. In addition to their clinical work, Becky is an Adjunct Professor in Quinnipiac’s athletic
training and health science programs, teaching courses across all levels of the curriculum and has served as a clinical preceptor and is currently an academic advisor for Health Science Students. She is committed to mentoring future healthcare professionals. Becky also had prior experience as a Head Athletic Trainer at the University of Saint Joseph and clinical roles in collegiate, high school, and professional setting, bringing a broad and diverse background to her work. Becky holds a Doctorate in Interprofessional Leadership from Kent State University, a Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Maryland, and a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Ithaca College. Their scholarly interests include professional identity development in athletic trainers and interprofessional collaboration in healthcare.
Statement of Interest:
I am writing to express my intent to renew my position on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Athletic Trainers Association (CATA). It has been an honor to serve in this role, and I value the opportunity to contribute to the continued growth and support of our profession. I remain committed to advancing the mission of CATA and supporting athletic trainers across the state. I would be grateful for the opportunity to continue serving and contributing to the organization. Thank you for your consideration.
Mike Dias, MBA LAT ATC
Bio:
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Michael Dias is a dedicated athletic trainer with extensive experience in professional soccer. He currently serves with Hartford Athletic, where he plays an integral role in supporting athlete performance, injury prevention, and rehabilitation at the highest levels of competition within the USL Championship.
He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from Sacred Heart University in 2014, and later advanced his expertise by completing a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Management in 2018. This combination of clinical and business education allows him to contribute not only to athlete care, but also to the strategic development and efficiency of sports medicine operations.
In addition to his clinical work, Michael is passionate about building and developing sports medicine departments. He is committed to fostering structured, collaborative environments that support both athlete outcomes and staff growth. He also places a strong emphasis on mentorship, taking pride in creating meaningful learning experiences for students and aspiring professionals entering the field of sports medicine.
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Statement of Interest:
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I am eager to leverage my passion for professional growth and athletic training to contribute to the Connecticut Athletic Trainers Association Executive Board. I currently sit as part of the member engagement committee and have participated in CATA events, particularly for MSAT students. Through this involvement, I hope to help advance the profession within the state while also supporting and mentoring the next generation of athletic trainers.
Jessica Testani, MS LAT ATC
Bio:
Jessica graduated from Sacred Heart University with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science before earning a master’s degree in Athletic Training from Shenandoah University in 2012. Her professional experience spans Division I athletics with Rutgers Football, professional soccer with D.C. United, Division III athletics, physician practice settings, and prep school and secondary school environments.
Currently, Jessica serves as the Director of Clinical Growth & Development for Advanced Physical Therapy. In addition to her leadership role within the organization, she oversees athletic training services at ten area high schools alongside her team of athletic trainers. Jessica is especially passionate about the secondary school setting and has dedicated much of her career to advocating for and collaborating with secondary school athletic trainers to improve workplace environments and professional opportunities.
Statement of Interest:
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I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to serve and contribute with the Connecticut Athletic Trainers’ Association over the past eight years. Through committee and Executive Council roles, I have focused on fostering relationships, developing initiatives, and creating opportunities to advocate for the athletic training profession as a whole. I remain committed to serving alongside the membership to advocate for current athletic trainers, support future athletic trainers, and strengthen grassroots recruitment efforts into the profession. My hope in continuing with the executive board is to support the strategic goals and provide consistency in legislative efforts.