Athletic Trainers

Bill Romaniello - Director of Business Development and Head Athletic Trainer - Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay

Bill Romaniello, LAT, ATC

Director of Business Development

Director of Sports Medicine

Bill, a Connecticut native, graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1991 with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science. During his 25-year career, he has worked in a biomechanics lab, dynamic testing center, rehabilitation clinics and with several semi-professional, high school and elite sports teams.  This experience has given Bill years of knowledge dealing with proper management, rehabilitation and prevention of sports related injuries.  

Bill is a true educator. He enjoys teaching coaches, parents, and athletes about injury prevention, sports medicine, rehabilitation, and emergency medicine. As an instructor for the American Red Cross, Emergency Medical Services, and the Fire Service, he can teach to a wide variety of students and is an expert in the field of Sport Injuries, Concussion Management, Sports Rehabilitation and Injury Prevention.

After joining Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay in 2015, he was tasked with building a sports medicine program.  Currently, OMG has over 10 certified athletic trainers on staff which assist with treating patients in the physician clinic, physical therapy and at local sporting events.  The sports medicine team works to support area high school and recreational programs throughout Tampa Bay.  

Kendra Richardson - Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay

Kendra Richardson, LAT, ATC

Clinical Athletic Trainer

Lead AT – Dr. Butler

Kendra is a certified athletic trainer and a native of Washington State. She graduated from the University of Tampa with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Athletic Training. Afterward, she completed a yearlong clinical rotation with Tampa Catholic High School where she performed injury evaluation, treatment and prevention programs with the Football, Basketball and Lacrosse teams.

Kendra joined Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay in 2016 where she quickly become an asset to the sports medicine team. She works daily evaluating and treating patients with a variety of orthopedic issues and also closely with Dr. Butler as his clinical study coordinator for multiple research studies. She has continued her relationships with the UT and Tampa Catholic programs helping to ensure timely and quality care for athletes. She also serves as the orthopedic liaison for the Tampa Bay Mayhem Rugby Club, scheduling medical coverage and serving as the on field Athletic Trainer when needed.  

She is a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer and State of Florida Licensed Athletic Trainer.

Todd Jenkins - Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay

Todd Jenkins, LAT, ATC

General Practice Manager

Todd was born and raised in northeast Indiana, graduating from Manchester University with a degree in Exercise Science and a concentration in Athletic Training.  He previously worked in out-patient physical therapy and out-reach athletic training before moving to Florida in 2017.

Hayley Betz - Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay

Hayley Betz, MHA, LAT, ATC

Clinical Athletic Trainer

Director of Athletic Training

Hayley was born and raised in St. Petersburg, FL. She attended Northeast High School where she was a key member of the golf team.  After high school she attended Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) earning a golf scholarship.  At PBA she worked closely with the national ranked basketball and volleyball programs. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training in 2017. She went on to complete her Master’s degree in Health Administration at the University of St. Augustine in 2020.

Hayley came to Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay in 2018 where she became the lead athletic trainer for Dr. Scott Goldsmith aiding in the development of our total joint replacement educational program where she teaches courses to patients preparing to undergo joint replacement surgery. In addition to working with our physicians in office, she also works to rehabilitate patients immediately following their outpatient total joint replacement surgeries. She also holds a certification in Graston Technique, a soft tissue mobilization technique to help with soft tissue recovery.

She is a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer and State of Florida Licensed Athletic Trainer.

Michael Wasche - Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay

Michael Wasche, LAT, ATC

Clinical Athletic Trainer

Director of Physical Therapy and Workman’s Compensation

Michael Wasche was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri where a passion for sports medicine and baseball lead him to develop a career in orthopedics. Spending four years working directly with collegiate football and fellow athletes Mike developed strong skills in rehabilitation and acute on-field treatment. He graduated in 2013 from Carthage College in Kenosha, WI with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training/ Sports Medicine. While working with athletes he also had completed a year-long Character Quest leadership program focusing in personality analysis and evaluation.

After graduation he took an opportunity in Phoenix Arizona, affiliated with the Chicago Cubs organization to develop skills in marketing and business ethics for a year during spring training preparations. Following his time in Phoenix Mike took a position working for four years directly under the guidance of fellowship trained orthopedic surgeons in southern Wisconsin focusing on the care of outpatient total joint replacements, and sports medicine surgical treatment. Mike joined the OMG family in 2018 and has managed multiple offices within the company including the Winter Haven and St. Petersburg locations.

Nicole Davis - Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay

Nicole Davis, MS, LAT, ATC, ITAT

Clinical Athletic Trainer

Lead AT – Dr. Becker

Nicole Davis grew up in O’Fallon, Missouri and attended Culver-Stockton College, where she received her undergraduate degree in Athletic Training with a minor in Health in 2011. She went on to pursue a master’s degree in Applied Health and Sport Sciences with an emphasis in Wellness from Northwest Missouri State University in 2013 while serving as a Graduate Assistant.

Since completing her graduate work, Nicole continued to work in NCAA Division II Collegiate athletics for 4 years before moving to Florida. She spent the last 3 years working for BayCare while providing high school coverage to Osceola Fundamental High School and Palm Harbor University High School before joining Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay in December 2019.

Nicole is certified in the Graston Technique and is an ImPACT Trained Athletic Trainer. She is a member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, as well as the Athletic Trainers in a Physician Practice Society, a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer, and a Licensed Athletic Trainer in the state of Florida.

Roberto Gonzalez - Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay

Roberto Gonzalez, LAT, ATC

Clinical Athletic Trainer

Lead AT – Dr. Donovan

Roberto Gonzalez is a BOC certified and Florida licensed fully bi-lingual Athletic Trainer.  He was born and raised in Hialeah, FL just outside the Miami area to parents of Cuban nationality.  He graduated from Dade Christian High School where he also played baseball.  

After high school, Robert self-marketed and distributed game videos highlighting his talents on the field in hopes of pursing his love for the game of baseball and gaining a collegiate scholarship.  After several months of following up on leads and many self-promoting phone calls, his efforts paid off and he was offered an opportunity to join the John Wood Community College “Blazers” Baseball team in Quincy, IL on a full athletic scholarship. After suffering an injury during a game, his love for baseball evolved into a passion for sports medicine and the decision to pursue a career in orthopedics was made.  Returning to the Miami area Robert attended Barry University where he attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training/Sports Medicine in 2017 and continued onto the master’s program.  While pursuing his master’s degree an opportunity arose for an internship at Palm Springs Power Baseball in California. Placing his education on hold Robert flew to CA and began working alongside a MLB Athletic Trainer providing daily injury assessments, screening and treatments.  This internship opened doors that would eventually lead him back to Florida and to the Tampa Bay area for an opportunity with the New York Yankees Organization during the 2019 baseball season.

Robert believes in “Dream Big Work Hard” philosophy and has been brining that “go get ‘em” mentality to the OMG family since December 2019. Working closely with doctors and assisting patients in believing that when you put in the work you can regain and achieve full mobility to go anywhere you can dream. 

In his spare time Robert enjoys spending time with his family and friends, watching sports, playing video games and getting to know the Tampa Bay area that is now his home!

Andrea Lewis - Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay

Andrea Lewis, LAT, ATC

Clinical Athletic Trainer

Lead AT – Dr. Jester

Originally from Tampa, Florida, Andrea attended Tampa Catholic High School and was on the crew team. After high school, she went to the University of North Florida to study sports medicine where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training.  

During her time at UNF she gained valuable experience working with area high school and collegiate programs, additionally in 2017 she successfully completed an internship with the Jacksonville Jaguars football team. After completing her degree, she worked with a local therapy company putting her skills to work covering a wide variety of sports including road races, soccer, rugby and large Cross-Fit events.  In the Winter of 2019, she was promoted to a full time position as the head athletic trainer for Tampa Catholic High School. Her focus was to provide daily game and practice coverage and emergency care while working with all teams on injury prevention programs. In addition to covering a high school she also worked in the physical therapy clinics treating patients with a variety of orthopedic conditions. 

She began working for Orthopedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay in the spring of 2021

She is a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer and State of Florida Licensed Athletic Trainer.

Nina Coletta - Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay

Nina Coletta, LAT, ATC

Clinical Athletic Trainer

Lead AT – Dr. Donaldson

Nina is a BOC certified athletic trainer from Queens, New York. She moved to Florida to attend The University of Tampa where she worked closely alongside UT’s Lacrosse and Baseball teams. She graduated from The University of Tampa in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training. While obtaining her degree, she completed clinical rotations with Tampa Catholic High School’s football team and served as an Emergency Medical Responder for Under Armour Football. Following graduation, she began working for Orthopedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay where she is following her interest in sports medicine and orthopedics. 

Outside of work, she loves watching baseball games, traveling, working out and spending time at the beach. 

She is a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer and State of Florida Licensed Athletic Trainer. 

Emily Nicholls - Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay

Emily Nicholls, MS, LAT, ATC, CES

Clinical Athletic Trainer

Lead AT – Dr. Sando

Originally from Nashville, Tennessee Emily attended the University of Tennessee – Knoxville and graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor’s degree. While at UT Knoxville she played club soccer and studied nutrition in addition to gaining her degree in Kinesiology.  After graduation she moved to the Tampa Bay area where she attended Gannon University to pursue a Master’s degree in Athletic Training. Emily was first introduced to OMG during her clinical and elective rotations spending one semester at Jesuit High School working alongside Ricky Braun, MS, LAT, ATC gaining experience with the football program and another in our orthopaedic clinic.  Working hard to gain experience Emily also spent time at Eckerd College working with their soccer and basketball teams as well as a semester working with Vanderbilt University’s football program. Emily has an interest in nutrition and completed the Certified Sports Nutrition Specialist program through the National Council on Strength and Fitness.  She joined Orthopedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay as a clinical athletic trainer in 2021. 

In her spare time she enjoys reading, playing soccer, hiking and hanging out at the beach.  

She is a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer, State of Florida Licensed Athletic Trainer and Certified Corrective Exercise Specialist.

Brena Franklin, LAT, ATC

Clinical Athletic Trainer

Lead AT – Dr. Bauer

Brena Franklin was born and raised in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. At the age of four, she was introduced to sports. She fell in love with the game and played various types of sports as she grew up. By the time she reached high school her love of sports sparked her interest in the Athletic Training profession. She graduated from the University of Tampa with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Athletic Training. Throughout her clinical experience, she had the opportunity to work closely with the UT baseball team and other campus sports, along with local high school football teams.

In her spare time, she enjoys going to the beach, playing sports, and spending time with friends and family.

She is a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer and State of Florida Licensed Athletic Trainer.

Hannah Merrifield, M.S, LAT, ATC

Clinical Athletic Trainer

Lead AT – Dr. Shield

Originally from Muncy, Pennsylvania Hannah attended Gannon University – Erie where she studied Sport and Exercise Science and was a member of the Track and Field and Cross-Country teams. Upon completion of her undergraduate degree, Hannah relocated to the Tampa Bay area to pursue her Masters in Athletic Training at Gannon University – Ruskin. Throughout her time at Gannon, Hannah served as a Graduate Assistant for the athletic training program, as well as a Lab Assistant and Anatomy tutor. During this time, she gained experience with several Division I football programs including the University of South Florida, the University of Alabama, and the University of Mississippi. Hannah was first introduced to Orthopaedic Medical Group as a clinical rotation in 2018 while pursuing her master’s. Upon graduation, Hannah completed an Athletic Training Fellowship at Florida Atlantic University, serving as an athletic trainer for their football program, as well as their track and field and cross-country teams. Hannah has spent the past two years as a Clinical Research Assistant Athletic Trainer with Indiana University’s football program. She joined Orthopaedic Medical Group in 2022.

Hannah is a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer and State of Florida Licensed Athletic Trainer.

Connor Givens Athletic Trainer

Connor Givens, MS, LAT, ATC

Secondary School Athletic Trainer

Associate Athletic Trainer – Jesuit High School

Connor Givens is a Pennsylvania native, where he grew up in Mountain Top, PA, and attended Crestwood High School. After high school, Connor attended East Carolina University for one year before transferring to The University of Tampa. Connor graduated from UT in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training and a minor in Exercise Science and Sports Studies. After his undergraduate work, Connor attended the University of South Carolina to further his education and graduated with a Master of Science degree in Advanced Athletic Training in 2022. Connor also received the 2022 Outstanding Master of Science in Advanced Athletic Training Post-Professional Student and was awarded through the Department of Exercise Science.

During Connor’s time at The University of Tampa, he had clinical rotations with most of UT’s athletic teams, including a one-year rotation with UT’s Men’s Lacrosse team. He also spent time at Jesuit High School where he was a student athletic trainer for football.

While at the University of South Carolina working as a graduate assistant he spent his first year working directly with the University’s football team. During his second year, he worked in the physician setting at the Prisma Health Orthopaedic group. These experiences enhanced his injury evaluation and treatment skills.

Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay is excited to have Connor on our growing sports medicine team and will be a great asset to Jesuit High School athletes.

In his free time, he enjoys golfing, going to the beach, and spending time with family and friends.

Connor is a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer and State of Florida Licensed Athletic Trainer. He is CPR and AED certified. He is also trained in instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), holding a certification in Graston Technique.

Shyla Boutilier Athletic Trainer

Shyla Boutilier, MS, LAT, ATC

Secondary School Athletic Trainer

Associate Athletic Trainer – Jesuit High School

Shyla Boutilier, a Connecticut native joined Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay in the fall of 2022 as an Associate Athletic Trainer for Jesuit High School. She began her education at Central Connecticut State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training. She was awarded several scholarships, including the John Huntington Scholarship for her work at CCSU.

She decided to continue her education at CCSU and completed her master’s degree in Exercise Science while also working at the University of St. Joseph. There she worked with Coach Jim Calhoun and the Men’s basketball program.

After completing her education, she spent the summer gaining valuable experience at IMG Academy. Enjoying the warmer weather Shyla joined Eckerd College working with a variety of sports including soccer, basketball, and softball.

OMG is excited to have Shyla on our sports medicine team and working with Jesuit High School athletics.

In her spare time, she enjoys bike riding, fishing, and playing basketball.

Shyla is a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer and State of Florida Licensed Athletic Trainer. She is certified in Stop the Bleed as well as CPR, First-Aid and the use of an AED.

Dutch Allen Athletic Trainer

Dutch Allen, MS, LAT, ATC, OTC

Clinical Athletic Trainer

Lead AT – Dr. Watson

Dutch is a Florida Native, originally from Pensacola, FL where he attended the University of West Florida and earned his bachelor’s degree in athletic training. He continued his education at the University of South Florida where he received his Master’s in Advanced Athletic Training and worked as a graduate assistant athletic trainer for two years. During his time at USF, Dutch worked closely with the USF Cheer and Dance Teams, ultimately helping the USF Co-Ed Cheer team win the National Championship in 2021. 

He then went on to join Emory Sport’s Medicine in Atlanta, GA in their Athletic Training Residency program where he successfully continued his education.  This year long residency program allowed Dutch to gain valuable knowledge and experience.  He spent countless hours in the class and in the clinic dealing with a variety of orthopaedic injuries, improving evaluation skills and learning surgical techniques.  He spent many hours in the orthopaedic clinic and operating room.  This time was well spent earning him the OTC or 1st Assist Certification allowing him to work with the surgeons in the OR. 

Dutch joined Orthopaedic Medical Group in 2022 and has joined Dr. Watson’s Clinical Care team.  In his spare time, he enjoys playing basketball, going to the gym, the beach and traveling.  

Donald Schaefer, Athletic Trainer at the Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay

Donald Schaefer, MA, LAT, ATC

Clinical Athletic Trainer

Donald was raised in Naples, FL. He attended Naples High School where he played baseball and swam. He graduated from the University of South Florida in 2010 with a Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training through the College of Medicine. As a student at USF, he worked closely with the nationally ranked Football and Men’s Basketball programs. 

After earning his undergraduate degree, Donald accepted a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer position at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL working with their Softball and Cross-Country teams. He was the primary care provider of the NCAA Regional-Qualifying Division I softball team. He implemented a shoulder and elbow injury prevention program for their position players and pitchers to reduce the risk for injury during the increased throwing demands of a softball season. He was responsible for performing initial injury evaluations of the athletes, developing rehabilitation protocols, making doctor/specialist appointments, and delivering treatments. He graduated from UCF with a master’s degree in Sport and Fitness in May 2012.