About Me:
Katelyn Mitchell, PhD, PT, CAT(C) (she/her)





Clinician-Scientist & Educator
Registered Physiotherapist & Certified Athletic Therapist
I’m passionate about advancing concussion and musculoskeletal injury care for all athletes in sport and life.
I established Thrive NeuroSport with the mission of elevating care for individuals with concussion and musculoskeletal injuries by connecting advancing knowledge and innovations to clinical practice.
I believe that effective rehab strategies optimize not only how the brain and body work together, but how they adapt to different contexts and tasks.
How our sensory systems function impacts how we think and move. In sport, the athlete brain must process dynamic scenes, making quick decisions during high levels of stress. The integration of both sensory and cognitive functions with movement and exercise is key for return to performance.
Through a team-based approach, I help guide individuals through an active and progressive recovery process to restore confidence for return to sport and life.
Registered Physiotherapist and Certified Athletic Therapist since 2014.
I work with active, goal-oriented folks recovering from concussion and/or neuromuscular conditions, and musculoskeletal injuries.
I have completed continued education and have experience in the following:
- Concussion Injury Management
- Exercise Prescription & Programming
- Vestibular-Ocular Motor Rehabilitation
- Balance & Movement Coordination
- Cognitive-Motor Training
- Adaptive Training & Para Sport
- Biomechanical Analysis (e.g., force plates & motion analysis)
- Sport First Responder
- Integrated Dry Needling & Acupuncture
- Manual Therapy
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Centre for Sport-Related Concussion, Innovation, and Knowledge, University of Toronto (2024 to present)
Education:
PhD, Department of Kinesiology & Physical Education, Wilfrid Laurier University (2023)
MSc Physical Therapy, Queen’s University (2014)
Advanced Certificate in Athletic Therapy, Mount Royal University (2012)
BA Kinesiology & Physical Education, Wilfrid Laurier University (2011)
Research Interests:
My research is focused on examining how sensorimotor and cognitive processes impact brain health (e.g., concussion recovery) and performance to mitigate injury risk in sport and physical activity.
I have a special interest in supporting equity-deserving groups to improve current clinical guidelines, including female and para athletes.
Key Areas: Concussion, vision, cognition, motor control, para sport / adaptive sport, digital health
I’m currently a member of the Concussion in Para Sport (CIPS) international group working on developing equity tools and strategies for para athletes. I’m also an associate editor for the BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine (BOSEM) journal.
Find my publications here: Google Scholar
- Lead Team Therapist Women’s Para Hockey Canada (2022 to present)
- Lead Team Therapist, Sledge Team Ontario (2018 to 2023)
- Lead Club Therapist, Waterloo County Rugby Football Club (2009 to 2011, 2015 to 2018)
- Rugby Canada Women’s 15s Selection Camp (2018)
- Member of Host Medical Team, Para PanAm Games (2015)
- Hockey Alberta, Alberta Winter Games (2011)
- CIS Women’s Hockey (2009 to 2011)
- OUA Men’s Rugby (2008 to 2011)
I have presented at several conferences and professional events, both internationally and virtually including,
Academic Conferences:
- IOC World Conference on Injury & Illness Prevention in Sport
- The 6th Consensus Meeting on Concussion in Sport
- CATA National Conference
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Annual Meeting
- International Posture & Gait Research (ISPGR) World Congress
- Canadian Concussion Network (CCN) Annual Meeting
Professional & Sport Organizations:
- HeadsUp Canada, Concussion Advocacy Network
- Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) – Sport, Neuroscience, & Seniors Divisions
- Ontario College Athletics Association (OCAA)
- Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
- Canadian Athletic Therapy Association (CATA)
- SIRC Canada Concussion in Sport Symposium
- Royal Canadian Institute for Science (RCIS)
- Alberta Athletic Therapy Association (AATA)
- Royal College of Chiropractic Sports Sciences (Canada – RCCSS(C))
Connect with Me about potential speaking and/or educational opportunities for your organization.
(Currently accepting inquiries for Summer and Fall 2025)
- All things sport & exercise (especially strength training!)
- Coffee & dark chocolate
- Mountain & gravel biking
- Hiking with our Australian Shepherd, Braedy