About Me:

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

Headshot photo of women in a dark pink shirt.
Photo of a female clinician in an office holding vestibular goggles.
Photo: Physiotherapy office with vestibular goggles.
Photo of woman on stage presenting powerpoint slides on a large screen.
Photo: Canadian Concussion Network (CCN) Conference
Photo of a woman spotting bench press.
Photo: Patrick Beauchemin
Photo: Defy Physiotherapy

Clinician-Scientist & Educator

Registered Physiotherapist & Certified Athletic Therapist

I’m passionate about providing optimal concussion and musculoskeletal injury care for return to sport and physical activity.

I established Thrive NeuroSport with the mission of elevating clinical practice strategies for concussion and musculoskeletal injuries through advancing knowledge and research innovations.

I believe that effective rehab strategies optimize not only how the brain and body work together, but how they adapt to different environments and tasks for each individual.

Sensory, cognitive, and motor systems are highly integrated and must work together efficiently.  In sport, the athlete brain must process a dynamic field of play, making quick decisions to perform actions 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 and resilience for return to sport, physical activity, and everyday 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 

Research Interests: Examining sensorimotor and cognitive integration to enhance concussion care, brain health, and injury risk prevention in sport and physical activity.

I have a special interest in improving  clinical guidelines for equity-deserving groups, including female and para athletes.

Publications: Google Scholar

 

Academic Appointments:

Faculty Instructor, Department of Kinesiology & Physical Education, Wilfrid Laurier University

Fellowships:

Postdoctoral Researcher, Centre for Sport-Related Concussion, Innovation, and Knowledge, University of Toronto (2024 to present)

Education & Training:

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)

Additional Roles:

Member, Concussion in Para Sport (CIPS)

Associate Editor (Senior), BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine (BOSEM) journal

Team Therapist, Women’s Para Hockey Canada (2022 to present)  Women’s World Championships – Silver Medallists (2025)

Team Therapist, Sledge Team Ontario (2018 to 2023)

Team Therapist, Waterloo County Rugby Football Club (2009 to 2011, 2015 to 2018) – Senior Men’s & Womens 15s

Rugby Canada Women’s 15s Selection Camp (2018)

Host Medical Team, Para PanAm Games, Toronto, Canada (2015) – Wheelchair Rugby, Goalball, & Para Weightlifting

Host Medical Team, Wheelchair Rugby, Ontario Para Sport Games (2013)

Women’s Hockey (Zone 2), Hockey Alberta, Alberta Winter Games (2012) 

CIS Women’s Hockey, Wilfrid Laurier University (2009 to 2011)

OUA Men’s Rugby, Wilfrid Laurier University (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
  • Sport Innovation (SPIN) Summit, Own the Podium
  • The 6th Consensus Meeting on Concussion in Sport
  • CATA National Conference & World Federation of Athletic Training & Therapy (WFATT) Congress
  • American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Annual Meeting
  • International Posture & Gait Research (ISPGR) World Congress
  • Canadian Concussion Network (CCN) Annual Meetings

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!

  • Supporting all kinds of sports – especially women’s and para sports!
  • Coffee & dark chocolate
  • Connecting with family, friends, and colleagues
  • Getting outside daily – hiking with our Australian Shepherd, Braedy, or exploring trails on my gravel bike
LET’S THRIVE TOGETHER.
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