Alumni Spotlight at the College of Health
About Jose:
I am currently an associate athletic trainer with football at the United States Air Force Academy. I chose athletic training as a profession because it perfectly blends my passion for sport and medicine. Being able to serve as a medical professional who helps athletes stay healthy and continue competing has always motivated me. There is so much more involved in caring for athletes than many people realize, and I enjoy the challenge of piecing together those complex puzzles to keep them performing at their best.
I decided to attend the University of Utah because of its rich history and strong reputation in athletic training. The structure of the program, especially the immersive clinical year during my second year, really set it apart. The coursework made me feel confident that I would be well prepared for success after graduation, both clinically and professionally. On top of that, Salt Lake City itself is an incredible place to live and learn.
For those aspiring to become athletic trainers, my biggest piece of advice is to be a sponge and absorb everything around you. So much learning happens through observation, asking questions, and getting hands-on experience. Having a strong work ethic is essential—hard work always wins. You are in control of your experience, so don’t be afraid to put yourself in uncomfortable situations. That’s where the most growth happens, both professionally and personally.
What continues to fuel my passion for athletic training is the team I work with. You can make a positive impact on any team simply by being yourself and genuinely supporting others. Creating an environment that feels like a family while helping athletes push through challenges is incredibly meaningful. Often, an athlete’s hardest days are the ones when they come to see you, so it’s important to make them feel heard and understood. Watching them return to competition with confidence, doing what they love without fear, makes every moment worth it.
About Elizabeth:
After I graduated, I was hired by the Department of Health Education to assist with administrative tasks. It wasn't what I had intended to do with my degree, but it was an incredible stepping stone. That position provided me with experience in how the University operated and enabled me to earn my MPH. A few years later, I was hired into a management position at the hospital.
As the manager of the Perinatal Education Department, I have had numerous opportunities. It's been a job I never dreamed I would have. I currently manage 24 staff and oversee about 50 volunteers. All my work is centered on the perinatal period. We educate pregnant families on birth, breastfeeding, parenting, car seats, and many other topics. My volunteer doula team is there to support families during labor and delivery. My lactation team provides clinical lactation support during the hospital stay. Additionally, I have indirect oversight of the outpatient lactation team.
I help the hospital achieve Baby Friendly Hospital Designation and have maintained that designation since 2009. We are the only hospital in Utah holding that designation.
I was on the founding board for the Mountain West Mothers' Milk Bank. I continued on that board through the challenges and was still part of the board when we opened in 2020. At that point, I was the Chair and helped guide the team, having just opened, through a pandemic. I remain on the board for oversight and as part of the Finance Subcommittee.
For nine years, I was on the board of the International Childbirth Education Association, a certifying organization for childbirth educators and doulas. I ended my time as the President, again guiding the organization through a pandemic.
I have held positions on many other committees for perinatal support, including: Postpartum Support International- Utah Chapter, March of Dimes Advisory Committee (local committee), lactation support for incarcerated women, Utah Breastfeeding Coalition, AWHONN- Utah Conference Committee, and many interdisciplinary committees within the hospital.
Of all the variety of work I do, teaching, presenting, and public speaking are my absolute favorites!
About Michael:
After graduating in the spring of 2016 from the College of Health with a BS in Exercise and Sport Science, that same fall, I started school at the University of Utah College of Pharmacy. In the spring of 2020, I graduated with my PharmD.
I am now the Clinical Account Manager for Cooperative Benefits Group (CBG). CBG and the University of Utah Health co-own RealRx, the Pharmacy Benefit Manager for University of Utah Health Plans.
My years of study in the College of Health definitely propelled me to my ultimate career and have been formative in terms of how I talk and think of health--both at a population and personal level.
On September 6th of this year, I completed LoToJa (the Logan, UT to Jackson, WY bike race): 202 miles without significant stops. Sport nutrition, exercise, and psychology were at the forefront of my mind throughout this year of training and the event itself.
I live in Sandy, UT, with my wife and two young children. Go Utes!
About Ryan:
After graduating, I worked in the fire service for 3 years until I transitioned to oil and gas, where I focused on occupational health and safety of upstream oil field workers. I am currently an HSE Manager responsible for the planning and implementation of health and safety policies and procedures. In 2023, I received my M.S. from Columbia Southern University with a Master of Science in Occupational Safety and Health. I am also a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and served twice as the Chair for the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) Health, Safety, Environmental & Training Committee (HSE&T).
Outside of work, I am an avid outdoor enthusiast (camping, hiking, backpacking). I volunteer with Scouting America, formerly BSA. I am a Cancer survivor and for many years participated in several fundraising activities for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society (LLS) and in 2017 was recognized as LLS's Honored Hero for the Light the Night cancer walk and fundraiser.
About Valeria:
Since graduation, I have renovated and opened my personal training and mat pilates studio in South Salt Lake. I opened to my private clients in March and had my grand opening to the public at the end of May. Since opening, I have added 10 more group classes, and I am in the process of hiring my first trainer!
I have also joined the South Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, serving on the Women in Business committee, and was nominated for the 2025 South Salt Lake Woman of the Year award.
Past Alumni Spotlights
Martin Robinette
Audiologist, philanthropist, and life-long academic, Dr. Martin Robinette is an inspiration. Learn more about his work on creating the test used to diagnose deafness in newborns, his fight to include it under medical insurance coverage, and his long-lasting impact on the College of Health’s Communication Sciences & Disorders Department.
Bonnie B. Park
If you enjoy hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or general recreation in Summit County, you have Bonnie B. Park to thank for many of the available trails and leisure resources. Read about her journey with genealogy and parks and recreation here.
Jaclyn Arduini
Athletes come in every shape and size, especially when it comes to the acrobatic splendor of Cirque du Soleil. Jaclyn Arduini’s education and training with the College of Health’s Athletic Training program prepared her for all the demands of such an intricate, daring show as Cirque. Find out more with this alumni Spotlight.