Kelli Florio

How long have you been a part of the Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) Program?

3 Months.

What is something you’ve learned during your time in the H2F Program?

Educating the soldiers about what athletic trainers are capable of doing to help them will be a large part of how successful this program can be – finally understanding how ATs can be implemented into the military setting in a success way now that I’m finally doing it day in & day out.

What does your typical workday look like?

Seeing musculoskeletal complaints from 0600-0630 – I’m engaging with everyone who is injured at Profile Physical Training (Depending on battalion) which is anywhere from 20-55 soldiers & modifying their training within the confines of their injury every morning from 0630-0800 & then individually I’m seeing anywhere from 10-15 from 0800-1200 & 1300-1500 – there are also meetings, education & documentation taking place during that time frame which varies from day to day.

In your Athletic Training career, what challenges have you had to overcome and how did you accomplish this?

Personalities (maturing at a younger age – when you’re coming into the profession – I was a grad assistant & you’re charged with medical care/coordination for people who might be older than you it can be intimidating), geographical constraints (how to do your job in all seasons covering outdoor sports in Las Vegas & Milwaukee were totally different – you make do with what you have & become adaptable), overall resources (some places I worked had the bare minimum, even here right now there’s not a lot to work with to try & help these soldiers – going back to my fundamentals & knowing that I can make a difference without all the fancy toys – they aid in getting to my end goal but they are not solely what gets me there).

What is one thing you’d tell your younger self if you had the opportunity?

Be patient with yourself as you grow into being a professional – so much of athletic training isn’t taught in the classroom – often times you don’t know how to handle a situation until you’re in the middle of it – DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP in those situations.

Who has provided the biggest inspiration / motivation in your life?

My family & every single coach, colleague, athlete & now soldier that I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the past 10 years.