John Heck, MS, ATC, CSCS
Director of Sports Medicine
jphec@conncoll.edu
(860) 439-5155
 John Heck is a highly accomplished athletic trainer and sports medicine professional with over two decades of experience in athletic training, strength and conditioning, and healthcare administration. Currently serving as a Supervisor of Athletic Training Services – University at Hartford HealthCare, John continues to lead Connecticut College’s Sports Medicine program while driving the Campus Cares initiative within one of Connecticut’s premier healthcare networks. Since joining Connecticut College in 2002, John has progressed from Assistant Athletic Trainer to Director of Sports Medicine, overseeing all aspects of the college’s sports medicine program. He provides emergency and rehabilitative care to over 600 student-athletes across 28 NCAA Division III teams. His expertise includes injury prevention, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic interventions, and sports healthcare administration. As the NCAA Athletics Healthcare Administrator, he ensures compliance with NCAA and NESCAC regulations while collaborating with medical professionals to deliver comprehensive athlete care. A dedicated mentor and educator, John has served as a Clinical Preceptor for several athletic training education programs. He plays an active role in collegiate sports medicine leadership as past Secretary of the NESCAC Sports Medicine Directors Committee and a member of the NESCAC Medical Aspect in Sport (MASC) Committee. His commitment to athlete wellness extends beyond physical health, contributing to behavioral health, nutrition, and wellness programming for student-athletes. John earned a Master of Science in Physical Education/Exercise and Sport Science from East Stroudsburg University and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology/Athletic Training from the Pennsylvania State University. He holds multiple professional certifications, including Certified Athletic Trainer (BOC), Licensed Athletic Trainer (Connecticut Department of Public Health), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA), Basic Life Support Instructor (American Heart Association), and Graston Technique Certification. Beyond his work at Connecticut College, John has served in various athletic training roles, including work with the U.S. Soccer Olympic Development Program, Penn State Intramural Sports, and East Stroudsburg University Athletics. His background in emergency medical services includes experience as a firefighter, EMT, and emergency dispatcher. John remains passionate about advancing sports medicine, athlete care, and healthcare education, continually striving to enhance the well-being of student-athletes through innovative programming and collaboration. |
Sarah Acerbo, MBA, ATC, FNMS
Athletic Trainer
sacerbo@conncoll.edu
(860) 439-5160
Sarah Acerbo is a highly accomplished athletic trainer, nutrition coach, and performance specialist with a passion for optimizing health, wellness, and athletic performance. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Lincoln Memorial University and a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from the University of Connecticut, where she earned Dean’s List honors with a 3.7 GPA.With extensive experience in sports medicine, Sarah has served as an athletic trainer at elite institutions, including Loomis Chaffee School and Select Physical Therapy, where she provided injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance optimization for student-athletes. She has also worked with professional athletes in the private sector, offering customized nutrition, mindset coaching, and personal training to help individuals reach peak performance.
Sarah is a certified athletic trainer (BOC), ISSA-certified personal trainer, and a Functional Nutrition & Metabolism Specialist (FNMS). She has served as a clinical preceptor, guest speaker, and educator, sharing her expertise in sports nutrition, injury prevention, and mindset development. Her diverse background includes working with high school, collegiate, and professional athletes, including the Connecticut Sun (WNBA), as well as conducting research at the Korey Stringer Institute.
Driven by a holistic approach, Sarah is dedicated to empowering athletes and individuals to transform their health, optimize performance, and build resilient mindsets for long-term success.
Athletic Trainer
iasikaine@conncoll.edu
(860) 439-2086
Ivan Asikainen is a dedicated athletic trainer that joined the Connecticut College Sports Medicine Team in 2024. He provides medical care for the women’s soccer and women’s ice hockey teams, as well as support for all of the college’s athletes.
He earned his Master of Science in Athletic Training from the University of Connecticut in 2024 and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a Minor in German from the University of Rhode Island, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2021.
During his athletic training education, Ivan gained diverse clinical experience working with various sports teams and organizations. At Edwin O. Smith High School, he provided sports medicine services across multiple sports and reviewed personalized care plans for high-risk student-athletes. As an Athletic Training Student at the University of Connecticut, he collaborated with healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality athlete care. Ivan supported UConn football’s pre-practice and game preparations, assisted in post-operative rehab, and practiced emergency procedures. He also contributed to orthopedic screenings for women’s basketball, conducted lower extremity assessments, and evaluated chronic injuries in baseball, emphasizing injury prevention and rehabilitation. At Pomfret School, he provided medical coverage for practices and games and treated a variety of sports injuries.
Ivan's leadership skills extend beyond the athletic training facility. He served as Vice President of the University of Connecticut Athletic Training Students Organization and took on responsibilities in teaching and mentoring undergraduate students at UConn. Additionally, Ivan's work experience includes roles in sales, bicycle fitting, and inventory management at Putnam Cyclery, as well as serving as a Residential Life Staff member and Assistant Strength Coach at The Woodstock Academy.
Ivan is a Certified and Licensed Athletic Trainer and holds certifications in Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED. Fluent in conversational German, Ivan is eager to continue applying his athletic training knowledge and skills in dynamic sports settings
Annie Tynes, MS, ATC
Athletic Traineratynes@conncoll.edu
(860) 439-2679
 Annie Tynes is a highly dedicated and skilled Athletic Trainer who earned a Master of Science in Athletic Training from James Madison University. She holds a Bachelor of Exercise Physiology from the University of Lynchburg, where she graduated Cum Laude. Annie joined the Connecticut College Sports Medicine Team in 2024, where she has provided medical care for the volleyball, field hockey, basketball, and women’s lacrosse teams, further expanding her expertise and dedication to the field. She gained valuable hands-on experience in various clinical and sideline settings, including serving as the primary athletic trainer for the Men’s Soccer team at JMU, where she designed rehabilitation plans for chronic injuries and utilized advanced technologies such as the Alter-G and GPS tracking systems. Her other clinical experiences at JMU include working with the Women’s Volleyball team, providing medical coverage for multiple club sports, and working at the University Recreation Center, where she mentored students and treated a diverse group of patients. Annie is skilled in injury evaluation, treatment design, and rehabilitation, with a particular interest in post-operative care, including ACL injuries and rehabilitation for chronic conditions. She is proficient in modern modalities such as laser therapy, blood flow restriction, and myofascial cupping, and has experience with tools like the VERT system for training load management. Annie is a Certified and Licensed Athletic Trainer and a dedicated member of several professional organizations, including the National Athletic Trainers' Association, Virginia Athletic Trainers' Association, and the Mid-Atlantic Trainers' Association. She has earned multiple certifications, including Mental Health First Aid, SafeTALK Suicide Alertness Training, and CPR/AED. Her academic and clinical achievements are underscored by honors like the Exercise Physiology Research Scholar Award and her involvement in Phi Epsilon Kappa, a national professional fraternity. With her clinical expertise, leadership experience, and commitment to the field, Annie is poised to make significant contributions to the athletic training profession.  Orthopedic Partners 82 New Park Avenue North Franklin, CT 06254 Phone: 860-889-7345  Assistant Team Physician Orthopedic Partners 82 New Park Avenue North Franklin, CT 06254 Phone: 860-889-7345  Neurological Consultants Dr. Stephanie Alessi-LaRosa, M.D. Hartford HealthCare Ayer Neuroscience Institute Sports Neurology 32 Seymour St, Suite 204D Hartford, CT 06106 Phone: 860-524-4330  Dr. Anthony Alessi, M.D. Hartford HealthCare Ayer Neuroscience Institute Sports Neurology 32 Seymour St, Suite 204D Hartford, CT 06106 Phone: 860-524-4330  Sports Psychologist Dr. Peter Lucchio, PsyD Hartford HeathCare Bone & Joint Institute at Hartford Hospital 32 Seymour St Hartford, CT 06106 Phone: 860-972-5945  James Bradham, LMT James Bradham is a licensed massage therapist. He studied at the Bancroft School of Massage Therapy in Massachusetts and specializes in injury and athletic massage. James performs sports massage and myofascial therapy in the Athletic Center during the academic year and also serves as a massage therapist for the Connecticut Sun of the WNBA. Appointments may be scheduled through a member of the Sports Medicine Staff or by calling us at 860-439-2571. Discounted rates are available for students. Payments are made directly to James by cash or credit card. |
