Sports Medicine Medical and Clinical Assistants

Rachel Austin, NRCMA (Email me)

Rachel Austin is a Nationally Registered and Certified Medical Assistant who joined Nationwide Children’s Sports Medicine in 2008, to assist with the newest physician on the team, Dr Steven Cuff. She received her degree in Medical Assisting in 2007, along with being certified through the National Association of Health Professionals. She is also certified in CPR/AED.

Prior to joining Children’s Sports Medicine, she’s worked in Family Medicine along with Physical Rehabilitation for over 8 years as an Administrative Assistant.

Rachel was an active student athlete in high school who participated in cheerleading, dance and track, and was also a majorette. She is now the proud mother of her son, CJ. During her free time, she enjoys watching him play basketball, camping with her family, swimming, or just hanging out and watching a movie.

The love for helping patients improve their physical condition, along with her own personal experiences is what drove Rachel to become a Medical Assistant. “Never let anything stand in your way of accomplishing what your heart drives you to become or do. The sky’s the limit!”

Tara Beals (Email me)

Tara Beals is the clinic assistant for Dr. Anastasia Fischer. She graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Family Studies and will complete her Master’s in Health Administration/Education from the University of Phoenix Online in June 2009. Tara has been with Nationwide Children’s Hospital for over eight years and came to the Sports Medicine department in 2005 as the administrative assistant for the department. She is also certified in CPR/AED.

Tara was an active athlete throughout high school and college participating in gymnastics, cheerleading, and soccer. She lives in Columbus with her husband Chris. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling, outdoor activities, and spending time with friends and family.

Her love of sports and being part of a team that educates and help athletes return to play is what drew her to sports medicine. She stated, “There is nothing better than seeing a patient’s face after being told they can return to the sport they love.”

Danielle Bingham - Fellowship Coordinator (Email me)

Danielle Bingham is the fellowship coordinator who works with Dr. Richard Rodenberg, the fellowship program director. She attended the University of Akron where she earned a degree in Medical Assisting. Before joining Nationwide Children's Hospital in 2003, she worked at Akron Children’s Hospital in the Sports Medicine Department.

Danielle was active in dancing during high school who participated in pointe, ballet, and tap. She lives in Powell with her husband Chris and they have a daughter named Elia. Outside the office Danielle works out and runs regularly. She is a big fan of football, basketball, and spending time with family and friends. "I feel very fortunate to have my position with the Sports Medicine Department here at Nationwide Children's Hospital and to work with physicians and co-workers who care so much about kids and their families. It is also a big plus to be surrounded by sports all year around.”

Kelli Hartman (Email me)

Kelli Hartman is the Medical Assistant for Dr. Richard Rodenberg. She received her degree in Medical Assisting in 2004 with a diploma in Accounting. In 2010 she received her Associates for Healthcare Administration and is currently working on a Bachelors through the University of Phoenix. She is also CPR/AED certified.

Before joining Nationwide Children’s Sports Medicine Kelli worked for one year in Primary Care and four years at Children’s Community Pediatrics in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as a Medical Assistant.

Growing up she was active in gymnastics and softball. Kelli lives in Dublin, Ohio with her husband and daughter Mia Renee.

When not at work or doing school work she enjoys spending time with her family going to the zoo and playing outside. Kelli enjoys doing Zumba, Yoga, and Dance workouts, and making long weekend trips to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, her hometown, to see family and friends. Kelli is a big fan of football and hockey.

“I enjoy being at Nationwide Children’s Sports Medicine. I love that I am part of helping the patients get back to the sports that they love to play. Each day is a new day. Always put the bad in the past and put the good into the future”.

Alicia Lawrenz (Email me)

Alicia Lawrenz is the clinic assistant for Dr. Thomas Pommering. She graduated from Capital University in 2010 where she majored in Exercise Science.

Alicia was a student athlete all through high school who participated in track and field where she specialized in discus throwing. In her spare time she enjoys exercising, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

“I am honored to be able to work in the Sports Medicine department at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Being part of a team that is dedicated to helping athletes return back to the sports that they love and are passionate about is what drew me to the Sports Medicine department.”

Kaye Lovsey (Email me)

Kaye Lovsey is the clinic assistant to Dr. Reno Ravindran. Kaye is a licensed Independent Home Health Care professional with years of experience helping children and adults with both mental and physical handicaps. Incorporating active lifestyles with her clients has always been a priority, helping them maintain happy and healthy lifestyles. Kaye is certified in CPR/AED. Kaye has been a member of the Sports Med team since 2010.

Between Kaye and her husband Jeff they have 5 children, who are involved in Kung Fu, football, volleyball, soccer, softball, baseball, and marching band. Kaye played volleyball in High School and has also studied Martial Arts. In their spare time, Kaye and her family enjoy hiking, camping, swimming, and visits to the beach. Kaye says, “Maintaining an active family lifestyle requires dedication, patience, and sacrifice, with the reward being a happy healthy family. The more we enjoy together, the closer we become.”

“I understand the frustration and urgency of our athlete’s. I am proud to be involved with the best team available to help them recover and return to their chosen activity, as safely and quickly as possible.”

Leslie McCann (Email me)

Leslie McCann is a Licensed Practical Nurse and the Assistant to Dr. James MacDonald. She graduated from the School of Practical Nursing and became board certified March, 2008 through the Ohio Board of Nursing. She is currently certified in CPR/AED as well.

Leslie has worked at Nationwide Children’s Hospital for three years. Prior to joining the Nationwide Children’s Sports Medicine Team in fall 2010, she worked in Orthopedics as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Leslie was active in dance during high school and participated in competitive dance. She went on to teach dance in a private dance studio and was an instructor for summer dance camps. She was a member of the Crewzers, the professional dance team for the Columbus Crew for 6 years. She lives in Reynoldsburg with her husband Jason and they have two children, daughter Rayne and son Noah.

Her love of helping others along with her own life changing experience is what pushed Leslie to pursue a career in Nursing. “ The famous quote “There’s no I in TEAM” speaks for itself in the medical field. Nationwide Children’s Sports Medicine strives on teamwork and that’s what makes a winning team.”