Athletic Training
Athletic Trainers (ATs) are health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions.
Athletic trainers are an integral part of our Sports Medicine Team at Colorado Center of Orthopaedic Excellence. On the playing field or court, they act as our “eyes and ears,” keeping the athletes safe and healthy. In our clinic, they serve as a valuable member of our team assisting in the treatment and prevention of our athletes’ injuries. Learn more about our Colorado Springs athletic trainers.
Katie Ferraro, ATC
Athletic Trainer
Katie received two Bachelor’s of Science degrees from the University of Northern Colorado in Athletic Training, and Sport and Exercise Science, as well as a Minor in Nutrition. She is a Board Certified Athletic Trainer through the National Athletic Trainers Association and holds a Silver Sneakers certification through Tivity Health. Katie is well-versed in a broad range of injury mitigation, manual therapy, and rehabilitation techniques for restoring pre-injury function. She is responsible for developing, organizing, and implementing exercise programs for healthy and injured individuals, and those with controlled diseases. Katie previously worked for 3 years as the Head Athletic Trainer for Pride FC Semi-Professional Women’s Soccer Team (who took 2nd in the 2016 National Tournament), U18 National Champion Girls Club team, and U11-U14 Boys Developmental Academy League. Katie has worked with pre-adolescent, high school, collegiate and Olympic/Professional athletes. Katie lives an active lifestyle and is passionate about fitness, health, and helping improve the well-being and functional activity levels of her patients.
Michelle Murphy, MSc, LAT
Athletic Trainer
Michelle received a Bachelor’s of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in Athletic Training and later graduated from University of Colorado Colorado Springs with a Master’s of Science in Sports Medicine. She is a Board Certified Athletic Trainer through the National Athletic Trainers Association and a Certified Technical Educator. Michelle’s patient care focuses on manual therapy including Graston Technique and cupping therapy. Outside of the clinical setting Michelle works as an Athletic Trainer at Cheyenne Mountain High School and is a science teacher there as well. Michelle is a sports medicine specialist who is passionate about injury prevention and biomechanics. Outside of work she enjoys rock climbing, camping and spending time with her dog Ruby.
Mac Downing, ATC
Athletic Trainer
Mac grew up in a military family and has lived in numerous places around the country. But he finally decided to settle in Nebraska where he received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Athletic Training. While attending Nebraska, he completed multiple sports medicine internships with the Green Bay Packers in addition to an internship with Army Black Knight’s Football. He enjoys treating the high school population, specifically those with the goal of returning to sport. In his spare time, he can be found in the kitchen experimenting with culinary creations.
