Athletic Training

The Athletic Trainers at Hopkins School are dedicated to providing quality healthcare to all students and members of the Hopkins community. We strive to maintain a healthy environment through injury recognition, prevention, management and rehabilitation. The Athletic Trainers at Hopkins value the education of the student-athlete to better accomplish safe and timely return to play.

Meet the Athletic Trainers

List of 3 members.

Matt Ferreira

Director of Medical Services

203.397.1001 x514

Bio
Matt Ferreira has been employed at Hopkins since 2023. He graduated from Springfield College in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training. Matt graduated from West Virginia University with a Master's degree in Athletic Training in 2019. He has experience in Division I athletics, college club sports, and was previously at the boarding school Lawrence Academy. He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach, Functional Movement Screen certified, Selective Functional Movement Assessment certified, and is certified in level 1 of Graston Technique.

At Hopkins, Matt is the Director of Medical Services.
Christina Balsamo

Assistant Athletic Trainer, Assistant Director of Athletics

203.397.1001 x513

Bio
Christina Balsamo, MS, ATC, LAT

Assistant Athletic Trainer
Assistant Athletic Director

Adviser/Coach

Christina Balsamo has been employed by Hopkins since 2009. Christina graduated from Endicott College in 2006 with a Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training. She then attended Southern New Hampshire University as a graduate assistant. Christina graduated with a Master’s degree in Sports Management in 2008. While there, she worked with Division II athletics. She also has experience in physical therapy clinics as well as public high schools. Christina is currently a Clinical Preceptor for Southern Connecticut State University and Quinnipiac University. She is also an American Heart Association CPR instructor and is certified in Graston Technique.

At Hopkins, Christina also coaches junior school swimming and junior school softball. Additionally, she teaches middle school weight training and fitness throughout the year.
Jillian Gleason

Assistant Athletic Trainer, Athletic Communications Coordinator

203.397.1001 x515

Bio
Jillian Gleason, MS, ATC, LAT

Assistant Athletic Trainer
Athletic Communications Coordinator

Adviser/Coach

Jillian has been employed at Hopkins since 2007. She graduated from Quinnipiac University in 2007 with a Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training/Sports Medicine and a minor in Biology. Jillian graduated from American Public University with a Master's degree in Sports Management in 2015. She interned at Hopkins School during her senior fall semester in 2006. Jillian is currently a Clinical Preceptor for both Southern Connecticut State University and Quinnipiac University. She is also an American Heart Association CPR instructor and is certified in levels 1 and 2 of Graston Technique.

At Hopkins, Jillian coaches junior school volleyball and helps run the athletic training room during the day. Additionally, she aids in maintaining the Hopkins Athletics website.

FAQs

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

How does Hopkins collect student medical information?

Hopkins uses MagnusHealth to maintain medical records for all students. MagnusHealth can be accessed via the Parent Portal on the Hopkins website.
Can my child receive medication from the athletic trainers?

Over-the-Counter Medications
Students may receive over the counter medications from the Athletic Trainers if the over the counter medication form is filled out by their parent in MagnusHealth.

Prescription Medications

To take prescription medication in school, a form must be filled out by both the parent and the student's doctor and uploaded to MagnusHealth. There is a generic form in Magnus, or you may use your doctor's form. Students have the option to carry their own medication, except for controlled medication (i.e., stimulants, suppressants, etc.).
Who provides health care to the students at Hopkins?

Hopkins employs three athletic trainers, licensed by the State of Connecticut’s Department of Public Health and nationally certified. Sometimes confused with personal trainers, athletic trainers require a higher degree of education (at least a Bachelor of Science degree) and specialize in athletic health care. Athletic trainers at Hopkins practice under the school’s consulting physicians. Hopkins’ athletic trainers Matthew Ferreira, Jillian Gleason and Christina Balsamo have over 40 years of combined experience in secondary school, clinic, and sports medicine settings.
If my son or daughter is injured during athletics, what can the athletic trainers do to help?

Athletic Trainers are available for all home athletic events and offer on site assistance. Additionally, Hopkins has a well-equipped athletic training room with ice, heat, extremity whirlpools, ultrasound, electric muscle stimulation and light laser. Also, there is equipment for therapeutic exercise and rehabilitation of muscular-skeletal injuries. Return to play is based upon the athletic trainer’s assessment of the student’s level of pain, range of motion, strength and functionality.
If my son or daughter has a non-athletic related illness, what can the athletic trainers do?

Medical history is taken into account in conjunction with the presence, or absence, of a fever. Children may lie down for a period of time during which they are monitored to see if their condition improves and whether they are able to return to class. If a fever is present, or if symptoms have not improved within an acceptable period of time, he or she is sent home. The athletic trainers will notify the appropriate Head Adviser or administrative assistant of the child’s status. Athletic trainers can dispense over the counter medications (i.e., acetaminophen, addaprin) to students if their Over The Counter Medication form is filled out in MagnusHealth. Athletic trainers can dispense prescription medications if the Prescription Medication form has been uploaded to Magnus Health and approved.

Medical Forms due Annually

Health Assessment Record
This form is collected on a rolling basis. Physicals are valid for 13 months. All new students are required to submit a current physical. We will inform you, in writing, when your child is due for a new physical.

Emergency Procedures

Emergency Action Plans

Medical Resource Links

National Athletic Trainer's Association
The NATA is the national governing body for athletic training.
Connecticut Athletic Trainers Association
The CATA is the governing body for athletic trainers in Connecticut.
Center for Disease Control
Find out more information about a variety of health and wellness issues.
Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury Information
The Center for Disease Control provides information about concussions and traumatic brain injuries, specifically related to high school sports, as well as education for parents, athletes and coaches.