November 09, 2020

SLU AT Student Appreciates Support from Preceptor and Community at Westminster Christian Academy


SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Westminster Christian Academy
By: Brittany Risko (MAT Class of 2022)

This fall semester so far, we have conquered so many things as a program, college, and university. I have had the opportunity this fall semester to participate in my first clinical experience in the SLU AT Program. I am thankful to have been placed at Westminster Christian Academy with Katherine Love, MAT, ATC, who works for Mercy Sports Medicine and is a graduate from SLU’s AT Graduate Program. It has been a great experience so far! We had a slow start at first due to only practices being held and the restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 Pandemic however, I liked being able to get the know the athletes and faculty better before heading into games. 


Katherine is a great preceptor I have learned a lot of skills professionally from her. She has a lot of knowledge to offer and is always there to answer questions. I am starting to get a lot more hands on in my experience with the help of Katherine pushing me to just try things out because it’s better to try and mess up a few times so that she can help teach me how to do it right or guide me in the right direction so that the next time that something similar arises I have the skills to take care of it. I have enjoyed the challenges that she gives me so that I can grow more confident in my skills and abilities as a student athletic trainer.  


The WCA community has been very welcoming with my service dog Penelope as well. Penelope has also had a great time working in her first clinical setting. Penelope’s favorite things include riding in the gator, waiting patiently for an ice cube out of the ice machine, and playing with the football players while they wait to get taped. One of Penelope’s best skill so far in her clinical experience is finding Katherine in the AT room. Overall, Penelope is having a pawesome time as well at Westminster Christian Academy. 

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their preceptors. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU AT Program.

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