Jeff Konin PhD, ATC, PT, FACSM, FNATA

Dr. Jeff Konin is a Clinical Professor at Florida International University in Miami, Florida. He serves as the Director of the Doctor of Athletic Training Program and leads the Global Initiative for Cannabinoid Research and Education.

As a certified athletic trainer and licensed physical therapist, Dr. Konin served on the clinical staff for the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games in 1996 and was the head athletic trainer for the USA wheelchair Paralympic Team that won a world championship gold medal in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada in 2010. He is a frequent volunteer at the Disney World Marathon races.

Jeff advises individual athletes, healthcare professionals, sport organizations, and companies within the cannabis industry. Nationally, he served as the chair of the cannabis task force for the National Athletic Trainer’s Association. Jeff is also a member of the American Cannabis Nurse’s Association (ACNA), the American Medical Marijuana Physicians Association (AMMPA), the Society of Cannabis Clinicians (SCC), International Cannabinoid Research Society, the International Cannabinoid Research Society and the Florida CCORC Scientific Program Committee.

Dr. Konin is the co-editor of 25 textbooks including Special Tests for Orthopedic Examination, Management Strategies in Athletic Training, Becoming a Legal Expert in the Health Profession, Practical Kinesiology, Sports Emergency Care, Sports Medicine Conditions – Return to Play, Documentation for Athletic Training, Reimbursement for Athletic Training, and Clinical Athletic Training. He is also the author of numerous textbook chapters and peer-reviewed manuscripts including the NATA’s Position Statement: Pre-participation Physical Examinations and Disqualifying Conditions and Athletic Training Documentation Best Practices. He has shared his expertise at professional conferences throughout the United States as well as in Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Norway, Romania, England, Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria. Dr. Konin is a frequent invited speaker on the topic of cannabis in sport and rehabilitation, ethical and legal matters in sports medicine, and global leadership. Over a 30+ year career, Dr. Konin has secured over $13 million in grant funding dedicated to the advancement of various sports medicine initiatives. 

Dr. Konin is a Founding Partner of The Rehberg Konin Group, dedicated to providing expert advice in the area of sport safety, education, and other areas. Over the past 20+ years, he served in various expert roles for both the plaintiff and defendant. He has consulted with organizations, businesses, and academic institutions on various matters of risk management and prevention. Additionally, he founded PHD420, Inc., a non-for-profit focusing on cannabis education and research.

He is a past recipient of the NATA’s Professional Development Excellence Award, NATA Service Award, NATA’s Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award, SEATA Educator/Administrator of the Year Award, NATA’s Distinction in the Advancement of Legal, Ethical, and Regulatory Issues, International Service Award, and The NATA Foundation’s New Initiative Award. He is recognized as a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA). In 2020, Dr. Konin was inducted in the NATA’s Hall of Fame.

Dr. Konin has served the profession as a member of the original Reimbursement Advisory Group, member of the Clinical/Corporate/Industrial committee, Chair of the Outcomes Panel Advisory Board, Conference Planning Committee, Post Professional Education Committee, Best Practice for AT Documentation Task Force, Sexual Abuse Education Task Force, Professional Responsibility Work Group Advisory Board member, Student Leadership Committee mentor, Chair of the Transitional Employment Work Group, a member of the International Committee, Fellows committee member, and most recently as the Chair of the Cannabis Task Force for the National Athletic Trainers’ Association.

Dr. Konin has held past academic appointments at James Madison University, the University of South Florida, and the University of Rhode Island.

Alexandra Huron LAT, ATC

Alexandra Huron, LAT, ATC, is a dedicated and skilled Athletic Trainer with a rich educational background and substantial field experience. A proud alumnus of the University of the Incarnate Word, Alexandra graduated in December 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training. She has developed a well-rounded skill set through over eight years of professional experience, extending from junior high athletics to the semi-professional football arena.

Her tenure in athletic training began at Livingston ISD as a Co-head Athletic Trainer and Sports Medicine Instructor, where she spent a year shaping young minds and caring for athletes. From there, she transitioned to Poth ISD, continuing her journey as an Athletic Trainer and Instructor, refining her expertise in both educational and athletic domains.

In March 2020, Alexandra expanded her reach to higher education and healthcare systems, serving at Our Lady of the Lake University and the Christus Santa Rosa Health System simultaneously. Her outreach endeavors are notable, including valuable contributions to the Mission Concepcion Sports Complex, Alamo City All-Stars Sports Complex, Holy Cross High School, St. Anthony’s Catholic High School, and The Atonement Academy.

Ray Castle, PhD, LAT, ATC, NREMT

A 1990 graduate of LSU, Castle has an extensive background in education, clinical practice, and professional service spanning over 32 years. Dr. Castle's clinical practice background has included experiences at the high school, college, and international (1996 Atlanta Olympic Games; USOC Sports Medicine Staff for 2003 Pan American Games; and 2004 US Women's Bobsled) levels, large-scale medical coverage and coordination, as well as extensive experience in emergency medicine. 

Castle is nationally known and recognized for his skills and contributions to advancing the athletic training profession and advocacy for sports health and safety through 200+ presentations, research projects, and publications.  He has served in various leadership roles in state, regional, and national organizations, as well as the recipient of numerous awards and accolades. 

After a 20-year stay at LSU where he was Professor and Athletic Training Program Director, Castle transitioned in August 2022 to devote his energy and passion to Action Medicine Consultants, LLC, as Owner and Chief Medical Officer since 2012. His company provides sports medicine event coordination; emergency medicine and response training; EAP development and audits for organizations; and continuing education courses. One of his most recent activities was serving as a consultant for the Louisiana High School Athletics Association in the development and implementation of its Pre-Game Administrative Conference (PAC), or “medical time-out” program. He currently serves as medical coordinator for over 40 large-scale events in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.