Karen Kay, Director of Athletic Training
Karen is a 1985 graduate of Providence College where she earned a BA degree in both Business and Psychology. She was a Division I scholarship athlete for Providence in Women’s Ice Hockey. She completed a four year Internship Program for Athletic Training and the necessary course-work to obtain her National Athletic Training Association’s Certification. After completing her certification, Karen was employed as a certified athletic trainer at both the Division III and Division I college levels, as well as in a private physical therapy practice in Massachusetts.

Karen was the head coach of Women’s Ice Hockey at the University of New Hampshire from 1992 to 2002. Coach Kay achieved more than 200 victories at UNH and coached the team to a National Championship in 1998. She also coached the United States National Team to a silver medal in the 1994 World Championships and received the Bob Johnson Award from USA Hockey for her contributions to International Ice Hockey.

Coach Kay is the Sports Performance Director for Access Acceleration. She is a certified strength and conditioning coach. Karen enjoys the challenge of utilizing her corrective exercise techniques to help those recovering from injury or those trying to improve their sports performance. You can contact Coach Karen Kay at KarenKay@accessacceleration.com or by calling 603-778-4890.

Heidi Kirby, Certified Athletic Trainer
Heidi received her Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education with a concentration in Athletic Training in 1998, and completed Master’s degree in Exercise Science, Human Performance in 2009. Both degrees are from Bridgewater State College in Bridgewater, MA. She is an American Red Cross First Aid and CPR Instructor, and is an approved clinical instructor for the University of New Hampshire’s athletic training education program. She has worked in the high school, collegiate and industrial medicine fields of athletic training. Heidi is involved with the Special Olympics Program and volunteers as the Executive Director of Sports Medicine for the Seacoast Area Special Olympics track and field competition. She is also the athletic training coordinator for Hot Soup Racing, and ATV Racing Clubs. Heidi has been the Head Athletic Trainer for Exeter High School for the more than eight years. When she is not out on the fields working, she enjoys cooking, hiking, kayaking, and camping.

Aubrey Palacio, Certified Athletic Trainer
Aubrey graduated from Springfield College in May 2007 with a Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training. While at Springfield, Aubrey worked with the men’s soccer, football, and baseball and Women’s softball and field hockey during clinical rotations. Aubrey has been with Access Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics since August of 2007 and became the Head Athletic Trainer at Winnacunnet High School in 2008. She treats all high school level athletes and all sports played at the high school level. She is certified by the National Athletic Trainer’s Association Board of Certification and licensed in the state of New Hampshire. She has a personal interest in sports nutrition and encourages athletes to be aware of proper nutrition and how it can enhance their health.

Nicole Spaulding, Certified Athletic Trainer
Nicole graduated from Lasell College in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training. She is currently enrolled in Lasell College and is pursuing her Master’s Degree in Management. In August of 2009, Nicole joined Access Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics as the Head Athletic Trainer for Portsmouth High School. She is responsible for the injury management of all sports related injuries in all athletic programs at PHS. As an athletic trainer, she is a “first responder” when sports-related injuries occur. As such, she recognizes, evaluates and assesses injuries, providing immediate care when necessary and then works closely with the athletes’ physicians and physical therapist to facilitate a safe return to their sport.

Spaulding’s past professional experience includes working with team physicians for the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots. She is a native of Everett, MA and was a star basketball player while attending Pope John XXIII High School. She earned twelve varsity letters and has her number retired for becoming the second all time leading scorer in female basketball history.

Kelli Langran-Shapleigh, Certified Athletic Trainer
Kelli graduated from Plymouth State University in May of 2006 with her Bachelors of Science degree in Athletic Training. While at Plymouth State Kelli was a member of the women’s varsity soccer team. Before arriving at Access Sports Medicine, Kelli was the Head Athletic Trainer at a Division III college and worked with soccer, volleyball, basketball, softball, baseball, and lacrosse. Kelli is currently working in Access Acceleration, a subdivision of Access Sports Medicine, doing injury management fitness and strength and conditioning training, as well as covering games for local high school contracts.

Tyler Swett, Certified Athletic Trainer
Tyler graduated from Plymouth State University in 2006 where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training. While at Plymouth, Tyler had the opportunity to work with a variety of athletic teams including football, wrestling, field hockey, and lacrosse. He also has two years experience working in a high school setting with numerous high school athletes

Tracy Coole, Certified Athletic Trainer
Tracy has worked as a per diem athletic trainer at Access Sports Medicine since 2004. She earned her B.S. in Physical Education and Athletic Training from University of Vermont in 1999 and her M.Ed. in Athletic Administration from Springfield College in 2004. She worked at Northfield Mount Hermon School for three years as an assistant athletic trainer and physical education teacher before moving to Exeter. Tracy is a member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and serves on the Women in Athletic Training Committee.

Tracy currently works as a per diem athletic trainer at Phillips Exeter Academy and is a full-time mom. Tracy is married to Gordon Coole who is the Head Athletic Trainer at Phillips Exeter Academy and they have two energetic boys, Devon, 4 and Finley, 2.

Laura Hafner, Certified Athletic Trainer
Laura has been Certified Athletic Trainer since 1990. She joined Access Sports Medicine staff as an ATC in 2006. Laura works part time in various high schools around the seacoast during their after school games and programs. Laura is a certified EMT-B and CPR Instructor. She also works as an office manager in a Landscape Architecture Company. When she isn’t working, Laura enjoys rowing, coaching, skiing and riding her motorcycle.