Staff

Certified Athletic Training Staff

Sanford Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Athletic training services for the Bismarck Public Schools is provided by Sanford Bismarck. The following Certified Athletic Trainers are employed by Sanford Orthopedics and Sports Medicine to provide coverage for Bismarck Public School practices and events.

Defining Athletic Training

Board of Certification (BOC) Certified Athletic Trainers are healthcare professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize activity and participation of patients and clients. Athletic training encompasses the prevention, diagnosis and intervention of emergency, acute and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations and disabilities. Athletic training is recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) as a healthcare profession.

Practicing athletic training in North Dakota without first obtaining a State of North Dakota License is prohibited.

LAT = Licensed Athletic Trainer / ATC = Certified Athletic Trainer

Bismarck High School and Wachter Middle School Team

Destiny Smith, MS, LAT, ATC

Primary Responsibility: Lead Athletic Trainer

Smith is employed as a full-time Certified Athletic Trainer with Sanford Bismarck Sports Medicine. Her primary responsibility is providing coverage for Bismarck High School and assisting with Wachter Middle School.

Education: A native of Bismarck, ND, Smith attended Wachter Middle School and Bismarck High School prior to her college education. In high school she participated in volleyball, track and field, and was an avid weightlifter. In 2021, Smith received her Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from the University of Mary. After receiving her Bachelor’s degree, she moved to Bloomington, IL to pursue her Master of Science degree in Post-Professional Athletic Training at Illinois State University and worked as an athletic trainer at Bloomington High School for two years. She received her Master’s degree from ISU in the spring of 2023.

Interests: In Smith's free time, she enjoys weightlifting, watching sports on TV, hunting with her dad, riding motorcycles, and spending time with her family and friends.

Contact info: Cell 701-426-0417; CLICK HERE to email Destiny.

Thomas Schmidt, MS, LAT, ATC

Primary Responsibility: Associate Athletic Trainer

Schmidt is employed as a full-time Certified Athletic Trainer with Bismarck Sanford Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. Sanford Bismarck Sports Medicine. His primary responsibility is providing coverage for Bismarck High School and Wachter Middle School.

Education: A native of West St. Paul, MN, Schmidt received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biomechanics from the University of Mary in 2023 and a Master of Science in Athletic Training in the spring of 2025.

Interests: In Schmidt’s free time, he enjoys weightlifting, golfing, playing videogames, and spending time with his friends.

Contact Info: Cell 651-447-1159; CLICK HERE to email Thomas.

Century High School and Horizon Middle School Team

Shantelle Rule, MS, LAT, ATC

Primary Responsibility: Lead Athletic Trainer

Rule is employed full-time as a Certified Athletic Trainer with Sanford Bismarck Sports Medicine. Her primary responsibility is providing coverage for Century High School and assisting with Horizon Middle School.

Education: A native of Pinedale, WY, Rule received her Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from the University of Mary in 2021 and Master of Science degree in Kinesiology in 2024 . Rule also ran NCAA Division II Track & Field from 2017-2021 for the Maruders.

Contact info: Cell 970-531-4138; CLICK HERE to email Shantelle.

Ashlynn Dix, MS, LAT, ATC

Associate Athletic Trainer

Dix is employed full-time with Sanford Orthopedics & Sports Medicine of Bismarck. Her primary responsibility is providing coverage for Century High School and Horizon Middle School.

Education: Dix attended Bowman County High School prior to her college education. She graduated from the University of Mary in April 2025 where she earned her Master’s degree in Athletic Training along with her Bachelor’s degree in Biomechanics.

Interests: In Ashlynn’s free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her dog Gus, going to concerts, camping, and playing pickleball.

Contact Info: Cell (701)-449-9116; Email Ashlynn.dix@sanfordhealth.org

Legacy High School and Simle Middle School Team

Matt Oestreich, LAT, ATC

Primary Responsibility: Lead Athletic Trainer

Oestreich is employed full-time as a Certified Athletic Trainer with Sanford Bismarck Sports Medicine. His primary responsibility is providing coverage for Legacy High School along with assisting with Simle Middle School.

Education: A native of Hazen, ND, Oestreich received his Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training in 2021 from the University of Mary. After receiving his Bachelor's degree, Oestreich moved to Detroit Lakes, MN, to work as a Certified Athletic Trainer for Detroit Lakes High School for just over two years.

Interests: In Oestreich's free time, he enjoys watching the Green Bay Packers, hunting, fishing and hanging out with his family and friends.

Contact info: Cell 701-870-0046; CLICK HERE to email Matt.

Kaya Gayette, MS, LAT, ATC
Primary Responsibility: Associate Athletic Trainer

Gayette is employed full-time as a Certified/Licensed Athletic Trainer for Sanford Bismarck Sports Medicine. Her primary responsibility is providing coverage for Legacy High School and Simle Middle School

Education: A native of Mandan, ND. Gayette received her Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training in 2023 and her Masters of Athletic Training in 2025, both from the University of Mary.

Interests: Gayette enjoys spending time with her dog, friends, and family, any outdoor activity, reading, and traveling to new places.

Contact Info: Cell 701-426-5602; CLICK HERE to email Kaya.

Sports Medicine Specialist

Jon Kolberg, MD

Dr. Kolberg mainly treats sports injuries, and specializes in the following procedures:

Common illnesses and injuries
Preventive health
Sports medicine
Non-surgical treatment of sports injuries
Injury prevention
Return to activity
Concussion management

Education History

Fellowship: Sports Medicine: Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, OR

Residency: Grand Forks Family Medicine, Grand Forks, ND

Medical School: University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND

Undergraduate School: University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND

Certifications: American Board of Family Medicine

American Board of Family Medicine: Certificate of Added Qualifications in Sports Medicine

Appointment/Schedule: 701-323-8920

Anthony Kasch, MD

Dr. Anthony Kasch is a fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeon.

He specializes in the surgical treatment of sports-related injuries. His focus is on shoulder and knee ligament and joint injuries that can be treated with arthroscopic or open surgery.

Dr. Kasch treats athletic and orthopedic injuries, including:

ACL injuries
Broken bones
Damage to the meniscus
Joint dislocations
Ligament and joint injuries
Limb realignment needs
Muscle and tendon strains and tears
Patella dislocations
Shoulder, elbow, knee and hip conditions

He offers these services:

Performing thorough sports-based physical exams
Ordering and reviewing imaging
Performing arthroscopic and open joint and ligament surgery

Education History

Fellowship: Sports Medicine: Kaiser Permanente, Pasadena, CA

Residency: Orthopedic Surgery: University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ

Medical School: University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CA

Appointment/Schedule: 701-323-8920

Jonathan Preszler, PhD

Dr. Jonathan Preszler specializes in sports neuropsychology. He evaluates and treats concussions in patients of all ages and helps athletes return to play quickly and safely.

Dr. Preszler treats these conditions:

Encephalopathy
Mild traumatic brain injuries
Pediatric developmental conditions

He completed two years of fellowship training with a focus on concussion care.

Education History

Fellowship: Neuropsychology: University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

Graduate School: Washington State University, Pullman, WA

Professional Memberships: Sports Neuropsychology Society

Appointment/Schedule: 701-323-8700

Boy's and Girls' Ice Hockey (BHS, CHS, LHS)

Blaine Steiner, MS, LAT, ATC

Primary Responsibility: Certified Athletic Trainer

Steiner is a Certified Athletic Trainer with Sanford Bismarck Sports Medicine. He coordinates coverage for the Bismarck Public Schools ice hockey teams. Steiner will help provide coverage as needed for BPS events during the school year.

Education: A native of Bismarck, ND, Steiner received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Athletic Training from the University of North Dakota in 1992 and a Master of Science degree in Health, Physical Education, Recreation with a Sports Medicine emphasis from South Dakota State University in 1995.

Contact info: Cell 701-527-1948; CLICK HERE to email Blaine.

Alyssa Ehrlich, MS, LAT, ATC, FN1-NC

Primary Responsibility: Certified Athletic Trainer

Ehrlich is a Certified Athletic Trainer with Sanford Bismarck Sports Medicine and will help provide coverage for the Bismarck Public Schools ice hockey teams.

Ehrlich is also the Head Athletic Trainer for Shiloh Christian School and provides sports medicine coverage for Solen High School during the basketball season. Ehrlich will help provide coverage as needed for other BPS events during the school year.

Education: A native from Bowdon, ND, Ehrlich received her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training and Master of Science in Kinesiology degrees from the University of Mary. Ehrlich recently completed the requirements for the PrecisionNutrition Level 1 Nutrition Coaching Certification.

Interests: Hobbies include running, camping, and reading.

Contact info: Cell 701-341-0816; CLICK HERE to email Alyssa.

Help out staff

The following members of the Sanford Orthopedic and Sports Medicine staff will help out with coverage of high school and middle school events when needed.

Nadine Brew, PTA, LAT, ATC

Primary Responsibility: Help out

Brew is a Certified Athletic Trainer with Sanford Bismarck Sports Medicine and will help provide coverage as needed during the school year. She also provides sports medicine coverage for United Tribes Technical College for Sanford.

Education: A native of Watford City, ND, Brew is a 2004 graduate of South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training. She also earned an Associate of Applied Science degree for Physical Therapy Assistant from Lake Area Technical Institute in Watertown, SD, in 2008.

Contact info: Cell 605-881-1043; CLICK HERE to email Nadine.

Dean Chumley

Dean Chumley, LAT, ATC, CSCS, PN1-NC

Primary Responsibility: Help out

Chumley is employed full-time as a Certified Athletic Trainer with Sanford Bismarck Sports Medicine. Chumley provides coverage for as needed during the school year.

Chumley was recently promoted to Lead Athletic Trainer for Sanford Bismarck. Chumley works in the Sanford Sports Medicine Clinic supervising the Sanford Bismarck athletic training staff, collaborating with upper management to assist with appropriate delegation of day-to-day operations, coordinates potential sports medicine service proposals and events, and assists with contractual agreements.

Education: A native of Annandale, MN, Chumley is a 2015 graduate of St. Cloud State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training and a minor in Coaching. Chumley successfully earned his CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) credential in June 2016. Chumley recently completed the requirements for the PrecisionNutrition Level 1 Nutrition Coaching Certification.

Contact info: Cell 612-220-9903; CLICK HERE to email Dean.

Sophia Jung, LAT, ATC

Primary Responsibility: Assistant Athletic Trainer

Jung is a Certified Athletic Trainer with Sanford Bismarck Sports Medicine. Her primary responsibility is providing coverage for Wachter Middle School and assisting with Bismarck High School.

Education: A native of Plymouth, MN, Jung received her Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from the University of Mary in 2021 and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Mary, anticipating to graduate in 2024.

Interests: In her limited free time from work and school, Jung enjoys getting outside to go rollerblading and for walks with her husband and dog in the summers, and downhill skiing in the winters.

Contact info: Cell 763-458-4562; CLICK HERE to email Sophia.

Brendon Ehrlich, DPT, LAT, ATC

Primary Responsibility: Help out

Ehrlich is a Certified Athletic Trainer and Physical Therapist with Sanford Bismarck Sports Medicine and will help provide coverage as needed during the school year. Ehrlich is also provides sports medicine coverage for the NAHL Bismarck Bobcats.

Education: A native of Bismarck, ND, Ehrlich received his Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from the University of Mary in 2017 and Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2020.

Contact info: Cell 701-202-2823; CLICK HERE to email Brendon.

Doug Nickels, LAT, ATC

Primary Responsibility: Help out

Nickels works full-time for Sanford Health Equipment and part-time as a Certified Athletic Trainer with Sanford Bismarck Sports Medicine. Nickels will help provide coverage as needed during the school year.

Education: A native of Mobridge, SD, Nickels received his Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from the University of Mary in 2006.

Contact info: Cell 605-848-2853; CLICK HERE to email Doug.

Bruce Schumacher, LAT, ATC

Primary Responsibility: Help out

Schumacher is a native of Napoleon, North Dakota and is employed by Sanford Bismarck Sports Medicine as a part time Certified Athletic Trainer.

Education: Schumacher has degrees in Athletic Training, Business Administration and Business Communications from the University of Mary and a Commercial Art degree from Bismarck State College.

Schumacher works full time as a loan officer at a local bank and has been employed in the financial industry for over 25 years.

Contact info: Cell 701-471-7276; CLICK HERE to email Bruce.

Alicia Wells, MS, LAT, ATC, CSCS, PN1-NC

Primary Responsibility: Help out

Wells is a native of Watauga, SD, and is employed part-time as a Certified Athletic Trainer with Sanford Bismarck Sports Medicine.

Education: Wells received her Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training with a minor in Wellness from the University of Mary in 2013 and a Master of Science degree in Kinesiology in 2015. Wells also ran NCAA Division II Cross Country and Track from 2009-2013 for the Marauders. Wells successfully earned her CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) credential in August 2017. Wells recently completed the requirements for the PrecisionNutrition Level 1 Nutrition Coaching Certification.

Wells teaches full-time at the University of Mary in the Athletic Training Education Program. Her husband, Kyle, is a rancher south of Carson, ND. They have two children.

Contact info: Cell 605-848-2376; CLICK HERE to email Alicia.