The Power of Peer Support
In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15-Oct. 15, NATA Now is highlighting some of our leaders at the state, district and national levels as they share insight into their volunteer journeys.
A former athlete, Christanie Monreal, DAT, LAT, ATC, initially saw athletic training as a way to connect to the competitive space she loved. However, as Monreal garnered experience in the collegiate, higher education and secondary school settings, she found there was more to the profession.
“The opportunity to be a consistent presence in the lives of active individuals – not just in injury management, but in supporting their overall well-being – truly solidified my passion for the profession,” she said. “It’s become about building trust, advocating for both the profession and the health of each patient, and making a meaningful, lasting impact both on and off the field.”
As an NATA ATs Care Critical Incident Stress Management team member, Monreal has been a support to her peers in traumatic situations outside of her daily work.
Below, she shares her experience and growth in her leadership journey.
What was your first volunteer position within the athletic training profession and why did you get involved?
My first volunteer experience was as a student helper at the NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo in San Antonio. At the time, I was just looking for a way to get more involved and connect with others in the profession. That experience opened my eyes to the depth of the athletic training community and the importance of service within it.
Later, I was involved in a group CISM intervention after a student athlete tragically passed away following a traumatic spinal injury. Being present during that intervention and witnessing firsthand how vital the ATs Care Committee was – not only for the student group, but also for the staff – was a defining moment for me. It was in that space of grief, support and healing that I realized how powerful peer support can be. That experience was when I knew I wanted to become part of ATs Care and help provide that same level of support to others in our profession during their most difficult times.
Tell us about your current position as an NATA ATs Care Critical Incident Stress Management team member and what you hope to accomplish in this role.
As a member of the ATs Care CISM team, I support fellow athletic trainers who’ve experienced traumatic or high-stress situations. It’s a role that goes beyond physical care; it’s about mental and emotional well-being. My goal is to foster a culture where seeking help is normalized and where every AT knows they’re not alone in moments of crisis.
Why is representation in leadership important and how does it impact the profession?
Representation in leadership ensures that diverse perspectives and experiences shape the direction of our profession. It empowers underrepresented voices, encourages innovation and strengthens the overall credibility and reach of athletic training. Leadership can reflect the full spectrum of our community and when it does, we can make more informed, inclusive decisions.
How has volunteering helped you grow personally and professionally?
Volunteering has expanded my network, strengthened my leadership skills and deepened my understanding of the profession. It’s challenged me to think bigger and act with greater purpose, personally and professionally.
What’s your fondest memory of serving so far?
One of my most meaningful experiences comes from a deeply emotional moment early in my career. I was in the stands and not part of the response team when a student athlete tragically passed away from a traumatic spinal injury. Several of my athletic training students were involved in his care and later learned of his passing just days after the incident. Watching them process that trauma, and then seeing how they leaned on ATs Care and supported one another, was powerful. But at the time, I struggled with my own feelings. I had left the stadium just moments before the injury occurred, and I remember feeling like a fraud – wondering how I could possibly help or empathize with these students when I wasn’t physically there during the incident.
That experience taught me a profound lesson: Everyone’s point of view matters. Trauma affects people differently, and being present emotionally and mentally can be just as important as being physically there. Seeing those students grow into compassionate, capable young professionals has been inspiring. It reminds me that healing and growth come from shared experiences, empathy and continued support.
Now, as a member of the ATs Care CISM team, one of the most rewarding parts of the role is following up with athletic trainers a month – or even two – after a critical incident. Those follow-ups often evolve into something more than professional check-ins. They become real connections, and to me, that’s where the heart of this work really lies.
What advice do you have for other athletic trainers who want to give back to the profession?
Start small but be consistent. Whether it's mentoring a student, joining a committee or helping at an event, your contribution matters. Giving back doesn’t require a title or years of experience, just a willingness to serve. Often, the more you give, the more you gain.
