Prepare to Respond Flawlessly!
SMC has been called upon to inform emergency action plans and provide sports emergency care training for the country’s most demanding medical teams since 1995.
About smc
Since 1995 Sports Medicine Concepts has been called upon to provide elite sports emergency care training for the most demanding medical teams. Our mission is to help sports health care professionals provide an environment where sons, daughters, moms, and dads are free to experience all the positive attributes of athletic competition with minimal threat to their immediate health and future well-being. Our dedication to this mission is grounded in our shared experiences in management of sports’ worst moments and a commitment to mediate future outcomes. It is because of our unique approach to curriculum development, extensive experience in simulation training, and pragmatic philosophy that the most demanding medical teams in the country look to Sports Medicine Concepts, Inc. to ensure they are Prepared to Respond Flawlessly!
Meet our team
I am proud to introduce the elite SMC staff. SMC’s staff is composed of highly skilled sports medicine professionals who have been selected for their practical knowledge, interdisciplinary expertise, and dedication to helping their colleagues Prepare to Respond Flawlessly® during sports’ worst moments. Each and every member of our staff practices what they preach every day as a medical provider in their respective field. Our staff has been carefully selected based on their practical knowledge, proven ability to execute, and pragmatic understanding of interdisciplinary team dynamics that result in improved outcomes. It is a job requirement of every SMC staff member to be a practicing member of their discipline. You will find each and every member of the SMC staff on the sidelines, at court side, on the ice, in the ER, or in the back of a rig. If you want to be |Flawless|, you have to train to be |Flawless|. The SMC staff will help you get there. |Flawless| is all we do.
Director
Michael Cendoma Bio
Mr. Cendoma, a certified athletic trainer since 1991, has served as the CEO and Director of Operations at Sports Medicine Concepts’ since founding the company in 1995. Mr. Cendoma’s primary responsibility is ongoing oversight of the company’s 11,000 sq. ft. Elite Sports Emergency Care Training Facility where he oversees development of simulation training that emphasizes interdisciplinary team dynamics and collaboration to achieve optimal psychomotor skill performance.
Mr. Cendoma also oversees the SMC’s In 2Min or Less!® sports emergency care and Concussion Management Specialist curricula, is the principal developer of TeamEMSoft®, the company’s emergency action planning software platform, and oversees ongoing development of the FMxtractor, a device he first patented in 1998. Under Mr. Cendoma’s watch, SMC’s simulation training and services have become the foundation on which the most demanding medical teams rely to inform their emergency care training and emergency action planning, including the NFL, USA Olympic and Paralympic Sports Medicine, the armed forces academies, major colleges, outreach clinics, and institutions of higher education.
Mr. Cendoma dedicates much of his professional practice to improving outcomes for critically injured athletes by focusing on true-to-life simulation training that uses best practice standards and performance benchmarking to ensure the highest standards of performance are attained during management of sports’ worst moments.
Mr. Cendoma’s work has been recognized by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association for Best Educational Software in 2003, the Journal of Athletic Training in 2004 for Outstanding Non-Research Manuscript, the 2015 Journal of Athletic Training Kenneth L. Knight Award for the Outstanding Research Manuscript, and most recently a Certificate of Appreciation from the Professional Football Athletic Trainers’ Association for his work in preparing medical teams to properly care for critical injuries in the NFL.
A truly dedicated and traditional athletic trainer, Mr. Cendoma practices everything he preaches every day as the athletic trainer on the sidelines for a local high school in his hometown.
Mr. Michael Cendoma, MS, ATC, ACLS
Program Director
Morgan Cendoma Bio
Morgan has been an irreplaceable part of the SMC team since 2013, but his true value was proven as a member of the COVID simulation team. Morgan was able to repurpose existing SMC technology to piece together a network that was able to livestream advanced medical simulation and team debriefing activities to the National Football League when it looked like pandemic restrictions would leave them without an option for effectively completing their required emergency action plan training.
SMC had the knowledge and expertise, but without the delivery mechanism designed by Morgan, SMC and the NFL would be in a different place.
Morgan is also principally charged with the very challenging task of managing the company’s mobile patient simulation program, which requires maintenance of multiple Hi-Fi patient simulation networks during on-location training for the company’s most demanding elite medical teams.
During the off-season, Morgan produces Skull Sessions®, the company’s sports emergency care podcast, and directs all the company’s media initiatives.
Morgan’s early work with SMC is featured as ancillary materials in the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons textbook on sports injury management. Morgan’s most recent work is hidden in the walls of SMC’s elite sports emergency care training center. Morgan designed, built, and installed SMC’s vast network infrastructure that is the backbone of SMC’s simulation, production, and communications capabilities.
Mr. Morgan Cendoma
Director of IT and Media
Training Staff
Amanda Shaw Bio
Amanda graduated with her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Athletic Training from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford in 2009. Following graduation she completed an internship with an elite athletic performance center in Tampa Bay, Florida. In 2012, she completed her Masters of Science degree in Sport Administration from Canisius College in Buffalo, NY.
Presently Amanda is the Head Athletic Trainer at Pavilion High School and the Outreach Athletic Training Coordinator for Village Physical Therapy and Fitness. Amanda joined the SMC team in 2020 and serves as a clinical instructor and SMC’s Program Coordinator. Amanda is responsible for managing all SMC’s in-house educational programming.
Amanda was part of SMC’s much heralded simulation team that provided a very high level of training for the National Football League during their quest to maintain preparedness in spite of COVID restrictions that disrupted their traditional training. Amanda brings a very pragmatic perspective to emergency preparedness within the outreach athletic training model.
Clinical Focus
Clinical education and simulation training
Outreach emergency preparedness
Ms. Amanda Shaw, MS, ATC, ACLS
Program Coordinator / Clinical Instructor
Amanda Shefflin Bio
Mandy grew up in a small town at the base of the Adirondacks. She graduated with her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Athletic Training from SUNY Brockport in 2008. After she graduated she started working for Village Physical Therapy as an outreach athletic trainer and has been in WNY since. Currently, she is the head athletic trainer for LeRoy High School. She has played many roles in athletic training and community outreach including instruction as an American Heart Association Instructor. Mandy is a certified strength and conditioning specialist as well as a certified ergonomics assessment specialist. Presently, Mandy is in her first year at SMC and is the content coordinator. She has been helping to schedule and create the skull sessions and product reviews.
Mrs. Mandy Sheflin, ATC, CSCS, ACLS
Content Coordinator
Accreditation / CE Coordinator
Clinical Instructor
Caitlin McCauley Bio
Ms. Caitlin McCauley, ATC, ACLS
Media Coordinator /
Clinical Instructor
Mindi Meath Bio
Mindi Meath is an experienced paramedic, instructor, and simulation
specialist. Driven by her passion for improving medical team
interdisciplinary team dynamics, she takes pride in providing the best
simulation experience possible. As a Senior Simulation Specialist, her
goals include, expanding SMC’s simulation program to include
technology, a focus on team dynamics, and an outcome goal of
improving care given to athletes. In addition to her primary job
functions, Mindi has been recognized by Monroe Livingston Regional
EMS Council as Educator of the Year for her extraordinary
commitment to emergency medical services education. To ensure she
remains clinically active, Mindi is also employed as a critical care
paramedic and community paramedic in the Rochester, NY area.
Nancy Regan said “my children are my legacy” and her family is what
Mindi is most proud of.
Mrs. Mindi Meath, CCEMT-P
Sr. Simulation Specialist Sr. Clinical Instructor
Adjunct Faculty
Peter Bonadonna Bio
Peter has been certified as a NYS EMT since 1978 and a Paramedic since 1982. He has 26 years of full-time experience in urban/metropolitan EMS. Peter is currently the Administrative Chief Paramedic at Monroe Ambulance, a proprietary ambulance service, in Rochester, New York. Peter has been teaching advanced EMTs in the Rochester region since 1984.
He has been recognized by the American Heart Association, NYS Department of Health Educator of Excellence Award, The Safety Council of Rochester, and he is the only non-nurse to be honored by the Emergency Nurses Association for his work in EMS and teaching. In January 2001, Peter was awarded a Citation of Valor by the Greece Police Department Benevolent Association for his assistance in the care of an injured police officer. Peter is a member of the National Association of EMS Educators and has additional certifications including Marriott’s Cardiology, Cardiovascular Credentialing International, Certified EECP Therapist, Certified MICP, ACLS and BTLS Instructor.
Peter brings an unparalleled understanding of pre-hospital care management and EMS training to the In 2Min or Less!® curriculum. His cognitive and pragmatic understanding of the pre-hospital care literature adds an invaluable dimension to In 2Min or Less!® that has impressed our athletic trainer, paramedic, trauma, and EMS participants alike.
Mr. Peter Bonadonna, EMT-P
Pre-Hospital Care Advisor
Lynette Carlson Bio
Lynette graduated with her Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Education, specializing in Athletic Training, from Southern Illinois University.
In 2002, she completed her Master of Science in Athletic Training at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and her Doctorate of Health Sciences degree in 2015 from Midwestern University. Lynette enjoys working with all sports, and people of all abilities. She has her own athletic training practice focused on Active Release Techniques®, prevention, and concussion management.
Lynette is an adjunct professor at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and is passionate about education and adult learning.
Lynette has been involved with SMC since 2010, first as a program participant and then as an instructor beginning in 2018. In 2020 Lynette assumed the role of an Assistant Program Director at SMC. Lynette enjoys being a member of the SMC team because she believes the program offers a unique learning experience and enjoys seeing the professional growth of each participant. Lynette is a beloved member of the SMC staff. Don’t let Lynette’s charming demeanor fool you. Slackers will feel her wrath! But fear not. A little ice cream is all it takes to get back on her good side.
Clinical Focus
Clinical instruction
Program development and administration
Dr. Lynette Carlson, DHS, ATC
Assistant Program Director /
Sr. Clinical Instructor
Darryl Conway Bio
Darryl holds a Masters’ Degree from Adelphi University (’95) in Sports Medicine and Sports Management and a Bachelors’ Degree from the University of Delaware (’93) in Physical Education Studies and Athletic Training. Presently, Darryl serves as the Senior Associate Athletic Director & Chief Health & Welfare Officer at the University of Michigan.
Darryl has worked with various SWAT Teams as their Tactical Medic and Athletic Trainer. Darryl is a member of the NATA’s Ethnic Diversity Advisory Committee, serving as Chair in 2021. Darryl also serves as Co-Chair of the NCAA’s Diverse Student-Athlete Mental Health & Well-Being Task Force, is a member of the State of Michigan Board of Athletic Trainers, and previously served on the NATA Committee on Professional Ethics (COPE). Darryl is Co-Director of Sports Medicine Emergency Management (SMEM) and is a member of the Spine Injury in Sports Group (SISG).
Darryl was named as a Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) in 2019 and was recognized by the College Athletic Trainers’ Society (CATS) in 2018 with the prestigious Quality of Life Award. Darryl began working with SMC in 2015 as a clinical instructor. Presently, Darryl serves as an Assistant Program Director for SMC’s In 2Min or Less! program.
Darryl is widely recognized at SMC as a walking encyclopedia. His vast experience and background provides a wealth of knowledge that is greatly valued and has consistently held up to Lynette’s “fact check” scrutiny.
Clinical Focus:
Spine Injury Management
Emergency Action Planning
High Profile Medical Response
Mr. Darryl Conway, MS, ATC, ACLS
Assistant Program Director / Sr. Clinical Instructor
Tony Surace Bio
Tony graduated from Canisius College in 1996 with a BS in Athletic training/Phys. Ed. and completed his graduate work at East Stroudsburg University in PA in 1997. He completed his Master’s thesis on The Effect of Selected Tools on Facemask Removal Time and Head Motion. Tony has been the athletic trainer for Niagara Falls City School District since 1997.
Tony also presently serves as the Director of Sports Medicine and Summit Rehab manager at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center and is a Clinical Instructor in Daemen College’s athletic training program.
Tony joined SMC way back in 2000 and has been an integral part of SMC’s storied history, including being a co-presenter during SMC’s 2010 presentation at the Professional Football Athletic Trainers’ Society Winter Meeting, an event that signaled the start of SMC’s relationship with PFATS and the NFL.
Tony brings a practical no nonsense perspective to SMC programming.
Clinical Focus
Clinical education
Concussion Management
Outreach emergency preparedness
Mr. Tony Surace, MEd, ATC, ACLS
Assistant Program Director / Sr. Clinical Instructor
Jake Habermehl Bio
Jake is a 2018 graduate of Daemen College where he earned Masters in Athletic Training.
Currently, Jake is an Assistant Athletic Trainer at Buffalo State College and is Clinical Instructor within the athletic training programs of both SUNY at Buffalo and Daemen College.
Jake also serves as the Region 7 Representative for the New York State Athletic Trainers Athletic Association. Jake joined the SMC team as an adjunct clinical instructor in 2017 after spending a year as an intern with SMC. We have always felt that Jake missed his calling to be an actor when he chose a career in athletic training. His improvisation skills are infamous.
Jake was also a member of SMC’s All COVID Team where his interdisciplinary knowledge and understanding of team dynamics allowed him to assume various clinical roles at a moments notice and make for very realistic simulation during very challenging programming.
Mr. Jacob Habermehl, MS, ATC, ACLS
Clinical Instructor
Michael Coward Bio
Mike is a 2017 graduate of the Monroe Community College paramedic certificate program and holds a BS in fire science and administration from Columbia Southern University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Presently, Mike is an EMT-Paramedic with Monroe Medical Trans in Rochester, NY. Prior to becoming a paramedic, Mike served as an EMT for Monroe Medical Trans and Rural/Metro Services in Rochester.
Mike also served as an EMT Lt. in the Seabreeze Fire Department, specializing in rescue from theme park venues. Mike joined SMC’s adjunct clinical faculty in early 2020 and quickly solidified himself as a valuable member of the SMC’s team.
Mike has a unique knowledge base and skill set that greatly adds to SMC’s simulation experience. Mike’s calm demeanor, patience, and respect for other disciplines make him a favorite of program participants and SMC staff alike.
Mike is a member of SMC’s All COVID Team where he assumed a role that was much different than the position for which he was originally hired.
Mike’s leadership and expertise was essential to SMC’s ability to provide a most realistic simulation experience during a very unconventional training season.
Mr. Michael Coward, EMT-P
Adjunct Faculty Paramedic
Alex Robinson Bio
Alex received his Paramedic training at Erie Community College in Buffalo, NY before moving on to earn his Critical Care Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic certification from the University of Maryland. Alex holds numerous EMS and critical care certifications, including NREMT-P, Flight Paramedic, and Specialty Care Transport Paramedic.
Alex served as a Paramedic, Lieutenant, and Chief Paramedic for Avon Ambulance as well as Operations Captain for Monroe Ambulance in Western New York. Presently, Alex is a Paramedic and Nigh Captain with Livingston County EMS and is pursuing his Associate Degree in Nursing with the goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner.
Alex is a highly motivated and dedicated paramedic who searches for opportunities to enhance his critical care knowledge and skills. Alex joined SMC in 2020 and has been an important contributor to SMC’s simulation programming.
Alex is also responsible for inventory control and ordering to ensure that the SMC training center is always ready to provide an exceptional training experience.
Mr. Alex Robinson, CCEMT-P
Adjunct Clinical Instructor / Critical Care Paramedic
