JONNA MONSELL, MS, PTA, ATC, PES

Physical Therapist Assistant

Jonna combines an extensive educational background in exercise science, athletic training and treating patients with an outgoing personality to get patients results.

Jonna graduated from California University of PA in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Athletic Training and in 2006 with a Master of Science Degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion with a concentration in Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention. She just recently, in 2013, graduated from Kent State University at Ashtabula with an Associates of Applied Science in Physical Therapy Assistant Technology. Prior to joining the team at Fit for Play she spent 10 years working as a Certified Athletic Trainer. She worked at both the High School and Collegiate levels.

Jonna began her interest in Exercise Science and Rehabilitation when she was competing in soccer and softball.

She hopes to continue to grow in the areas of Orthopaedics and Therapeutic Exercise and to obtain more knowledge in the area of Manual Therapy.

Jonna now resides in Milesburg after moving from her hometown of Schellsburg, PA. She enjoys being outdoors, hiking, biking and still plays recreational softball when she can. Jonna also enjoys reading, listening to all music and spending quality time with friends and family. She is looking forward to growing with the Fit for Play team and helping to improve her patients’ quality of life. Everyone should have the ability to be as fit and active as they want to be.

FUN FACTS ABOUT JONNA

WOOF X 2

Very proud momma of 2 dogs, Willow and Gabby

SHAKE IT OFF

Once played 6 soccer games with a broken toe

THREE QUICK QUESTIONS

How does your athletic training background help you as a PTA?

It taught me to think "outside the box" and find unique solutions to all types of situations. No day as an athletic trainer is predictable. You have to be prepared for anything and be able to think on your feet. Those skills apply as a PTA because patient needs change quickly and I feel confident and comfortable in my ability to adapt to these changes based on my previous experience.

How important is patient education in the healing process?

Patient education is huge to the healing process and something that we stress and work on daily here at Fit For Play. We enjoy educating patients about their conditions and how PT will help them improve. When patients understand the recovery process, they are more likely to follow instructions and home exercise protocols. In the end, a compliant patient will always get the maximum benefits and results from physical therapy, and that is what we want!

What's the craziest injury you ever dealt with as an athletic trainer?

I had a high school softball player misjudge a ball that inevitably ended up hitting her in the mouth. To my surprise when I began my assessment she told me that her head did not hurt, but that she could not move her leg. I then began to scan towards her lower body to find that she had a complete fracture of the tibia and fibula that caused her foot to be pointing in the wrong direction. Again you never know what you will encounter as an athletic trainer!

WHAT PATIENTS ARE SAYING

Both of us have received PT here and feel improvement was made and enjoyed our "work" with Lindsey and Jonna as well as other therapists. Thanks!

– Satisfied Patient
My experience was the best. Lindsey and Jonna were amazing. They were both a joy to interact with and they were always very professional and on top of everything. I wouldn't hesitate a moment in referring either of them to a friend or family member.

– Satisfied Patient
Great work - Jonna was fabulous!

– Satisfied Patient
After my shoulder surgery, my doctor recommended Fit for Play for physical therapy. I have completed 11 weeks of therapy and I am very much satisfied with the results. The therapists that worked with me were very qualified and knowledgeable and showed compassion and concern at all times. I have had therapy at other facilities in the area and there is no comparison to Fit for Play. Thank you Lindsey, Jonna and Tonya.

– Satisfied Patient
Everyone here was very friendly. Lindsey and Jonna were great!

– Satisfied Patient
Lindsey and Jonna were great! I would recommend FFP to others.

– Satisfied Patient
Thank you so much. Everyone was so great and kind.

– Satisfied Patient
Knowing I have immediate access to my PT and PTA if I have a future question regarding weights and exercises is of utmost importance to me. I know I can!

– Satisfied Patient
Thank you so much to Lindsey and Jonna and the rest of the staff for the excellent and friendly service provided!

– Satisfied Patient
Thanks to Lindsey, Jonna and assistants - all very professional.

– Satisfied Patient
Jonna was awesome! Very, very knowledgeable!

– Satisfied Patient
Lindsey and Jonna were great to work with!

– Satisfied Patient
Lindsey, Jonna and Tonya were very helpful and fun to work with. The exercises they prescribed really helped to get my knee back on track and back out playing on my mountain trails again! :)

– Satisfied Patient
Excellent care! I love coming to PT to see Lindsey and Jonna - Thursdays have become my favorite day! Can't wait to see everyone when I come to the gym and personal training!

– Satisfied Patient
After engaging in 13 therapy sessions with your instructors, my balance problem diminished beyond my expectations. The therapy/medical service given by Lindsey and Jonna was excellent and it was given with a high degree of professionalism

– Satisfied Patient

Working with patients and getting to apply my extensive educational background is very rewarding. I enjoy the challenge of working with a diverse patient load and getting people results.

-- Jonna Monsell, MS, PTA, ATC