Tonia Gruppen ’98 is the clinical education coordinator for the athletic training education program at Hope College as well as a professor of athletic training and exercise science. She supervises students in the clinical setting as well as serving as a clinical athletic trainer to over 20 collegiate sports teams at Hope. She enjoys watching the students develop in their clinical skills over their four years in the program. Tonia began at Hope in fall 2005. 

AREAS OF INTEREST

Tonia is certified in the Graston Technique and has training in manual therapy and myofascial release techniques. She has the opportunity to use these techniques in the treatment of Hope College's intercollegiate athletes and helping to return them to their high level of performance following an injury.

EDUCATION

• M.S., athletic training, Indiana University, 1999
• B.A., athletic training, Hope College, 1998

HONORS, GRANTS, & AWARDS

• Great Lakes Public Relations Award, 2009–2011

Published Work

• "Removal Time and Efficacy of Riddell Quick Release Face Guard Attachment System Side Clips During 1 Football Season," with M. Smith and A. Ganss, Journal of Athletic Training, 47(4), 2012

Outside the College

Tonia has two daughters, Riley and Reese, and her husband Kevin is a home inspector. She enjoys spending time with her family at their many activities and sporting events.  She enjoys reading, jogging and playing slow pitch softball.