Brian Appel, AT, ATC, ITAT

Director of Athletic Training

     Brian is originally from Mansfield OH, where he attended Ontario High School.  While in high school he grew an interest in sports medicine and volunteered for four years learning about the field. 

     Brian attended Kent State University from 2005-2009, earning a Bachelors of Science in Athletic Training.  He completed the NATABOC examination in 2009 earning the ATC credential.  While in college he was the President of the Organization of Athletic Training Students.  He also was a member and on the executive board for The Delta Chi Fraternity. After graduation, Brian spent a four week stint with the Cleveland Browns assisting with OTA’s. 

     Brian began working for Action Physical Therapy in 2013 and shortly after became the athletic trainer for Hubbard High School. He also spends time in the clinic working hand in hand with our therapists to ensure that athletes reach a full recovery. Brian specializes in performance enhancement and sports injuries, which means quicker recovery times for athletes. Brian has also completed the required training for the ImPACT Trained Athletic Trainer Program.  He is also certified in Integrative Dry Needling.

     Brian currently resides in Champion with his wife Anne and his son Caleb and daughter Hannah.  He enjoys being outdoors, whether it is cycling or just relaxing around a campfire. 

Sarah Swisher, ATC, LAT 

Sarah Swisher attended Colonel Crawford High School and is originally from Bucyrus, OH. While attending Colonel Crawford High School, Sarah played softball and soccer and was planning to continue her sports career into college. In her sophomore year of high school, Sarah experienced every high school athlete’s nightmare. During a fall ball game, she slid into second base, tearing her ACL in her right knee. Although she was stubborn and was determined to finish the fall softball season and start basketball, her season was cut short. After a confirmed MRI, surgery was done. In 5 short months, because of the hard working and compassionate physical therapists and athletic trainer, Sarah was back on the field in time for her junior season. By the next Spring, during the 7th pre-season game of her senior season, Sarah then tore her ACL in her left knee, requiring yet another surgery. The Eagles made it to state that year and Sarah was unable to participate. 

 Although these were a series of unfortunate events, she is extremely glad it happened because it led her to the decision of pursuing a career in Sports Medicine. Sarah attended The University of Mount Union from 2013-2017, with a focus in Athletic Training. While attending Mount Union, Sarah played softball for her first 2 years, and then decided to put all her focus into her academics. She double minored in Psychology and Exercise Science along with completing her Athletic Training Courses. She completed the BOC for Athletic Training in the summer of 2019 and began working with Action Physical Therapy this past August and is now the Athletic Trainer at Mineral Ridge High School. Sarah is currently enrolled in NASM’s Personal Training Courses to further her education in exercise science. 

 Sarah currently resides in Warren, OH with her boyfriend and her golden retriever, Jax. She enjoys working out and being around friends and family. Her future plans are to become certified in Integrative Dry Needling and work hand in hand with the physical therapists to ensure athletes have the safest and quickest recovery.  

Derek Gustovich, MAT, AT, ATC

Derek is a two time graduate from Youngstown State University with a Master's in Athletic Training in 2021 and a Bachelor's in Exercise Science in 2012. He is the athletic trainer at Brookfield High School.  In his free time he enjoys going hiking, traveling, working out, playing video games and guitar.  His future plans are to become certified in Integrative Dry Needling.