Dr. Carolina Quintana will be among the first faculty to teach in the newly formed Master of Athletic Training program this fall. With a research background in concussion management, Quintana is ready to begin her new teaching career in the Department of Kinesiology at Fresno State. This past May, she graduated with her doctorate in rehabilitation sciences from the University of Kentucky, where she worked as a graduate assistant at the Sports Medicine Research Institute. Her current research interests include the identification and treatment of vestibular consequences and deficits following sports related concussions and intervention strategies to reduce symptomology and provide a safe return to play.
Quintana became a certified athletic trainer in 2013 after graduating in the field from Northern Arizona University. Afterwards, she attended New Mexico State University and received her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, all while serving as a graduate assistant athletic trainer covering men’s and women’s cross country and track and field. Prior to the University of Kentucky, Quintana served as an assistant athletic trainer at a community college in Costa Mesa, Arizona.
Quintana believes in staying active in the Athletic Training profession and most recently served as the Kentucky representative for the Ethnic Diversity Advisory Committee. She plans to stay involved in her profession, institution, and community and is excited for new opportunities. When she’s not teaching in the classroom, she’s teaching yoga!
Dr. Denise Ramirez is a familiar face on the Fresno State campus, where she has been teaching a variety of courses in the department since 2013. She is excited to officially join the faculty at the University as an assistant professor, teaching courses in physical education to future physical educators and also, liberal studies students. While teaching at Fresno State, Ramirez simultaneously taught at Madera Community College in physical education and health courses; as well as the Fresno State satellite campus at the College of the Sequoias in Visalia – a true testament of her passion for teaching.
Ramirez has strong roots in the San Joaquin Valley, where she resides with her children and husband – a local business owner of over 40-years. In addition, she is a proud Fresno State alumna, having received her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, followed by a teaching credential in physical education, a master’s degree in kinesiology (sport psychology) and finally, a doctorate in educational leadership. She was a standout student, receiving major of the year, a dean’s medalist nomination and the recipient of the Graduate Student Research and Creative Activities Award.
Ramirez is active in the physical education profession and her community as a board member of Pinnacle Racing, SHAPE America member, and Association for Applied Sport Psychology member – among many other associations. An interesting fact – she is also a third-degree brown belt in Shou Shu Kung Fu, as well as an endurance cyclist!
Fresno State College of Health and Human Services 