December 20, 2013

Amber Gerken, an athletic trainer for TriHealth who works with student athletes at The Summit Country Day School, has received The Summit Way Award.

The annual award is presented to a staff member who is continuously “striving for excellence” and “aiming high in all that one does,” according to the school.

Gerken has worked as The Summit’s head athletic trainer since 2008. Since then, she’s attended countless sports practices and games and works with students to prevent, diagnose and monitor injuries for students grades seven through 12.

“She eases their concerns and ensures they know what they have to do to heal quickly,” says Rich Wilson, The Summit’s head of school.

Gerken has also helped implement a concussion monitoring and recovery program, imPACT.

“When it comes to concussions, she’s in charge. If she says the athlete isn’t ready to play, the students, parents and coaches know not to argue,” Wilson says.

In addition, Gerken works with other TriHealth athletic trainers and shares her expertise.

“You often will see trainers in training by her side. TriHealth knows she’ll train them well,” Wilson says.

Gerken has a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Miami University and a master’s degree in public health and education from the University of Toledo.