Melissa Thuma
Melissa Thuma is a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) by The Board of Certification (BOC) and an Orthopedic Technologist (OTC) by The National Board of Orthopedic Technologists. She joined Town Center Orthopedics in December of 2012 to work with Dr. Thal.
Originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, Melissa earned her undergraduate degree in Athletic Training at the College of Charleston. She received her Master’s in Sports Medicine at George State University. While in graduate school she worked at Emory University as an athletic trainer working with Men’s and Women’s soccer, softball, and track and field. She has also worked with the Women’s United States U-15, U-20, and National soccer teams. In 2011 she completed her Physician Extender Fellowship at the University of Michigan, where she specialized in knee, shoulder, and elbow injuries. Once she completed her fellowship she continued to work at the University of Michigan, she decided to move to northern VA to be closer to family.
Kayla Taylor
Kayla Taylor is a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) by The Board of Certification (BOC). She joined Town Center Orthopedics in July of 2017.
Kayla is from Loudoun County, Virginia and earned her undergraduate degree in Athletic Training at James Madison University in 2015. Upon graduation, she was hired at a chiropractic clinic as an Athletic Trainer, in charge of evaluating, creating, and implementing rehabilitation programs for patients.
She has worked with athletes of all age groups as well as various sports. At the collegiate level she has worked with Lacrosse, Swim & Dive, Football, Cheer, and Track & Field athletes. In 2014, she worked the CAA Track and Field Championships at James Madison University, and in 2015 she volunteered at the World Police and Fire Games, providing sports coverage to international athletes. She has also provided sports coverage for U13-U18 Rugby and National Horse Shows. She is very excited to help provide the best care possible as a part of Dr. Thal’s team.
