Denise O'Mara MS, ATC, LAT
Associate Director of Athletic Training
Office: Feldman Athletic Health Care Center
Tel: (515) 294-8389 at Jacobson or (515) 294-7325 at Sukup Basketball ATR
Sport: Men's and Women's Golf
Professional info
Denise is entering into her 32nd year of working at Iowa State. She was hired in 1991 for the position of Head Women’s Athletic Trainer and Adjunct Instructor with duties including coverage of all women’s athletic teams at Iowa State University as well as teaching within the Kinesiology Department. Denise currently serves as an Associate Director of Athletic Training with direct coverage of Women’s Basketball and Men’s & Women’s Golf. Her main area of interest is women’s health and professional opportunities. Denise enjoys teaching in the athletic training curriculum and mentoring athletic training students. Denise says that working with motivated student-athletes and her peer athletic trainers gives her the motivation to provide the best health care possible to student-athletes on a daily basis.
Courses Taught
A TR 425 Medical Aspects of Athletic Training
A TR 220 Basic Athletic Training (2002-2017)
Work experience
Iowa State University - Associate Director of Athletic Training
1991-Present
Kansas State University - Assistant Athletic Trainer
1987-1991
Illinois State University - Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer
1985-1987
Education
University of Northern Iowa - Bachelors of Arts in Teaching Credentials
1985
Illinois State University - Masters of Science in Exercise Science
1986
Professional Affiliations & Volunteer Service
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Dr. Ma's Systemic Dry Needling Certification - American Dry Needling Institute. 2016
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Active Release Technique (ART), Certified Provider, 2016
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Titleist Performance Institute Certification, 2013
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Kinesio Taping Association KT1 & KT2 Certified Provider, 2007
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SportsMetrics Certification, 2007
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National Academy of Sports Medicine - Performance Enhancement Specialist, 2006
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Sexual Assault Response Team Training, Iowa State University, 2006, 2007
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Graston Technique - Certified Provider
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Iowa Shrine Bowl - Athletic Trainer Fund Raising Event, 2012-2014
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Served as a qualified examiners and Test Site Administrator for the Board of Certification 1987-2006
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HIPPA Compliance Committee: Iowa State University, 2003-2009
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NCAA Train the Trainer Diversity Session, Indianapolis, IN, 2000
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Completed Curriculum & Policy Integration Methods for Enhancing Racial and Ethnic Understanding, Iowa State University, 1999
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District representative for the Board of Certification Exam Administration Committee 1996-2001
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State of Iowa: Iowa Athletic Trainer Examiners Boards. Secretary, Vice-chair, and Chair 1995-2001
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Special Olympics of Iowa - Medical Coverage for numerous years 1991-2015
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Iowa High School Athletic Administration: Coverage for Softball, Girls Basketball, X-Country, Track & Field Championships, 1991-1995
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Iowa Athletic Trainers Association: Education Committee 1991-1994
Honors & Awards
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Mid-America Athletic Trainers' Association - MAATA Ethnically Diverse & Female Award, 2019
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Iowa State University, 25 Years of Service, 2016
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Sac Community High School, Hall of Fame, 2010
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Dan Libera Service Award - Board of Certification, 2008
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Athletic Trainer Service Award - National Athletic Trainers Association, 2005
Family & Other Activities
Spouse - Dan O’Mara
Children- Twins Ruby and Maggie O’Mara
Dogs - Sport and Lucky
Denise enjoys outdoor activities, reading, spending time with family
2002-2014: Licensed Foster Parent
Professional Presentations
2016: Bodies in Motion Research Project: In conjunction with NCAA and West Virginia University
Spring 2008: Presentation for the FCCLA (Family, career, community Leaders of America): Sports Hydration, practical applications.
Summer 2007, 2008: Iowa State University Extension Program: Athletic Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation of the High School Student Athlete.
Summer 2002: Iowa High School Coaches Association: Presentation: Nutrition and Eating Disorders in student-athletes.
Fall 2000 and Spring 2001: Iowa State University Athletic Department: Co-Facilitator, Workshop: Understanding Diversity and Creating Community.
Fall 2001: Boone Middle School. Workshop on body Image and Eating Disorders.
Fall 2001: Boone High School: Presentation: Nutrition for today’s athlete.
May 2001: Big 12 Conference Athletic Trainers Annual Meeting: Presentation: Eating Disorder in Female Intercollegiate Athlete, A Case Study.
1990-91: Cramer Coaches Clinic: A 5 day course in athletic training for high school coaches.
1987-90: Special Olympics Workshop Lecture. Proper Conditioning Techniques. Manhattan , Kansas.
April 1997: Iowa Athletic Trainer Society Student Workshop: NATABOC Examination.