Meet Our Athletic Trainers
Our athletic trainers are often among the least visible members of our staff — on the sidelines at football games, in high school weight rooms, and helping behind-the-scenes with injury prevention and sports medicine strategies. Yet they make a tremendous difference in the health of young athletes in our area.
The Queen of Peace athletic trainers work at sites around the city, including the schools and The Fitness Center.
Liz Cervenka
Liz Cervenka
Certified Athletic Trainer
Degrees/Licenses/Credentials
Bachelor of Science degree from Winona State University (2006) in Health, Exercise, and Rehabilitative Science: Athletic Training.
Work History Highlights
Liz became interested in the Athletic Training field after having an ACL reconstruction surgery on her knee while in high school. Through her rehab with the Athletic Trainer at the high school and Physical Therapists at the Fitness Center, she discovered the need for sports medicine in secondary schools.
Other Information
Liz is a member of the Minnesota Athletic Trainers Association, Great Lakes Athletic Trainers Association and National Athletic Trainers Association.
Margaret Knutson
Margaret Knutson
Certified Athletic Trainer
Degrees/Licenses/Credentials
Bachelor of Science degree from South Dakota State University (1983) in Public Recreation and Athletic Training.
Work History Highlights
Certified as an athletic trainer since 1984, Margaret has been on the sidelines of high school athletic events all over the metro area as an on-call athletic trainer. She also volunteers and covers events involving physically disabled athletic teams.
Other Information
Margaret's interests include injury prevention, management, and rehabilitation of all athletes — both amateur and recreational.
Kimberly Penkert
Kimberly Penkert, ATR
Certified Athletic Trainer
Degrees/Licenses/Credentials
Bachelor of Science from Minnesota State University – Mankato (2004) in Athletic Training and a minor in Corporate and Community Fitness and Athletic Coaching. Registered Athletic Trainer in the state of Minnesota.
Work History Highlights
Kimberly enjoys the high school environment while working with student athletes and coaches on injury prevention, injury assessment and rehabilitation. The 2009-2010 school year is her sixth year working with the sports programs at New Prague High School.
Other Information
Kimberly is a member of Minnesota Athletic Trainers Association, National Athletic Trainers Association and Great Lakes Athletic Trainers Association. She also provides athletic training coverage for Belle Plaine High School and Montgomery-Lonsdale High School.