Our Staff

Karen Chase, MS, ATC, LAT

Karen is our full body certified Active Release Techniques ® provider.  A certified athletic trainer by training, Karen obtained her BS in Athletic Training from West Chester University of PA in 1999 and her Masters in Sports Medicine from The Arizona School of Health Sciences, a division of the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, in 2001.  She has been certified in ART® since 2007.  Karen has treated athletes of all ages from high school to professional, and has been touted as one of the best ART providers in the state.  With several advanced ART certifications under her belt, Karen has patients coming in from all over New England to see her and often receives referrals directly from top surgeons in Boston, NY and the ART provider for the NY Giants. Patients do not however need referrals from physicians to see Karen for ART®, you may contact the front desk directly to schedule a consultation and for pricing information.  She treats patients in both our Avon and Glastonbury offices Monday through Friday and is available for free phone consultations.

Chris Matan, PT, CSCC

Chris graduated from Quinnipiac College in 1995 with a BS in physical therapy. In 2003 he completed credentialing through the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a certified strength and conditioning specialist. Prior to joining Valley Sports Physicians in July of 2004, he was the senior sports medicine physical therapist at Gaylord Hospital for 9 years in their sports medicine department.

Here at Valley Sports Physicians, Chris covers all aspects of physical therapy and rehabilitation, including acute and chronic injuries and post-surgical rehab. Chris also has a strong interest in sports performance enhancement and designs specific performance enhancement training programs to help athletes get an additional edge on their game. He enjoys skiing, golf and spending time with his wife Stacey and their two sons, Matthew and Ryan.

April Thomas, MS, ATC, LAT

April joined Valley Sports Physicians in 2009 after serving as an Athletic Trainer at the University of Hartford for 4 years. Her primary responsibility is to serve as a physician clinical extender, working closely with the physicians seeing patients, assisting with procedures, designing home exercise programs, fitting and applying braces and orthotics, and assisting with other clinical and patient care duties.  She also provides Athletic Trainer services at Avon High School on an as-needed basis.