The former athletic director, researcher and semi-pro football player will direct the Champions Network™ as its global expansion continues, training organizations and
individuals in over 25 countries, a number of them in conflict zones
BOSTON (October 27, 2021) – Doc Wayne Youth Services, Inc. (“Doc Wayne”), a Boston nonprofit whose sport-infused therapies improve mental health, is pleased to announce that Dr. Ramona Cox is the new Director of its Champions Network™ training programs. The various trainings teach fundamental and trauma-informed mental health skills that leverage sport-and-community-based therapies, in addition to a related professional certification program.
“Ramona couldn’t be a better fit for Doc Wayne given her incredible passion to support and impact young people’s lives through the lens of sport, and we feel incredibly lucky to have her,” commented David Cohen, CEO of Doc Wayne. “In light of the accelerating demand for Champions Network™ trainings, her exceptional sport-therapy know-how and experience will contribute immeasurable value to the team and to those who look to Doc Wayne for services and training.”
Doc Wayne’s Champions Network™ program is an external training curriculum that includes a range of trauma-informed, sport-based therapies as well as professional credentialing. The remote and live sessions help equip and empower organizations, clinicians, coaches, teachers and other youth development professionals around the world to utilize sports in a therapeutic manner. Thus far, Doc Wayne has trained people and organizations in 25 countries, impacting nearly 68,000 youth.
Earlier on, as a researcher at her alma mater Michigan State University, among the numerous projects
Dr. Cox oversaw were ‘Coaches and Program Directors’ Perceptions of Barriers to Girls’ Sports in Urban Communities’ and the ‘Effects of Sport Climate and Coaching on Youth Development.’ She also designed and conducted the study ‘Introducing Adolescent Girls to Flag Football.’ The work of Dr. Cox has gained her regional and national attention and has been acknowledged by The Institute for the Study of Youth Sports, Michigan High School Athletic Association, American Volleyball Coaches Association, and Aspen Institute Sport & Society’s Project Play.
Dr. Cox played NCAA Division 1 volleyball throughout her time at the University of Michigan and obtained her Ph.D. in Kinesiology with a concentration in sport psychology from Michigan State University. Thereafter, she played 11 years of semi-professional football as tight end and fullback for the Detroit Demolition and Detroit Dark Angels. Dr. Cox is a facilitator and lead trainer for the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE), a board member of the Michigan Interscholastic Volleyball Coaches Association and the McDonald Phelps Foundation, and is a member of the State of Michigan Women in Sports Task Force. She has also worked collaboratively and implemented impactful projects with organizations such as the Women’s Sports Foundation and U.S. Soccer Foundation.
“I am excited to join the Doc Wayne team. I am inspired by their mission to highlight the mental health
of youth and train youth development professionals on how to better support their young people,” said
Dr. Cox. “I look forward to working with the staff to grow the Champions Network and expand the reach
of Doc Wayne’s innovative sports-based therapy curriculum.”
Doc Wayne, recognized with the prestigious Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Sports Award, among others, was formed by Susan Wayne in 2002 in memory of her brother Dr. Eli Wayne, a pediatrician and tremendous supporter of using sport as a medium for positive youth development.
Doc Wayne is an award-winning non-profit that has pioneered sport-based therapy and catalyzed a mental health movement. We provide training, tools, and services that address the systemic barriers and stigmas against various groups by providing equitable access to foster a strong sense of belonging and value through direct services and The Champions Network™. Our clinician-led curricula leverages sport to its greatest potential, strengthening social-emotional skills in all to build healthier, greater connected, and more resilient global communities.
Contact:
Heidi Boie
heidi@goodwin-consulting.com
508-846-5307