Lauren Dean, LAT, ATC, Cert. DN, CES
Certified and Licensed Athletic Trainer with over 10 years of diverse experience specializing in performing arts medicine and sports medicine. As the founder of AT the Stage, LLC, I bring comprehensive expertise in injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance optimization for performers, artists, athletes, and entertainment professionals. Based in Ocoee, Florida, I combine my passion for healthcare and performing arts to provide specialized care for the entertainment industry.
My Story
Combining passions for healthcare and the arts into my career as a performing arts athletic trainer began many years ago. My enthusiasm for the arts began as a toddler in dance classes (a familiar story) and continued through many more dance classes, musical theater, performing arts camps, acting workshops, choirs, voice lessons, and piano and guitar lessons. In high school, I discovered another passion: athletic training. After four years as an athletic training student aide, I had a difficult decision to make. Should I pursue athletic training or performing arts? An enlightening tour of Radio City Music Hall decided my fate. I saw the door of the Rockettes' Athletic Training Clinic, and it clicked! I didn't need to choose. I could do both!
I attended the University of Georgia, where I continued to dance recreationally while I earned a degree in Exercise and Sport Science. An opportunity for a short study abroad in Taiwan revealed some new interests: international athletic training, English education, and travel. After graduation, I spent three years in Taipei, first for a media company and then for an English school. Taiwan's tourism slogan used to be "Taiwan: Touch Your Heart." The country and its people touched my heart, and it became my second home.
Back in the USA, I gained experience treating a wide range of patient populations. I provided rehabilitation services in chiropractic clinics in Northeast Georgia, did sideline coverage for youth and adult athletics, and did a summer tour with Crossman Drum and Bugle Corps. My professional journey then took me through Miami's professional dance scene and Orlando's vibrant theme park entertainment industry, where I've had the privilege of working with an incredible array of artist-athletes, from musical theater performers and dancers to puppeteers and stunt performers to technicians and costuming crew, and more.
When I'm not in the clinic, you'll find me embracing my love for arts and culture through K-pop, live music, musical theatre, and various forms of dance. I'm an enthusiastic language learner, currently studying Mandarin and Korean, and I enjoy spending quality time with my dog Dobby in our Ocoee apartment.
Certifications
Athletic Training Board of Certification
State of Florida Athletic Trainer License
American Academy of Manipulative Therapy Dry Needling Certification
American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric CPR, AED, and First Aid Certified
American Red Cross Basic Life Support Certified
American Red Cross Instructor Certified
NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Certification
Education
B.S.Ed. in Exercise and Sport Science with emphasis in Athletic Training
University of Georgia
Study Abroad: Traditional Chinese Medicine; Athletic Training
National Taiwan Sport University
Essentials of Performing Arts Medicine Certificate
Performing Arts Medicine Association
Corrective Exercise Specialist Certification
National Academy of Sports Medicine
Approach to Patient Care
My approach to patient care is deeply rooted in holistic and biopsychosocial models. I believe in creating a safe, supportive environment where patients feel truly heard and understood. Through active listening and clear communication, I work to empower each individual on their health and wellness journey, developing personalized treatment plans that consider not just physical healing, but emotional and professional well-being.
At my core, I value compassion, empathy, and adaptability. My attention to detail combines with a patient, flexible approach to ensure each person receives care that honors their unique story and goals. I'm particularly passionate about mental health advocacy, eating disorder awareness, and promoting body positivity within the performing arts community.
Through AT the Stage, LLC, I continue to bridge the gap between traditional healthcare and performing arts, ensuring that athletes, artists, and crew receive the specialized care they deserve. It's a journey that combines my love for healthcare with my passion for the arts, allowing me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of performing artists every day.
Papers
(Click a title to open each article)
Backstage First Aid Kits and Emergency Preparation
Written by: Kevin M. Brown, MEd, ATC, Lauren Dean, LAT, ATC, Hope Davis-Coen, ATC (2022)
Dancers and Food: A Relationship Worth Improving
Written by: Marie Scioscia, MS, RD, CDN, and Lauren Dean, LAT, ATC (2023)
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall… Part One: Reflections on Dancer Body Image and Self-Esteem
Written by: Jo-Anne La Flèche, MA, MSC, and Lauren Dean, LAT, ATC (2024)
(All of the above written as part of the Dance/USA Task Force for Dancer Health)