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Get to know the SportsPsychMDs

The SPMDs began as a conversation between two avid sports fans who just so happen to be psychiatrists. With the shared idea that participation in sports can set the foundation for success in any avenue of life, we seek to decrease the stigma of mental illness in sports. By doing so, we hope to empower the world's athletes to use mental fitness to achieve their highest performance on and off the field.

Team Members

Emily Ayala

Emily Ayala

Education Operations Program Manager

Former Mexican ballet folklorico dancer, swimmer, and water polo player, Emily then transitioned to long distance running by competing in half marathons and sprint triathlons. Known for her upbeat personality and go-getter attitude, Emily is an experienced bilingual professional with program and project management in the public and mental health fields and possesses extensive experience in developing and implementing educational programs for youth.

Kristin Mauldin, Ph.D.

Kristin Mauldin, Ph.D.

Curriculum Director

Dr. Mauldin graduated with her Ph.D. in psychology from Miami University and conducted research as a postdoctoral fellow at University of California, San Diego. She specializes in the cognitive neuroscience of learning and memory and sport, performance, and exercise psychology. She enjoys her role as a professor of psychology because it gives her the opportunity to study topics she loves while connecting with her students.

Osagie Obanor, MD

Osagie Obanor, MD

Program Coordinator and Research Specialist

Former run of the mill high school basketball and soccer player, Osaige, went on to attend Duke University, earning a Bachelor's degree in chemistry and then Meharry Medical College for medical school. As a diehard Blue Devil and Arsenal fan, Osagie brings his passion for athletic competition, as well as passions for community advocacy and mental health to SportsPsychMDs. His presence adds a flavor of sharp wit, comedic relief, and irrational confidence to the eclectic team dynamic. Osagie draws upon his unconventional journey through medicine and training in general psychiatry to convey themes of resilience and wellness that are embodied by SportsPsychMDs' mission.

Jeremy Riley

Jeremy Riley

Associate Director for Finance & Fundraising and Grants Manager

Jeremy Riley has more than a decade of fundraising experience with a particular emphasis on grant development and management. He is currently the Grants Development Coordinator for CHI Memorial Healthcare System in Chattanooga, TN. Through his role, he oversees the pre and post award management for governmental and private foundations, working with clinical leaders to advance health equity in the greater Chattanooga region. He holds a BA in Political Science and History from Vanguard University of Southern California and an MA in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. He is an avid runner, reader, painter, and a suffering San Diego sports fan. He recently relocated back from Chattanooga to the Central Coast of California.

Armin Hoes, MD

Armin Hoes, MD

Psychiatrist and Co-founder of SportsPsychMDs

Former sprinter and football player in high school, Dr. Hoes went on to attend the United States Air Force Academy where he earned Deans List honors and upon graduation earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and commission as US Air Force Intelligence Officer. Dr. Hoes served five years and is a decorated Iraq War Combat Veteran. After completing his service commitment, he entered medical school at Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C. Dr. Hoes went on to complete an internship in internal medicine at Howard University Hospital followed by a year of residency training in Neurology at Duke University before transferring to UCLA where he completed his residency training in General Adult Psychiatry.

Amanda Carney

Amanda Carney

Clinical Administrative Director

As a marathon runner, former fitness instructor and avid Peloton rider Amanda brings a positive attitude and charismatic personality to the team. Amanda completed undergrad at Salisbury University where she majored in Community Health with a minor in Exercise Science. Amanda joins the team with professional experience as a Health Coach and Case Manager. As a Health Coach Amanda is passionate about promoting self-care management and helping individuals create and implement effective solutions to improve their health and wellness.

Torey Troggio, MD

Torey Troggio, MD

Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatrist and Co-founder of SportsPsychMDs

Former standout bench warmer for his high school baseball and football teams, Torey brings the steady "glue guy" approach to the SportsPsychMDs' team. He completed his undergraduate and medical school training at Indiana University (Go Hoosiers!). Moving from the cornfields of Indiana to the expansive terrain of southern California, Torey found connection in not only the abundance of activities the region has to offer (snowboarding, cycling, bodysurfing, hiking), but more importantly, connection to the people.

Check out our partners below!
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