Housatonic Athletic Wellness Center is a specialty organization focused on the holistic performance of the student-athlete combining physical, mental, and nutritional elements to yield best in class performance.
Housatonic Athletic Wellness Center is a specialty organization focused on the holistic performance of the student-athlete combining physical, mental, and nutritional elements to yield best in class performance.
The sports industry has exploded over the last 10 years more so than the prior 30 years, but the model to create high levels of performance across multiple sports has varied. At Housatonic Athletic Wellness Center we focus on creating a “one-stop shop” for all of a student-athletes' needs (regardless of sport) ranging from Strength & Conditioning to Physical Therapy & Preventative Injury Maintenance to Mental Sports Therapy, etc. You will find our robust list of services on the "Services Page".
Part of what folks like about the HAWC Model is that we provide recommendations based on conversations, evaluations, and assessments of a student-athlete. We will not dictate services as each family has different goals and objectives. Our purpose is to find any weakness that you may possess as an athlete and convert it into a strength with a keen focus of not overcompensating for any one weakness.
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PT focusing on rehabilitating injuries, improving movement, injury prevention and optimizing athletic performance through personalized exercises and expert guidance.
Restorative targeted relief and recovery for athletes by addressing muscle tension, enhancing performance, and promoting overall physical well-being
One on one guidance to ensure athletes are fueling their bodies correctly to achieve their goals and perform on the highest level.
Academic support for student athletes to prioritize success on and off the field. Educating parents and student athletes on the college recruiting process.
Mental coaching focusing on the non-physical aspect of sports performance to ensure our athletes are successful on and off the field
75 exclusive gym memberships for parents of Newtown youth or high school athletes
Chris Reuther was born in Bridgeport, CT and raised in Derby, CT and played multiple sports from an early age. Despite playing multiple sports Chris found his first love on the baseball field as a 3-Year Varsity Starter (P & INF) for the Derby High School Baseball Team (Co-Captain Senior Year). He received several accolades during the high school years: Southern Connecticut Conference All Star (1995), 2X All Valley, 2X All Housatonic League Honorable Mention, & NH Register/CT Post Player of the Week. Post high school Chris went on to be a walk-on pitcher at the University of Rhode Island (Atlantic 10 Conference) achieving All Atlantic 10 Conference Honors (Academic). After Chris' final pitch he went on to have a successful business career of 26+ years working as a finance professional for many companies such as PricewaterhouseCoopers, United Technologies (now Raytheon), and Stanley Black & Decker.
Joseph Lizza was born and raised in Derby, CT where he starred in multiple sports. On the baseball diamond Lizza was a two-time all state catcher leading Derby High School to a state championship as a freshman. Following his stellar high school career, Lizza went on to play for legendary coach Porky Vieira at the University of New Haven. During his college career Lizza was a team captain, hit over .330 in his career, and led UNH to the Division 2 World Series. After his playing career was over, Lizza became a physical education teacher in Danbury, CT as well as coaching both at the high school level and AAU circuit. Joe Lizza has been an instructor at the World Class Baseball Camps led by Former Yale Head Baseball Coach John Stuper. Lizza has been in the Newtown Community for over 10 years first as the assistant baseball coach on Matt Memoli’s staff and now as the assistant athletic director. He also coached for the CT Bombers and for 3 years as the assistant baseball coach at Shelton High School.
Jason Ostrowski was raised in Ansonia, CT and has been a dedicated athlete throughout his life. Having graduated from Notre Dame - West Haven High School where he was an All - Southern Connecticut Conference baseball player, he went on to be a two year starter at the University of Connecticut Avery Point. Jason received honors such as NJCAA First Team All-Academic, First Team All Region 21, and Region 21 Scholar Athlete Award. Following his time at UConn Avery Point he finished his playing career at Post University, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in Sport Management and a minor in Sports Psychology. Jason also earned certifications as a Sports Nutrition Coach and Personal Training, Strength and Conditioning Coach through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. During his senior year at Post University he began interning in the Newtown High School Athletic Department, and has continued this work through the current school year.
(COMING SOON)
Jessica Robbins, a Connecticut native, attended Danbury High School, where she excelled as a multi-sport athlete, earning 3x All-FCIAC honors in Girls Track & Field and 4x All-FCIAC and 2x All-State recognition in Girls Soccer. She also played competitively for over ten years with the premier team Oakwood Soccer Club in Portland, CT. Jessica continued her athletic career at the University of Rhode Island, playing Division I Women's Soccer and earning her Bachelor's degree in Human Development in 2020. Post-graduation, she moved to Vermont, where her passion for climbing and skiing led her to explore holistic recovery practices. She became certified in yoga with a focus on mindfulness and sports recovery and completed Karuna Reiki training in 2021. Her passion for energy healing grew, leading her to further training with an Usui/Holy Fire Reiki practitioner in 2023. Jessica has since returned to Connecticut and is expanding her expertise in holistic wellness. She is currently pursuing her massage therapy licensure at the Institute of Holistic Health in Poughkeepsie, NY, and looks forward to incorporating these skills into her work at HAWC, where she will offer a comprehensive approach to bodywork and wellness.
Scott is a seasoned mental health professional and you may also call him a wellness coach for athletes and families of athletes. Scott has experience in a variety of specific approaches in counseling such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. However it is his values regarding self improvement and the healing power of a growth mindset that sets him apart from others. Come in and speak to Scott about the importance of learning distress tolerance skills, ways to change negative thinking and accepting the results of performance regardless of the outcome. With inner improvements comes outward performance gains. It is no secret that mental health issues are ever present in our community and Scott is here to join with you and your loved ones with improving your attitude and improving your performance in sports as well as in life. He hopes you enjoy your experience with athletics and competition as well as sharing that enjoyment with others.
(COMING SOON)
