About the Athletic Trainers
Matthew Bergh MS, ATC, EMT, CES has been at Vernon Township High School since 2011. Matt received his Bachelor of Science in athletic training from William Paterson University and his master’s degree in rehabilitation science from California University of Pennsylvania. Matt also received certification as a corrective exercise specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. While also being a Clinical Preceptor for William Paterson University, part time athletic trainer for Atlantic Health Systems Matt is also an EMT for Glenwood-Pochuck volunteer ambulance corp. Matt is a recipient of the Morris Township Police Department’s Outstanding Citizenship award and the American Heart Association’s Heart Saver Hero award for actions as an athletic trainer. Matt also enjoys volunteering annually for the Boston Marathon as an athletic trainer. Matt has returned to school at New Jersey City University to obtain a career/technical education certificate and looks forward to being a part of the Allied Health program. Matt and his wife Melissa reside in Franklin, NJ with their three kids, Logan, Hattie and Henry.
Joanne Ploch MA, ATC has been an Athletic Trainer at Vernon Township High School since 2004. Joanne received her undergraduate degree from The Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in educational technology from New Jersey City University. Joanne is currently an Adjunct Professor at William Paterson University and Clinical Preceptor. She has served as both Northern Representative and Secretary for the Athletic Trainers Society of NJ and was instrumental in developing the ATSNJ Secondary School Athletic Trainer Evaluation Tools approved by the NJ Department of Education. She also was appointed by Governor Chris Christie as the ATSNJ representative on the NJ Special Education & Traumatic Brain Injury Taskforce. Joanne was selected as the 2015 Governor’s Educational Professional of the Year for Vernon Township High School and has received the Distinguish Service Award for the Athletic Trainers Society of NJ. As the Vice President of Curriculum Development and the Program Coordinator for the Concussion Wise Instructor Program for Sport Safety International, she has produced over 40 online educational courses on sport safety for coaches, athletes, parents and healthcare professionals.
