FOUNDER

Nyla Valencia is a Division I student-athlete, researcher, and the founder of Rebuild You, a resource platform dedicated to helping student-athletes navigate injury recovery and rediscover their identity through science-backed education, mental health support, and holistic care. As a three-time ACL surgery survivor, Nyla created Rebuild You based on her personal journey of resilience, curiosity, and transformation.

Her work blends scientific research, storytelling, and community wisdom. Nyla collaborates with experts across sports medicine, psychology, nutrition, and performance to bridge the gap between elite care and everyday athletes. A biology honors student with a passion for medicine, she brings a unique perspective shaped by lived experience, academic research, and athletic grit.

Through Rebuild You, Nyla is building more than a website—she’s creating a space where athletes can feel seen, supported, and empowered to rise stronger.

COLLABORATOR: FEMALE ATHLETES

Corinna Franklin, MD, AB, FAOA, is a board-certified pediatric orthopaedic surgeon and researcher specializing in pediatric and adolescent sports medicine. She completed her undergraduate and medical training at Harvard University, followed by residency at the University of Southern California and fellowship at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. She currently serves as Associate Professor and Chief of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery at Yale School of Medicine.

Dr. Franklin's research focuses on sex differences in sports medicine, biomechanical injury risk, and recovery outcomes in young athletes — with particular expertise in ACL injuries and patellofemoral instability. A multiple-time Top Doctor honoree, she is known for her commitment to listening and individualized care, ensuring every athlete — regardless of gender identity — feels supported and understood.

At Rebuild You, Dr. Franklin brings elite surgical expertise and a deep investment in the whole athlete, offering insight into what recovery really looks like from the inside out.

View Dr. Franklin's Profile

COLLABORATOR: INJURY AND REHAB

Lauren Werner is a certified athletic trainer, injury prevention specialist, and passionate advocate for female athlete health. With a Master’s in Athletic Training and years of experience in collegiate sports medicine, Lauren brings both clinical excellence and personal warmth to every athlete she supports.

Her philosophy is grounded in intentionality, trust, and consistency. Known for her meticulous approach to rehab, Lauren emphasizes movement literacy, individualized pacing, and listening to the body. She has helped countless athletes return to sport not only physically ready—but mentally prepared.

Lauren is especially attuned to the unique challenges faced by female athletes, including hormonal health, RED-S awareness, and identity during recovery. At Rebuild You, she offers both clinical guidance and emotional support, empowering student-athletes to trust the healing process, find confidence in small gains, and rebuild with purpose

COLLABORATOR: INJURY AND REHAB

Doug is the Founder and President of BaselineAPS™, a biomechanics-driven software platform developed in a state-of-the-art 4,000 sq. ft. lab in Silicon Valley. With over 1,000 athlete tests completed, BaselineAPS quantifies Load Capacity™ to enhance athletic efficiency, reduce injury risk, and maximize performance potential.

Drawing from 25+ years of experience and shaped by institutions like the Hospital for Special Surgery (NY), Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, and USC, Doug brings a comprehensive, tech-forward approach to recovery. His work integrates instrumented rehab methods (EMG sensors, force plates), cognitive distraction techniques, neuromuscular retraining, and cycle-informed recovery practices tailored to female athletes.

Doug has presented internationally at organizations like FIFA and collaborates closely with emerging leaders in ACL research, including Dustin Grooms. His athlete-first philosophy is grounded in trust, precise evaluation, and resilient, individualized care plans that accelerate return to sport.

COLLABORATOR: MENTAL HEALTH

Dr. Patricia Espe-Pfeifer is a board-certified psychiatrist and faculty member at the University of Iowa’s Department of Psychiatry, where she also serves as the Director of the Women’s Wellness and Counseling Service. With decades of clinical experience, Dr. Espe-Pfeifer specializes in reproductive psychiatry and mental health care for women and student-athletes.

She has worked extensively with individuals facing complex mood disorders, life transitions, and trauma recovery. Her patient-centered approach blends clinical excellence with compassionate care, aiming to support both emotional well-being and high-functioning performance.

At Rebuild You, Dr. Espe-Pfeifer offers insight into the intersection of hormones, identity, and emotional health. Her contributions help student-athletes better understand how mental health and hormonal fluctuations influence recovery, motivation, and resilience throughout sport and life.

COLLABORATOR: MENTAL HEALTH

Dr. Kevin Andrews is a clinical psychologist and mental performance specialist with deep expertise in supporting athletes, performers, and young adults through the complex intersections of mental health and high performance. With extensive experience in diagnosing and treating ADHD, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety, and depression, Dr. Andrews provides counseling services to adolescents, adults, couples, and families.

His work is grounded in both psychological assessment and tailored therapeutic approaches, with a special focus on collegiate athletes and individuals from vulnerable communities or traumatic backgrounds. In addition to individual therapy, Dr. Andrews integrates sport and performance psychology into his practice—helping athletes optimize focus, resilience, and emotional regulation under pressure.

At Rebuild You, Dr. Andrews offers expert insight into the mental side of injury recovery and performance. He is a trusted voice for student-athletes navigating identity shifts, stress, and mental barriers during their return-to-play journey. His mission is to provide holistic, affirming care that empowers each person to rebuild their mental strength alongside their physical recovery.

COLLABORATOR: NUTRITION

Allison Mankowski is a registered dietitian and board-certified specialist in sports dietetics with over a decade of experience supporting athletes across all levels, from high school to the Olympic stage. She brings expertise in performance nutrition, injury recovery, and hormonal health, with advanced credentials in nutrition support and clinical dietetics.

Allison’s approach is food-first, science-backed, and highly personalized. She helps athletes understand the “why” behind their fueling plans—empowering them with knowledge about energy availability, gut health, and nutrition across the menstrual cycle. Allison also brings a compassionate, real-world approach to food that supports both physical healing and emotional well-being.

Through Rebuild You, Allison has contributed to educational content that bridges nutrition science and the lived experience of student-athletes. Her work emphasizes clarity, accessibility, and long-term health. Whether it’s rebuilding after surgery or optimizing performance, Allison helps athletes feel informed, capable, and fueled to thrive.