Meet Our Expert

Meet Melinda Roalstad, MS, PAC, founder of Think Head First.

Melinda Roalstad

MS, PAC

Melinda Roalstad, MS, PAC was raised in Boulder, Colorado and attended the University of Colorado for her Bachelor Degree in Psychology/Biology, and the University of Miami, for her Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology. Initially following graduate school, she worked for a human performance center in Steamboat, Colorado, training athletes from triathletes, runners, to skiers for several years before joining the US Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) as Assistant Director of Sport Science from 1990-96. She returned to academics at the University of Utah School of Medicine, where she obtained her Physician’s Assistant Certification and licensure. From 1996-98, she worked in Primary and Urgent Care medicine in Newcastle, WY before returning to USSA to create and oversee a more comprehensive medical program for USSA. Functioning as the Medical Director for US Ski and Snowboard Association 1998-2007, she established many protocols and procedures to support medical care and needs of athletes. In her tenure with USSA, she was Secretary of FIS Medical Committee and established USSA and FIS guidelines for concussion management in ski and snowboard sport. After her work with USSA, Melinda returned to primary care with Kamas Health Center where she saw the need for improved management of concussion within the health care system as well as at sport clubs and schools. She has a long history working with many sport club organizations and schools increasing awareness of concussion as well as providing care and management of concussive injury. Melinda, along with D. Wain Allen, M.D. formally established Think Head First, LLC in 2009/10.
In her leisure time, Melinda enjoys her 2 dogs, gardening, the solace of the mountains and desert; camping, hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, cross country and alpine skiing.

Meet Our Team

Meet the experts that make up the team here at Think Head First.

Melinda Roalstad

MS, PAC

Melinda Roalstad, MS, PAC was raised in Boulder, Colorado and attended the University of Colorado for her Bachelor Degree in Psychology/Biology, and the University of Miami, for her Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology. Initially following graduate school, she worked for a human performance center in Steamboat, Colorado, training athletes from triathletes, runners, to skiers for several years before joining the US Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) as Assistant Director of Sport Science from 1990-96. She returned to academics at the University of Utah School of Medicine, where she obtained her Physician’s Assistant Certification and licensure. From 1996-98, she worked in Primary and Urgent Care medicine in Newcastle, WY before returning to USSA to create and oversee a more comprehensive medical program for USSA. Functioning as the Medical Director for US Ski and Snowboard Association 1998-2007, she established many protocols and procedures to support medical care and needs of athletes. In her tenure with USSA, she was Secretary of FIS Medical Committee and established USSA and FIS guidelines for concussion management in ski and snowboard sport. After her work with USSA, Melinda returned to primary care with Kamas Health Center where she saw the need for improved management of concussion within the health care system as well as at sport clubs and schools. She has a long history working with many sport club organizations and schools increasing awareness of concussion as well as providing care and management of concussive injury. Melinda, along with D. Wain Allen, M.D. formally established Think Head First, LLC in 2009/10.
In her leisure time, Melinda enjoys her 2 dogs, gardening, the solace of the mountains and desert; camping, hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, cross country and alpine skiing.

Dr. Wain Allen

MD

Dr. Wain Allen, MD is a graduate of the University of Utah, BA Cum Laude in Chemistry. He attended George Washington University Medical School in Washington DC, graduating in 1977. Dr. Allen completed a residency in Family Medicine in 1980 at DeWitt Army Hospital, Fort Belvoir, Virginia and completed his Army Service at Fort Bragg, North Carolina from 1980-1984. He has been in Private Practice in Coalville and Kamas from 1984 to the present. Dr. Allen, in association with Melinda Roalstad - MS, PAC., has been involved with concussion management in both clinics for the past ten years. Dr. Allen holds staff privileges at Park City Medical Center, Heber Valley Medical Center, Primary Children’s Medical Center, University of Utah Hospital and Salt Lake Regional Medical Center.