Meet Raven Dugas | Injury Prevention and Rehab Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Raven Dugas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Raven, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My ultimate goal for starting my own business was to make injury treatment and muscle recovery services more accessible for everyone. Growing up my main sports were basketball and I played softball in the summer. I always loved the sporting environment, being a part of a team, and the competitiveness of the game. I only had a few chronic injuries but I have witnessed my teammates having more severe injuries. My high school did not have an athletic trainer back in the 1990’s; therefore we played through our injuries and did not get the adequate care that was needed. Now I can provide a service to all individuals that sustain a sports injury or provide recovery services to keep athletes playing at their peak performance. I am a convenient mobile service that travels to my client’s location. I have been a Certified Athletic Trainer since 2006 and during that time I’ve seen the rate of injuries increase for middle and high school athletes. I have also witnessed more athletes specializing in one sport year round and sustaining more chronic/overuse injuries. My goal is to focus on the recovery aspect for not only athletes but for all active individuals. The benefits of muscle recovery includes decreasing muscle soreness, leaving muscles feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, and helps individuals perform at their peak.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Next Level Care is a Mobile Injury Evaluation and Muscles Recovery Service that provides first class care with the finest sports medicine tools, manual therapy, and rehabilitation for musculoskeletal injuries. What sets me apart from others is that I travel to my clients in the DFW area. By being mobile I make my services convenient and more accessible for all individuals. I provide high quality, one on one, individualized, attentive care for injuries without the worry of needing transportation.

I am most proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone and starting Next Level Care. I’m excited about being able to offer my services throughout the DFW Area. AAU basketball season is starting and this is the peak time to continue to educate athletes and provide recovery services.

I got to where I am today by taking a leap of faith. I’ve always worked hard and had a passion for sports and helping others. My athletic training career started at Brusly High School in Brusly, LA in 2006. Over the years I have worked with a variety of athletes that include middle/high school athletes, semi-pro arena football, aau basketball, soccer, lacrosse, and VCA Cheerleaders. My 16 years of experience has allowed me to understand how important recovery is for athletes and active individuals. Now I have the opportunity to build something that I can call my own.

It was not easy getting to where I am today. This is only the beginning. I am thankful for the support of family, friends, athletes, and clients. They give me the motivation to keep going and reach my ultimate goal for Next Level Care. The way I overcome challenges is to always remember why I started Next Level Care. I have the drive and grit to push through any challenge or obstacle until success is achieved.

I want my clients to know this is not just a business, this is me doing what I love and providing the best care. I want the world to know that the well-being of my clients are my first priority. March is National Athletic Training month and I would like to share the National Athletic Trainers’ Association PSA: Before you get sidelined with an injury, make sure you consult an Athletic Trainer, who specializes in the prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries. Athletic Trainers are Essential to Health Care. Next Level Care can provide Health Care Everywhere in the DFW Area.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For starters for brunch The Woolworth, Bread Winners, and Snooze A.M. Eatery. Some of my other favorite places I enjoy for the ambience, food, or drinks include Kitchen + Kocktails, Gloria’s, Benihana, XOXO, Leela’s Wine Bar, Perry’s Steakhouse, and Catbird. I also can’t forget about my favorite food trucks Shells and Tails 2 Geaux and Thee Kitchen Beast. They could check out the Deep Ellum area for evening fun and shopping at The Galleria, Northpark, and Allen Premium Outlet.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Several people have played a part in my success. First, I would like to shout out Doc Murphy, he was the Head Athletic Trainer at McNeese State University where I attended college. Doc gave me the opportunity to be a Student Athletic Trainer and I learned so much about the profession and fell in love with helping athletes. My second shoutout goes to Coach Vincent, he was the Head Football Coach at my Alma Mater, Northside High School. I had the privilege to work as Head Athletic Trainer at Northside from 2007 -2012. It was amazing being able to work with some outstanding coaches that truly cared about the students, athletes, and the community. My last shoutout goes to Alec Hawkins. He is one of the greatest Athletic Trainers that I have had the opportunity to work with. I have grown and learned so much as an Athletic Trainer working with Alec and Erin Kelly at Duncanville High School.

Website: http://www.nextlevelcare.org/

Instagram: next.levelcare

Facebook: Next Level Care

Other: Email: rdugas@nextlevelcare.net