Staci Mannella

she/her

associate mental health therapist | mental performance consultant

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As a former Paralympic athlete, I understand the unique challenges that come with high-level competition

Drawing from my experiences as a visually impaired skier who competed at the 2014 Sochi and 2018 PyeongChang Paralympic Games, I know firsthand that success isn’t just about physical training—it’s about recognizing, managing, and learning from the mental aspects of performance too. The stressors, expectations, and stories we carry with us matter.

In our work together, performance stats won’t be the only measure of success. Your experiences are shaped by multiple identities, roles, and perspectives. I want to see and know those layers - not just who you are as an athlete - but who you are as a unique, nuanced, and complex person. We’ll talk about the stories you tell yourself, where they come from, and how you might rewrite the ones that aren’t serving you anymore. My goal is to help you explore those narratives and support you as you get to know the parts of yourself that make you uniquely you—because that’s where real growth happens.

During our meetings, I’ll bring humor, curiosity, and compassion, and I’ll challenge you when you’re ready for it. Some days that will mean reminding you of your greatness when it is difficult for you to see, and other times it will be digging into the hard stuff you may not even realize you are avoiding. Either way, I’ll be in it with you, helping you to tackle perfectionism, work through mental blocks, navigate team dynamics, and find your identity beyond results. Thank you for inviting me into your world, trusting me to connect with you, and allowing me to walk alongside you in this part of your journey.

What to expect in our work together:

  • Together we'll explore how different parts of your identity and personality show up in training, competition, and life.

  • I’ll help you start to recognize relational patterns—that show up both on and off the field—and how they influence your performance and experiences.

  • You’ll develop tools to respond to challenges with openness and perspective instead of reactivity. My approach is flexible and collaborative, meeting you where you are with kindness and curiosity.

As an intern at Skadi Sport Psychology, I offer services at a reduced rate. All of my work is supervised by Dr. Ayala, ensuring you receive high-quality, professional support on your athletic journey.

    • LGBTQ+ athletes

    • BIPOC athletes

    • Athletes with disabilities

    • Adult athletes

    • Anxiety

    • Athletic retirement

    • Body image concerns

    • Depression

    • Grief & Loss

    • Relationship conflicts

    • Trauma

    • Injury recovery

  • Education

    • PhD in Counseling Psychology, Ball State University (expected 2027)

    • MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Ball State University (2023)

    • MS in Kinesiology and Exercise Science, The University of British Columbia (2021)

    • BA in Anthropology, Dartmouth College (2019)

    Licensure & Credentials

    • Pre-licensed clinician under the supervision of Dr. Ayala

    • Mental performance consultant under the supervision of Dr. Ayala (certification expected in Fall 2025)

    • alpine/downhill skiing

    • equestrian

    • running

    • gymnastics

    • tennis

    • Nordic skiing

    • swimming

    • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

    • Internal Family Systems

    • Feminist Therapy

    • Emotion Focused Therapy

    • Performance Coaching

  • Performance Coaching:

    • $155 per 53-60 minute session

    • Note: As of January 2026, fees will be $175 per 53-60 min session.

    • available for athletes and coaches in all states and provinces

    Mental Health Therapy:

    • $175 per 53-60 minute session

    • Note: As of January 2026, fees will be $175 per 53-60 min session.

    • Available for athletes and coaches in Minnesota

    • If you’d like, we’ll communicate with your insurance to determine whether you’re eligible for Out-Of-Network insurance benefits. If eligible, we’ll take care of the claims for you. You’ll pay up front, and then you’ll (eventually) receive a check in the mail from your insurance!

    • 2014 Sochi Paralympic Games, Alpine Skiing

    • 2017 World Championships (bronze medal), Alpine Skiing

    • 2018 PyeongChang Paralympic Games, Alpine Skiing

    • 2014-2019: Dartmouth Equestrian Team

  • I own more than one flannel for each season.

  • Journal Articles

    1. Mannella S., Bundon, A. (2023). Building Bridges: An Exploration of the Athlete – Guide Partnership in High- Performance Parasport. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise, and Health. 

    2. Mannella, S., Labbe, D., Bundon, A., Sauve, J., Mcbride, C., Yung, O. Best, K., & Miller, W. (2023) Access at Elevation: Program Strategies to Support Quality Participation for People with Disabilities. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, 43, 100685.

    3. Trainor, L.R., Bennett, E.V., Bundon, A.M., Tremblay, M., Mannella, S., & Crocker, P.R.E. (2023). Inescapable tensions: Performance and/or psychological well-being in Olympic and Paralympic athletes during sport disruption. Submitted to Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise, and Health, March 9, 2022. 

    4. Bundon, A., Trainor, L. R., Bennett, E. V., Tremblay, M. I., Mannella, S., & Crocker, P.R.E. (2022). From minding the gap to widening the gap: Paralympic athletes' experiences of wellbeing during the postponement of the tokyo 2020 games. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 4, January 2022.

    5. Bennett, E.V., Trainor, L.R., Bundon, A.M., Tremblay, M., Mannella, S., & Crocker, P.R.E. (2022). From “blessing in disguise” to “what do I do now?”: How Canadian Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls perceived, experienced, and coped with the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Games. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 62. 

    6. Armstrong, E., Lieberman, L., Martin, J., Moore, W., Snapp, E., Mannella, S. (2022). The Physical Activity Barriers Questionnaire for Youth with Visual Impairment (PABQ-VI) – A user guide. Accepted in Palaestra, January 7, 2022. 

    7. Martin, J. J., Snapp, E. E., G. Moore, E. W., Lieberman, L. J., Armstrong, E., & Mannella, S. (2021). Factor structure of the barriers to physical activity scale for youth with visual impairments. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 38(4), 585-604.

    Book Chapters 

    1. Mannella, S. (2025).The lies we tell: exploring the intersections of gender and Parasport. In Reimagining the Gendering of Sport. Edward Elgar Publishing 

    2. Bundon, A., Mannella, S. (2022). Seeing Without Sight: Exploring the Experiences of Visually Impaired Skiers and their Guides In Researching Disability Sport. London: Routledge Publishers.

    3. Mannella, S., Clark, B., & Sachs, M. (2022). Sport Psychology for Athletes with Disabilities. In Routledge Handbook of Applied Sport Psychology. London: Routledge Publishers.

Meet Staci!

Schedule a free 20 minute consult with Staci below 👇