Summerville, S.C. In 2023, ATI’s Talent Management team began its partnership with DOD Skill Bridge program, creating opportunities for service members to gain valuable work experience with organization during their last 180 days of service. “Standing up the Skill Bridge program gives ATI the opportunity to capitalize on the outstanding talent that leaves the military every year,” Military Recruiting Manager Bobby Evans said. “When Operations Support Specialist (OSS) Cardarius Stevens applied for the internship role to develop his interest in health, fitness, and physical therapy, we knew he was a perfect match for our program.”

“I’ve always considered myself a bit of a ‘gym nut,'” Cardarius said with a laugh. “I spent a lot of time during my Air Force career trying to maintain a certain fitness level. For that reason, I’ve had a lot of gym time and PT time for injuries, big and small. It’s sparked my interest in the human body and movement. I want to figure out why these ‘tweaks’ happen and how to fix them.”

Now, Cardarius is using his time as an intern and OSS to learn those “whys” through careful observation, working alongside PTs and PTAs, and pursuing an additional personal training certificate through the Air Force. Dedicated to learning more about the science, working with clinical practitioners, and mingling with patients, he is excited about what comes after he transitions from the military.

“It helps that the people who work for ATI are very helpful in every way possible,” he adds. “It’s been a great experience.”

“I’m so glad that Cardarius has enjoyed his time with ATI,” Bobby added. “My hope during his time in Skill Bridge is that he would be inspired to further pursue a career in human performance. Either way, he has a bright future and I’m excited to see where life after the military takes him.”