Dr. Matthew Close completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Northern Iowa and obtained his medical degree from Des Moines University in 2007. He completed an emergency medicine residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2010 and went on to further his training in non-operative orthopedics and sports medicine at the Steadman Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas. After completion of his fellowship training in 2011, he stayed on as an attending physician with their group for the next 4 years caring for recreational, collegiate, and professional athletes while training medical students, residents, and fellows. In 2016 his family relocated to Colorado.

Dr. Close is a specialist in the management of various non-operative orthopedic and sports medicine conditions. Whether it’s an injured knee from skiing or a nagging shoulder problem, Dr. Close is here to help. His goal is to fully understand how each patient’s musculoskeletal issues began, to make an accurate diagnosis, and to educate everyone about the evidence-based treatment options available. Keeping this in mind, he will do his best to facilitate the most optimal outcomes for a safe return to activities you enjoy.

He has over 14 years of experience in the field of sports medicine and is comfortable seeing children and adults for most orthopedic issues. Dr. Close has a special interest in using musculoskeletal ultrasound, which can aid in making a more accurate and timely diagnosis. And if indicated, he also has specialized training and experience utilizing orthobiologic procedures in select patient populations where platelet rich plasma (PRP) and other minimally invasive regenerative techniques have shown beneficial outcomes.

Outside of work Dr. Close enjoys numerous outdoor adventures with his two boys and their dog Lando.

A Colorado Native, Kelly is no stranger to taking charge in a medical practice setting. She brings a wealth of knowledge to the practice, drawing from over 30 years of experience working within various medical subspecialities in various roles. Kelly is the lifeblood of the practice, and graciously left retirement to get it off the ground in its first 6 months of business. That was 3 years ago, and she’s welcome to stay as long as she’d like. When not at the helm keeping Dr. Close in line, Kelly enjoys spending time with her two rescue pups and traveling/camping with her husband.

Aerial’s technical title here is Assistant Practice Manager, but you will probably talk to her several times on your healing journey, as she does a little bit of everything from front to back office. She has 10 years of medical experience and has found she loves learning all things Sports Medicine. On her off time Aerial can be found chasing her kids, baking, or maybe at a concert with her husband. She has promised to stay away from any animal rescues and instead spend her time spoiling her 3 rescue cats and 1 dog. She looks forward to continuing to learn all sides of running a medical office from Kelly and Dr. Close.

Rikelle brings over five years of hands-on medical experience as both an Emergency Medical Technician and a Limited Scope Radiology Technician. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Colorado Christian University, with aspirations of becoming a flight nurse and, ultimately, a Nurse Practitioner. As a proud member of Generation Z, Rikelle offers a fresh perspective and vibrant energy that enhance both patient care and marketing innovation within our practice. Her commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care is deeply rooted in her own personal experiences. Outside of work and school, Rikelle enjoys spending time with her husband and their beloved dog, Honey, getting lost in a good book, or binge-watching true crime documentaries.

Spencer is a graduate of Colorado Mesa University, where he earned his degree in Exercise Science and competed on the track and field team. His dual perspective as both an athlete and a patient ignited a passion for sports medicine, which he explored further through a series of healthcare internships during his time at CMU. Now the newest member of our team, Spencer is enthusiastic about expanding his knowledge under the mentorship of Dr. Close as he works toward his goal of becoming a radiology technician. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, golfing, attending concerts, and playing video games.

Marishka is our sonographic guru with Colorado roots. A graduate of Cherokee Trail High School in Aurora, she started her own ultrasound business after completing sonography school at Advent Health University in Orlando, Florida. She has developed an impeccable skill set, holding numerous certifications through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, including special training in vascular, cardiac, and musculoskeletal scanning. She brings a lot of positive energy and charm wherever she goes, which might be a local watering hole when she’s not inundated with work.