Dr. Velissaris Elite Performance Coaching

Dr. Nick Velissaris was formerly the clinical neuropsychologist and performance counselor for The University of Michigan Athletic Department where Dr. Velissaris’s model was extremely successful at the team and individual level. Dr. Velissaris’s model emphasizes a comprehensive approach to performance, creating a Success as a Lifestyle mentality that can eb applied to athletics, passions, academics, career, relationships, life transitions, etc.

Dr. Velissaris’s team assignments included hockey, baseball, and wrestling - all of which were Big Ten Champions, with wrestling winning it’s first title in almost 50 years.

Dr. Velissaris’s individual athletes have included team captains, Big Ten Champions, All-Americans, NCAA champions, US record holders, and Olympians. Many of Dr. Velissaris’s student-athletes continued to the professional level including several NFL, NHL, and MLB draft picks.

Following graduation, Dr. Velissaris’s athletes gained extremely competitive employment positions and many continued their education at top tier graduate, law, and medical schools. In addition, only three University of Michigan athletes earned the prestigious Elite 90 Award for academic excellence during Dr. Velissaris’s time with the athletic department - two of the three winners worked with Dr. Velissaris.

Dr. Velissaris’s Background

- EDUCATION -

Dr. Velissaris holds two master’s degrees in clinical-behavioral psychology and clinical psychology, as well as a Ph.D. in clinical psychology with a specialization in neuropsychology.

- CLINICAL EXPERIENCE -

Prior to working in athletics, Dr. Velissaris received graduate training under some of the best neuropsychologists in the country at world-renowned medical centers including the University of Michigan, the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), and NorthShore University Health Systems.

While on residency, Dr. Velissaris completed his intern year specializing in clinical neuropsychology under Dr. Jim Scott at the prestigious University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. He completed one year of a post-doctoral fellowship through The Texas Medical Center, Baylor College of Medicine, and at the #2 ranked TIRR Memorial Hermann neuro-rehab center.

Dr. Velissaris has also served as a direct service provider for adults with autism and was involved with the NFL pilot study for concussion improvements.

- RESEARCH -

Dr. Velissaris’s current work is primarily focused on clinical practice, but prior research earned him the Charles Matthews Award for outstanding research for his study on cognitive functioning in pediatric epilepsy with comorbid ADHD.

His dissertation study focused on the development of an assessment measure targeting the twice-exceptional (2e) population (exceptional intellectually, while also being exceptional due to a disability).

- PERSONAL -

Dr. Velissaris was born and raised in a suburb just outside Chicago. He is a former NCAA Division I athlete and letterwinner in wrestling at the University of Michigan. In Florida, he looks most forward to avoiding the cold and learning to kiteboard.

Dr. Velissaris has his own personal journey with ADHD and was misdiagnosed until graduate school, inspiring his current work and expertise.