Phone: 402-899-9110. Fax: 402-252-5028
An exclusive test run event where amputees could try out Levitate’s innovative prosthetics.
Sponsored by : ON
When: Saturday, June 21st | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Lied Fieldhouse
7000 Mercy Road, Omaha, Nebraska
(College of Saint Mary)
I discovered the field of prosthetics and orthotics while in high school. A TV program I watched depicted a clinician fabricating and adjusting a prosthesis. Immediately, I knew that I wanted to be a part of this field. I began my journey by studying Electronics Engineering at the University of Nebraska at Omaha with dreams to design new prosthetic components. During my sophomore year, I shadowed at a local O&P clinic. When I saw a young man stand on an above-knee prosthesis for the first time and smile as he learned to walk, I knew that I wanted to be a clinician. I had found a career that blended my passion for problem-solving with hands-on work in a way that serves others.
I worked as a tech support analyst here in Omaha while preparing for graduate school. I then moved to Dallas to attend the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, where I earned my Masters in Prosthetics and Orthotics in 2015. Following graduation, I returned to the Midwest and completed my prosthetic and orthotic residencies in Kansas City. There, I learned from many different mentors and worked with a wide demographic of patients. I became the Chief Resident and was responsible for mentoring and guiding my fellow residents along the path to certification.
As a first-generation American born and raised in Omaha, I was delighted to return in 2019 and to practice O&P in my hometown. My wife and I are thrilled to be raising our kids in the city where we grew up. It is my joy to bring Limb Lab’s patient-focused team and personalized care to the amazing healthcare community in Omaha.
I have lived in Omaha most of my life. I was first introduced to the field of orthotics and prosthetics when I met a friend in college who had a below-knee prosthesis. He would show me his different componentry and answer my questions about the equipment. After learning about the field, I stumbled upon the orthotics and prosthetics department at the VA Hospital when visiting my grandfather after his surgery. I reached out to them and was able to shadow there every Friday while I finished my Bachelor’s degree at Creighton University. They couldn’t keep me away.
I earned my Master’s in Orthotics and Prosthetics from Baylor College of Medicine. Their program allowed me to complete my residency at a variety of different clinics and to see a wide range of patients and practices, including the Limb Lab in Lincoln, Nebraska. I’m thrilled that I have the opportunity to join the team in Omaha, where my husband and I call home. I hope to change lives for the better doing something that I love.
“Prosthetics and orthotics is all in the family for me: I am a third-generation prosthetist by trade. Born and raised in Omaha, my grandfather and uncle were both Prosthetists, and my dad a Pedorthist. I grew up in the industry and apprenticed from a young age where I learned the intricacies of orthotic and prosthetic fabrication and design. I became a Board of Certification Prosthetist in 2007 where I continued my passion for quality in craftsmanship and attention to detail, and built my reputation for technical excellence in fabrication, clinical care, and product delivery.
My family knows me as someone who can talk to anyone, and I am energized by meeting new people and creating relationships with the team of multidisciplinary healthcare clinicians that take care of those individuals who need prosthetic and orthotic services. I enjoy the collaborative environment of the Limb Lab team and Limb Lab’s innovative, client-centered approach for those with limb loss and injury.”
Pending
I was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but headed west at 18 years old to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology. For 13 years, I moved around the west coast and beyond pursuing my career in marine mammal research and animal training. Eventually, I moved back to Minnesota to be near my family and decided it was time to begin a new path. I fell into the O&P field as result of my increasing interest in the human body and biomechanics, as well as a love for working with my hands. I obtained my Masters in Orthotics and Prosthetics. My journey has only enhanced my desire to keep learning, something I feel is key to being successful in the O&P field.
One of the things I truly appreciate about Limb Lab is the thick atmosphere of learning here, whether discovering new technologies or gaining knowledge from our clients on their experiences living with an orthotic or prosthetic device. The conversation is continuous between practitioner and client, which leads to long-term relationships. This field is a combination of art and science. By using both of those approaches, my goal is to provide not just a device for my clients, but an improved quality of life.
My high school shop teacher introduced me to prosthetics and orthotics. I loved building just about anything, from furniture to cabinets to houses. I went on to complete my undergraduate studies at Doane College, where I volunteered and became a technician for a prosthetic company in Lincoln. I was sold right then and there. I loved fabricating, fitting, and meeting everyone who came into the office.
I returned to Lincoln in 2005 and began managing, creating, and building relationships in the Lincoln area. Few things make me feel better – or more proud – than creating devices that affect people in the direct and personal ways that my work does.
My wife Amanda and I have been in the Lincoln community for the last 15 years. Our two daughters have grown up here, and we all love this community along with the life we have built here. I am excited to join such a client-centered practice and to bring such a state-of-the-art and specialized facility to Lincoln.
When I was a kid, I almost lost my hand in a farming accident, and spent a lot of time with surgeons and therapists as they worked to fix my hand. Two things came out of that experience that changed my life; the beginning of my life as a musician (I played guitar for my rehab), and second, my interest in orthopedic medicine and rehabilitation. Years later at Luther College, I was able to pursue both of my passions, singing in the Nordic Choir, and pursuing a degree in Biology. My advisor introduced me to the world of prosthetics and orthotics, and I immediately knew what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.
I started in the prosthetic business immediately following college as a technician making limbs, became a board certified practitioner and then a public speaker and educator, and am now living my ultimate dream of owning my own business. I come from a long line of farmers and entrepreneurs, and am so excited to follow in their footsteps to be the master of my own destiny. My hope is that when you come to Limb Lab, you feel important and valuable, that no matter the challenges that you are facing, you feel confident in the practitioner that works with you, and optimistic, and even inspired about your journey. There is nothing I love more than seeing people who I work with turn the tragedy of limb loss into the start of a beautiful life. There is nothing that we can’t accomplish together.
I love being part of a team and inspiring others to accomplish a common goal. After years of working in business management, I found the Prosthetic and Orthotic profession accidentally, but quickly realized it’s where l’m meant to be; sharing my leadership skills to help impact people’s lives for the better. I know the work I do behind the scenes ensures the best experience possible, and creates the greatest outcome and value for those we serve.
Whether you are a client, physician, payor, partner, or member of our team, when you connect with Limb Lab, I want you to know that you matter. We are all taking steps together to ensure the best possible outcome by utilizing the best technology at the best price. We collaborate with the brightest medical minds, develop successful care plans, pursue efficient and fair reimbursement all while offering emotional support and encouragement to our clients, their families and each other. At Limb Lab, when we say we are a family, we mean it. We are all in this together, so let’s stay connected and create a more beautiful world.
I came to Limb Lab – as a partner in the company and as its Chief Strategy Officer – after having spent about 15 years in private practice as a corporate attorney in Boston and Minneapolis. I was outside legal counsel to Limb Lab before joining the company in September 2018.
I focus on all aspects of executive strategy for Limb Lab. Amid all I do, I work to ensure that as the company grows, it remains steadfastly focused on improving the lives of its clients.
I am proud of my communities and humbled to support them. I chair the Council of St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, in Minneapolis, and am a director of Graywolf Press, a literary publisher also based in Minneapolis. And I have served the Princeton University Alumni Association in numerous capacities, including as a member of the Executive Committee of the Alumni Council, President of the Princeton Association of New England, and President of the Princeton Club of Minnesota.
Proud member of the Omaha Chamber