IOWA CITY
Prosthetic & Orthotic Care

My name is Kate, and I am a certified clinician in Limb Lab’s lowa City office. From a young age I knew I wanted to help people. After researching a wide range of healthcare career paths, I discovered the world of orthotics and prosthetics. I haven’t looked back since. This field matches my passions of creating long-lasting client relationships with my love of being creative, all while helping to improve people’s daily lives.

Limb Lab has allowed me to think outside of the box. I get to help clients move more independently and even sometimes re-invent themselves altogether after the loss of a limb or a similar change in their life. I work to ensure that our clients know their importance and welcome their involvement in device decisions. As a clinician in this field, each day brings something new: a new challenge, a new relationship, a new opportunity to touch the lives of our clients as we work together to help them do what they want to do.

When I am not at work you can find me outdoors, whether skiing, hiking new terrain, or traveling to new places. I am always up for a new adventure!

My first experience in the orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) field started in middle school when I wore a TLSO for scoliosis. In true teenage fashion, I had some “difficult” moments with this, but it did allow me to learn more about the field. I was able to experience directly how dedicated clinicians can improve a person’s quality of life in dramatic ways. I like to joke that after I stopped wearing my brace, I wanted nothing to do with it again. Of course, sometimes our plans don’t work out as we anticipate they will. In this case, I’m delighted they didn’t, as l’m passionate about helping people as I was helped years ago.

I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of lowa in biomedical engineering and trained thereafter in O&P at Century College/Concordia University in Minnesota. I love this field because every person has a story to tell, and I get to spend each day discovering these. In both the good and bad, it is an honor to hear and hopefully even be a small part of someone’s story.

I love that Limb Lab offers an innovative approach by embracing new technology, collaborating with colleagues, and listening to clients to determine what the best possible outcome is for each individual person. My hope as a clinician is to always listen, to stand ready to support in good and hard times, and to put in the extra mile for every person I work with.

I’m Linda Collins. I have 2 grown children and four beautiful grandchildren. Travel, beaches and reading are a few of my favorite things (all three together is preferable)! I have been in health care for over 25 years with direct patient care. I love every minute of it! Over the past few years, I have transitioned into more clerical roles.

When I first heard about LimbLab, I was amazed. The way we help people live their best life is truly inspiring. That may sound cliché, but it’s so true. I have seen people getting back their mobility, their independence, and that special “spunk” we have when we are able to do the things we love. What better place could I have chosen to “work”?

“I started my journey in this field at the University of Iowa getting my undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering. I found through my time there that I enjoyed problem solving but I wanted to work directly with the people that are going to be using the things I make. I got my masters degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics at Northwestern University and completed my residency in Oregon. I spent 5 year out there practicing, came back to the Midwest where I was born (in the Chicago Suburbs) for 2 years and now back in Iowa where my Wife’s family is from.

The great thing about prosthetics and orthotics (O&P) is that I get to blend my problem-solving skills, working with my hands, and working with people all into one. Everyone is different, which keeps things interesting!
Ultimately, I feel like this device is so personal that my job is to help with my knowledge and expertise to make it undoubtedly yours. I love working to figure out what you want to do and work together to figure out how to best reach those goals and make it the best experience possible.

This is why I was drawn to Limb Lab because that is exactly what everyone here is working towards, helping our patients reach their goals. It’s great being back in Iowa after practicing in Oregon and Illinois to be able to put down roots and growing my family.”

Hello, my name is Hayden Gavette. I am a Board Eligible Prosthetist Orthotist at Limb Lab. I am dedicated to providing the highest quality of prosthetic and orthotic care for every patient. The device we provide for you is important, but the relationship we build is paramount. We are here for you every step of the way.

I have worked in orthotics and prosthetics for 14 years. The field has kept me on my toes every step of the way! I have also been fortunate to engage with wonderful people. I’m proud, and grateful, that I get the opportunity to help these people live fuller lives.

I find so many parts of the job rewarding: from the opportunity to be a cheerful voice on the phone for someone who is not initially excited to come see us; to lending a tissue and an ear to a tearful patient who is overwhelmed on their first day with a new device; to advocating for clients in conversations with their insurance carriers. I am so grateful to work in this field.

I enjoy spending time with my three girls, crafting, reading, spending weekends at the lake – and lots and lots of shopping.

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.