MANKATO, MN
Prosthetic & Orthotic Care

I was introduced to the field of orthotics and prosthetics in high school, thanks to a good friend of mine. I job-shadowed and knew immediately that I wanted to join the industry. I am passionate about the creative problem-solving and custom-design in O & P. I love the challenge – and the connections I forge with wonderful people.

After completing my undergraduate studies at Winona State University, I worked as a personal trainer before I began at Limb Lab. My initial role here, which I performed while I completed my master’s degree, was as a technician building custom equipment. I fabricated devices, collaborated with colleagues, and ultimately began fitting patients with state-of-the-art devices. At Limb Lab, we practice a client-centered approach. Our clients guide us as their personal goals, and ultimately – together – we develop a plan to reach those goals from clinical and technical perspectives.

I grew up in Big Lake, Minnesota and enjoy spending time with my wife and two dogs. A perfect weekend to me is spent up North, on my family’s hunting property, bird hunting and cheering on the Minnesota Vikings!

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 was introduced to the field of prosthetics and orthotics by my stepdad who is an amputee himself. I had always been fascinated by his Symes prosthesis. He is the perfect example of an amputee who doesn’t let their limb loss stand in their way. When I needed an internship for a course in college, he connected me with his prosthetist, and I was able to dive headfirst into the industry. In just a short month, I was able to work with some great patients and practitioners and fell in love with O&P. The unique combination of hands on, technical work, and direct patient care made me quickly realize that this was my calling. I graduated in May 2024 with my bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from St. Olaf College. When an opportunity came up to join the Limb Lab team, I could not have been more excited to take it, and I have loved my time here so far. Working at Limb Lab has given me a wealth of knowledge and experience that will set me up perfectly to start my masters next year. I still have a lot to learn about the field but I am learning more and more every day. In my free time I enjoy golfing, fishing, working out, and avidly watching every Minnesota sports team possible.

Since beginning my journey of working in the Orthotic and Prosthetic field, I have had the pleasure to work behind the scenes; with Dr’s and insurance companies; to help individuals get the items they need. It’s personally rewarding to have a part in their path to healing. I am an animal lover. I have 2 cats named Blossom & Rusty. I enjoy hunting, fishing, & listening to music accompanied with my husband, Tyler, who taught me all about the joy’s outdoor activities.