THE 360 BLOG TEAM

Experiences. Knowledge. Personality.

 



Greg Bauer C.P.O. L.P.O - Orthotist / Prosthetist Specialist
Join me, and together we can Restore Bodies and Rebuild Lives!
Greg Bauer is a certified and licensed Prosthetist/Orthotist and president of Westcoast Brace & Limb, a family owned company since 1981. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Entrepreneurial Studies from Babson College in 1995. He then went onto
Cal State University, where he received degrees in both Orthotics and Prosthetics. He has received certificates for C-Leg Systems, Utah Arm, Myobock Upper Extremity, Advanced training in Silicone Restoration, Advanced training in Carbon Fabrication, Oregon Orthotic Systems, and for various designs of scoliosis bracing.

He specializes in Upper Extremity prosthetics, specifically with myoelectrics and silicone restoration. He has an active presence within the community, as a Board Member and Treasure to Self Reliance, as well participating on the Advisory Board at St. Peterburge College for Orthotics and Prosthetics. Greg also provides community lectures throughout the Tampa Bay area to Occupational/Physical Therapists as well as other allied health professionals.
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Elizabeth Carlstrom Insurance Specialist
"Change Keeps us Growing & Moving in New Directions"
Founder & Owner of O&P Business Solutions, specializing in Business Administration, Compliance and Claims & Billing for the Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics profession.
Jennifer Latham Robinson Amputee Case Manager
We, the patients, can be active participants. Our challenge is our opportunity!
Jennifer Latham Robinson is an amputee advocate, Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) Certified Peer Visitor, and part of the Amputee Case Management team at Westcoast Brace & Limb, where she coordinates care for amputees. Jennifer was born with
bilateral Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency (PFFD) and wears an above knee prosthesis. After graduating in 1999 with her BA in Humanities from New College in Sarasota, Florida, Jennifer began pursuing her career in the prosthetic field.
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Laren Cavicchio Health and Wellness Professional
Positive Energy for Breakfast
Laren has worked as a certified personal trainer and rehabilitation specialist, and fuses her knowledge gained in sports medicine and kinesiology in her teaching style. She comes from over 20 years experience as a performer, and more than
15 years as a teacher. Her dance background includes Master Dance classes in Boston (Boston Ballet) and New York City's Broadway Dance Center. Laren's education in dance includes classes in the Vaganova and French Schools of Ballet, the Alexander Technique for Performing Artists, the Feldenkrais Method, Laban Notation and dance theory. Laren continues to build her dance skills through attending and participating in master dance classes in Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet, and Modern annually.

On a collegiate level, Laren was the assistant choreographer for an original production at the SUNY Stony Brook department of dance while in attendance in 1991 – 1993. She transferred to the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where she continued to study dance and theatre. She's choreographed numerous musicals, directed plays and worked with many performing arts student in creating movement work-studies to help them achieve character believability on stage. Laren was the recipient of the UMASS Chancellors Talent Award Scholarship in 1995 – the highest paid and most challenging scholarship to be nominated for in the Performing Arts program. Her professors donned her with their educational background that came from New York University, Columbia University, Yale, Harvard, and Tufts. She has studied with directors from the Stanislavski School of acting and is proficient in manifesting creative vision as well as directing and performing. Laren completed her B.A. in Theatre and Dance with a focus on production, performance, and design from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, in 1997, and then furthered her education by achieving her Master's in Business Administration in 2004. Laren has taught ballet, tap and jazz in Massachusetts, New York, and St. Petersburg, Florida.
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Josh Ahlstrom C.P.O. - Children's Orthotics Specialist
People will not care how much you know, until they know how much you care.
Joshua P. Ahlstrom, CPO has been active in the field or Orthotics and Prosthetics (O & P) for over ten years. He has experience working with a wide spectrum of patients and pathologies and has spent his last five years of clinical practice focusing solely on
meeting the needs and providing new options for pediatrics.

He currently acts as Clinical Practice Manager and Director of Operations for Midwest Orthotic & Technology Center (MOTC) in central and southern Indiana. Through this nearly exclusively pediatric practice, Josh has become impassioned about pediatric orthotics and prosthetics which has led to many speaking opportunities, including teaching with regards to the SureStep line of products, KiddieGAIT, SWASH, positioning equipment, upper extremity orthotics, lower extremity orthotics, contracture management, cranial remolding and prosthetic options and criteria. He also speaks annually with third year Physical Therapy students at the University of Indianapolis. In addition Josh is a member of the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) and the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP). He resides in Indianapolis with his wife Brooke, and two sons Kellen and Cade.
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David Garcia LP, Lped
The Practice
David is a certified and licensed prosthetic and pedorthic clinician. David is an American Board Certified and Ohio Licensed Prosthetist and Pedorthist with over 15 years experience. David is a specialist in elevated vacuum socket designs for both
above and below knee amputees. David also specializes in both lower and upper extremity microprocessor controlled prosthesis.

David is an active member of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthesis as well as the Pedorthic Footwear Association. David is currently serving in the capacity of President Elect on the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Orthotics & Prosthetists Board, He is also a committee member for the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services Relations Committee and Ohio Prosthetic and Orthotic Parity Commission. David is an instructor and referee in the martial arts. He has earned his black belt in Karate and is studying to become a certified instructor in Karate and Iaido.
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Amy Purdy Amputee Activist
Action Sports, Art, Music and Fashion and everything in between
Amy Purdy is a competitive snowboarder, skateboarder, actress, model, spokesperson, makeup artist, esthetician and the Co-Founder/Development Director for the non-profit organization Adaptive Action Sports. She also happens to be
missing both of her legs below the knee. Challenging herself and others to do the same is a true testament to Amy’s spirit.
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Tracii Haynes Athletes with Disabilities Network Board Member
Extreme Sports & Recreation
‘Dream more than others think is practical’ – words by which Tracii lives her life. It was this motto that led Tracii to leave a career in finance, from a Tier 1 automotive supplier; to work full time in the arena of adaptive athletics.
Tracii has volunteered with disabled athletes for almost 20 years – as a mentor, a guide and an instructor/coach.

She, herself, is a four season adventure athlete – passionate about all adventures in the out-of-doors! She is an avid mountain and road cyclist, backcountry hiker and kayaker. Tracii also rock climbs, skis, snowboards, snowshoes and has started to delve into longboard skating. She never misses an opportunity to toss a Frisbee or play disc golf.

Tracii has been teaching, training and coaching for more than 17 years. She has taught team sports and adventure sports, from levels newbie to professional athlete, able bodied and adaptive athletes alike. Her passion is in sport and getting all people involved in an active lifestyle; especially the adaptively-abled.

Tracii works with the Athletes with Disabilities Network (ADN), supporting its premier event - Extremity Games (www.ExtremityGames.com). She was first a volunteer, then an advisor to the ADN Board and continues today as an active member of the Board – coordinating volunteers and marketing the event year round.
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Sheila Qualls BS, MPT-Physical Therapist
A strong mind can create a strong body
A physical therapist specializing in the rehabilitation and functional training of people who have experienced lower extremity amputations, Sheila has experience in training amputees at all levels, from newly post-operative to Paralympic athletes.

She is one of a select few outside civilian therapists
who have been allowed to visit and study at the Center For the Intrepid (CFI) at Brooke Army Medical Center, where she was able to work with our military men and women who have suffered limb loss in Iraq and Afghanistan. She has also analyzed and treated gait deviations at special clinics held at the Amputee Coalition of America conferences, as well as assisted in lectures on the importance of proper strengthening to help amputees reach optimal levels of functioning.

Sheila is an Amputee Coalition of America member and sits on planning and medical committees for the annual Extremity Games, held by the Athletes with Disabilities Network.

She is a graduate of the University of Michigan, where she received her Masters of Physical Therapy, and she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Michigan State University.
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Kyra Jean Velett Southeastern Territory manager
By planes, trains and automobiles
Kyra Velett currently is a Southeastern territory manager for a prosthetic manufacturer of feet an knees. Her territory includes Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Georgia. Kyra has been involved with the Prosthetic industry since 2006, after graduating with a degree in English with an emphasis in
Creative Writing and a minor in communications from Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL.

Her interests include Golf, boating and fishing, shopping, the beach, prosthetics, cooking, napping, dancing and her new puppy. Before her current position, Kyra was a sales specialist at Alps South Corporation in St. Petersburg, FL and covered many different regions of the United States.
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Dan Horkey
Dan Horkey Orthotic Brace and Prosthetic Cosmetic Specialist
Replacing the pain of the past with a picture of promise.
Dan Horkey, founder of GTOPI pioneered an innovative patent pending method for applying artwork to braces and prosthetics, empowering fellow amputees and veterans to express their individualistic ideas through custom orthotic tattoo.

Twenty years into wearing a prosthetic, Horkey, a trained Orthotic and Prosthetic Technician, created his own socket and applied his first tattoo, thereby initiating the tattooed prosthetic concept. In July of 2008, GTOPI began to serve men, women and children around the globe.

The wearer of OandP devices now have a choice of cosmosis that bolsters self-esteem, pride and courage. Art and designs are hand-painted, pin striping and airbrushed over carbon braid substrates. The art is protected with a clear sealant, and the finishes are of durable quality, similar to those used for custom paint jobs for hot rods and motorcycles. GTOPI’s cosmetic services are now available through the Certified Contractor Registry (CCR).

Dan Horkey’s reached a goal in 2009 and began serving veterans with his patent pending method of “custom painted acrylic art cosmosis” an approved cosmetic by the VA in Seattle, WA and WRAMC in D.C.
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Andres Velasquez Patient Outreach Coordinator
If I heal, you heal. If you heal, we all heal.
Andres Velasquez is a graduate from the University of Florida with a degree in advertising, and an emphasis in graphic design. In 2007 after many trials and tribulations in life he began a journey to figure out the “soul purpose” of his life; he was particularly
drawn to self help books with a holistic approach and an emphasis on metaphysics. He is also a strong believer in our campaign "Knowledge is power. Share it", so he has joined our blogging team to express his views on articles he comes across online. His other main focus is coordinating the patient outreach campaign at 360oandp.com.

When he is not strategizing and planning ways to reach the patient you can find Andres reading about holistic medicine, doing graphic design, playing with his dog Ki-bo, going to the movies, and playing video games.
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Mark Profeta St. Petersburg College Student
A students perspective of O&P
Mark Profeta is currently attending the Orthotics & Prosthetics program at St. Petersburg College and will be graduating in May 2010 with a B.A.S. in Orthotics & Prosthetics. His interests within the O&P field include sports prostheses, myoelectrics, and orthopedic injuries.

In his free time Mark enjoys photography, mountain biking, snowboarding, and rock climbing.
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Deann Marasco
Deann Marasco Director, Marketing & Public Relations
Leaving footprints on my daily journey…
Deann has a Bachelors in Gerontology and has been working in healthcare for more than 14 years. Working as a case manager and home health aide in college, she developed a passion for working with people of all abilities. Deann is a Public Relations Director for
an orthotic & prosthetic facility and in the past has provided educational lectures throughout the Tampa Bay area on health and aging topics. She has facilitated many support groups, including groups relating to arthritis, caregiver support, grief and recovery, lung cancer, and osteoporosis. Deann successfully completed the Amputee Coalition of America’s Peer Visitor Certification Training course and is the Family Readiness Group President for her husband’s military unit.
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Learning the foundation to creatively build upon
Lizz Peterson graduated from the Cal State University Orthotics program in January 2010. She is currently working towards a Postbaccalaureate Certificate in the Prosthetic program and will graduate in July 2010. In those rare moments when Lizz is not studying, she is
searching for the next big rock to climb and brushing up on her breakdancing skills.
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John N. Ficociello President; ABC Certified Orthotist/Prosthetist
Information on Orthotics and Prosthetics
“I find the challenge of staying abreast of all the latest medical innovations and technology—as well as its changing culture—guarantees an accelerated learning curve.”

Education: Northwestern University, Degree in Prosthetics; Saint Michael’s College, BA in English

Responsibilities: Yankee Medical, Inc. President; Orthotics and Prosthetics; National Accreditor/Examiner for American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics facility accreditation

Professional Background: Certified Orthotist; Certified Prosthetist; Former President of New England American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists; Former President of Region I, American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association; Former National Chairman of the Board of Directors of the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association; Former National Chair of Credentials Committee of American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics; Former President of Vermont Association of Home Medical Providers; Former Associate Trustee Saint Michaels College; Former Associate Trustee Medical Center Hospital; Former Chairman Board Of Directors Ethan Allen Club
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Dr. James Clough
Dr. James Clough Podiatrist / Developer of the Cluffy Wedge
We will discuss foot biomechanics and focus on the importance of first ray function to normal foot function.
Dr. Clough is podiatrist with special interest in foot biomechanics as related to foot deformities and many overuse injuries. He has seen many preventable foot deformities and injuries in his
25 years of private practice experience. His interest is in furthering the understanding of abnormal and normal foot biomechanics, and encouraging the proper implementation of these principals to prevent many foot and structural problems from developing. He is the inventor of the Cluffy Wedge, a new approach to addressing the first ray, a critical component of foot function.
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Cale Konetchy
Cale Konetchy CP and Educator for Otto Bock HealthCare
C-Leg Microprocessor Knee Expert Sharing His Experiences From Across the US.
Cale Konetchy is an ABC certified prosthetist and educator specializing in lower extremity prosthetics with Otto Bock HealthCare. Traveling two weeks or more of every month to hospitals and
private orthotic and prosthetic clinics across the US has provided him with a unique opportunity to assist clinicians with challenging prosthetic fittings and gain insight into developing prosthetic industry trends. Read his experiences and discover how Otto Bock HealthCare is impacting patient care across the country.
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Bobby Puckett III
Bobby PuckettAmputee / Board member of Amputees Together
Your moments of challenge are essential rites of passage for you to become everything you‘re capable of becoming.
Robert became a bi-lateral below knee amputee in 2000. This was due to a auto accident he had in Ohio. While in rehabilitation after his accident Robert found he enjoyed the challenge of
getting back on his feet and getting his life and priorities back on track. During this process he also realized he truly enjoyed helping others with these challenges.

Since the accident he has went to the Ohio State University and graduated with a B.A. in Psychology. He and his wife, Andrea, co-founded a support group for amputees in Ohio. This group is a member of the Amputee Collation of America (ACA). Through the ACA he completed the Peer Certification course and even arranged for them to come to their support group and certify 20 of the members so they could also continue to help others. Robert and his wife recently moved to Saint Petersburg, Florida so he could pursue a degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics, in order to continue to help others successfully overcome the challenges after an accident or illness. Since they have moved to Florida they have become very active with a local support group for amputees and continue to assist amputees whenever they can.

Robert enjoys being active outdoors and playing sports. Since his accident Robert has enjoyed snow and water skiing, kayaking, wheelchair basketball, and hand cycling. Always challenging himself to be the best he is capable of and embracing life for all it has to offer.
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Courtney Gavin Madsen
Courtney Gavin Madsen Certified Orthotist - Yankee Medical
Practicing innovative orthotics and prosthetics in a rural setting
Courtney Gavin Madsen is an ABC certified Orthotist who also practices lower extremity prosthetics. She has her undergraduate degree in kinesiology from Indiana University and her master’s degree in biomechanics from the University of
Illinois at Chicago. She did her orthotic training at Northwestern University. Her particular interests include gait training, pediatrics, and scoliosis. She has worked for Yankee Medical in Vermont for 4 years where she lives with her husband and one year old twins.
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Victoria Powell
Victoria Powell RN, CCM, LNCC, CNLCP, MSCC, CEASII
Ensuring Life Long "Quality of Life"
Victoria is the founder and President of VP Medical Consulting. Ms. Powell is a Registered Nurse and holds specialty certifications in Life Care Planning, Legal Nurse Consulting, Case Management, Medicare Set Aside allocations and Ergonomic Assessments.

Powell specializes in life care planning and consulting in the area of catastrophic injuries, particularly those that result in amputation.

As a Nurse Life Care Planner and Nurse Case Manager, she plays a significant role in ensuring that the traumatically amputated patient gets the lifetime benefits he/she deserves. She works with the entire team to create a plan that takes a holistic view with regard to the treatment and expense over the course of a lifetime for prosthetic care, including rehabilitation, home modifications, automobile modifications, physical and occupational therapy, and other needs. She is an active member of Amputee Coalition of America and the American Amputation Foundation.

She has experience in upper and lower extremity amputation care from infants to the elderly. She writes on a variety of nursing care issues and particularly those that affect the catastrophically injured.
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Ronnie Dickson
Ronnie Dickson Prosthetic Resident, CAF Spokesperson
Life is 10% events, 90% your reaction
Ronnie Dickson has been an above the knee amputee for five years. He has excelled in sports, specifically rock climbing and triathlon.

Ronnie is an active member of the Challenged Athletes Foundation and is looking forward to starting and completing his
prosthetic residency at Prosthetic and Orthotic Associates in Orlando, Fl. He has a passion for adaptive sports and is working on multiple disabled climbing workshops to give back to the prosthetic community that has given him so much.
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Jena Baxter
Jena Baxter Professional Recruiter & Resume Expert
Are you and your resume ready for the next step?
Jena is a healthcare recruiter specializing in the Orthotic & Prosthetic Industry. Since 1998, she has recruited individuals for the engineering, information technology, and healthcare Industries. She recruits a variety of technical and professional
skill sets, from engineers for manufacturers to clinical practitioners for mid-sized private practices, nationwide. Her personal approach and ability to listen to her client's and candidate’s needs and wants enable her to find the right fit for both parties. She takes pride in enhancing career paths for all those involved.

Jena has a BS in Human Resource Management and Marketing from The University of South Carolina.
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Knit-Rite, Inc. Mascot (Lammie)
Knit-Rite, Inc. O&P Textile Manufacturer and Line Distributor
Solutions that Fit
Knit-Rite, Inc. is a leading designer, marketer, and manufacturer of innovative textiles for medical and consumer markets. For more than 85 years we have manufactured medical textile solutions that promote mobility, protection, and comfort.


We remain committed to the continued research and development, manufacturing, and distributing of products that deliver healthy benefits for a better quality of life.
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Ryan Ball Political Campaign Consultant
Solutions that Fit
Ryan Ball, a veteran political campaign consultant brings a decade of political and governmental experience to OPGA and holds a degree in political science from the University of Iowa. He began his career as an intern for Sen. Tom Harkin’s Washington office and moved on to hold positions in many political campaigns from 2004-2010.


For the past several years, Ball has worked with and consulted for political campaigns of all levels of government, ranging from local city councils to federal Congressional elections. He has also lobbied the Iowa State Legislature on various issues. Working with this many levels of government has given him a unique perspective on government and how the political dynamics of an issue affect policy arguments of all types.
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