Össur Academy Personnel


Our Össur Academy team has a strong professional commitment to render the best possible services to our customers. Comprised of well-educated professionals, all team members are dedicated to the goals of the Össur Academy: "To further the level of education and quality of prosthetic and orthopedic knowledge among professionals, patients, and their families".

Lower Limb Prosthetics


Justin Pratt, CP

Director of Clinical Education - Prosthetics

Justin is an ABC Certified Prosthetist who completed his P&O program in Pittsburgh, PA, in 1994. He holds a BS in Intelligence Analysis from APU, which he completed in 1996. Continuing his work on prosthetics, he has been a lab technician, progressing to a Practitioner’s Assistant, and then he pursued his certification with ABC. Acquiring CP status in 2004, Justin continued as a Certified Prosthetist with Progressive Prosthetics in VA Beach, VA until joining Össur as a Regional Clinical Manager in 2010. Since joining Össur, he has proven successful as a Clinical Specialist as well as a National Clinical Manager of Bionics. In April 2015, Justin was appointed to the role of Director of Össur Academy. Throughout his career, he has worked with a patient population that was very diverse and dynamic. He provided treatment to a population ranging from children, active adults, athletes, geriatrics, and members of the US Military’s Special Warfare units. He joined Össur with a vast knowledge of products, fabrication techniques, and unique approaches to patient management and business management. Upon joining Ӧssur Americas, Justin was assigned to the role of Clinical Specialist, which serves as a clinical educational resource for Certified prosthetists as well as various Ӧssur teams within sales and marketing. Justin then transitioned to supporting the education and continued development of POWER KNEE, focusing on this technology while supporting various other aspects of the business. In the Spring of 2015, Justin was assigned to be the Ӧssur Academy Director, managing the Ӧssur Academy team, which held responsibilities with Education platforms, strategic planning, and execution of various clinical projects, supporting the marketing team as well as Research and development. In April of 2020, Justin was promoted to Sr. Director of Ӧssur Academy Americas, Prosthetics. This continued the responsibilities with his clinical team as well as extended to the Touch Solutions/Upper Limb Bionics Team.

Kurt Gruben, MSBE, CPO

Clinical Manager of Market Access

Kurt joined Össur in 2006 and currently serves as the Clinical Manager in the Market Access Department, focusing on outcomes in lower extremity prosthetics. Kurt also supports the efforts of the Ӧssur Global Academy, specializing in education and support of Lower Limb Bionic Technology, including Power Knee, Rheo Knee, and Proprio Foot. Kurt is a graduate of Northwestern University's Prosthetic Orthotic Center and has been an ABC-certified CPO since 1998. Kurt has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Illinois and Iowa, respectively. He is the proud father of three grown children and resides with his wife, Kathy, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

Robert S. Gailey, PhD, PT

Bob has been an associate Professor at the University of Miami School of Medicine, Department of Physical Therapy for more than 25 years. He has authored over 50 publications and has continued research efforts directed toward amputee rehabilitation, biomechanics, and metabolic cost of prosthetic gait, functional assessment, and athletic pursuits of the amputee, as well as other athletes with disabilities across the life span. Bob’s workshops have been highly successful and very popular among amputees, Physical Therapists, and Prosthetists.

Dan Irlbeck MS, CPO

Clinical Specialist, Prosthetics

Dan is an ABC Certified Prosthetist and Orthotist who began his career in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. While working with athletes of all calibers, he became interested in the profession of O&P. He earned his BS and MS degrees in Exercise Science/Athletic Training from The University of Iowa and received his Orthotic and Prosthetic education from Northwestern University in Chicago. He has been a certified clinician since 2004 and has lived and practiced in the Denver area since 2005.

His background in athletics and sports medicine gives him an affinity to help his patients overcome biomechanical dysfunctions as well as restore independence and self-confidence to adults and children who have suffered a limb loss due to amputation, injury, or congenital birth abnormality. His rehabilitation background allows him to approach each case with critical thinking and high expectations of positive outcomes. Dan is honored and excited to contribute to such an innovative, industry-leading company to help people live Life Without Limitations. He enjoys all that Colorado has to offer with his wife and 4 children.

Luis Mora, CP

Clinical Specialist, Prosthetics

Luis is an ABC Certified Prosthetist, father, husband, son, and friend to many people. You will often hear him remark, “The field of prosthetics chose me.” He has lived with limb loss for all but 14 years of his life. He is a proud graduate of California State Dominguez Hills Prosthetics certificate program. He has a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a minor in Biology. His clinical experience is varied and includes work in the private, institutional, and manufacturing sectors. He brings a passion for teaching and physical activity to Össur. He is delighted that his job allows him to improve people's mobility, so they can live their Life Without Limitation.

Chad McKown, CP

Clinical Specialist, Prosthetics

Chad is an ABC-certified prosthetist who graduated from West Virginia University in 2007 with a BS in Exercise Physiology. Following graduation, he worked as a personal trainer but was undecided on a career path that he wanted to pursue long term. By coincidence, one of his clients owned a private O&P practice locally and invited him to shadow for a week. After a week of shadowing at the clinic, Chad immediately knew that he wanted to pursue a career in prosthetics. Chad graduated from the prosthetics program at Northwestern University in 2009, then continued his clinical work with Anatomical Designs in Uniontown, PA, then Hanger Clinic in Morgantown, WV, before joining Össur as a clinical specialist in January 2023. Chad has a passion for health and wellness and is honored to be a part of an industry-leading company whose main goal is helping people live life without limitations. He currently lives in Morgantown, WV, with his wife and three children.

Pete Simpson, CPO

Clinical Specialist, Prosthetics

Pete Simpson is a certified Prosthetist/Orthotist who began his career as a volunteer at a busy clinic in downtown Denver. After seeing the positive effect that the O&P field had on patients’ lives, he went on to work as a full-time prosthetic/orthotic technician. He then pursued his BS in Prosthetics & Orthotics from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Following graduation in 2010, he completed residencies in Colorado and Idaho. Working in Idaho’s Treasure Valley, he established himself as a clinician driven by compassion and the desire to help improve his patients’ lives through collaboration with their rehab teams. He currently resides in Boise with his wife and sons.

Thomas Page, CPO

Clinical Specialist, Prosthetics

Thomas has been in the O&P field since 2012, where he started his career as a prosthetic and orthotic technician before attending CSUDH to obtain a Master’s of Science with an emphasis in prosthetics and orthotics. He has practiced in both Southern California and North Carolina, where he has held positions as a clinic manager, cranial specialist, and member of a USA Paralympic team in track and field. During his time designing prosthetics for the Paralympics, the athlete he supported broke multiple American records, World records, and won a gold medal in Kobe, Japan World Championships, and two gold medals in the Paris Paralympics. He is passionate about O&P and works to make an impact in the industry and to better the lives of users of prosthetics.

Matt Maggioni, MS, CPO

Clinical Specialist, Prosthetics

Matt is an ABC Certified Prosthetist Orthotist. He began his career in the P&O field as a technician in Savannah, Georgia. He then attended California State University Dominguez Hills and received a Master's of Science degree in orthotics and prosthetics in 2016. Matt has a wide range of experience with diverse patient populations and has practiced in both Atlanta, Georgia, and Los Angeles, California. While in Los Angeles, he was a part of the upper extremity clinical team and oversaw the treatment of upper extremity prosthetic patients throughout the region. Matt has a varied background and brings experience from several different fields to his practice. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and previously worked as an artist and an art educator, teaching both ceramics and sculpture. Matt has also spent time as a professional musician, touring across America and internationally. Additionally, he has worked as a carpenter doing historic home renovation as well as set construction for television and advertising.

Matt is committed to building relationships with patients and other healthcare professionals. He enjoys working as a part of a team to foster positive experiences and outcomes for patients. He believes in treating everyone with kindness, respect, and compassion.

Brittany Gonzalez, CPO

As an ABC-certified prosthetist/orthotist, Brittany brings a unique clinical perspective to Össur R&R. Before starting at Össur, she worked at Prosthetic and Orthotic Group in Southern California. As a clinician, she was passionate about fighting for insurance coverage for her patients and quickly realized the importance of understanding medical policies to ensure her clinical documentation and coding decisions complied with payer requirements. As Brittany moved into a more senior management role, she oversaw the development of coding and compliance standards across multiple office locations. Brittany continues to advocate for O&P patients through her involvement with several different O&P organizations. Some of her past and current committee memberships include AOPA's Coding and Reimbursement Committee, AOPA's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and COPA's Government Affairs Committee. Brittany is also a member of the DME MAC Councils for both Jurisdiction C and Jurisdiction D, and she enjoys guest lecturing at the O&P Master's program at California State University, Dominguez Hills. Brittany earned her B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and her M.S. in Orthotics and Prosthetics from California State University, Dominguez Hills. She currently resides in San Pedro, California with her husband and two daughters.

Lower Limb Prosthetics Sales


Andrea Sherwood, CPO, MPO

Prosthetics National Accounts Manager

Andrea joined Össur in 2018 and is currently the National Accounts Manager. Previously, she was the Upper Midwest Prosthetic Area Manager/Clinical Specialist. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Wartburg College in 2001 and worked in community/public relations for a Fortune 500 company. She returned to school and completed her master's degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics from Northwestern University in 2015. Her research has been published in the Journal of Prosthetic and Orthotics. She is a member of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP) and the Iowa Prosthetic Orthotic Pedorthotic Association (IPOPA). Andrea resides in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Todd Schweizer, CPO

Senior Area Manager, Prosthetics

Todd Graduated from Iowa State University in Health Education and Athletic Training. He provided Corporate Health Education and training before completing his Prosthetic and Orthotics training at Century College in 1996. Practicing with American Prosthetic, Hanger Orthopedic Group, and his own private practice, Todd has served amputees and orthotic users in Des Moines, Iowa, where he resides with his wife and two kids for fifteen years. Todd joined Ossur Americas in December of 2010 as Regional Clinical Manager for the Central region.

Upper Limb Prosthetics

Jeremy Farley, CPO, LPO

Clinical Support Specialist, Prosthetics

Jeremy is an ABC-certified prosthetist/orthotist. He received a degree in
Biomedical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in Troy, NY, and a degree in
Prosthetics and Orthotics from the University of Texas in Dallas, TX. Jeremy’s background in
engineering works in conjunction with his training in prosthetics to provide a comprehensive
understanding of the intricacies of upper limb prostheses. This allows him to fit patients with the most advanced technology available and to educate prosthetists in the selection, fit, and function of upper limb prosthetic componentry.

Kristy Powell, OTR/L

Clinical Practice Consultant

Kristy graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1986 and
has had the opportunity to practice Occupational Therapy throughout the country. Before joining Touch Bionics/Össur, she enjoyed building her career and specializing in Upper Extremity Rehab. She also has vast experience in acute care, skilled nursing, rehab, outpatient settings, and even school settings. These experiences allow her to focus on improving independence and provide a very holistic approach.

Steve Martin, OTR/L

Clinical Practice Consultant

Steve graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky, with a post-baccalaureate degree in Occupational Therapy. Before Touch Bionics/Össur by Össur, Steve worked for over 18 years as an Occupational Therapist in inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation with 13 years focusing on industrial rehabilitation.

Michelle Voss OTD, OTR/L

Therapist

Michelle is an experienced Occupational Therapist with a demonstrated history of working in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, higher education, and upper limb prosthetics. She is currently employed as a Clinical Practice Consultant for Össur and has specialized in upper limb prosthetic rehabilitation since 2018. Michelle earned a doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Washington University School of Medicine and her bachelor’s degree in Human Ecology from The Ohio State University. She is certified by the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy and registered and licensed in the state of Ohio.

Nathan Wagner, CPO, LPO, OTR/L

Director, Clinical Training, Prosthetics

Nathan is an ABC-certified prosthetist/orthotist and NBCOT-accredited occupational therapist for Touch Bionics/Össur, Inc. His prosthetic and occupational therapy backgrounds combine for a comprehensive fitting and training knowledge of upper extremity prostheses. This knowledge and position allow him to fit and train patients in the most advanced upper extremity technology available. He received a B.S. in occupational therapy from Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, Ohio, and his prosthetic and orthotic certificate from Newington Certificate Program in Newington, Connecticut.

Kevin Zimmerman, OTR/L

Therapist

Kevin graduated from Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky, with a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy. Before that, he served in the Army as a medic and, later, a certified occupational therapy assistant for a total of 7 years at locations including Ft. Hood, Ft. Leonard Wood, Ft. Knox, and two deployments in Iraq. Kevin has worked in inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, as well as behavioral health.

Bracing


Micah Nicholls, DO, PhD

Director of Global Academy, Bracing

Micah has been with Ossur since 2009 and currently heads the Medical Office and Global Academy for Bracing and Supports. He completed his Masters in Engineering at Manchester University in 1999. After working for a number of years in Silicon Valley he returned to the UK where he retrained as an Osteopath. In 2023 he earned a PhD in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Iceland. For the past 10 years he has been based in California.

Ben Frost

Össur Academy Manager, Bracing

Ben is a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. His 14-year career in outpatient orthopedics has been focused on sports injury rehabilitation and postoperative care as well as degenerative disease interventions. Ben has been excited about the increasing trends and advancements in Bracing and Supports and their role in improving functional healing outcomes and tertiary prevention strategies. Ben has enjoyed the challenge of implementing skilled care, evidence-based therapy to improve the lives of his patients and now looks forward to bringing his skills to the Bracing and Supports space.

Danielle Man

Education Program Manager, Bracing

Danielle earned her biology degree with high honors from Boston University, and completed 2 years of PhD study and research in sociobiology at Northeastern University. She has worked for over a decade in science education and instructional design, and specializes in creating digital learning opportunities, including providing voiceover for our Bracing Academy YouTube channel videos. Danielle is dedicated to thoughtful discovery in order to understand learners' needs, and enjoys building an education strategy along with stakeholders. She feels a personal connection to Össur's motto: life without limitations. As an avid hiker, trail runner, outdoor enthusiast, and certified holistic health coach, she brings a unique perspective to the training she designs.

Boris Kibrik

Clinical Specialist, Bracing

Boris is a clinically grounded healthcare professional with extensive experience in musculoskeletal rehabilitation and orthopedics. He began his career at Kieser Training, where he developed and delivered structured rehab programs for pre- and post-operative patients, working closely with orthopedic consultants and physiotherapists. At Great Ormond Street Hospital, Boris supported the Pediatric Rheumatology and MSK physiotherapy team, contributing to complex patient care pathways and clinical research. His work there deepened his appreciation for interdisciplinary collaboration and patient-centered outcomes. Transitioning into the MedTech industry, Boris has led product marketing, education, and go-to-market initiatives across Europe, with a particular focus on Bracing & Supports. He brings together hands-on clinical insight and commercial experience to help drive better outcomes for both patients and healthcare systems.

Anna Long

Clinical Specialist, Bracing

Anna Long is a Certified Prosthetist Orthotist (CPO) with over 7 years of clinical experience supporting patients across orthotic and prosthetic care. She has a BS in Bioengineering and a Master's degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics. But her passion for teaching came before her Master’s degree, when she worked as an instructor for afterschool programs, teaching kids engineering principles with Legos. 

Anna began her clinical career at Active Life, where she progressed into leadership roles, managing clinics, and mentoring/training junior clinicians and residents. At Ottobock, she contributed to clinical education and beta testing of advanced orthotic and prosthetic solutions. She also shares her knowledge as a part time lecturer at CSULB, educating future therapists on the application and management of orthotic and prosthetic devices. She is passionate about combining clinical expertise with innovation to improve patient outcomes through her clinical and educational work. 

Össur Academy Orlando, Össur Solutions


Michael Shelburne, CP

Director of Custom Solutions

Michael received his undergraduate degree in physiology from Indiana State University. He completed his orthotic and prosthetic degree at St. Petersburg College. After orthotic and prosthetic school, he completed his residency at Prosthetic Design Inc. (PDI)/ Dayton Artificial Limb Clinic (DALC) in Dayton, OH. While at PDI/DALC, Michael became proficient in using CAD and 3D design software in prosthetics. Michael had the opportunity with Scott Sabolich Prosthetics and Research in Dallas, TX, to become their Clinical Director and Chief Prosthetist. He spent three years working directly under Scott, mastering the Sabolich Socket and becoming an expert on hard-to-fit patients. Michael is very excited to be a part of the Össur team and add his clinical experience to the company.

Brant Sutton, CP

Clinical Manager, Prosthetics

Brant began his career in the prosthetic industry as an O&P technician at Ozark Prosthetics and Orthotics in Ozark, Missouri. He is a graduate of Drury University and is ABC Certified in Prosthetics. He spent several years in clinical practice at Hanger Clinic in Springfield, Missouri, and nearly 18 years as lead Prosthetist at Ozark Prosthetics and Orthotics in Springfield, Missouri. He now joins Össur as a Clinical Manager, focusing on support for socket technology education for the Össur Solutions Program. His goal is to collaborate with clinicians to achieve optimal clinical outcomes in a timely and efficient manner.

Zach Smith, CPO, LPO

Clinical Manager, Prosthetics

Zach was attending college, majoring in Industrial Hygiene and with a minor in education, when his father, at the young age of 47, lost his right leg due to infection. After seeing his father’s mobility restored, he instantly became interested and passionate about prosthetics. Zach explored the prosthetics field and switched his educational path, completed a technician program in Pittsburgh, PA, and successfully worked as a technician for 2 years. Subsequently, he moved into a prosthetics assistant role, returned to college, and obtained his Orthotic & Prosthetic Certification in 1999. While attending college and initially working as a technician, Zach also served in the Army reserves for 6 years. Zach’s formal education included attendance at Penn State University, Westmoreland College, M.S.A.H. technician’s program, and E.T.S.U.

After practicing as an O&P clinician for several years, Zach co-founded Victory Orthotics & Prosthetics in 2001, located in East Tennessee. Zach and his colleagues grew the practice to 4 locations that served 3 level 1 hospitals and a large Veterans Administration hospital. In addition to daily clinical care, management, marketing, business development, and the plethora of responsibilities of a small business owner and operator, Zach was a guest lecturer for local Rehab facilities, Amputee support groups, physical therapy, and physical therapy assistance programs, as well as a local orthopedic DO residency program. Victory continues to thrive under his brother’s direction while Zach has transitioned into a clinical position with Össur. Zach is a lower extremity prosthetic specialist with proficiency and expertise in Cad/Cam, socket technologies, vacuum systems, MPK technologies, as well as low and high activity amputee care. Zach is honored and excited to share his passion and experience in prosthetics within his clinical position with Össur Americas.

Chris DiGioia, CP

Clinical Specialist, Prosthetics

Chris earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Georgia State University in 2005 and completed the Prosthetics program at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine in 2010. Since becoming an ABC Certified Prosthetist in 2013, he has exclusively utilized out-sourced manufacturing. He has worked with a wide variety of patient populations, including athletes, geriatrics, and children, in addition to having a special interest in Osseointegration. He resides near Orlando, FL.

Tom Bowers, CP

Senior Clinical Manager - Össur Solutions

Tom began his career in the prosthetic industry as an O&P technician at Lawall Prosthetics and Orthotics in Philadelphia, PA. He is a graduate of La Salle University, having studied Integrated Science, Business, and Technology with a focus on Biomedical Engineering. He earned his master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh and is ABC Certified in Prosthetics. He spent several years in clinical practice at Lawall and served as the Head of Prosthetics for Scranton Orthopedics. Tom’s interest in prosthetic theory, design, and technological advances brought him to LIM Innovations, where he aided in the process of clinical education, design, fabrication, and operation. He now joins Össur as a Clinical Specialist focusing on the Northeast Region of the USA. His goal is to collaborate with clinicians to achieve quality clinical outcomes in a timely and efficient manner. His main interests include Clinical Education and Outcomes, Bionics, Socket Interface Technology, Digital Modification, Fabrication Technique, Practice Management, and Systems Thinking.