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".

Upper Limb Prosthetics

Lynsay Emmrich, OTR/L

Global Product Manager

Lynsay graduated from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA with a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy. She then went on to serve as an Army Occupational Therapist at locations including Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Ft. Riley, Ft. Knox, and at a combat support hospital in Iraq. Lynsay has presented at various local, state, and national conferences on research and clinical experience. 

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. Prior to 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. 

Jennie Monday, CPO

Clinic Manager

Jennie received her Master's degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics from Northwestern University in 2015. She has been practicing outcome-driven prosthetic and orthotic care including functional and subjective testing and ongoing education in Tennessee. She is an upper extremity specialist versed in external powered and body powered prosthetic systems. She also is a guest lecturer on the O&P field for the PT and DPT programs at Walter State and Roan State Universities. 

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 currently is employed as a Clinical Practice Consultant for Ossur and has specialized in upper limb prosthetic rehabilitation since 2018. Michelle earned a doctorate degree 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. Prior to 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. 

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 B.S. 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 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 of 2015, Justin was appointed 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.

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 Prosthetic Orthotic Center and is 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 Universities of Illinois and Iowa, respectively.  He is the proud father of three grown children and resides with his wife, Kathy, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

Dan Irlbeck MS, CPO

Clinical Specialist, Prosthetics

Dan Irlbeck MS, CPO 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 restoring independence and self-confidence to adults and children who have suffered a limb loss 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 with the goal of helping 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 manufacture sectors. He brings a passion for teaching and physical activity to Össur. He is delighted that his job affords him the opportunity to improve people's mobility, so they can live their Life Without Limitations.

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 clinical specialist in January 2023. Chad has 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 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 patient’s lives, he went on to work as a full-time prosthetic/orthotic technician. He then pursued his B.S. in Prosthetics & Orthotics from 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 patient’s lives through collaboration with their rehab teams. He currently resides in Boise with his wife and sons.

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 Ossur as a Clinical Manager focusing on support for socket technology education for the Ossur 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 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 assistance 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 technicians program and E.T.S.U.

After practicing as a 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 serviced 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 with 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.

Tyler Hocz

Clinical Specialist, Prosthetics

Tyler Hocz, CPO, LPO is a certified Prosthetist/Orthotist who has earned his B.S. degree in Interdisciplinary Natural Sciences with a minor in Biomedical Physics from the University of South Florida. Tyler then went on to complete his Orthotic & Prosthetic degree from St. Petersburg College. Throughout his 9 years of clinical practice, Tyler has worked in different regions of the country and has provided treatment to a wide variety of patient populations including athletes, geriatrics, children, and active adults. His focus on enhancing patient outcomes through the utilization of innovative technologies has greatly contributed to the success of his patients.

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 Iowa Prosthetic Orthotic Pedorthotic Association (IPOPA). Andrea resides in Cedar Falls, Iowa. 

Brad Scott, CPO

Sales Specialist, Össur Solutions

Brad a resident of Southwestern PA, started his Prosthetic career in Sports Medicine at California University of PA. In 2001, he was introduced to the prosthetic profession as a certified Pedorthist at Anatomical Designs in Uniontown, PA. After completing his prosthetic schooling at Northwestern University in 2003 he did his residency at Anatomical Designs. There he worked as a Certified Prosthetist, Director of Clinical Services, and NCOPE resident assistant director until 2011, when he joined the Ossur Academy. Brad is proficient in elevated negative pressure socket systems, several different types of microprocessor-controlled knees, myoelectric and bionics. Through his diverse range of patient management and vast clinical experience, he specializes in gait path mechanics and prosthetic alignment techniques. Brad is also a husband and proud father of two children. 

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 prior to 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 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. 

Bracing & Supports


Heather Hoover

Director of Academy, B&S

Heather has an undergraduate in Journalism from Penn State University and went on to complete her master’s degree from Drexel University in Teaching, Learning and Curriculum. Joining Össurin 2008, she has held various roles in Academy and Product Marketing to include internal/external education, launching numerous products with go-to-market messaging and leading B2B/B2C initiatives. Her passion is to help provide solutions to customer problems by utilizing the latest technology and re-imagining education.

Ben Frost

Clinical Education Specialist, B&S

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.

Giles Leeming

Clinical Content Specialist, B&S

Having trained in both Prosthetics/ Orthotics (BSc (Hons) and Podiatry (BSc (Hons), Giles worked as an Orthotist in National Health Service in Sheffield UK. He joined Össur in 2008 focusing on product and customer support, as well as training and educational activities for the bracing and supports portfolio. Giles is now focused on digital training and educational activities, recently joining the Össur Academy Global – Bracing and Support team to develop how we support our customers and products virtually. Based from the Össur UK office in Manchester, he provides a European focus alongside the team based in Foothill Ranch.   

Danielle Man

Education Program Manager, B&S

Danielle earned her biology degree 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 education and instructional design, and specializes in creating digital learning opportunities. Danielle’s passion is coaching and training on presentation best practices: designing, delivering, and evaluating.

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 & Prosthetic degree at St. Petersburg College. After Orthotic & 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, fabrication processes, and becoming an expert on hard to fit patients. Since joining Össur, Michael has worked to standardize the fabrication processes at Össur Custom Solutions. Currently resides in DeLand, FL with his wife, Danielle, and son, Brooks.

Chris DiGioia, CP

Clinical Specialist, Prosthetics

Chris earned a Bachelor's 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 in 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 advance brought him to LIM Innovations where he aided in the process of clinical education, design, fabrication and operation. He now joins Ossur 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.