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Grant Wood, MS, CPO
San Mateo, CA Align Clinic Is the co-founder of Align Clinic in San Mateo, California and has over 30 years of experience in the areas of prosthetic and orthotic patient care, management, product development, and scientific research. He is an active presenter, researcher, and winner of awards in prosthetics and orthotics. Grant Wood is also a specialist in scoliosis bracing with the Cheneau brace and the Rigo-Cheneau braces. He has the unique qualification of having trained and mentored with Dr. Rigo and Dr. Cheneau since 1996. Since then, Grant Wood has worked on numerous research publications, studies and workshops on the Cheneau and Cheneau Rigo braces, and he has gone on to create his own brace type: the Wood Cheneau Rigo WCR Brace®. Grant Wood’s professional career as an orthotist and prosthetist spans work in the USA, England and Spain, where he worked for eight years at Group IDEO in Sevilla and Malaga. Grant Wood holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the University of Salford, School of Prosthetics and Orthotics in England. His post-graduate thesis was on idiopathic scoliosis treatment using the Cheneau brace at the Research Institute for Health, University of Salford. As well as being British certified in prosthetics and orthotics, he completed his American Board Certification in Orthotics, to become an ABC Certified Orthotist (CO) and US Board Certified in Prosthetics. More... |
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Paul Burnette, CPO
San Mateo, CA Align Clinic Is, along with Grant Wood and Steve Baum, a co-founder of Align Clinic in San Mateo. Paul has over 37 years of experience in prosthetic and orthotic patient care, and specializes in scoliosis bracing. Paul was the first orthotist in the US to become WCR certified and works closely alongside Grant Wood. Paul is also a practicing prosthetist. He has been practicing in the San Francisco Bay Area, California since 1981. Paul Burnette worked as clinic manager for his previous employer at clinics in Fremont, CA., Palo Alto, CA and San Mateo, CA. Paul Burnette served as the N.C.O.P.E. (National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education), Prosthetic and Orthotic resident director for his previous employer, where he trained and mentored four prosthetists now providing patient care in various locations on the Bay Area. Paul Burnette was one of the first prosthetists in the US to fit a microprocessor knee, and continues to keep abreast via studies and seminars of the newest technology in prosthetics. Paul graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1976, and from the Northwestern University prosthetic program in 1980. Paul Burnette is ABC certified in both orthotics and prosthetic. Paul Burnette volunteered time in Haiti at a prosthetic clinic run by the Hanger Orthopedic Group in 2011, where he provided essential prosthetic care to Haitian amputees and provided education to local Haitians aspiring to be prosthetic practitioners. His TV interview of his experience there can be seen here: http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Fremont-Prosthetist-Helping-to-Heal-Haiti--134002558.html Paul is a Bay Area specialist in Plagiocephaly treatment for infants using cranial remolding orthoses (CRO). Paul was also appointed to the "Management Center of Shanghai Charity Foundation MeiZiRunXin, in Special Fund Public Welfare Project of Osteoarticular Orthopedic Rehabilitation" as a member of the international specialist team. The foundation is a public welfare project in China designed to screen for scoliosis and provide bracing in under-served populations. More... |
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Emery J. Maloney, CO
Green Bay, WI Align Clinic Emery has 30 years of technical, clinical, and managerial experience and works for Align Clinic specializes in scoliosis bracing for children and adults. He also provides cranial remolding orthoses, pediatric orthotics, and other various bracing needs. Emery will also continue to serve the scoliosis patients of Central Wisconsin at Scoliosis Rehab Inc. in Stevens Point, with Schroth physical therapist Beth Janssen. More... |
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Raul Ferrera Hernandez, CPO, PT
Zaragoza, Spain Align Clinic Raúl Ferrera has been working in the orthopedics sector in Spain since 1999 and is trained as both a physical therapist and as an orthotist. His career started at Lacalle Sports Medicine. He spent six years dedicated to orthopedics and distribution of sports medicine equipment to sports teams and orthopedic professionals, where he advised and trained technicians and physiotherapists. During that period, he began as a collaborating professor at the University of Zaragoza where he continues to teach. In 2005 he started to work with Ortopedia Zaraorto, with whom he still collaborates, designing and manufacturing braces. In 2008, after beginning his university studies in physiotherapy, he began to specialize in the Chêneau brace for scoliosis. After several years training in the Rigo Chêneau brace and obtaining the C2 certificate in the Schroth method with Dr Rigo, he is currently considered a specialist in the Rigo-Chêneau method and collaborates with Dr Rigo himself, making braces and training technicians, physiotherapists and doctors. This gives him the distinct advantage of not only training as a physical therapist, but also understanding the intricacies of bracing from the perspective of a trained orthotist. This unique perspective makes him invaluable as we continue to strive to make the best scoliosis braces available. In 2018 he became a member of SOSORT (International Society on Scoliosis Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Treatment) and joined the Align Clinic team, as technical director, to help the AC team in the further development of their WCR (Wood Chêneau Rigo) brace |
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Miguel Bustamante, CPO
San Mateo, CA Align Clinic Has over 17 years of experience in the orthotics and prosthetics field. Before joining Align Clinic, Miguel served as Clinic Manager with his previous employer at their Mountain View, CA location and at an additional satellite clinic in Redwood City, CA. He has practiced in the San Francisco Bay Area for his entire career. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Davis in 2001, where he first discovered the O&P field, he went on to earn a post-baccalaureate certificate in Orthotics in 2002 from Northwestern University. In 2004, he returned to Northwestern University to earn the certificate in Prosthetics. Miguel is an ABC Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist who has extensive experience in pediatric orthotics, including Cranial Remolding Orthoses (helmets). His interest in pediatrics began early in his career during his Orthotics residency working under Align Clinic’s very own Steve Baum, who served as his Residency Director. Miguel has vast experience working with adults as well, like those with neurological conditions including stroke, muscular dystrophies, Multiple Sclerosis, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. He is listed on the CMTA website as a CMT clinician. Miguel has specialized in advanced technologies for orthotic management of the lower extremities, like the Walk Aide System for foot drop and Stance Control orthoses including the microprocessor-controlled Otto Bock C-brace. He was one of the first clinicians in the state of California to fit a C-brace. As a Certified Prosthetist, Miguel has fit various levels of lower limb amputations, from partial foot amputations to hip disarticulations. He has provided lower limb microprocessor-controlled prostheses and elevated-vacuum prosthetic sockets from various manufacturers. Miguel brings his passion for helping others, his experience, and his determination for successful outcomes to Align Clinic. |
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Stephanie Legare-Romero, CO
Boulder, CO WCR Certified Orthotist Align Clinic Stephanie Romero is a WCR Certified Orthotist and is currently the Clinical Education Manager for Align Clinic. You may see her mentoring new clinicians during video-assisted brace fittings or training new practitioners on ZOOM. She also runs a monthly scoliosis clinic in Colorado, helping to evaluate, measure, fit, and follow up on the Wood-Rigo-Cheneau braces in Boulder at Avanti Therapy. Stephanie has over 10 years of experience treating pediatric scoliosis, with experience at patient-focused centers such a Boston Children’s Hospital, Carrie Tingley Hospital for Children and most recently, Avanti Therapy in Boulder, CO. She loves to make connections with her pediatric patients and has been known to exchange “favorite book” lists with her patients to pass on to her kids. Stephanie has a passion for teaching, believing that biomechanics and a high-quality patient evaluation lead to “what makes sense” in a scoliosis brace. Despite a background in engineering, she hates “formulas” in bracing and strives to teach each practitioner how to have a “scoliosis institution” that helps lead to the best possible outcome, rather than just checking the boxes to get things done. Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys biking with her two daughters, hiking colorful Colorado, and, on a really good day, maybe actually having time to curl up and read a book. |
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Walter A Ramos RPT / LPO
The Woodlands, TX and FL Align Clinic Walter is a registered physical therapist, Schroth trained (C1) and a Licensed Prosthetist and Orthotist, trained to provide WCR brace and AT braces for scoliosis. With over 25 years of experience, Walter started his professional experience working at his father’s practice in Bogota, Colombia, making metal and plastic braces for adults and children. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Therapy from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, in Bogota, and his Orthotic and Prosthetic training from Northwestern University in Chicago. After his NCOPE residency program in Orthotics and Prosthetics at Scheck & Siress in the Chicago area Walter became certify in Orthotics and Prosthetics by the American Board of Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics. While working in Chicago, Walter practiced at University of Illinois Pediatric Orthopedic Clinic, he was in charge of the scoliosis clinic at the same hospital, and the clubfoot clinic at RUSH Hospital. After moving to Florida he was the clinical manager for the West Palm Beach office for Hanger Orthopedics. Walter has collaborated with Align Clinic since January of 2018, currently managing The Woodlands office and Florida clinics. His interest includes Transformational Leadership and Ontological Living, collaborating with Gratitude Training in Pompano and West Palm Beach, Summit Education and The Coaching Connection Company in Fort Lauderdale. Walter has studied Kabbalah for over 8 years with Michael Laitman. He runs an ACIM study group online with live weekly talks. He enjoys traveling with his daughter. |
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Michael Mangino, CPO, CPed
Huntington Station, NY Bay Orthopedic & Rehabilitation Supply, INC Mr. Michael Mangino is both a licensed and American Board Certified Orthotist and Prosthetist and he is also a Board Certified Pedorthist. He holds several patents in the Orthotics and Sports Medicine field. His research has been published and he has been interviewed by various journals within the profession. Mr. Mangino is considered an expert in the field of Three Dimensional Scoliosis Bracing for both children and adults. He has been published in these disciplines and regularly teaches bracing protocols to Physicians and Schroth Physical Therapists throughout the Middle Atlantic and New England States. He has served the profession as a founder and Board member of the New York Orthotics and Prosthetics Association. During his eleven-year tenure with that organization he served as both a corporate officer and Chairman of the Continuing Education Committee. Presently Mr. Mangino is President of New York States largest and oldest Managed Care ABC Board Certified O & P Network called P.O.M.A.C. (Prosthetics and Orthotics Management Associates Corporation) a corporation in which he was a co-founder. Mr. Mangino has also served as an instructor to several of New York's Universities both in undergraduate and postgraduate programs on the field of Orthotics and Prosthetics. He also routinely lectures to insurance companies and hospitals regarding the latest advancements in the field. Mr. Mangino is the exclusive provider of Wood Cheneau Rigo Scoliosis Braces (WCR Braces) in the New York Tri-state area. He routinely conducts Scoliosis Clinics around the nation with Grant Wood. |
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Gavin Hassell, CO/LO, Cped./LCped
Pittsburgh, PA De La Torre Orthotics & Prosthetics, INC Gavin is the Director of Orthotics at De La Torre Orthotics and Prosthetics and oversees a staff of 24 orthotic clinicians and 8 clinical offices. He has 26 years of scoliosis, pediatric and adult orthotic experience. Gavin has spoken at many local and national conferences on Scoliosis and commonly speaks at a number of Physical Therapy schools on Pediatrics and is and adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh Master’s Program in Orthotics and Prosthetics. More... |
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Glenn Paul, BOCPO
Bronx, NY Bay Orthopedic & Rehabilitation Supply, INC Glenn’s practice is exclusive to Scoliosis and orthotic intervention for Spinal Conditions. Previously owner of O&P facility in NYC, currently working with Bay Orthopedic and Rehabilitation providing Scoliosis treatment to patients all over the Eastern US. Glenn is a Past President of the IAOP and has lectured at multiple educational events. |
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Marlies Beerli Cabell, CPO
Baltimore, MD Dankmeyer Prosthetics and Orthotics Marlies Beerli Cabell is an American Board for Certification (ABC) certified prosthetist and orthotist who first became interested in prosthetics and orthotics as a student athletics trainer at the University of Maryland, College Park. Marlies attended The University of Connecticut Hartford Campus for the Orthotic Program with the Newington Certificate Program. |
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Chelsey Pullman, CPO, LPO
Seattle, WA Center for Prosthetics Orthotics, INC Chelsey Pullman is an American Board Certified Prosthetist Orthotist based in Bellevue, Washington. She graduated from the Univeristy of Washington with a degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics and has over 10 years experience. She specializes in pediatric orthotic management and became passionate about orthotic treatment for scoliosis during her residency at at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. |
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Megan Elizabeth Glahn. CPO, LPO
Dallas, TX Baker Orthotics & Prosthetics Megan is an orthotic and prosthetic resident with Baylor College of Medicine. Soon after entering the Baylor program, she discovered a passion for scoliosis. After reading about the WCR brace, she reached out to Align Clinic and quickly realized there was no better place to learn about scoliosis bracing. She then completed a three-month residency rotation in San Mateo, working directly under Grant Wood and Paul Burnette. After coaching competitive gymnastics for over six years, Megan enjoys coaching her patients through the bracing process. She is particularly interested in the psychological side of bracing, which is the focus of her research. Following the completion of her final residency rotation, Megan will begin practicing in the Dallas area. |
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Krzysztof (Chris) Nowak, CPO, PT
Warsaw, Poland. Zakłady Ortopedyczne im. Wacława Omiotka Running a family owned company est. in 1935. Master of Physical Therapy(2014) – Jozef Pilsudski Academy of Physical Education in Warsaw, Poland. Working in the field of Orthotic and Prosthetics since 2010. Attended courses and internships in Poland, Netherlands, Germany, USA, Italy and France. He has made WCR Braces since 2017 in Warsaw. He is also a master of craftsmanship in Orthopedic Shoe making. Ultimate Frisbee player for Warsaw based team. |
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Jed Jacobson, CPO
Orange, CA Active Life Orthotics. Prosthetics. Compression Jed Jacobson, CPO, is an American Board for Certification (ABC) certified prosthetist and orthotist who is based in southern California. He is currently Clinical Manager, a prosthetist and an orthotist at Active Life Orthotics, Prosthetics and Compression in Orange, California. He was certified as a CPO in 2009 and can perform any WCR consultations, evaluations, scanning, fitting, follow-up, parts repair and adjustments for the Align Clinic WCR brace in the Southern California area. |
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Amira Mouad, CPO
Asheville, NC Ability Prosthetics and Orthotics Amira Mouad, CPO, is an American Board of Certification (ABC) certified prosthetist and orthotist in the Asheville office of Ability Prosthetics and Orthotics. Amira fell in love with the field of orthotics and prosthetics through her desire to help others achieve their goals while exercising her creativity. She began her career working with a prosthetic manufacturing company. Her time was spent gaining technical experience, specializing in elevated vacuum, and troubleshooting devices for other clinicians around the world. In addition to her passion for working with amputees and advanced devices, Amira finds working with the pediatric population to be extremely rewarding. In 2015, Amira gained additional certification as a cranial remolding specialist. She worked as the sole clinician under a pediatric craniofacial surgeon and neurosurgeon in private practice as well as at Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital. She gained experience in remolding for positional deformities as well as designing, fitting, and monitoring orthoses for infants who have undergone endoscopic release for craniosynostosis. Advancing her skills further in the field of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, in 2019 Amira gained certification for the Wood Cheneau Rigo (WCR) scoliosis orthosis through Align Clinic in San Mateo, CA. She is the twelfth certified clinician in the US, fourteenth overall. Amira attends annual conferences on topics focused on effectiveness, outcomes and improving the patient-practitioner experience through technology, documentation updates and a dedicated, team approach to patient care. |
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Julie McCulley, MPO, MS, CPO, ATC
Lakewood, New Jersey Julie entered the field of prosthetics and orthotics after spending several years in the sports medicine and fitness industries. Dedicated to the profession, Julie has the desire to achieve the highest level of care to her patients, learn from some of the top practitioners/educators in the field, and make continuous contributions to the practice. She actively contributes to multiple on-going projects for AAOP since 2018. Julie is passionate about research focusing on patient outcomes. |
