DAY 1
THURSDAY | NOVEMBER 13, 2025
THURSDAY | NOVEMBER 13, 2025
8:55 – 9:00 am
Opening Remarks
Spencer Greene, MS, CPO, Hanger Clinic, COPA President
9:00 – 10:00 am
Keynote Presentation
So Every BODY Can Move Campaign – An Interview
Luis Mora, CP, Össur, Nicole Ver Kuilen & Kyle Stepp, SEBCM
10:00 – 10:15 am
Break Time
10:15 – 10:45 am
Make Your Money and Keep Your Money
Katie Janiszewski, MSOP, CPO, Spectrum O&P & Linda Collins, Consultant
10:45 – 11:15 am
Measure Like a PRO(sthetist)
Samantha Stauffer, MSOP, CPO, Independence Prosthetics-Orthotics, Inc.
11:15-11:45 am
Avior and SmartStep: Transforming the Future of O&P
Chad O’Connor, CP, BOCO, Blatchford
11:45 am – 1:15 pm
Lunch/Exhibit
1:15 – 1:45 pm
Advanced Bionic Hands for Humans and Robots
Trevor Townsend, CPO, Valley Institute of Prosthetics & Orthotics; COPA Board Member & Aadeel Akhtar PhD, CEO, Founder, Psyonic
1:45 – 2:15 pm
Trulife Pace Family of Carbon Fiber AFOs: Enhancing Patient Compilance for Improved Outcomes
Kimberly Jones, MSOP, CPO, Redlands Prosthetic & Orthotic Group & Bryan Schloss, Director of Sales & Marketing, Trulife
2:15 – 2:30 pm
Break Time
2:30 – 3:00 pm
Össur Interface Solutions
Luis Mora, CP, Össur
3:00 – 3:30 pm
Shaping the Future: Effective Management of Infant Headshapes with Sprout3D
Robert A. Novak, MS, CO, Surestep
3:30 – 4:00 pm
Meracus®: Advancing Prosthetic Foot Design with Pure Composite Innovation
David Slider, Allard
4:00 – 4:15 pm
Break Time
4:15 – 4:45 pm
Shock & Torsion: It’s Not Just for the Guys on the Posters Anymore
Raymond Speelman, CP, Product Manager, Lindhe Xtend
4:45 – 5:15 pm
Agentic AI in Healthcare: Reimagining Context, Process, and Trust in Prosthetics & Orthotics
Amit Bhanti, CEO, Comprehensive Prosthetics & Orthotics and Spencer Greene, MS, CPO, Hanger Clinic
5:30 – 7:30 pm
Happy Hour at CAF
DAY 2
FRIDAY | NOVEMBER 14, 2025
FRIDAY | NOVEMBER 14, 2025
8:00 – 8:30 am
2025: Facility Accreditation Standards: Ensuring Your Compliance
Jim Lawson, Outreach Development Manager, American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics
8:30 – 9:15 am
Advancing User Mobility: A Review of Novel Biomechanical Principles and Modular AFO Design
Spencer Greene, MS, CPO, Hanger Clinic & Arni Thor, Elevate Movement
9:15 – 9:30 am
Break Time
9:30 – 10:00 am
From Insight to Action: Real AI Tools for Everyday Clinical Practice
Katie Janiszewski, MSOP, CPO, Spectrum O&P
10:00 – 10:30 am
Medicare Coverage Expansion for K2 Patients
Brittany Gonzalez, CPO, Össur
10:30 – 10:45 am
Break Time
10:45 – 11:15 am
Do Braces Stimulate Curve Regression in Idiopathic Scoliosis and Prevent Surgery in Patients with Large Curves?
Stephen Gaw, CPO, MSPO, MSBA, Coastal P&O
11:15 – 11:45 am
The OPRA Implant System by Integrum – Research and Reimbursement
Mike Jenks, CPO, Integrum
11:45 am – 12:45 am
Lunch/Exhibit
12:45 – 1:15 pm
CAF Grants Presentation
Luis Mora, CP, Össur and COPA Vice President & Bob Babbit, Co-Founder, CAF
1: 15 – 1:45 pm
INESS: An Extreme Leg
Aaron Jacobsen, CPO, ST&G USA Corporation
1:45 – 2:00 pm
Closing Remarks
Luis Mora, CP, Össur & COPA Vice President
2025 COPA SYMPOSIUM SPEAKERS
Keynote Presentation Speakers
Luis Mora, CP
Clinical Specialist, Prosthetics, Össur
COPA Board Member
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 the 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 Ossur. He is delighted that his job affords him the opportunity to improve people’s mobility, so they can live their Life Without Limitation.
Kyle Stepp
Strategic Partnerships Lead, So Every BODY Can Move
Social Impact Consultant, Step by Stepp Strategies
Kyle is an internationally ranked elite paratriathlete, speaker, and social impact leader recognized as a Business First 40 under 40 honoree.
Transforming adversity to advocacy, Kyle is a leader and advocate for health equity, outdoor access, disability rights, and LGBTQ+ inclusion. As a national voice for these communities, he actively engages in legislative initiatives and campaigns to enhance access and dismantle barriers.
With a decade of experience in strategic partnerships, Kyle has worked with and advised various nonprofits, political campaigns, and brands to drive significant social change. As the Strategic Partnerships Lead for So Every BODY Can Move, Kyle helps lead the national movement to create life-changing access to prosthetics and orthotics for physical activity, with goal to enact change in 28 states by the 2028 LA Paralympics to pursue future federal reform.
Beyond his advocacy work, Kyle competes internationally for Team USA in paratriathlon and participates in off-road cycling as a para-athlete. He is committed to using sport as a catalyst for progress and systemic change.
Nicole Ver Kuilen
Campaign Lead, So Every BODY Can Move
Director of Impact Campaigns, Amputee Coalition
Co-Founder, Forrest Stump
Nicole Ver Kuilen is a disability rights advocate, cancer survivor, and social impact entrepreneur dedicated to using her talents for meaningful, systemic change. She founded the nonprofit advocacy organization, Forrest Stump, after facing insurance denials for nearly two decades, completing a 1,500-mile ultra-triathlon on a prosthesis built only for walking. Her innovative advocacy and awareness campaigns have sparked national change, laying the foundation for her current role as Director of Impact Campaigns at the Amputee Coalition and Campaign Lead for So Every BODY Can Move, a landmark state-based policy initiative creating equitable access to prostheses and orthoses for physical activity as medically necessary healthcare.
Nicole brings over 10 years of experience in nonprofit management, social entrepreneurship, and disability justice. She is the producer and feature of the award-winning documentary film 1500 Miles and has seen her advocacy efforts featured by numerous media outlets and outdoor brands, including MPR News, Fox, VICE, REI, Strava, On, Merrell, Osprey, and Cotopaxi. Her work has earned her several accolades, including the Mohamed Amin Award for Humanitarian Service at the 2020 AAOP Academy Meeting, recognition as a Grand Prize Winner in Merrell and VICE’s “Future 40 Under 40” changemakers campaign in 2021, Dare2Tri’s 2022 One Impacts Many award, and the Amputee Coalition’s 2024 Values in Action award. Additionally, she received a signed poster from actor and filmmaker Tom Hanks in recognition of her efforts.
When she’s not advocating against discriminatory healthcare policies or driving a disability revolution, you can find her running through the mountains of the Pacific Northwest, which she proudly calls home. Nicole is a 4x marathoner, 2x 50k ultramarathoner, Paratriathlon National Champion, and 2nd place finisher at the Boston Marathon in 2023 and 2024. Nicole is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.
Katie Janiszewski, MSOP, CPO
Spectrum O&P & Co-founder, Align Medical Media
COPA Board Member
Katie is a Certified Prosthetist Orthotist and graduate of Eastern Michigan University and has over seven years of experience in the O&P field. She currently serves as the head CPO at Spectrum Prosthetics & Orthotics Inc. in Redding, CA and brings a practitioner’s perspective to healthcare innovation. Katie has helped over 250 businesses—within O&P and in other industries—integrate AI tools into their workflows to improve efficiency, communication, and outcomes.
Linda Collins
Consultant
With over 20 years of experience in the Orthotics and Prosthetics (O&P) industry, Linda Collins is a seasoned expert in reimbursement, coding, and coverage strategy. Linda’s passion lies in helping O&P professionals streamline their reimbursement processes and improve financial outcomes. Linda also authors the SimplReimbursement blog, a valuable resource for O&P professionals seeking reimbursement guidance.
Samantha Stauffer, MSOP, CPO
Independence Prosthetics-Orthotics, Inc.
Samantha Stauffer is a practicing Certified Prosthetist-Orthotist with Independence Prosthetics-Orthotics, Inc. As their Director of Research, Samantha manages research collaborations with several University-based research labs and with the private sector. She is a PhD candidate in Biomechanics and Movement Science with the Delaware Limb Loss Studies Lab, where her research focuses on understanding how health limits quality of life after amputation. She has presented her research nationally, and has been involved in over a dozen peer-reviewed scientific presentations.
Chad O’Connor, CP, BOCO
Blatchford
Chad O’Connor is a certified Prosthetist and Orthotist with 20 years’ experience. He has worked as an Area Manager, managing 3 offices, and has been the state Hip Specialist. He has been with Blatchford for almost 6 years.
Aadeel Akhtar, PhD
CEO, Founder, Psyonic
Dr. Aadeel Akhtar, CEO of PSYONIC, founded the company to create advanced, accessible bionic limbs after meeting a young girl missing a limb in Pakistan. PSYONIC’s bionic Ability Hand is the fastest on the market, impact-resistant, and the first to provide a sense of touch. It is also covered by Medicare and is being used by humans and robotics companies globally, including NASA, Meta, Mercedes, and Google.
Dr. Akhtar earned a Ph.D. in Neuroscience and an M.S. in Electrical & Computer Engineering from the University of Illinois, along with a B.S. in Biology and an M.S. in Computer Science from Loyola University Chicago. He’s been recognized by MIT Technology Review and Newsweek and secured a 3-shark deal on Shark Tank.
Trevor Townsend, CPO
President, Valley Institute of Prosthetics & Orthotics
COPA Board Member
Trevor is a native of Bakersfield and as the son of VIPO’s founder (now retired) Barry Townsend, he literally “grew up” with the company. Now co-owner and President of VIPO, Trevor graduated from UCLA in 2001 with a B.A. degree in English, and completed his certification in Prosthetics at CSUDH in 2003. Trevor then attended Northwestern University in Chicago, where he received his certificate in Orthotics in 2004.
Trevor completed his residencies at the University of California at San Francisco Medical Center, Orthotic and Prosthetic Center under the tutelage of AOPA President, Walter Racette, C.P.O. He returned to VIPO in August of 2006 as an American Board Certified Orthotist and achieved his American Board Certification in Prosthetics in 2007. He currently sits on prosthetic Advisory Boards for both Ossur and Freedom Innovations.
Trevor enjoys spending time with his wife, two daughters and his son. He finds great fulfillment in helping others.
Kimberly Jones, MSOP, CPO
Redlands Prosthetic & Orthotic Group Inc.
Kimberly Jones, MSOP, CPO, CFM is an alumni, Assistant Professor, and Program Director for Loma Linda University’s Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics program. She has taught the program since 2016 and has nine years of clinical patient care experience. She has dedicated her time to preparing her students to pass their board exams and to become confident clinicians. She contributes to COPA as a member of the Education committee. In her free time, she enjoys family camping adventures with her husband, 4-year-old son, and her 2 Australian Shepards, Sydnee & Khloe.
Amit Bhanti
CPO Management Services
Amit Bhanti is the CEO and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Prosthetics & Orthotics (CPO), a national leader in mobility solutions. Driven by a desire to create a large-scale practice to expand patient access and elevate care standards, he earned his degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics in India and completed his graduate studies at Northwestern University in 2000.
In 2005, Amit co-founded CPO in Peoria, Illinois, quickly growing it into a multi-state network of over 30 clinics. A true industry trailblazer, he has revolutionized patient care by integrating cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing and data-driven systems. Amit is a thought-leader with a strategic vision and unwavering patient-first philosophy focused on better outcomes and greater accessibility to life-changing care.
Bryan Schloss
Director of Sales & Marketing, Trulife
Bryan Schloss is the Proud Director of Sales and Marketing for Trulife. He has spent his over 30-year career in the O&P and Breastcare industry. Bryan is responsible for managing Trulife’s Sales and Marketing team and supporting Trulife’s O&P distributor partners’ sales teams. Bryan’s passion is working with Trulife’s customers on developing successful business plans that help facilities be profitable. The combination of Bryan’s high energy, his business acumen and Trulife’s world-class products is a proven successful recipe for Trulife’s partners. Bryan resides in Redondo Beach, California with his wife Olga of 27 years and 2 sons Brandon 24 and Kevin 21.
Robert A. Novak, MS, CO
Surestep
Rob is a nationally recognized certified orthotist and healthcare leader with over two decades of experience in pediatric orthotics, clinical education, and strategic healthcare management. Currently serving as Director of Sales at Surestep, Rob brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and business acumen to the orthotics and prosthetics industry.
Rob began his career in biomechanics and gait analysis, before completing his orthotics certification and residency at Northwestern University and Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Over the years, he has held progressive roles from clinical orthotist to practice manager and area clinic manager, consistently driving innovation in patient care and team development.
A respected educator and speaker, Rob has taught extensively on gait analysis, orthotic decision-making, and cranial remolding across at national conferences and academic institutions. His scholarly contributions include numerous peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and scientific presentations focused on pediatric neuromuscular conditions such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida. Rob now focuses his educational efforts on cranial remolding and pediatric lower extremity orthotic solutions.
Rob is certified by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC) and licensed in the state of Illinois, Iowa and Texas. He remains actively involved in professional organizations including AOPA and AAOP, where he continues to advocate for evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration.
David Slider
Allard
Raymond Speelman, CP
Product Manager, Lindhe Xtend
Raymond Speelman is the Product Manager of Lindhe Xtend, based in Stuart, Florida.
Raymond Speelman began his career in the U. S. Navy before entering the O&P field in 1999. After 16 years of clinical experience as a technician, an orthotic fitter, prosthetist, and an owner Ray joined WillowWood and spent 8 years as a Regional Account Manager and as a member of their education team.
In January 2023 Ray joined Lindhe Xtend as their new Product manager. Ray is now part of the team responsible for helping bring new products to market as well as product life cycle management.
Russell Cannon
Director of Sales of Lindhe Xtend
Russell Cannon is the Director of Sales of Lindhe Xtend Inc, based in Merrimack, New Hampshire Russell has over 30 years of experience in the Orthotic & Prosthetic profession having worked for patient-care providers, manufacturers, and distributors. He worked as a technician for many years before transitioning to customer service and eventually sales, marketing and management. He brings an extensive appreciation for the challenges faced by medical device manufacturers and the role they play in helping end-users achieve successful outcomes.
Formerly, Russell has worked for well-established industry stalwarts that provide consistent, predictable outcomes, as well as being among the first handful of employees for multiple start-up companies that challenged established techniques & norms. All told his experience gives him a balanced perspective on the trends in O&P.
He attended the University of New Hampshire as a traditional undergrad and, some 20 years later, the University of Southern Maine to pursue Business.
Spencer Greene, MS, CPO
Hanger Clinic
COPA President
Spencer Greene has been a dedicated member of Hanger Clinic since 2003, serving in a variety of leadership roles throughout his tenure. His experience includes positions such as Certified Prosthetist Orthotist, Clinic Manager, Area Clinic Manager, Regional Director, and currently, Regional Vice President. In his role as RVP for Northern California and Northern Nevada, Spencer oversees all regional operations and is committed to driving business growth through exceptional patient care.
In addition to his work at Hanger Clinic, Spencer currently serves as President of the California Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (COPA), where he is actively engaged in advancing the orthotics and prosthetics profession across the state. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to elevating standards of care, supporting practitioners, and advocating for the needs of patients and providers alike.
Spencer holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, a Master’s degree in Biomechanics from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and professional certifications in both Prosthetics and Orthotics.
Jim Lawson
Outreach Development Manager,
American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics
Jim Lawson- Speaker, ABC’s Outreach Development Manager As ABC’s Outreach Development Manager, Jim devotes his time to helping business owners navigate the accreditation process and improve their businesses. Jim is a big part of ABC’s successful podcast and webinar series providing additional best business practices and industry trends for the profession. With over 25 years’ experience in partnership building, public outreach and business development, Jim brings a unique perspective to O&P business owners.
Arni Thor
Elevate Movement
Arni Thor holds the distinction of being the world’s #1 patent holder in the O&P industry with over 400 patents to his name. Arni Thor is the Co-Founder and Head of Innovation for Elevate Movement, a young and vibrant O&P company currently focusing on drop foot solutions.
He previously spent 15 fruitful years at Össur, a global leader in non-invasive orthopedics. During his tenure, Arni was instrumental in developing core orthopedic bracing products, including the groundbreaking Unloader product line and top-performing Rebound and Miami products for spine and lower extremity. Since leaving Össur in 2016, Arni has been an entrepreneurial force, funding multiple ventures in medical devices and consumer accessories. His dedication to innovation has not only resulted in a vast patent portfolio but has also firmly established him as a leading inventor in bracing technology.
Brittany Gonzalez, CPO
Össur
Brittany Gonzalez is the Reimbursement Manager at Ossur, and she is a certified prosthetist/orthotist. She has a background in both clinical and operational processes with a strong interest in compliance and reimbursement. She provides daily support to both internal and external customers in all aspects of reimbursement, and she is passionate about improving patient access and coverage for orthotic and prosthetic devices.
Brittany currently serves on AOPA’s Committee for Representation, Access, and Empowerment and COPA’s Government Affairs Committee. She is also a member of the DME MAC Councils for both Jurisdictions C and D, and she enjoys guest lecturing at the O&P Master’s program at California State University, Dominguez Hills.
Stephen Gaw, CPO, MSPO, MSBA
Co-Owner, Coastal P&O
Stephen is a Certified Orthotist and Prosthetist and the Co-owner of Coastal P&O in Orange County, California. He specializes in scoliosis bracing and cranial remolding helmets. Stephen has presented on scoliosis management at various orthotics and orthopedics conferences and regularly lectures on scoliosis bracing at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH).
Mike Jenks, CPO
Development Manager, Eastern Region–US, Integrum
Mike is the Development Manager for Integrum’s Eastern Region–US, specializing in prosthetics for the OPRA™ Implant System. With more than 30 years of experience in amputee care, he has worked extensively in clinical practice, providing direct patient care and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. His clinical background includes advanced prosthetic fitting, bone-anchored prosthetics, and patient education, giving him a unique perspective on the evolving role of bone-anchored prosthetics in the United States.
In his current position with Integrum, Mike supports healthcare professionals, and patients throughout the OPRA™ care pathway, ensuring best practices and optimal outcomes. He has also been actively involved in clinical education and training, sharing his expertise with practitioners as bone-anchored prosthetics become increasingly recognized as a transformative option in prosthetic care.
Aaron Jacobsen, CPO
ST&G USA Corporation
Aaron Jacobsen, CPO is ST&G USA Corporation’s Technical Director of Socket Innovation. At ST&G USA, Aaron leads a newly established custom silicone socket and materials division. In collaboration with renowned socket innovator Marlo Ortiz of Ortiz Internacional and materials pioneer Stéphane Paillet of Trinytec, ST&G is proud to be at the forefront of socket advancement. Aaron also plays a key role in ST&G USA prosthetic research and development efforts, working closely with Founder Glenn Choi in their Advanced Development Division.
Aaron brings over two decades of experience in prosthetics and orthotics, combining clinical expertise, management, and innovation. He holds a B.S. in Prosthetics and Orthotics from the University of Washington and a B.S. in Biological Systems Engineering from the University of Nebraska.
Throughout his career, Aaron has held roles in clinical care, research, and product development. He has managed teams, pioneered software solutions for clinical efficiency, and developed cutting-edge educational programs for professionals in the field. Aaron’s work has been recognized by the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists, and his published research has significantly contributed to advancements in socket interface and residual limb care.
Known for his hands-on approach, Aaron has treated a diverse range of patients, including pediatric amputees and trauma survivors, both in the U.S. and internationally. His extensive work in socket technology, including the development and education of dynamic systems, aligns perfectly with ST&G’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
Bob Babbit
CAF Co-Founder and Board Vice President
As the co-founder of Competitor Magazine and the Challenged Athletes Foundation, Bob interacts with challenged athletes competing across the country and recognizes their need for competitive funding.
Bob’s passion and creativity are great assets in the development of the CAF vision, as is his relentless promotion of this foundation. Bob has also been inducted into both the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame and the Ironman Triathlon Hall of Fame.
You can listen to Bob on Babbitville Radio, a highly-acclaimed radio program and podcast showcasing the world’s best runners, triathletes, and cyclists. He also hosts CAF’s Heroes of Sport interview series that airs weekly on CAF’s Facebook page.
Bob remains heavily involved with CAF, participating in media interviews, speaking engagements, and community and athlete outreach. His passion and creativity are great assets in the development of the CAF vision, as is his relentless promotion of this foundation.