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2026 COPA Symposium Schedule
DOWNLOAD FULL PROGRAM HERE
DAY 1
THURSDAY | NOVEMBER 12, 2026
THURSDAY | NOVEMBER 12, 2026
8:55 – 9:00 am
Welcome Remark
By COPA President Luis Mora, CP, Össur
9:00 – 9:10 am
COPA Annual Membership Meeting
9:15 – 10:15 am
Keynote Presentation: Modern Osseointegration: Clinical Innovation, Lived Experience, and Peer Support
By Dr. Stephen Wallace, Orthopaedic Surgeon, West Coast Lengthening/Summit Orthopaedics,
Richard Enoch Jones, One Left Founder, Film Maker, Limb-Different-Person, and
Katie Janiszewski, MSOP, CPO
10:15 – 10:45 am
Printing Potential: Advancing Gross Motor Skills with the Surestep SMO3D
By Rob Novak, CO, Director of Sales, Surestep
10:45 – 11:00 am
Break
11:00 – 11:30 am
Stability in Motion: Hydraulic Feet in Action
By Amy Ginsburg, CPO, Senior Clinical Educator, Fillauer Companies
11:30 am – 12:00 pm
Partial Hand & Partial Finger Prosthetic Options, Candidacy, and Considerations
By Kristy Powell, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist, Össur Americas and
Kimberly Jones, MSOP, CPO, Redlands Prosthetic & Orthotic Group
12:00 – 1:30 pm
Lunch/Exhibit Break
1:30 – 2:00 pm
Presentation on CAF Programs and Grants Offered
By CAF Team and Spencer Greene, MS, CPO, Zone Vice President – Clinical Excellence, Hanger Clinic & COPA Past President
2:00 – 2:30 pm
Designing for Belonging: A Refined Model of Prosthetic Rehabilitation and Community
By Trevor Grimbleby, CPO, President, The AMP Group, LLC
2:30 – 3:00 pm
Gait Analysis, The Next Step
By Noel Chladek, CO, LPO, Owner, Bio-Mechanical Composites, Inc.
3:00 – 3:15 pm
Break
3:15 – 3:45 pm
Reducing Cognitive Load in Myoelectric Use: Early Findings with Adaptive Grip Technology
By Jacqueline Valdez M.Ed., CO, BOCP, FAAOP, Clinical &Technical Support Manager, BionIT Labs
3:45 – 4:15 pm
Understanding How AI Will Have a Transformational Impact on Your Clinic And Your Life
By Ludvig Fraenkel, Engineer, CEO & Co-Founder, Everi Labs and
Chad R. Marquis, CPO, Prosthetic & Orthotic Group of Orange County, LLC
4:15 – 4:45 pm
Mechanisms of Post-Amputation Pain and Bioelectric Nerve Control
By Nick Hargus, PhD, Vice President, Clinical and Medical Affairs, Neuros Medical and
Trevor Grimbleby, MS, CPO, The Amp Group
4:45 – 5:15 pm
A Novel Patellofemoral Unloader Brace Significantly Improves Pain, Function, and Quality of Life in Patients with Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis
By Maria Giugliano, Area Sales Director, Icarus Medical Innovation and Katie Janiszewski, MSOP, CPO, Spectrum O&P
5:30 – 7:30 pm
Happy Hour at CAF
DAY 2
FRIDAY | NOVEMBER 13, 2026
FRIDAY | NOVEMBER 13, 2026
8:00 – 8:45 am
From Data to Decisions: Using Outcomes to Enhance Prosthetic and Orthotic Care
By Eric Weber, CPO, LPO, FAAOP (D), Clinical Leader Lower Limb Care Excellence, Hanger Clinic Institute for Clinical Education and Research,
Wendy Remington Brewer, CPO, Clinical Leader of Lower Limb Care Excellence, Hanger Clinic Institute for Clinical Education and Research, and
Branden Petersen, CP, Clinical Leader Upper Limb Program,Hanger Clinic Institute for Clinical Education and Research
8:45 – 9:15 am
Energy Storing Partial Foot Prosthesis
By Noel Chladek, CO, LPO, Owner Bio-Mechanical Composites, Inc.
9:45 – 10:15 am
From Muscles to the Brain: Rethinking Prosthetic Potential in Children with Congenital Limb Deficiency
By Jonathon Schofield, MSc, PhD, Associate Professor, UC Davis
and Spencer Greene, MS, CPO, Zone Vice President – Clinical Excellence, Hanger Clinic
10:15 – 10:30 am
Break
10:30 – 11:00 am
AI-Powered Bionics for Humans and Robots
By Aadeel Akhtar, PhD, CEO & Founder, PSYONIC and
Trevor Townsend, CPO, President, Valley Institute of Prosthetics & Orthotics
11:00 – 11:30 am
Optimizing Prosthetic Outcomes: The Role of Component Selection, Foot Technology, and Practice Standardization
By Bryan Schloss, COF (Certified Orthotic Fitter), Director of Sales& Marketing, Trulife and
Kimberly Jones, MSOP, CPO, Redlands Prosthetic & Orthotic Group
11:30 am -12:00 pm
Break/Brunch & Exhibit
12:00 – 12:30 pm
Building the Case: Clinical Documentation for K2 MPK Users
By Emily Lipski, CPO, Clinical Specialist, BrainRobotics
12:30 – 1:00 pm
Agilik Smart Orthosis – Walk Taller, Walk Stronger
By Curt Bertram CPO, FAAOP, Clinical & Education Lead/Agilik, SPS
1:00 – 1:05 pm
Closing Remark by COPA President Luis Mora, CP, Össur
2026 COPA SYMPOSIUM SPEAKERS
Keynote Presentation Speakers
Stephen Wallace, MD
Stephen Wallace, MD; Orthopaedic Surgeon at West Coast Lengthening / Summit Orthopaedics
Stephen J. Wallace, MD is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with fellowship training in orthopaedic trauma and limb lengthening and complex reconstruction. Dr. Wallace is a highly specialized orthopaedic surgeon who believes in personalized care to help identify optimal treatment pathways for his patients.
He received his Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering from Rice University in Houston, Texas, with a focus in biomechanics and bioinstrumentation. After college, Dr. Wallace worked as an engineer at a Rice University based global health group, Beyond Traditional Boarders, developing low-tech, high-impact technologies for underserved communities around the world. His medical education continued at Baylor College of Medicine, where he received his M.D.
Dr. Wallace completed his Orthopaedic Surgery residency at Loyola University Medical Center outside of Chicago, Illinois. During his residency, he gained additional surgical experience in Colombia – serving pediatric patients with severe deformities as part of a medical mission trip. Following his residency, Dr. Wallace completed two fellowships. He graduated from an Orthopaedic Trauma fellowship at Harborview Medical Center (HMC), University of Washington in Seattle, Washington. He then attended the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell Medical College for Limb Lengthening and Complex Reconstruction. Dr. Wallace offers comprehensive orthopaedic care as well as specialty care for both children and adults. His focus areas include: He is a member of the American Academy Orthopaedic Surgery (AAOS), Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA), Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society (LLRS), Health Volunteers Overseas (HVO), and is in the Emerging Leader Program with the American Orthopaedic Association (AOA) through which he keeps up to date on the latest orthopaedic care.
Dr. Wallace has published in several orthopaedic journals, including the Journal for Orthopaedic Trauma, Journal of Arthroplasty, and Foot and Ankle Surgery. He has written over 10 book chapters on topics related to limb deformity. In 2022, he received Portland Monthly’s Top Doctor honors for his work in Orthopaedic Surgery – a recognition he received after just a year in practice at Summit. Outside of work, Dr. Wallace enjoys hiking, running, and traveling. He has worked as an engineer or surgeon in Spain, El Salvador, Ecuador, and Colombia. He also enjoys teaching multiple courses every year educating peer surgeons and residents on advanced surgical techniques.
Richard Enoch Jones
Oneleft Founder/ Film Maker / Limb-Different-Person
Richard E. Jones is a below-knee amputee, filmmaker, and advocate for limb-different people. After losing his leg in a traumatic accident in 2010, he navigated years of pain, revision surgeries, and limitations associated with traditional socket prosthetics. That experience ultimately led him to pursue osseointegration, significantly improving his mobility, comfort, and quality of life.
One Left is both a personal story and a broader examination of the challenges amputees face when access to advanced care is limited by awareness, policy, or outdated assumptions. Through filmmaking, advocacy, and collaboration with clinicians and peers, Jones works to elevate patient voices and promote human-centered approaches to orthotic and prosthetic care.
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.
Day 1 Speakers
Rob Novak, CO
Director of Sales, 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.
Amy Ginsburg, CPO
Senior Clinical Educator – Fillauer Companies
Amy became a Fillauer clinical educator in 2024, bringing her expertise as a certified prosthetist orthotist. Combining science and creativity to empower patients, she specializes in pediatrics and athletics. Amy founded an amputee surfing group and has worked nationwide. Passionate about active living, she enjoys surfing, hiking, Muay Thai, and other outdoor pursuits.
Kristy Powell, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist, Össur Americas
Kristy Powell is an Occupational Therapist with Össur. She provides training and support to local therapists, prosthetists, and surgeons across the nation as they learn about Össur’s Upper Limb prosthetic solutions and how this technology helps people live more independent lives. Kristy graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1986 and began her career in Savannah, GA where she met her husband, who spent 30 years in the Army. As with most military families, there were frequent moves to many different locations, both within and outside of the United States. Fortunately, this allowed Kristy to practice OT in a wide variety of clinical settings over the past 40 years, which has led to her gaining valuable experience with a diverse mix of neurological, orthopedic, and developmental conditions. For the past 14 years, she has found her niche and has specialized in Upper Limb Prosthetic Rehab. She and her husband are proud parents of four wonderful daughters and after all the changes of address, her family now calls Colorado Springs, CO their forever home.
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.
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 Immediate Past 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.
Trevor Grimbleby, CPO
Founder & President, The Amp Group, Inc.
Trevor Grimbleby is a Certified Prosthetist Orthotist (CPO) and the Founder & President of The Amp Group, Inc., Central and Northern California’s only prosthetic-specific clinic focused exclusively on restoring movement, confidence, and long-term success for individuals with limb loss.
Trevor has worked in rehabilitation and prosthetic care since 2008, beginning his career in physical therapy settings while earning his Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. He went on to earn his Master’s in Orthotics and Prosthetics from Loma Linda University, and has since dedicated his entire professional focus to prosthetic recovery, functional mobility, community development, and whole-person support for amputees.
With over 9 years of experience specializing in prosthetic care, Trevor brings a deeply informed, patient-centered approach to his clinical work. He has supported individuals through all stages of the prosthetic journey, from initial recovery to advanced gait training and reintegration into daily life. His clinical expertise spans outpatient clinics, hospitals, and in-home rehab, and he has collaborated extensively with physical therapists, physicians, and universities to improve outcomes across the continuum of care.
In addition to his clinical practice, Trevor spent three years overseeing operations for eight large Orthotic and Prosthetic clinics across California, managing teams and systems spanning from Stockton to Bakersfield. This leadership experience further shaped his commitment to efficiency, quality, and equity in prosthetic services.
In 2025, he founded The Amp Group, Inc. with a vision to bridge the gap between prosthetic fitting and real-world function. The clinic features a curated, adaptive gym environment tailored specifically for amputees, along with customized component selection and peer mentorship.
Noel Chladek, CO LPO
Owner Bio-Mechanical Composites, Inc.
Noel is a second-generation Orthotist with over thirty years’ working in the field. In the 90’s he began working with carbon fiber designs to obtain higher outcomes in his clinical practice. With notable success in the application of Energy Storing AFO Designs,
Noel began fabricating his designs for other practitioners. Currently, he dedicates most of his time to research and education of the application of rebound force and timing in the gait cycle.
Jacqueline Valdez, M.Ed., CO, BOCP, FAAOP
Clinical and Technical Support Manager, BionIT Labs
Jacqueline Valdez, M.Ed., CO, BOCP, FAAOP, is a highly accomplished clinician and educator with more than 30 years of experience in the orthotics and prosthetics profession. She is certified by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and holds prosthetic certification through the Board of Certification (BOC). As a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists and an active member of the Upper Limb Society, she brings deep clinical expertise and a strong commitment to advancing professional standards. She also serves as an Orthotic Examiner for the ABC, contributing to the development and evaluation of future practitioners.
Ludvig Fraenkel is a materials scientist and engineer from Stockholm Sweden, who conducted research at Stanford University with a focus on AI and health technology. He is the CEO and Co-Founder of Everi Labs, AI and intelligent software tools built specifically for orthotic and prosthetic clinics. Driven by a belief that technology should serve clinicians rather than slow them down, Ludvig works closely with O&P practitioners to design tools that reduce administrative burden and transform how patient care is delivered.
Chad is a Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist with over 25 years of experience in the field. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Medicine from the University of the Pacific and continued his post graduate studies in Orthotics at Northwestern University Prosthetic Orthotic Center and Prosthetics at the California State University Dominguez Hills program. He received his certifications from the American Board for Certification (ABC) in orthotics in 1995 and prosthetics in 1996.
Prior to joining Coastal P&O, Mr. Marquis was a Partner and Clinical Director for 17 years at SCOPe Orthotics & Prosthetics in Orange County. He is proficient at all prosthetic clinical applications as well as comprehensive custom orthotic systems. His specialty areas include working with active prosthetic users utilizing the latest in microprocessor technology, CAD/CAM and 3D Printing. He is an advocate of Vacuum Assisted Socket Systems (VASS) to provide the most optimal fit and function for prosthetic users. Mr. Marquis has a passion for providing innovative and technologically advanced Orthotic and Prosthetic Systems, from pediatric to geriatric patients.
Mr. Marquis also has a subspecialty in Veterinary Prosthetics and Orthotics (VPO), working with many veterinarians in the area. With over 10 years of experience in VPO, he is the first choice for many referring vets, owners and rescue centers. He has cared for many animals world-wide.
Mr. Marquis uses and implements computer aided design/manufacturing to enhance his practice using various software platforms He has served on the American Board of Certification in Orthotic and Prosthetic’s Education Committee and has participated as a visiting lecturer at California State University-Dominguez Hills P&O Graduate Program, Chapman University Physical Therapy School and the University of California-Irvine Medical School. He is an active provider for Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), Adaptive Action Sports and Paralympic Events.
Chad is a native Californian originally from Santa Barbara. He and his wife reside in South Orange County with their 3 children. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time with his family, music, sports, yoga and the beach.
Nick Hargus, PhD, is Vice President of Clinical and Medical Affairs at Neuros Medical. Nick joined Neuros in 2022. Prior to Neuros, Nick was at Cardiovascular Systems, Inc. (CSII), where he last served as the Director of Medical Affairs, responsible for scientific communication and patient safety. During his 8-year tenure, Nick was responsible for the creation of a Medical Science Liaison program and provided medical affairs expertise to support the acquisition, approval, and launch of new products. Prior to industry, Nick had a 10+ year career in academic science with appointments at the National Institutes of Health, University of Virginia, and University of Minnesota. Nick earned his PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Virginia, where he studied sodium channel function and gating alterations in epilepsy and chronic pain. His work resulted in numerous peer-reviewed publications funded through multiple individual NIH-supported grants. He received his BS in Neuroscience from Lafayette College.
Day 2 Speakers
Eric Weber, CPO / LPO / FAAOP (D)
Clinical Leader Lower Limb Care Excellence, Hanger Clinic Institute for Clinical Education and Research
Eric Weber is a Certified and Licensed Prosthetist and Orthotist and a Fellow with Distinction with the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP). He actively participates in education, research and development of orthotic and prosthetic technologies. He currently divides his time between patient care, research and education for both lower limb prosthetic and lower limb orthotic patients in his role as a member of Hanger’s Department of Clinical and Scientific Affairs acting as a Clinical Research Associate and Clinical Leader. He is a member of Hanger’s Institute for Clinical Research and Education and a board member on the National Commission for Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE). His focus is on outcomes, clinical practice guidelines, education and product development and integration. He is an active presenter, educator, and clinical support specialist participating in product development and clinical research in the US and internationally. Eric currently resides in Seattle, WA, USA
Wendy Remington Brewer, CPO
Clinical Leader of Lower Limb Care Excellence, Hanger Clinic
Wendy is an ABC-certified prosthetist/orthotist with more than a decade of experience in O&P.
Wendy began her career in pediatrics and then moved to adult care. She specializes in unique, complex prosthetic fittings, vacuum fittings, adult congenital limb difference and bilateral above knee amputations. Wendy promotes setting mobility goals and celebrating little victories frequently. She believes in educating people with limb loss and limb difference to achieve maximum independence and healthy community engagement after limb loss.
Wendy’s passion is in sharing access to adaptive sports and recreation and she is frequently planning community events around Utah such as running clinics and adaptive sporting events including adaptive water sports, adaptive biking, and adaptive skiing.
Branden Petersen, CP
Clinical Leader Upper Limb Program, Hanger Clinic
Branden is an ABC-certified prosthetist and Upper Limb Specialist for Hanger Clinic, covering the Western Zone of the United States.
With over 20 years of experience, Branden is responsible for assisting in the evaluation and fitting of difficult upper extremity cases in patients of all ages. He has a comprehensive knowledge of all upper extremity components and is certified by manufacturers to fit these components. Prior to moving into the role, he provided upper limb prosthetic services as a member of a comprehensive rehabilitation team located in Denver, Colorado. Branden builds strong connections with his patients, finding joy in restoring their function and helping them achieve their goals.
Branden has lectured nationally and internationally and enjoys sharing his insights into new upper limb prosthetic designs, techniques, and technologies. His work has been published in peer-reviewed journals as well as the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) Atlas.
Jonathon Schofield, MSc.
Associate Professor University of California, Davis
Dr. Schofield works to improve user acceptance and facilitate the seamless integration of humans with cooperative mechatronic systems. His work leverages techniques in bio-robotic control and feedback, nerve-machine interfaces, and cognitive-perceptual neurosciences. Within the Schofield lab, interdisciplinary research is conducted at the crossroads of mechanical and electrical engineering, neurosciences, and rehabilitation medicine. The primary focus is on addressing unmet clinical needs and understanding how humans interact with intelligent technologies, such as robotic prostheses. Dr. Jonathon Schofield completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Laboratory for Bionic Integration in the Lerner Research Institute at the Cleveland Clinic. He also received a PhD in Biomedical-Mechanical Engineering and an MSc. in Biomedical-Structural Engineering, both earned at The University of Alberta in Canada.
Aadeel Akhtar, PhD
CE & 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.
Bryan Schloss, COF
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 Breast care 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.







