Walking toward the doors of a local restaurant during a trip to West Africa, Alpha Sanusi spotted a group of tattered men asking for spare change outside. This was not an uncommon scene in the third-world country of Sierra Leone, but this instance struck a sensitive nerve for the southern California business owner visiting his native home. His pocket coins clinked as they landed into each of their cups and hands, their expressions grateful while coming face to face with the atrocities of his country’s past conflicts.

“They had amputated arms, amputated legs, they were on crutches,” he remembers. “This could have been me. I’m no better than these guys, I was just lucky to be in the right place at the right time.”

It was a narrow escape from a rebel attack during the Freetown Civil War in 1997 that uprooted Alpha to the United States safely, but not without the stinging memory of the war’s signature barbarity: limb amputation. His witnessing of the war’s aftermath of mutilation caught fire with his entrepreneurial spirit and humanitarian warmth. This moment would be the first rung on his ladder to success as a business owner. It was the beginning step for ALCAM Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics, and a hopeful stride for the victims of the disfigured victims of Freetown.

“Ever since I was a little boy, I knew I wanted to be something in life that would translate to helping others,” he proclaims. “I didn’t know specifically what I wanted to be, but I knew it was to give back to my community.”

This strong yearning to offer a helping hand was instilled within Alpha since childhood, and it would be the compass to guide him to his future rise in business. Alpha is the co-owner of Alcam Medical orthotics and prosthetics with 9 location throughout southern California. He became Board certified orthotist and prosthetist with the hope of giving back to his community Being the newly elected President of the international African American prosthetic orthotic coalition, Alpha hopes to use this platform to promote his mission as a community leader and contributor.

Gregory Brusola, PhD, DPT, PT, MSCS is an Assistant Professor and the Program Director of Hybrid Track DPT Program in the Department of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences in the School of Health Professions (SHP) at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). Dr. Brusola has been a Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist (MSCS) and serves as one of the primary faculty for the clinical neurological management courses at UTMB. He is a member of the Residency Advisory Council and faculty with the TIRR Memorial Hermann Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency and faculty for the Memorial Hermann Acute Care Physical Therapy Residency.

Dr. Brusola is an NIH funded scholar with clinical and research goals revolving around improving the lived experiences of people with neurodegenerative conditions, specifically multiple sclerosis (MS). One of the arms of Dr. Brusola's research to address this goal is improving the assessment and prediction of mobility impairment, disease severity, and falls of people with MS using movement-related biomarkers for more sensitive, objective, and ecologically valid assessment methods. His other research initiatives involve the development of novel rehabilitation technologies, such as virtual reality, that address the cognitive-motor impairments in people with neurological disorders. He serves as the Southwest Liaison for the International Organization of MS Rehabilitation Therapists (IOMSRT), on the board of the Degenerative Diseases Special Interest Group of the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy, and continues his clinical practice at TIRR Memorial Hermann serving those with neurological and complex diagnoses.

Olutomi Atunrase, PT, DPT, CLT is the Clinical Director for Rock Rehabilitation. She is a licensed physical therapist with more than 8 years of experience in the areas of neurorehabilitation, orthopedic, and vestibular rehabilitation. As a physical therapist who has worked in several settings including home health, hospital, and private practice, Dr. Atunrase provides strategic leadership and manages the development of the programs' products and services. She is certified in lymphedema therapy and LSVT BIG for people with Parkinson disease. Dr. Atunrase has developed a clinical specialty in patients with spinal cord injury, Parkinson disease, stroke, lymphedema, and neurodegenerative disorders. Dr. Atunrase also engages in community outreach activities, providing Caregiver and Fall Recovery classes associated with Houston Area Parkinson’s Society (HAPS). She is a CPR instructor through the American heart Association. Dr. Atunrase is an active participant in physical therapy and rehabilitation-based research. This has given her the ability to establish a trusting relationship with patients and work as a team member with other health/wellness providers to give Rock Rehabilitation's patients the best possible outcomes and to allow them to resume doing the things they love.

Ms. Ciera Price, CPO/L is a Research Prosthetist Orthotist at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine. She studied biology at Duke University before earning an M.S. in health science at California State University Dominguez Hills. She is currently a Texas state-licensed research clinician at the Center for the Intrepid with a focus on microprocessor socket technology and exoskeleton development for the U.S. military. Professionally, Ms. Price serves on the International African American Prosthetics & Orthotics Coalition (IAAPOC), the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), and several committees within the American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists (AAOP). She is heavily involved in O&P outreach, DEI initiatives, and clinical volunteer work, both locally and throughout Central and South America. Outside of work, Ms. Price is an avid baker, a travel enthusiast, and a graduate member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Lisa Abernethy, MSPO, CPO/L, is the Associate Program Director of Clinical Education in the Baylor Prosthetics and Orthotics Master’s degree program. She has experience in a large clinic in the Houston Medical Center where she was cranial team lead, but also treated a wide variety of O&P pathologies. Her cranial research focus is on cranial specialization, parental anxiety, and long-term psychosocial outcomes of untreated plagiocephaly. She is currently the treasurer of the AAOP Craniofacial Society, the Secretary of the TSOPP, and a POP ambassador.

Fanny Schultea is an assistant professor in Baylor College of Medicine’s Orthotics and Prosthetics Program. She is the former inaugural O&P iQ director and is passionate about process improvement in healthcare, evidence-based practice, and research translation.

Glen Thompson is currently a Regional Business Development Manager in the western region for Integrum Inc. While in this position, he also serves with the American Academy of Orthotist and Prosthetists as the co-chair of the Bone Anchored Prosthetics Society and the vice chair of the Outcomes Research Committee. Prior to these positions, he graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from Dordt University in 2017 and his Master of Science degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics from Baylor College of Medicine in 2019. While at Baylor, he was also the recipient of the Lehmann Outstanding Student Award. Glen is passionate about the development of osseointegration and driving evidence-based outcomes within clinical practice. When he is not working, you can find him on a golf course or enjoying a nice hike.

Jason M. Jennings CPO, LPO is the owner and president of Capstone Orthotics and Prosthetics. Jason has over 25 years of experience in his profession and is dedicated to improving the lives of those he serves.

After graduating from California State University at Dominguez Hills, he completed his orthotics residency at the University of Oklahoma and his prosthetics residency at the University of Michigan. He subsequently passed the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics certification exam to become a Certified Prosthetist and Orthotist. Jason has an extensive professional history of leading and managing O&P practices. He has been a residency director for many years and has mentored and developed many colleagues in the field. Jason has also continued to develop himself clinically through continuing education courses, manufacturer's training seminars and becoming Licensed through the Dynamic Bracing Solutions Clinical Network. Jason has dedicated his life to learning and practicing Advanced Triplanar Management and has subsequently established himself as a leader and expert in the field.

Jeremy graduated from the University of Texas in Austin with a mechanical engineering degree in 2008 and spent the following six years working in the oilfield before discovering the field of Orthotics and Prosthetics. Finding the field ignited a passion within him, allowing him to use his mechanical engineering background to find unique solutions for his patients to help them achieve their goals. Since then he returned to school, graduating with his Masters from Baylor College of Medicine in 2016. He has spent the majority of his time in the field working at Shriners Hospital for Children in Houston until it's move in 2020. Currently he serves as an Assistant Professor and Associate Program Director in the BCM OP Program where he can pass his enthusiasm for the field on to new students and residents, and is pleased to work at the New Life Brace and Limb Conroe/Woodlands location once a week to continue being of service to patients in any way he can.

Juan Cave II, MSPO, CPO, LPO is an Advanced Research Prosthetist-Orthotist with the Rehabilitation & Engineering Center for Optimizing Veteran Engagement and Reintegration (RECOVER) at the Minneapolis VA. He has 14 years of clinical and technical experience within Orthotics and Prosthetics. Juan is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in Biomedical Engineering and obtained his master’s degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics from California State University, Dominguez Hills. Juan is the Minneapolis VA Clinical Motion Laboratory Supervisor, Co-chair of the Academy’s Collaborative on Inclusive Action and Engagement and serves on the Minneapolis VA’s Rehabilitation and Extended Care DEI and Adaptive Sports Committees. He also serves on the research committee for the Orthotics and Prosthetics Foundation. His current interests include prosthetic/orthotic development, adaptive sports, education, and advancing clinical motion analysis in prosthetics and orthotics.

Dr. Marcus Knox, a highly skilled physical therapist located in Houston, TX. Dr. Knox has a remarkable background in both collegiate football and the field of physical therapy. He pursed his passion for sports and achieved academic excellence at Rice University, where he played collegiate football. Continuing his educational journey, he obtained a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of the Incarnate Word. Dr. Knox’s commitment to professional growth led to earn a Fellowship in Sports & Manual Therapy. Specializing in Orthopedic injuries, he has become a trusted expert in the field. As a Running Rehab Specialist, Dr. Knox’s expertise is particularly sought after by runners, although eh also skillfully treats a wide range of general orthopedic injuries. Dr. Knox dedicates his time and expertise to Baylor College of Medicine. There, he focuses on primarily on patients who have undergone knee, shoulder, and foot surgeries. Dr. Marcus Knox’s dedication to his patients and his impressive background makes him an invaluable asset to the field of physical therapy.

Dr. Shawn Evette Johnson is a native of Houston, TX. She has been practicing as an orthopedic surgeon since 2008. She completed her undergraduate degree at Southwest Texas State University (SWTSU), now Texas State University, in 1999. Her degrees were in Exercise & Sports Science, and Biology, with a minor in Chemistry.
Dr. Johnson obtained her medical degree at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. She became a member of the US Army Health Professions Scholarship Program and, upon graduating, entered the United States Army on active duty as a commissioned officer. After completing her orthopedic surgery residency, she became a US Army Medical Corps staff orthopedic surgeon. Dr. Johnson served nearly ten years, including two combat deployments, before she transitioned her practice to civilian orthopedic surgery.
Following her military career, she completed a Sports Medicine Orthopedic Fellowship at Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA. As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Johnson is a locum tenens surgeon and has recently opened her private direct-care orthopedic practice, primarily serving the Greater Houston Area.

I have been in this field since 1973 . I have worked from technican to advisor. I have masters degree from Germany in prosthetics and orthotics. I have associate of science degree from a community college in Dallas. I am ABC certified CTPO. I have worked in Scottish Rite Hospital for 24 years