Meet Our Faculty And Staff
Explore the distinguished faculty at the International Institute of Orthotics and Prosthetics, committed to education and innovation in O&P care.
Arlene Gillis
Founder
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Arlene Gillis, AOPA Board of Directors
The Institute is the brainchild of our founder, Arlene Gillis, CP, LPO, M.Ed. Ms. Gillis is a noteworthy O&P professional with over 27 years of experience, including 10 years as a practitioner, followed by 17 years as an educator and O&P Program Director at St. Petersburg College, Florida State University and Florida International University. Ms. Gillis has served on numerous Orthotic and Prosthetic boards and committees, as well as National Commission for Orthotics and Prosthetic of Education as Chair. Collectively, these experiences led Ms. Gillis to identify two significant voids in the O&P education profession, and more particularly, in the treatment of members of the armed services who have lost limbs. Specifically, Ms. Gillis observed that O&P veterans benefit significantly from a holistic approach to the treatment of their injuries, but noted that the availability of such holistic care is limited; and Ms. Gillis recognized that a collaborative approach between researchers, educators and practitioners is necessary for the advancement of the treatment of O&P patients, the training and the education of O&P practitioners, and research and development in the O&P profession. Mrs. Gillis first became interested in the field of rehabilitation when she was just 12 years old after her mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and subsequently passed away. Determined to help other families who are challenged with any kind of physical impairment, Ms. Gillis eventually pursued a career in Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy. It was during this time that she discovered the field of Orthotics and Prosthetics, and it has remained her life-long passion to help educate others about the profession and develop competent O&P practitioners. Gillis leads an innovative team of O&P educators. They hope to have impact on patients, the profession and our students lives.
Victoria Martinez
Marketing, Research, and Development
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Victoria has a Bachelor's degree in Health and Society from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master's degree in Public Health - Epidemiology and grant development from Florida International University. IIOP allows her to utilize both her passion for helping others and her solid educational background in research in this profession. She thrives on working in a fast-growing field and is motivated to fulfill the needs to make IIOP continue to succeed through grant writing and marketing research. Outside of work, Victoria enjoys working out, watching sports, and spending time with her family.
Olivia Martinez
Director of Admissions
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Olivia received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Spanish as well as her Master’s Degree in General and Special Education from Fordham University. Since graduating, Olivia has spent the last 6 years working in education as a special education teacher at the middle and high school levels. She looks forward to putting her knowledge towards higher education and helping IIOP grow and succeed. In her free time, Olivia enjoys traveling the world, boating and spending time with her family.
Deborah Faust
Financial Aid Coordinator
Angela Courtade - MS, LCPO
Program Director
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Angela Courtade, MS, CPO, LPO, has 30 years of professional experience in the Orthotics & Prosthetics industry and over 50 years of personal experience wearing a prosthesis. She has witnessed many advancements in the field and was fortunate to be one of the initial users of a microprocessor knee in the United States over 24 years ago. She began exploring the O&P field as a technician at her prosthetist’s office while enrolled in the pre-allied health curriculum at the University of Northern Iowa. Drawing from these experiences, she later attended The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics. She then went on to complete her Orthotics residency at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City within the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation. The following year, she was accepted into Southern Illinois University School of Medicine’s Prosthetic Residency program in Springfield, Illinois. During her two residencies, she gained experience in multidisciplinary care settings within both Orthopedics departments, which allowed patients needing orthotic and prosthetic care to thrive and pursue activities that helped them reach their fullest potential. Angela continued her career working for a small private company, Dale Clark Prosthetics in Waterloo, Iowa, as well as larger O&P organizations. She later transitioned to academia as an adjunct instructor and then lead instructor at St. Petersburg College of Orthotics and Prosthetics. During her time teaching, she also helped develop their Orthotics and Prosthetics Master’s standards curriculum. She later earned a Master of Science degree from Saint Leo University in Florida. Most recently, Angela held a position with the Veterans Health Administration as the Southeast Regional Clinical Director, once again working in an interdisciplinary setting. She led efforts to expand amputation specialty care in the Southeastern region. She also provided O&P education to residents, physicians, nurses, therapists, and other healthcare providers to enhance understanding and collaboration for veteran patients. Along with patient care, both in person and virtually, she led an Amputation Support Group, offering educational topics to patients along with other healthcare providers. During her time with the VA, Angela also served as an NCOPE Residency Co-Director and an Approved Clinical Mentor. Additionally, she contributed to several national councils and committees, including the Amputation System of Care Best Practices Committees, Orthotic, Prosthetic, Pedorthic Education Committee, VA Prosthetic-Orthotics Residency Leadership Committee, O&P Research Council, Market Analysis and Research Council, O&P Cerner/Oracle EHR Council, and O&P Job Series Qualification Committee. Angela enjoys spending time with her family and friends, including her husband, who is also a prosthetist/orthotist, her three sons, and two dogs. Along with educating students and healthcare providers she is also a passionate advocate for patients and is dedicated to giving back to the profession that has given her the ability to walk and is grateful for every step along the way.
Caitlyn Collins - CPO
Adjunct Faculty
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Caitlyn Collins, CPO, is an ABC-certified prosthetist/orthotist with more than 10 years of experience in orthotics and prosthetics. Her clinical background includes pediatric and adult patient care with a focus on complex orthotic management, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based treatment. She is passionate about advancing the O&P profession through education and is excited to serve as adjunct faculty at the International Institute of Orthotics & Prosthetics. Outside of work, Caitlyn enjoys traveling with her husband and exploring the outdoors with their dogs.
Heather Coffey - MSOP, LCPO
Faculty
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Heather Coffey studied Athletic Training/Sports Medicine at Florida State University. After working in rehab and sports in Tampa, Heather completed her Masters of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics at Georgia Institute of Technology. She then returned to the Tampa Bay area to complete her O&P residencies and continue working as a Certified Prosthetist Orthotist. Outside of work Heather enjoys paddle boarding, hiking and spending time with her dog, Bodhi.
Joy Iurato - MSEM, CPO
Guest Lecturer
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Joy holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of South Florida and a second Bachelor’s in Orthotics and Prosthetics (O&P) from St. Petersburg College. She also earned a Master’s in Engineering Management with a focus on O&P from Florida International University. Joy is an ABC-certified orthotist and prosthetist and is licensed in several states. With 30+ years in engineering, Joy's primary role has been in leading large R&D projects, managing Commercial and Industrial Construction. Responsibilities included Project Management and Design. Her O&P career experience spans several large private practices, the Orlando VA Medical Center, clinical and engineering team roles at a neurorobotics manufacturer, and Shriner’s Children’s Clinic (POPS) where her primary role is prosthetics. Hobbies include hiking, outdoors, and cycling. Joy’s academic interests include wellness, AI, and 3D design and printing.
Stephen Kulifaj
Adjunct Faculty
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Stephen (Steve) Kulifaj is an ABC Certified and Licensed Orthotist and BOC Prosthetist with more than 25 years of experience in clinical care, executive leadership, business development, and education within the orthotics and prosthetics profession. His career includes private practice ownership, executive leadership, corporate development, and global education.
Steve founded and grew a three-location O&P practice in Minnesota before returning to Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics as APM and Director of Practice Development. There, he helped practices across Northern Nevada and Northern California achieve strategic growth while mentoring future clinicians through Hanger's Residency Program. He later served as CEO of an innovative medical technology company, leading its expansion across national and international markets.
Most recently, Steve served as Director of Education and Senior Director of Global Development for a leading pediatric organization, where he developed educational initiatives and presented at conferences worldwide. He is passionate about innovation, leadership, mentorship, and advancing the future of orthotic and prosthetic care through education and collaboration.
Jennifer Richards - MA, CPO
Adjunct Faculty
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Former NCOPE Chair
Jennifer Richards, MA, CPO, is a certified prosthetist orthotist with a master’s degree in education. She’s been in the field of O&P for over 20 years. She’s practiced in both private practices and at large institutions in five different states. She’s taught Orthotics students at Northwestern University and DPT students at the University of Maryland and the University of Wisconsin and she currently teaches a Clinical Gait Analysis course in the Kinesiology Department at the University of Michigan. She’s been doing clinical outcomes research for five years and has published her work in both the Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics and in Prosthetics Orthotics International. She was awarded the Howard R. Thranhardt Lecture Award in March of 2024 for her clinical outcomes research on cranial remolded orthosis treatment.
Dr. Miguel Gomez
Guest Lecturer
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José Miguel Gómez, Profesor, MD, LO. Received his degree as Medical Surgeon at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia. He attended Northeast Metro Technical Institute in White Bear Lake, Minnesota for Orthotic program, and completed his orthotic residency at Gillette Children’s Hospital in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Licensed in Orthotics He has lectured in the United States, Central America, and South America and published several professional articles on the orthotic treatment of spine deformities. He is currently the Scientific Director of Laboratorio Gilete in Bogotá, Colombia and the President of Gomez Orthotic Systems, LLC Saint Petersburg FL, Assistant Professor, teaching the spinal course at Saint Petersburg College of Florida. As well he teach the Gomez Orthotic Spine Systems in North Western University ,South Western University, Pittsburg University. Dr. Gómez is the developer of the GOMEZ ORTHOTIC SPINE SYSTEM, a new advancement in the evaluation and design of orthosis for spine deformities. Received from AAOP the Clinical Creativity Award 2012, in Atlanta.
Mike Lynn Hoggatt
Faculty / Research
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Mike Lynn Hoggatt is a licensed physical therapist with a passion for amputee rehabilitation and strength and conditioning. With 7 years of clinical experience, his work focuses on high-level amputee performance, prosthetic readiness, and both pre- and post-amputation rehabilitation.
He earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Duke University, a Master’s in Prosthetics and Orthotics from Northwestern University, and completed his prosthetics residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, a Level I trauma center. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Manufacturing and Design Technology from Jackson State University.
Mike Lynn has worked at the intersection of rehabilitation and performance, including his time as a strength and conditioning coach and Research & Development Coordinator at the Adaptive Training Foundation, where he trained injured military veterans with limb loss. He has also served as Director of Fitness and Rehabilitation, combining clinical practice with leadership in program development.
With a background in both physical therapy and prosthetics, Mike Lynn is dedicated to bridging the gap between the two fields to create better outcomes for individuals with limb loss. As adjunct faculty within DPT programs, he enjoys teaching and mentoring DPT students, especially in the areas of amputee rehab, prosthetic training, and adaptive performance.
Madelyn Walsh, MSBE-OP, CPO
Guest Lecturer
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Madelyn is a Certified/Licensed Orthotist and Board Eligible Prosthetist with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science from the University of Florida. After completing her undergraduate studies, she went on to receive her Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering specializing in Orthotics and Prosthetics from Florida International University. In her free time, Madelyn enjoys a good margarita, exercising, good food, boating and fishing, or relaxing at the beach with her friends and family.
Dale Petersen
Past Lab Manager
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Born in Dunedin, Florida in 1940, Dale grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida, where his father owned a business, The Harper Balanced Shoe Company, that made and fitted custom shoes, arch supports, and molded leather lower limb orthotic devices and partial foot prostheses. When he was 11 years old, he began working with his father in his shop. By the time he graduated high school, Dale had gained the skills of fabricating custom shoes and arch supports and making molded leather devices custom to cast. Dale entered the U.S. Army in 1959. Following his release from active duty in 1962, Dale used his VA educational benefits to enter an apprenticeship in Orthotics and Prosthetics. Building on the skills gained at a young age, he completed 6 years of O&P training and subsequently worked at O&P facilities in Florida, Washington and Oregon. In 1979 Petersen joined Michael Danforth in Orlando, Florida and partnered with him in establishing DOBI Symplex, Inc., an orthotic and prosthetic central fabrication business. As managing partner, Petersen, together with Mike Danforth, quickly developed the company into an industry leading orthotic and prosthetic custom fabrication business. In 1988, after having sold his interest in DOBI Symplex, Dale purchased several orthotic and prosthetic clinical facilities in Florida, and established OrthoKraft Laboratories, Inc. to provide fabrication services to these facilities. He operated these businesses until retirement in 2008. After his retirement, Arlene Gillis encouraged Petersen to join St. Petersburg College’s new Orthotics & Prosthetics bachelor’s degree program as Laboratory Manager. Dale joined Arlene at SPC in 2008 and remained there until the program closed in 2017. After his second retirement, Dale joined Arlene as she founded the International Institute of Orthotics and Prosthetics, and remains on staff as Lab Manager.
Tom Chmielewski
Lab Specialist
Patrick A. Tino, DPT
Adjunct Faculty
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Pat Tino is a physical therapist who has been in practice since 1993. His education includes earning Associates’ in Arts and Applied Science with concentration in Liberal Arts and Physical Therapist Assistant, respectively, in his hometown of Binghamton, New York. He then earned a Bachelor of Biological Science in 1995 from Barry University in Miami, Florida and Master of Physical Therapy in 1998, and Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2010 from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Pat has worked in multiple settings such as hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient centers, and home health throughout his career. He currently works in the acute care department at the Level 1 Trauma Center Tampa General Hospital (TGH) where he sees patients with a variety of complex and routine clinical diagnoses. He works closely with physicians and surgeons in subspecialty areas of general orthopedics, fractures, and joint reconstruction as well as polytrauma and vestibular/ dizziness. He is a faculty mentor for the Orthopedic rotation in TGH’s Acute Care Residency Program. He also serves as a clinical instructor to several physical therapy students each year. On average, he continues to see 10 ‘Home Health’ patients each week in the privacy of their own home. Pat maintains “to practice in a patient’s home is a privilege” and is the best setting for those clinicians who are social by nature and who possess an ability to critically think and problem solve on their own, under pressure, without input from other members of the multi-disciplinary team. Pat was closely involved in formal teaching in academia 2010-2016 as an Assistant Professor at South University Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program where he was the lead instructor in the following three (3) courses: Pathophysiology, Therapeutic Exercises and Application, and Rehabilitation Techniques. Additionally, Pat taught 2day weekend seminars from 2012-2020 across the nation on Total Joint Replacement, Fracture Repair & Rehab, Dizziness, Vestibular Rehabilitation, and Differential Diagnosis & Medical Screening. Currently, Pat serves as an Adjunct Professor at Nova Southeastern University Entry-Level Hybrid Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program. Outside of the classroom and clinic, Pat continues to provide continuing education via 2-hour Webinars on a variety of physical therapy topics for two national education companies. Additionally, Pat was selected to be an On-site Program Reviewer for the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA’s) accrediting body; Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Pat’s hobbies include weight-lifting, Muay Thai, golfing, and reading. He is married with 3 children, including 2 grandchildren, and lives with his wife Diane and their Dachshund “Franky” in Spring Hill, Florida.
Paula Gomez - MSIE, LPO, CPO
Adjunct Faculty
Shalyn Latorre
Adjunct Faculty
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Shalyn serves as an instructor for the Orthotic and Prosthetic Business Certificate Course, drawing on 15 years of experience in direct patient care as a prosthetist and orthotist, including 13 years in management and leadership roles overseeing operations, financial performance, team development, and clinical quality. This dual perspective—as both clinician and business leader—has given her a comprehensive understanding of how patient care, operational efficiency, and financial sustainability must align for a practice to succeed.
She currently serves in a market access and reimbursement specialist role, where she focuses on policy navigation, claims strategy, and expanding access to advanced technologies. Her work involves translating complex coverage requirements into practical, actionable guidance that supports clinicians, strengthens organizational performance, and improves patient outcomes.
As an instructor, Shalyn provides practical insight into finance, marketing, operations, and leadership within the orthotic and prosthetic profession. She is committed to equipping clinicians and emerging leaders with the business acumen and strategic perspective necessary to build resilient, sustainable practices in an increasingly complex healthcare environment.
Dr. Jonathan D. Day - PhD, CPO
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Former NCOPE Chair
Jonathan has 30-years of prosthetic and orthotic patient care experience. He completed academic residencies in orthotics and prosthetics at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and Southern Illinois School of Medicine from July 1996 - June 1998. He started patient care in private practice in the Dallas market and spent the last 25 years in academic medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center providing orthotic and prosthetics patient care at a level 1 trauma center. In 2015, he completed his Master’s in Health and Human Services Administration and he recently completed his doctorate in Rehabilitation Science while treating patients throughout the process.
Jonathan has served the profession on the ABC tech exam committee and as an ABC examiner. He is a past chair of NCOPE, has been an NCOPE resident mentor since 2004 and served as a residency director for over 20 years.
He is well published completing book chapters and peer reviewed journal articles. He has led and collaborated on multiple grant funded research projects throughout his career. His dissertation and current research plan focus on post-amputation healing and prosthetic readiness.
Jonathan and Melissa are the proud parents of two daughters, both have graduated from college and are leading productive lives. He and his wife enjoy travelling and plan to spend time seeing the world. He enjoys hunting, fishing and spending quality time with family, at the beach or in a new city yet to be explored.
Bobby Roe, CP
Lab Specialist
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Bobby Roe is ABC certified and licensed by the state of Florida in Prosthetics and Pedorthics. He has 25 years of experience in the O&P profession working as a clinician in a corporate and private clinical setting as well as an instructor for the O&P Technology AS Program at St. Petersburg College. Bobby earned his AS degree in Prosthetics in 1993 from Shelby State Community College in Memphis, TN and his BA from the University of Memphis in Foreign Language in 1995. After graduation, Bobby moved to Clearwater, FL and completed his prosthetic residency from NovaCare Sabolich in Tampa, FL in 1997. He completed the Pedorthic program offered by Oklahoma State University in Tampa, FL in 2004. Bobby enjoys traveling and working on home improvement projects with his wife, Ami.
Lori Vanderhoof
Associate Faculty
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Lori Vanderhoof is an ABC-certified and Florida-licensed Prosthetist-Orthotist with over 17 years of experience in the orthotics and prosthetics field. A graduate of St. Petersburg College, she has provided comprehensive care to patients across the lifespan, from pediatric to geriatric populations.
Throughout her career, Lori has traveled extensively across the United States delivering clinical services and managing prosthetic and orthotic practices. She is highly experienced in advanced technologies, including microprocessor-controlled knees and feet, and has successfully fit a wide range of lower extremity, upper extremity, and spinal orthotic and prosthetic devices.
Lori is known for her collaborative approach, working closely with interdisciplinary teams including wound care specialists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists to optimize patient outcomes. She is also a dedicated mentor, having trained and supported students and residents entering the profession.
Wallis Toataua-Farraday - CP
Guest Lecturer
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Wallis Toataua-Farraday is a globally recognized leader in prosthetics and orthotics, with nearly five decades of experience spanning New Zealand, Canada, Europe and the United States. Throughout his distinguished career, Wallis has combined deep clinical expertise with visionary leadership to advance patient care, education, and strategic growth within the field. Inspired by his fathera WWII veteran who was the 1st decorated Maori soldier to be awarded the distinguished conduct medal. Being paralyzed from the war he later became the first New Zealand Maori to earn a certificate in Prosthetics & OrthoticsWallis grew up witnessing remarkable resilience and ingenuity. His father even designed his own version of the Reciprocating Gait Orthosis, enabling him to walk again. Motivated by this legacy, Wallis began his clinical journey in 1977. He earned his Certification ... In 1985, Wallis moved to Toronto, Canada as a Clinical Prosthetist and later became the Managing Director of the Sunnybrook Centre for Independent Living, a division of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and the University of Toronto. There, he became Canadian Board certified in Prosthetics, Board certified Pedorthist and went on to serve as an examiner for the Canadian Board of Prosthetists and Orthotists. Wallis was an early pioneer of CAD/CAM prosthetic technologies, oversaw the transition of Ontarios.
During his tenure at Sunnybrook, Wallis represented the Ontarios Skills Development program to initiative in launching CAD/CAM technologies for Prosthetics across Ontario, which led to a collaborative agreement appointing him as Senior Clinical Consultant with Applied Bioengineering Technology of Basingstoke, England then at the forefront of CAD/CAM advancements in prosthetics. In partnership with Sunnybrook, he also collaborated with a French based company in the development of CAD CAM custom orthotic... In the United States, Wallis became an American Board Certified prosthetist and is licensed to practice prosthetics in the state of Florida and Texas. Wallis has spent over three decades with Hanger Clinic, ultimately retiring in June 2025 as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives. At Hanger, he led enterprise-level programs that integrated clinical advancement with scalable operational strategies, facilitated national patient education initiatives, and championed the companys national clinical outcom... Today, Wallis continues to mentor clinicians worldwide and speak on topics ranging from residency education and clinical standardization to the future of prosthetic technologies. His career stands as a testament to a lifelong commitment to improving patient outcomes through innovation, data-driven decision-making, and collaborative leadership.
Megan Willingham
Executive Assistant to the President
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Megan holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Exercise Physiology from Florida State University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Healthcare Administration from Coastal Carolina University. She has 5 years of experience as an administrator in both K-12 schools and higher education admissions. With her educational background and experience in administrative management, Megan is eager to contribute to the continued success of the IIOP. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new places, staying active, reading, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Brittany Jones - LCPO
Clinical/Residency Coordinator
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Brittany Jones is an American Board Certified Prosthetist and Orthotist with 12 years of specialized experience in pediatric O&P care. Her deep connection to the field stems from personal experiences as an orthotic and prosthetic wearer for over 30 years, fueling her dedication to improving the lives of young patients.
She holds a Bachelor of Science from Virginia Tech and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics from St. Petersburg College, which she earned in 2013. Brittany excels in treating complex pediatric cases, including orthoses for neuromuscular pathologies, scoliosis and cranial remolding orthoses.
Beyond clinical work, she has experience supporting and educating her peers, students, and residents on a national level, and has been a national educator in clinical best practices and other pediatric specialty topics. Brittany also has a background in Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, which she applies to improving outcomes of her patients.