Promoted to Director of Health Policy and Strategic Alliances on June, 1, 2021. AOPA’s policy agenda is informed by health policy research designed to improve access to high quality orthotic and prosthestic care. It is strengthened by partnerships and collaboartions with other stakeholders and specialites that are part of a comprehensive care team. The director of health policy and strategic alliances creates the link between research, strategic alliances, and policy.

Forrest Stump is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocacy organization with a mission to promote equitable access to physical activity for individuals living with disabilities. At age 10, Nicole Ver Kuilen made the difficult decision to amputate her left leg to save her life from cancer. She would then spend the next 16 years fighting an outdated healthcare system to get access to the prosthetic technology she needed to be physically active. Running prosthetics are considered “not medically necessary” and denied by insurance. The cost of a running blade, $15,000-$25,000 per limb, made it unattainable for Nicole and her family. In 2017, Nicole had finally endured enough, which inspired her to engage in political activism and advocacy. So, she quit her job and took on a 1,500 mile triathlon – swimming, biking, and running down the Pacific Coast – to advocate and educate others on the barriers individuals like her face to living full, healthy lives. She called her journey Forrest Stump.

Manager of Projects, American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) Overview: The Manager of Projects position intends to advance projects and initiatives that will assist AOPA members in being successful in their work as health professionals advancing the mobility needs of their patients — persons who have experienced limb loss or chronic limb impairment. Specifics: Responsible for managing ongoing projects as part of AOPA’s Survival Imperatives, including AOPA’s Registry, Outcomes and Comparative/Cost Effectiveness programs, Mobility Saves & Communication, as well as recent additions to the AOPA portfolio addressing a Reimbursement Compendium and Membership Enhancement.  Assisting the AOPA Officers, AOPA Executive Director and a Prosthetics 2020 Expert Advisory Committee on the recent partnership with the RAND Corporation, commissioned to work advancing a comprehensive study to establish the value proposition for prosthetic services.

North Carolina Orthotics and Prosthetics Trade Association (NCOPTA) 2008-2016 Organized/lead all legislative initiatives and advocacy efforts in the State, including efforts to support access to care for the limb loss and limb difference community and initiatives that promoted patient-centered business practices within the O&P profession.