Education and Certifications

• American Board for Certification (ABC) in Orthotics Certification #CO005380, current in good standing
• Associates Degree in General Business Management, Solano Community College Fairfield Ca.  
• United States Air Force School of Orthotics, H3ABY91930, Wilford Hall Medical Center,  San Antonio Texas, 1985
• Stance Control Orthotic Knee, Ottobock E-mag and Sensor Walk
• Functional Electrical Stimulation, Walkaide Training
• Dynamic Splinting Course (DAFO) Cascade DAFO Inc

Awards/Community Involvement

• Volunteer at Local Food Pantry Storehouse, served 3000 monthly Solano County Ca. homeless and working poor with food and clothing
• Orthotic Mock Examiner for three years ensuring 42 Board Eligible Orthotists were equipped for ABC examinations
• Medical Center Patient Advocate, program manager, used feedback/findings for process improvement
• Multiple years presented casting demonstrations at Touro University Healthy Jobs Vallejo Healthcare Professionals presenter for local graduating High School Seniors, California’s future health care workforce
• Moulage Team Chief, Cadre Medical Readiness Trainer to over 2600 Military Medical and Civilian Personnel
• Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Manager of the Year 2004, 2005

Choosing to be an Orthotist

I chose this career when I was introduced to Orthotics after watching an Air Force Health Care Careers Video. After watching the video, I knew this was for me. I have always had a passion for helping people and Orthotics afforded me a perfect opportunity. I applied for and after a lengthy interview process, I was accepted to the AF school of Orthotics in San Antonio Texas in March 1984. After completing Orthotic School and my residency, I applied for certification after which I received my Orthotic Certification. After 38 years in this field, I have experience in a broad range of orthoses and is likely not anything I have not seen or done over the years. There is nothing I would rather have done as a career.  While I have extensive experience with most upper extremity and spinal orthoses, I specialize with sports bracing, lower extremity and geriatric patient orthoses.

Career Highlights

Over the 38yrs in this face paced O&P field, I was fortunate to have served with the US Air Force to care for some real heroes. While active duty I cared for Military service members from all branches and have been extremely satisfied to improve the lives of service members injured in Persian Gulf War, Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Liberation of Kuwait, USS Cole attack, Operation Enduring Freedom Afghanistan war and Operation Iraqi Freedom as well as conflicts in Lebanon, Granada and Panama.

I considered it a great honor and my most reasonable service to care for my brothers and sisters in arms and their families, improving their lives and restoring function of members and their dependents in and out of theaters of operations. Was some of the most satisfying and rewarding times of my life.

After leaving the Military I went into public private practice and continued to care for disabled Veterans and their families. After 9 years of private practice, I received and opportunity to join the Veterans Administration at Southern Oregon Rehab Centers and Clinics.  It was my great pleasure to provide care again and serve my disabled Veteran brothers and sisters from every war since and including WWII While my home is in Vacaville I traveled and lived in southern Oregon 4-days a week for 7-years. I came home every weekend to spend time with my family.  It was a hardship my wife endured because of our caring for our military families.

Family and activities outside of work

I met my wife and married during my residency at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, she was on active duty in the Air Force there also. I am married now for 36yrs with 3 kids, 2-boys and a girl

While in the USAF I ran cross country, raced road bike and mountain bikes and did triathlons. I’m still and avid road bike rider and Golfer. My hobbies are Biking, Golf, Tennis and Weight Training. I also enjoy carpentry. I was raised in Alaska, so I have skied for most of my life.  While in the USAF I was able to live in England and Germany and ski the Alp’s, while in Germany.

I am happy to have joined Collier Orthotics and Prosthetics. I have known Rick Todd COO for 20-years and have watched their growth for several years. Their team of professional practitioners have extensive experience. Collier’s dedication to patient care aligns with my own so was an excellent opportunity to join the Collier team in the Bay Area.

Welcome to the team Mark!