Welcome

My Story: Finding Purpose Through Orthotics and Prosthetics

I first discovered orthotics and prosthetics in 1997, when I was just 17 and a senior in high school. Early that year, I found an ad in class for an "Orthotic Technician Assistant." I applied for the job through my school’s work-study program. That April, I began working as a technical assistant—mostly sweeping floors at first.

But everything changed when, at 18, I was invited to help fabricate a complex device known as a Reciprocating Gait Orthosis (RGO). When it came time to deliver the brace, my mentor asked me to join him with the patient. The patient was an 8-year-old boy who had never walked on his own. That day, he took his very first steps—right into my arms using the device which I helped make.  It was such a powerful feeling. In that moment, I knew I had found my calling.

Before becoming certified, I continued to learn and grow as an O&P technician. In 2000, I had the privilege of working for Seattle Fabrication as an upper extremity myoelectric prosthetic technician. At that time, there were very few women in the field, and I was the only female among 13 male technicians—a unique and formative experience!

In April 2004, I proudly became certified by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics as an Orthotist. My career began in private practice, where I treated a diverse range of adult and pediatric patients. I learned invaluable lessons about adult inpatient rehabilitation, limb-salvage devices, Post-polio devices, diabetic orthotic treatment, and more. My pediatric mentor especially deepened my passion for helping children through orthotic care.

After my second daughter was born, I wanted a position that offered more regular hours and less travel. In 2012, I was honored to join Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) as an Orthotist. Working there was a true blessing. I collaborated with physicians in the operating room, cared for the tiniest babies in the NICU, and supported children through every stage of recovery. I gained specialized expertise in pediatric rehabilitation, cranial remolding, and complex lower extremity orthotic devices. I even had the opportunity to speak publicly about orthotic management for conditions such as clubfoot and cerebral palsy—sharing solutions that change lives.

On December 3, 2023, everything changed. I made what was supposed to be a quick run to Egleston Hospital to fit a baby preparing for discharge. It was a cold, rainy morning—the kind where every minute feels rushed. As I merged onto I-285, another car drifted into my lane. I swerved to avoid it, hydroplaned, and crashed into the median. My car rolled several times, and I was ejected.

By all logic, I shouldn’t have survived. But I did. My Guardian Angels were with me that day.

The next six months were filled with rehabilitation and recovery. I sustained multiple injuries on my right side—five broken ribs, three fractures in my scapula, and a fracture of my lower femur just below my hip replacement. My bones healed quickly (stubbornness can be useful sometimes!), but my head injury—a severe concussion—proved more complicated and continues to challenge me today.

When I finally began to reclaim my life, I realized one thing for sure: I never wanted to drive to Atlanta again! So, in January 2025, I opened Merciful Orthotics & Prosthetics—not only to stay closer to home but to create a space where people can receive high-quality, compassionate O&P care without the institutional feel.

Through my own recovery, I built a strong network of exceptional providers here in the Woodstock area. Together, we share a mission: to help you regain your strength, confidence, and independence.

After nearly 30 years in O&P, I know that every brace, every prosthesis, and every step forward represents hope. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or partner in care, you’re not alone on this journey. It’s my honor to walk beside you as you find your second chance at life.

 "Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."  Romans 5: 3-5