Braceworks specializes in orthotic care for children with special needs.
Helping people lead active lives in Calgary, Alberta since 1989.
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The Braceworks Team from left to right, Marc Schneider, Nancy Schneider, Len Conlin, Jacob Reichbart, Brandi Hanna, and Kim Van Gelderen. Front row from left, Joe Jhutti and Christopher Johnstone. Steven Yaskiw was unavailable.
Braceworks invests in professional developmentand continuous learning
Steve Yaskiw and Len Conlin are attending the Intl. Society of Prosthetists and Orthotists 13th World Congress and the Intl. Trade Show for Prosthetics, Orthotics & Rehabilitation Technology in May 2010.
550 exhibitors from 40 countries and 19,000 visiting orthopaedic technicians, orthopaedic shoe technicians, rehabilitative technicians, therapists and physicians from 85 countries are convening in Leipzig.
Marc thrives on the clinical challenges of treating the dynamic needs of children with chronic conditions like Cerebral Palsy, as they grow from childhood to adulthood. He has been practicing in Calgary since 1989 when he joined the Alberta Children's Hospital as an Intern, training under the late George Madden, CPO(a), CP(c), MA. His other areas of interest are knee ligament injuries and osteoarthritis, both of which Marc has extensive personal experience with a history of 7 knee surgeries including 3 Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstructions and, most recently, a total knee replacement. He has worn a knee brace since 1981. Read Marc's knee résumé.In addition to his absorbing clinical practice, Marc's enthusiasm for applied research on assistive devices led him to join the Advisory Committee on Computer Integrated Design, Department of Engineering Technology, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology.
Marc graduated from the University of Alberta in 1985 with a Bachelor of Physical Education. He received his post-degree Diploma of Technology in Prosthetics and Orthotics from the British Columbia Institute of Technology in 1988 and the designation of Certified Orthotist from the Canadian Board for Certification of Prosthetists and Orthotists in 1991.
Marc is a member in good standing with the Canadian Board for Certification of Prosthetists and Orthotists. He maintains his professional education through memberships in the International Society of Prosthetists and Orthotists, the American Association of Orthotists and Prosthetists, the Association of Children's Prosthetic and Orthotic Clinics, and the Canadian Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists.
Marc and his wife Nancy enjoy outdoor activities with their family including cycling, sailing, kayaking, hiking, cross-country skiing and the occasional game of shinny.
Joe's warmth and enthusiasm greets patients - ensuring that you have a positive experience of Braceworks from your very first point of contact. He establishes strong rapport with patients quickly based on first-hand experience of the benefits of bracing for improved mobility on and off the ice. Joe is passionate about Sledge Hockey, a Winter Paralympic sport that he plays with the Calgary Scorpions.Joe grew up in and continues to be involved with his family's businesses where he learned the value of service very early. He went on to study business administration and computer information systems.
Kim provides key accounting and financial management support. Since 1996, she has become intimate with the intricacies of Alberta Aids to Daily Living - Othotic and Prosthetic Fee Schedule. Kim's in-depth knowledge, combined with skill in data collection and analysis, makes her a key asset in contract negotiations - helping to promptly and accurately assess the economic impact of proposed changes on patient care.
Jacob is focused on providing improved orthopaedic and assistive devices that are comfortable, effective, and easy to use—a dedication to working with children that spans some 25 years. His international background guides Braceworks research and product development activity. He works fluidly with clinical staff and patients, physicians, scientists, designers, and engineers to create products that fit.He worked in the Canadian research establishment for over 10 years, advancing imaging, testing, and simulation in manufacturing, science, and the arts. He continues to advocate rigorous design methods and user-centred design as the foundation of good business practice. He has been a guest lecturer in biomedical engineering at the University of Calgary and taught design and human factors in the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Manitoba.
He was a co-founder of the Advanced Technologies Dept. at the Alberta Research Council and headed the design automation group and special projects there. Jacob also founded the Computer-aided engineering lab and led projects in the Industrial Technology Centre at the Manitoba Research Council and the National Research Council's Institute for Advanced Manufacturing. He is a member of WestLink Innovation Network's Industry Advisory Board for Medical Devices.
Graduate work in product design was performed at the Institute of Design, Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. Undergraduate study was conducted in the Faculty of Architecture, University of Manitoba and the Product Design Dept., Glasgow School of Art.
Jacob has two wonderful daughters, lives in Calgary, enjoys sampling new restaurants, and exploring the Rockies.
Nancy has had the privilege of working with a variety of highly skilled professionals on a range of projects in public, private and non-profit organizations where she played key roles on the front-lines developing and implementing new programs and services in the health, education and community economic development sectors. She brings a refreshing business perspective, experience and commitment to innovation in private practice management and medical device development.Nancy graduated from the University of Alberta in 1984 with a Bachelor of Commerce and is responsible for leading Braceworks' into the development and commercialization of assistive devices while overseeing effective practice management in the clinic.
Len has over 10 years experience fabricating custom-made Prosthetic and Orthotic devices utilizing advanced materials and technologies. He is focused on supporting clinical staff by ensuring devices are fabricated to provide comfort, function, and product quality.Len has worked in Canada and the United States where he gained experience in all aspects of managing large Prosthetic and Orthotic manufacturing operations from order to delivery. He brings valuable insight to Braceworks new product development and custom manufacturing projects.
Len graduated from the University of Calgary in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts in Classical History and Civilization. He is an active cyclist and nordic skier.
Steven brings over 5 years of solid experience to our clinical team. His experience includes the full spectrum of upper limb, lower limb and spinal bracing for acute and chronic neuromuscular-skeletal conditions with a special interest in sports-related injuries. He graduated from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2002. He received his post-degree Diploma of Technology in Prosthetics and Orthotics from the British Columbia Institute of Technology in 2004 and the designation of Certified Orthotist from the Canadian Board of Certification of Prosthetists and Orthotists in 2006.
Brandi manages receivables ensuring smooth processing of transactions including complete and accurate documentation required for submission of insurance claims to third parties. She is highly proficient with public insurance programs such as Alberta Aids to Daily Living, Workers' Compensation Board and Non-Insured Health Benefits quickly and efficiently determining your cost-share status to help you optimize your benefits. Brandi graduated from the SAIT Polytechnic with a Diploma in Business Administration - Accounting.
Chris has a special interest in pediatric orthotics that he developed during an intensive, 6-month clinical placement at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in his hometown of Glasgow, Scotland during his training. He graduated from the National Centre for Prosthetics and Orthotics, University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Prosthetics and Orthotics in 2008.© Copyright 2008 Braceworks. All rights reserved.