The Orthotic & Prosthetic Activities Foundation

Staff

Our Staff

OPAF’s staff works to provide top-notch educational programs that are truly unique and provide amazing first experiences to those with physical and mobility challenges in a real-life, yet-controlled setting.

Justi Appel

Director of Education

Whitney Alexis

Administrator

Our Instructors

First Volley

  • Darren Kindred, Program Director
  • Maggie Coe
  • Amy Franklin
  • Frank Adams

First Swim

  • Mabio Costa, Program Director
  • Shawn Kornoeljo
  • Stephanie Miner
  • Emma Durante
  • Jason Wening

First Climb

  • Ronnie Dickson, Program Director
  • Tommy Lyon

First Stride

  • Sheila Clemens
  • Jim Scharf
  • Jen Lucarevic
  • Janet Lamore
  • Cosi Belloso
  • Michelle Jamin

First Things First

  • Michelle Jamin
  • Cosi Belloso

First Fit

  • Michelle Jamin
  • Cosi Belloso

First Dive

  • Stacey Minton, Program Director

First Paddle

  • Chris Casteel

First Dance

  • Curtis and Sarah Haremza, Program Directors
  • Britt Miller
  • Daphne McLain

First Swing

  • NAGA Certified Instructors

First Cycle

  • Jim Cunningham
  • John Kinder

First Row

  • John and Katie Ledner

First Ohm

  • John Kinder

Dr. Justina Appel, CO, BOCP, PhD, FAAOP

Director of Education
Dec 2021 – Present

Dr. Appel has been involved in the O&P industry since 1986, she is currently the director of education and clinical support for Allard USA. She has served as Director of Orthotics and Prosthetics for Shriners Hospitals for Children in Shreveport Louisiana and has specialized in pediatrics for over 20 years. Dr. Appel is the current President and Education Program Coordinator for Louisiana Association of Orthotics and Prosthetics. She has conducted O&P seminars, lectures, and workshops throughout the country for various programs, and has also authored or co-authored several research and journal articles. Justi is passionate about sharing knowledge and strives to ensure dissemination of cutting-edge material as the world continues to change. It is her hope that she can incorporate her many years of experience not only in O&P but also in education to inspire future and fellow practitioners to remain focused on the continuous need to ensure compassionate quality care for our clients.

Whitney Alexis

Administrator

Description coming soon!