Luke Stikeleather, Founder, President, and Chief Orthotist
As Founder, President, and Chief Orthotist of the National Scoliosis Center (NSC), Luke serves patients from all over the United States and the world at both his Fairfax and Baltimore locations. Luke’s passion is helping children with scoliosis, furthering treatment options, and participating in scoliosis research. He attends conferences, training, and support groups; always with an eye on improving the scoliosis journey for all.
A lifelong learner, Luke is always curious about finding the best way to treat patients with scoliosis. That’s why when he learned of the success Dr. Jacques Cheneau and Dr. Manuel Rigo were having with the Rigo Cheneau brace, Luke decided to study with Dr. Cheneau and Dr. Rigo. In 2004, Luke became the first orthotist to introduce the Rigo Cheneau brace to North America and he has been using this brace for his patients ever since—making adjustments as technology has advanced and continuing his research on the best methods of treatment.
Visit Luke’s full bio to learn more.
Kristian Christensen, Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist (CPO)
Kristian specializes in the treatment of pediatric scoliosis and spinal conditions. Using Rigo Cheneau principles, he custom designs, fabricates, and fits patients with braces at National Scoliosis Center’s Fairfax and Baltimore offices.
He graduated with a Masters of Prosthetics and Orthotics (MPO) from UT Southwestern in Dallas, Texas. As a Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist, he worked in several pediatric centers, including Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Texas, and Shriners Hospitals for Children in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Kristian has expanded his scoliosis knowledge by participating in events and training led by the world’s leading scoliosis experts. He has participated in the BUFA hands-on Cheneau-brace workshop taught by Dr. Manuel Rigo and the ISICO Master program which focuses on the principles and practice of scoliosis conservative treatment. Additionally, Kristian is also an active member of the Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT), and the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS).
Kristian also believes that educating others is an important piece of scoliosis patient care. To that end, he helps train our orthotist assistants, has been a guest instructor at the International Institute of Orthotics and Prosthetics in Tampa, Florida, has been featured on ABC7’s Good Morning Washington and spreads scoliosis awareness to groups like Moms In Motion and Higgy Bears’ HiggyCon.
Walter Ramos, Licensed Orthotist and Physical Therapist
Walter brings a diverse background and a plethora of knowledge to our team, having worked with orthotics and prosthetics since he was 14 years old. In fact, he is part of a very small group of professionals (approximately 10 in the world) with a dual discipline as an orthotist and a physical therapist trained in scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSE).
Born in Bogota, Colombia, Walter was introduced to orthotics at his father’s company, Articulos Orthopedicos. He earned a degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics from Northwestern University in Chicago, completed two residencies in Chicago at Scheck & Siress Prosthetics, Inc., and then he became the Lead Orthotist of a scoliosis clinic at the University of Chicago. He has also gained experience while working for Hanger Clinic and managing scoliosis clinics in both Florida and Texas.
Walter is active in the scoliosis community. He has attended both the SRS and SOSORT annual meetings to learn more about innovative technologies, evidence-based, non-operative treatment of scoliosis, and the Rigo concepts.
Walter initially came to visit and learn about National Scoliosis Center, but ultimately decided to join the team after seeing the way we care for patients and their families.
Michelle Koehler, Certified Orthotist
Michelle Koehler is a Certified Orthotist who has been providing exceptional orthotic care to patients in the Baltimore area for more than 25 years, specializing in scoliosis care since 2005. She is a member of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists Spinal Orthotics Society, and a contributor to the National Scoliosis Foundation and Setting Scoliosis Straight Foundation. Michelle is also the Vice President and Co-Founder of the Prosthetic Orthotic Association of Maryland (POAM). She studied at Northwestern University and was certified in orthotics by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics in 2001.
Michelle believes the brace is just one aspect of treatment, and that higher rates of success can be found by also addressing the emotional and psychological needs of a scoliosis patient. She has a passion for guiding both the patient and their parents through any issues that may arise during treatment.
Hope Amador, Certified Orthotist Prosthetist
Hope is the Director and primary Certified Orthotist at National Scoliosis Center in Houston, Texas. She holds a degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas and completed her orthotic and prosthetic residencies at Dynamic Orthotics and Prosthetics in Houston. Previously she served as a pediatric specialist at Hanger Clinic where she treated children with scoliosis, cerebral palsy, and other neuromuscular conditions. As the recipient of the Hanger Resident Research Project in 2012 and the Hanger Clinic Houston Innovation Award in 2020, she has been recognized for her commitment to innovation and excellence.
Hope has expanded her scoliosis expertise and skills by training with world-renowned experts such as Dr. Manuel Rigo in Dortmund, Germany, completing the ISICO Scoliosis Master’s program and participating in a Fellowship program with NSC’s Founder Luke Stikeleather. She has been a guest speaker at Baylor College of Medicine Orthotics and Prosthetics program, and she is a regular attendee at international conferences such as the International Society of Spinal Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT) and the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS).
Outside of her professional pursuits, Hope is a proud mother of four and enjoys an active lifestyle, with interests ranging from softball to cycling. Her passion for the outdoors reflects her energetic personality and commitment to holistic well-being.
Cara Pinker, Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist (CPO)
Cara, a Certified Prosthetist-Orthotist, is devoted to enhancing the lives of individuals with scoliosis and spinal conditions requiring bracing. Beginning with a biomedical engineering degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, she merged her interest in medical device design with patient care, earning a Master’s in Prosthetics and Orthotics from Baylor College of Medicine.
During residencies at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Boston Children’s Hospital, Cara specialized in crafting tailored orthotic solutions, particularly for pediatric patients. Before joining the National Scoliosis Center team, she refined her skills during two years at Ability O&P and three at Boston O&P.
Beyond her profession, Cara enjoys reading and running. Her compassionate patient care and dedication continue to positively impact the field of orthotics, enriching the lives of those she serves.
Heather Merryman, Orthotist Assistant
Heather is a 2022 graduate of The George Washington University with a degree in Biology and a minor in Criminal Justice. After her junior year of college, Heather spent her summer interning with us and loved it. We are thrilled that she accepted our job offer to come back and assist with patient care and support, brace fabrication, and overall lab operations. She is eager to learn all she can about making braces and providing patient care to those with scoliosis.
Fun fact: Heather played D1 volleyball all four years in college.
Katie Paras, Orthotist Assistant
Katie is a recent graduate of University of Virginia, where she majored in Biology and minored in English. She works in our lab assisting orthotists with daily tasks and patient care. Katie is passionate about understanding scoliosis and the mechanics of bracing. She is also eager to learn more about our center and what contributes to its success. While Katie plans to pursue graduate school in the future, she is currently dedicated to serving our scoliosis patients.
Caroline Saenger, Orthotist Assistant
Caroline is a pre-med and criminology graduate of the University of Maryland. As a former brace patient, she understands the scoliosis journey and is passionate about providing comfort and support to others. Caroline is excited to expand her skills by learning about brace fabrication and patient care. She is considering pursuing a master’s in musculoskeletal sciences, medical engineering, or orthotics and prosthetics.
Dave Page, Orthotics Technician
As our Orthotics Technician, Dave works on physical modifications to braces as directed by the Certified Orthotists. He also designs, builds, and enhances the equipment and structures in our office so the team can work more efficiently and effectively. He is a master carpenter from New Zealand who loves fixing and improving things. We were first introduced to Dave through his son, Ian, a former intern. After asking Dave to help out with one project, we found his talents invaluable and invited him to join the team. Dave enjoys the atmosphere of National Scoliosis Center, “the atmosphere is nice, appreciative, and positive.”
Fun Fact: His hobbies include working on vintage cars, motorbikes, watches, and more.
Rebecca Nepivoda, Radiology Technologist
Becky is one of our Radiology Technologists. She is excited to be working with the EOS Imaging System, which enables her to provide high-definition imaging services with low-dose X-rays. Becky undergoes continuous training on the system to maximize its use. She is licensed by the Virginia Medical Board for our EOS Imaging System. Becky has over 15 years of experience in the orthopedic field.
Ardo Farah, Radiology Technologist
Ardo, one of our Radiology Technologists at National Scoliosis Center, brings two years of orthopedic experience to our team. Her background in orthopedics provides a solid foundation for understanding scoliosis imaging. Ardo is keen to further develop her skills and advance her career in radiology at National Scoliosis Center.
Michele Beach, Office Manager
Michele Beach has been the Office Manager for the National Scoliosis Center in Baltimore since it opened its doors in 2017. She is licensed as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in the State of Maryland with over 20 years of medical care experience. In addition to her time spent in clinical settings, she has obtained experience with both patient education and caregiver training. Michele supervises the Baltimore staff and works with the patients and their families to ensure the treatment process goes as smoothly as possible.
Michele has personal experience with scoliosis, as her daughter has been successfully treated with a Rigo Cheneau brace. She is empathetic toward parents who have difficulty finding definitive answers regarding scoliosis and the best treatment methods, as she was one of those frustrated parents until she visited Luke Stikeleather and the National Scoliosis Center in Fairfax, Va. It is her mission to help patients and their parents better understand the various treatment options and the benefits of non-operative care.
Brent Beach, Chief Operations Officer
Brent is our Chief Operations Officer and brings a great deal of experience in project management, strategic planning, team management, organizational planning, and overall corporate improvement. At National Scoliosis Center, Brent’s focus is to continue our mission of being a premier provider of non-operative treatment for scoliosis patients. Internally, you will find him working with our staff to develop efficient processes that allow the patient and their family to focus on their treatment plan. Externally, he is building collaborative relationships with physicians, healthcare professionals, and other organizations, as well as overseeing our marketing efforts, research contributions, and all areas of development.
Brent is a graduate of the US Naval Academy with an MBA from Loyola College in Maryland. He is certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP) by the Project Management Institute. His passion for our mission comes from observing the benefits of a full-service scoliosis facility when his daughter received treatment from Luke and the National Scoliosis Center.
Abigail Whitten, Office Manager
Abigail wears many hats at our Houston, Texas office. She serves as our Office Manager, Patient Care Coordinator and Front Desk Administrator. She has a background in business administration, graphic design and fine arts. She enjoys that her job allows her to interact with patients and support the orthotists in providing the best care for patients of National Scoliosis Center.
Meghan O’Brien, Office Manager
Meghan O’Brien manages our Fairfax, VA office. She graduated from the College of Saint Elizabeth with a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology. She is an active-duty military spouse with three children and has personal experience with scoliosis, as her daughter (Annie) is currently being treated with the Rigo Cheneau brace. She assists patients and their families in understanding and navigating treatment options, emphasizing the advantages of non-operative care, all while ensuring the office operates seamlessly.
Laures Merryman, Patient Care Coordinator
Laures is a Patient Care Coordinator at our Fairfax, Virginia office. She has a background in education and office work. She is excited to be working here and helping those with scoliosis.
Fun fact: Laures was inspired to join the field by her daughters, Heather, an Orthotist Assistant, and Brooke, now a certified O&P professional (and a former intern with National Scoliosis Center.
Diana Sudak, Front Desk/Patient Care Coordinator
Diana is a Front Desk/Patient Care Coordinator at our Fairfax, Virginia office. A recent graduate of VCU with degrees in psychology and theatre, Diane excels at problem-solving, organizing, and assisting others. Her love for working with children and her eagerness to learn about scoliosis care make her a valuable part of our team.
Lori Ciociola, Front Desk/Patient Care Coordinator
Lori is our Front Desk/Patient Care Coordinator at our Baltimore, Maryland office. She has a background in education (as a former middle school teacher) and caring for children. She is a people person and loves getting to know patients and their families.
Jennifer Tanner, Billing and Insurance Specialist
Jen is the Billing and Insurance Specialist for the National Scoliosis Center in Baltimore. With over 15 years of experience working in medical practices of various sizes, she provides extensive knowledge of health insurance policies and procedures. Her mission is to help patients and their families navigate the insurance claims process in a manner that maximizes their benefits. Jen studied business at Towson University.
Madison Frazier, Research and Communications Assistant
Madison is a recent graduate of Virginia Tech, where she earned her degree in Creative Writing with a minor in Strategic Communications. She assists our research team with data entry and serves as an editor for the final research findings report. Additionally, Madison provides editorial and strategic support to our communications team, leveraging her creative writing and communications skills. She is enthusiastic about contributing to our mission of supporting those with scoliosis.
Jackson, Scoliosis Support Dog
Jackson is a frequent visitor to National Scoliosis Center’s office in Baltimore. He has a big heart, is eager to please, and loves people – especially all of our patients. His goal is to be the best scoliosis support dog ever.