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John Horne, CPO(1), CPed.(2), President/Founder
John has 17 years experience in the prosthetics and orthotics field and is certified by the American Board for Certification (ABC) in prosthetics, orthotics and pedorthics. John has completed the Prosthetic/Orthotic Certification Course at Northwestern University. Prior to founding Independence Prosthetics – Orthotics, John worked at the Hughston Sports Medicine Hospital in Columbus, Georgia and also treated patients at the Roosevelt Warm Springs institute in Georgia, a well-known polio treatment center founded by Franklin D. Roosevelt. In addition, he completed clinical training at Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Delaware and managed offices in Philadelphia for three Philadelphia hospitals.
At the age of 15, John was diagnosed with bone cancer and underwent an amputation below the knee to remove the tumor. His personal experience with prosthetics led to an interest in the field, an internship in an orthotics laboratory and, ultimately, the founding of Independence Prosthetics – Orthotics. He enjoys outdoor camping and adaptive snow skiing. He has bungee jumped, biked nearly 100 miles to the beach and skydived—all as an amputee.
For John, the best part of the job is making a positive difference in the lives of others and working with a team of dedicated professionals with high standards for quality service and workmanship. |
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William Smith, CO(3)
William has spent 28 years in the prosthetics and orthotics field, first as an orthotic technician and then as a certified orthotist. While studying to become a medical illustrator, William was invited to observe a hip revision surgery, where he met the orthotist involved in the case. He began working part-time for that orthotist and completed orthotics courses at New York University, and the medical illustration career was history. William has worked in many hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, providing comprehensive orthotic services to patient populations ranging from pediatric patients with spina bifida and cerebral palsy to adults with spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, stroke and multiple sclerosis. He introduced biomechanical footplates to Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital and Magee Rehabilitation Hospital and continues to incorporate them into many bracing systems to benefit patients.
To William, there is no better feeling than being able to provide his patients with the best orthotics to improve their gait for the functional activities of daily living. He also enjoys working with the staff at Independence Prosthetics – Orthotics, from the office staff to his peers and the technicians, who work as a unified team and without whom this process would not be possible.
William is also a visual artist—a painter. His work has been in numerous group exhibitions and is in the permanent collections of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Delaware Art Museum and the Free Library of Philadelphia and in many corporate and private collections. |
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Pete Seaman, CP(5), CPT
Seeking a career change that would offer enhanced gratification, Pete joined the prosthetics industry after nearly 30 years working in forestry and paperboard packaging. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology, a master’s degree in forestry, an associate’s degree in prosthetic technology and a prosthetic practitioner certificate from Century College. Pete completed his prosthetics residency and passed the exams required to become a certified prosthetist. He finds fulfillment in working with amputees to help them reestablish normality in their lives. Aside from his work, Pete enjoys hiking in the mountains and has hiked to the top of four Colorado peaks higher than 14,000 feet, as well as to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. |
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Jeff Henderson, Certified Orthotist
Jeff has earned a certificate in orthotics from Northwestern University and is completing a 12-month residency with Independence Prosthetics – Orthotics. Previously, after graduating from West Chester University with a bachelor’s degree in education, Jeff taught physical education to students in kindergarten through 8th grade. A personal experience using foot orthotics to cure a painful case of plantar fasciitis helped nudge Jeff in the direction of a change in career to prosthetics and orthotics.
In his role, Jeff has the opportunity to collaborate with a whole team of professionals, including doctors, physical therapists, nurses and technicians, to provide an optimal outcome for each patient. He enjoys the bonds he forms as part of this team and the hands-on process involved in delivering the orthoses and providing quality health care.
On a personal note, Jeff is an avid sports competitor who runs, swims, skis, golfs, plays tennis and is currently training for a half-marathon with his wife. Jeff has volunteered his services in Guatemala with an organization that provides donated orthotics and prosthetics to people in need of access to health care. He plans to make this rewarding experience an annual trip.
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Veasna M. Lay, Certified Prosthetist, Orthotist
Veasna realized his interest in the Prosthetic and Orthotic field while interning in the Physical Therapy Department of Hershey Medical Center while in still in high school. A graduate of the Orthotic and Prosthetic Program at St Petersburg College in Florida, he completed his residency in Orthotics and Prosthetics at the James A. Haley VA Hospital in Tampa, Florida. Veasna and his family returned to the Northeast to join the team, as a Certified Prosthetist-Orthotist at Independence Prosthetics and Orthotics in August of 2010. Veasna finds providing quality care to his patients the most satisfying part of his day, and really enjoys interacting with them to meet their needs. In his free time he enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with his wife and their Labrador, as well as their family and friends.
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Jocelyn Wong, MSPO, Certified Prosthetist, Orthotist
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John Given, CO
While working at a durable medical equipment company, John had the opportunity to take an orthotics course. Now 30 years later he is an ABC Certified Orthotist. John likes being part of the Independence Team because, "it is a growing company that offers the latest technology while focusing on patient care". John is a Life Member of the Greenwood Volunteer Fire Company where he is an EMT. In his free time he enjoys working on automobiles, doing yardwork and spending time with his family.
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Stephen Fine, CPA, CFO(6), Senior Lab Technician
Stephen has worked in the Prosthetics and Orthotics field for more than 21 years, since losing his leg in a bike accident. Stephen holds a Certified Fitter - Orthotics (CFO) certification with the ABC.
Stephen works hard to encourage and guide fellow amputees through what can be a very frustrating process to obtain the right fit that will allow the patient to live life to the fullest. For him, the best part of his job is being able to instill confidence and hope in the patients he meets. He also has done volunteer work for countless non-profit organizations, including the Shriners Hospital in Philadelphia, the Hospital for Special Surgeries in New York, A.S.P.I.R.E. Learning Organizations and as a patient demonstrator for Advanced C-Leg courses. |
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Joe Merkel, COA, CFO
Joe entered the field of Orthotics and Prosthetics in 1991 as an Orthotic Technician. He has continued his education and has earned his Certificaton as a Certified Orthotic Assistant, and a Certified Orthotic Fitter. Joe proudly continues working with the Independence team at the Newark location. Joe spends his free time with his family, friends, and church. He also enjoys playing, recording and teaching guitar.
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Mark J. Merkel, Fabrication Specialist / Metal fabrication specialist
Entered the Orthotics and Prosthetics field in 1986 and continues to find the field very challenging and rewarding.
He specializes in metal fabrication and welding and spent 18 years working at A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children. Mark specializes in Custom Orthotic Devices and is a perfectionist when it comes to cosmetics. Outside of Orthotics and Prosthetics, Mark enjoys writing music, playing the drums and collecting vinyl records.
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Steve Sims, Senior Lab Technician
Steve Sims has been fabricating Prosthetics and Orthotics since 1985. Steve has completed a Freeman Fitting course and a Physical Support Systems course. A Veteran from the military, he started as a technician after four years in active duty Air Force and then joined the Air Force Reserves completing 20 years of service. Steve, whose spare-time pursuits include cars and computers, finds tremendous satisfaction in helping patients.
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David Ford, Orthotic Technician
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Kim Littleton, Senior Patient Intake Coordinator
Prior to joining Independence Prosthetics – Orthotics, Kim worked as office manager for two years for the Pink Ribbon Boutique, a survivor-owned boutique for women affected by breast cancer. She loves to watch the progress of the prosthetic patients at Independence Prosthetics - Orthotics. One of her future goals is to return to school to complete a degree in the medical field. In her free time, Kim enjoys the beach, concerts and spending time with her family.
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Rachel Beeson, Patient Intake Coordinator
Rachel considers her decision to join the Independence Prosthetics – Orthotics team her best career decision yet. She enjoys coming to work every day and is constantly amazed by what the team can do for patients. Seeing patients come to Independence with pain and problems and leave with solutions is her biggest reward at work. Rachel’s free time activities include horseback riding, attending Volkswagen car shows and spending time with family.
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Katie Coburn, Patient Intake Coordinator
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Jennifer Dann, Patient Intake Coordinator
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Joyce Camp, Billing Manager
Joyce has 25 years of experience as an office and business manager. She offers Independence Prosthetics – Orthotics patients the benefit of her extensive knowledge of the insurance aspect of patient care. Joyce enjoys working in an environment where everyone truly cares about their patients and co-workers. In her spare time, she enjoys fun in the sun, boating, gardening and spending time at the beach.
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Samantha Matuliewich, Patient Intake Coordinatior
Sam has been with Independence Prosthetic-Orthotics Inc. since they opened the Brookhaven, Pennsylvania office location. She has been in the medical field since 2002, and continues to gain knowledge that keeps her current with insurance company and federal regulations. She enjoys being able to help her patients, and works closely with the Practitoners to assure patients are taken care of. Sam is fond of cats and enjoys to spend time with her family and friends.
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JoAnna Horne, RN, BSN, Practice Manager
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(1) CPO: Certified Prosthetist and Orthotist
(2) CPed.: Certified Pedorthist
(3) CO: Certified Orthotist
(4) RTP: Registered Prosthetic Technician
(5) CP: Certified Prosthetist
(6) CFO: Certified Fitter – Orthotics
(7) RN: Registered Nurse
(8) BSN: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
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