Meet Our Hope Beyond Limits Speakers.

Panelists + Moderators

Kristine McGuire

Kristine McGuire is a licensed clinical social worker at the University of Colorado Hospital Orthopedics clinics. She has been in the field of social work since 2008 and has worked in various specialty areas including forensics (courts/jails/prisons) as well as within the healthcare setting. Kristine started working at UCHealth Orthopedics in 2020 which has been an exceptionally rewarding experience for her. She feels fortunate to be able to work in such a capacity to help support patients and their families during the limb salvage process, as well as pre and post-amputation, as it can often become psychologically (and financially) taxing. She says, “watching a patient stand for the first time with their prosthetic is such a powerful and rewarding experience that never gets old”.

Suzanne Schlicht

Suzanne Schlicht is a 35-year resident of Steamboat Springs. She has two children, Allison (23) and David (19). Schlicht enjoys horseback riding, trail running, snowshoeing and skiing, all of which she participates in much more frequently since she achieved empty nest status in 2023. Schlicht has spent her career in communications, marketing and sales and currently serves as the Senior Vice President and Director of Sales for Alpine Mountain Ranch & Club, a luxury shared ranch community in the South Valley just outside the Steamboat city limits. She has been a committed civic leader in the Steamboat Springs community, serving in leadership roles for several organizations.

Torie Mugo

Victoria Mugo is a mother, wife, inspiration and avid athlete. Victoria (Torie), born and raised in Nairobi-Kenya, traveled to the United States at the age of 19 to pursue further studies. After graduating with a degree in International Business, she and her husband started their Real Estate and Property Management company. She became a mother at the age of 35 and unfortunately lost her limbs three years later.
Victoria also enjoys cooking with her son, volunteering in amputee communities and mentoring new amputees through her founded Sepsis Support Group. She credits her family and friends and various amputee communities for the incredible support that she continues to receive daily.

Rachel Kaplan

Along with 1000+ hours in formal training, including certifications in Adaptive Yoga, Yoga For Amputees, Bedside Yoga, and Pain Care Aware Yoga, Rachel Kaplan is a Certified Nurse Assistant who can offer safe support to folks experiencing transitions in their lives that involve medical plans, changes in diagnosis, amputations, mobility restrictions, and both new and chronic medical considerations. Rachel is the Program Director at Guided By Humanity and a Yoga Therapist in Training. She strives to offer a fun and engaging class that helps people feel good. As Marsha would say, “Together, through yoga, we will nurture a sense of gratitude to overcome challenges and reclaim wholeness.”

Rick Allen

Rick is a long-time supporter of Limb Preservation Foundation. In 1985, Rick was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, and after six total knee replacements, has achieved a full recovery. Rick is retired from S&P Global where he served as Executive Director, Global Gas and LNG Consulting. Rick is an avid hiker and alpine skier.

Rob Davidson

Rob, a cancer survivor, was motivated to paint watercolors during his treatment in 1996.  After listing things he wanted to do, but never had time for, painting appeared at the top of his list.  He began painting in the summer of 1998. “I picked up a brush and found Watercolors.”  It became his guiding passion, leading to a career change in 2014.
 
He was a registered architect and the former Owner of H+L Architecture located in the LODO district of Denver.  In his 34-year career he oversaw the Healthcare Design studio specializing in Hospitals in the 5-state Rocky Mtn. Region.

Daniel Lerman, MD

Daniel Lerman, MD is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the care of patients with benign and malignant tumors of the bone and soft tissue. His clinical expertise includes limb-sparing surgery, sarcoma surgery and the treatment of complex musculoskeletal conditions, such as pathologic fractures, amputee care and complex total joint reconstructions.

Bill Tettelbach, MD

Dr. Tettelbach is a certified wound specialist physician actively board-certified in Undersea & Hyperbaric Medicine, Infectious Diseases, and Internal Medicine while retaining academic appointments at Duke University School of Medicine and Western University of Health Sciences. He currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer for RestorixHealth and Onsite Advanced Care. One of his regulatory activities includes being a member of the CMS Advisory Panel on Hospital Outpatient Payment & Chair of the Data Sub-Committee. His career has been dedicated to teaching clinicians and improving patients’ lives requiring the services of Infectious Diseases, Advanced Wound Care, and Hyperbaric Medicine. He remains clinically active in treating patients in the inpatient and outpatient settings, in addition to his administrative duties.

Bob Radocy

Bob Radocy started his career in prosthetics in 1976 after losing his left hand in an auto accident. He founded TRS Inc. in 1979, leading it to become a top innovator in prosthetic components until its acquisition by Fillauer in 2019. A patent holder and published author, he now consults for Fillauer/Hanger and will present at the ISPO World Congress in June 2025. He resides in rural Colorado with his wife, Lesley.

Rochelle Wright

Rochelle is a bilateral above-the-knee amputee (BAKA) who lost her legs in a tragic train accident in 2021. After extensive trauma surgery and significant blood loss, she was told she might never walk again, or it would take years. Undeterred, she began her recovery, initially using traditional prosthetics but struggling with slipping sockets due to short femurs. After being introduced to osseointegration (OI), Rochelle began the process and, two years later, is walking again. In 2024, she became an ambassador for the Integrum OPRA implant system, hoping to share her OI journey and offer the support she’s received.

Kayla Inman

As the Social Impact Manager and Peer Support Advocate at Evergreen Prosthetics & Orthotics, Kayla embodies resilience and advocacy in the face of adversity. Her journey took a profound turn in September 2021, when she underwent a life-changing amputation below the knee after battling complex regional pain syndrome. This challenging but transformative experience redirected her path towards championing accessibility and support for amputees. Two months after losing her leg, Kayla founded the Grand Valley Amputee Support Group, which started with 4 members and has expanded to 80 members across Western Colorado. Kayla proudly delivered a TEDx speech, sharing her story and shedding light on the resilience of the human spirit.
 

Matthew Iorio, MD

Matthew Iorio, MD is the Co-Director of Hand Surgery, Extremity Microsurgical Reconstruction and TM, and the Wound Care Program at the University of Colorado Anshutz Medical Campus. Matthew graduated from Georgetown University School of Medicine in 2007 and has been recognized for his expertise in plastic surgery. Matthew believes in a team approach to improve patient care, especially in the event of a devastating injury. He is involved in multi-disciplinary care with hand and physical therapists, orthopedists, infectious disease and oncologic specialists and others to maximize his ability to discuss and help manage the full scope of a patient’s care. 

Jeffery Cain, MD

Dr. Cain is a family physician and clinical professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and a past president of the American academy of family physicians he is a member of the board of directors of the national association for the advancement of orthotics and prosthetics (NAAOP) and is a past chair for the board of directors at the Amputee Coalition (AC). As founder of the AC Advocacy Committee, his efforts have contributed to the passage of prosthetic access laws in 22 states. Dr. Cain holds the first gold medal in adaptive slalom snowboarding from the U.S. National Snowboarding Championships. 

Colby Hansen, MD

Dr. Colby Hansen is an Associate Professor in the Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He completed residency training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Utah, where he served as chief resident. Dr. Hansen’s clinical interests are in amputee rehabilitation, concussions and other forms of traumatic brain injury, and electrodiagnostic assessments. His research interests include rehabilitation along with medical issues of amputees. 

Guy Lev, PT, DPT, COMT

Guy Lev is a Physical Therapist practicing at UCHealth. He supervises the Central Park physical therapy clinics, as well as directs osseointegration rehabilitation as a team member of the Limb Restoration program at UCHealth. Guy actively provides amputee care and rehabilitation and facilitates the amputee support group. Guy is an active researcher in the field of amputee rehabilitation and is a guest lecturer at the University of Colorado Physical Therapy program.

Mike Bolland

Mike Bolland’s journey is a testament to overcoming adversity. Born without his right hand, he became the first one-handed bowler in the PBA and a successful corporate leader at Discount Tire. After surviving cancer, he founded “Joe & Marie Bolland’s Helping Hands” for amputees and launched the podcast “We’re Not Stumped.” As a comedian and speaker, Mike uses humor to inspire and break down barriers, fostering greater acceptance and empowering others.

Lera Doederlein

Lera Doederlein was born with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. After multiple surgeries and using orthotics, at 14, she chose to undergo a bilateral above-knee amputation to improve mobility and independence.

She then discovered adaptive sports and quickly excelled in sled hockey, joining the U.S. Women’s National Team in 2019. Lera competed in the 2022 Winter Paralympics in Beijing and was awarded the “21st Duck” award by the Anaheim Ducks. In October 2024, she helped the U.S. Women’s Development Team win the Women’s World Challenge championship. Lera is currently studying Psychology in college.

Tracey Howerton, LAc, MAcOM

Tracey Howerton is a Nationally Board Certified Licensed Acupuncturist, Oriental Medical Practitioner and founder of Ebb + Flow Acupuncture in Denver, Colorado. After earning a degree from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) in 2018, Tracey opened her private practice with a passion for helping patients achieve holistic health and wellness. Specializing in recovery from acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries, pain management, stress relief and
optimizing mental health, Tracey combines the ancient healing modalities of Eastern Medicine with modern techniques to create personalized treatments that address both physical and emotional well-being.

Cam Ayala

Cam Ayala was born with a disease called lymphedema which led to multiple episodes of infection, which resulted in an above-knee-amputation in June of 2022.  Utilizing his platform after appearing on “The Bachelorette” & “Bachelor in Paradise”  Cam has been actively volunteering with nonprofits such as Range Of Motion Project (ROMP), Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), Camp No Limits, and Amputee Coalition to advocate for individuals living with limb loss, limb differences, and other mobility challenges. Cam is contracted with the Department of Veterans Affairs in the Central Texas region where he serves as a Product Specialist for multiple companies that provide solutions for our veterans suffering with chronic wounds and chronic pain. 

Whenever Cam is not volunteering with these organizations he enjoys attending concerts, serving in prison ministry, and spending as much time as he can with his family and his toy schnauzer, Chaz. 

Gini Thomas

Gini Thomas is a social media content creator and ambassador for Integrum and Ottobock. She was injured in a motorcycle wreck in her hometown of Montgomery, AL in 2012, and attempted multiple limb salvage surgeries before opting for above knee amputation in 2015. Struggles with numerous revisions for heterotopic ossification left Gini with a short residual limb, making traditional sockets difficult to fit. Hoping to regain an active lifestyle, she chose osseointegration with the Integrum OPRA implant system. She is now active again and advocating for others in similar situations. Gini enjoys traveling and sharing her story with the hope of educating others.

Joy Giles

Before Joy joined the Art Garage in 2018 she was an art teacher for K-8th grade students in the Denver area for 13 years. She has a BA in Printmaking from The Kansas City Art Institute in Kansas City, Missouri. She believes everyone has some kind of creative spark and helping people find theirs
is a passion of hers. She loves working with all ages and ability levels and believes that if anybody wants to create they will find a way to create and she will find a way to help them. Through art, she loves to learn and teach about world cultures, geography, and history. She is very happy to be a part
of the Art Garage family.

Byron Kish

Byron J. Kish, Esq., Senior Director of Disability Benefits Services & Colorado SOAR State Team Lead, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law and has over fourteen years of experience in the disability field at both the Social Security Administration (SSA) and as an attorney advocate at the initial level. His experience includes work as an Attorney Adviser for the SSA reviewing Administrative Law Judge decisions and assisting in fraud investigations. He currently serves as the Director of Disability Benefits Services and Colorado SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, & Recovery (SOAR) State Team Lead. In addition to representing clients, he trains and oversees SOAR advocates throughout Colorado, serves as a consulting expert to the national SOAR program and other organizations, and collaborates with the SSA and DDS to ensure a quality and efficient disability adjudication process.

Milissa Hicks

I’m an art therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor with nearly 20 years of experience in the Denver area. I work with individuals of all ages, focusing on emotional health and helping people lead balanced, peaceful lives. I believe therapy is key to personal growth and overcoming life’s challenges. While I’m experienced in traditional psychotherapy, I’m passionate about integrating art therapy when it’s beneficial. I earned my master’s in art therapy from NYU in 1995, and have since worked in various medical and mental health settings. In Colorado, I’ve specialized in trauma treatment and worked with children, adults, and families, particularly in schools.

Steven Gitelis, MD

Steven Gitelis, MD, FAAOS, is the Rush Medical College Endowed Professor of OrthSteven Gitelis, MD, FAAOS, is the Rush Medical College Endowed Professor of Orthopedic Oncology and Director of the Rush Musculoskeletal Oncology Program. A leading expert in bone and soft tissue sarcomas, he pioneered treatments and grew Rush’s sarcoma program into one of the largest in the region. He is also the Chief Medical Officer of Onkos, advancing cancer care innovation.

Dr. Gitelis founded Illinois’ first tissue bank and served as its medical director for over 30 years. He’s been president of seven medical organizations, including the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society, and has mentored future orthopedic leaders. A veteran of the Persian Gulf War, he provided cancer care and education to military orthopedic residents.

Christina Richardson

Christina Richardson MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, CWON began her nursing career in 2008 and earned her Wound/Ostomy certification in 2015. She holds a Master’s in Nurse Education (2013) and a Master’s in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner (2021). Passionate about wound/ostomy care, Christina focuses on healing complex wounds to prevent amputation through evidence-based practices. She has worked in diverse settings, from home care to outpatient clinics, and has provided leadership across multiple states. Christina currently serves as a Nurse Practitioner at the Northfield Hospital & Clinic Wound Center in Minnesota, managing a busy practice and consulting on inpatient and ostomy care.

Michelina de la Maza, MD

Michelina de la Maza is a pediatric hematology oncology physician at Banner University Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona. She completed her pediatric residency at the University of South Carolina and pediatric hematology oncology fellowship at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. She serves as the medical director for the BUMC-T pediatric hematology oncology department. Her clinical interests include solid tumors, specifically sarcomas and rare pediatric cancers, sickle cell anemia and hemoglobinopathies. She lives in Tucson with her husband who is a firefighter/paramedic and their two dogs.

Craig Towler

Craig Towler is a passionate disability rights advocate whose work is deeply rooted in his lived experience. He has dedicated his career to dismantling systemic barriers, amplifying marginalized voices, and addressing discrimination against the disability community.

As the Director of Public Policy and Advocacy for the Center for People With Disabilities (CPWD), Craig collaborates with diverse community partners to drive impactful policy changes that create lasting equity and inclusion.

Zeke Walton, MD

Zeke Walton, MD is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic oncologist with special interest in hip resurfacing surgery, primary and revision robotic joint replacement surgery and a full spectrum of orthopedic oncology care. With more than a decade of clinical experience, Dr. Walton has built a reputation among patients and peers alike as an excellent communicator and a meticulous, forward-thinking surgeon.

Angelina Martinson

I was born with clubfoot and Tibial hemimelia and spent the first years of my life in a Russian orphanage. After being adopted and coming to the U.S., I underwent an amputation as a toddler. Growing up, I had to navigate a world that wasn’t built for people like me, but I was fortunate to have a family that never treated me as fragile. I was encouraged to be active, independent, and resourceful—values that have shaped how I approach life and my work today.

As I got older, I realized there was a huge gap in accessible information for amputees. I had to learn so much through trial and error—everything from prosthetic maintenance to handling public reactions. I started sharing my experiences online, hoping to make life easier for others facing similar challenges. What began as a way to document my own journey evolved into a platform that empowers adaptive individuals to take control of their lives, whether that’s through fitness, practical tips, or just knowing they’re not alone.

Now, with 30 years of experience as an amputee and a background in prosthetic research and design, I create content that’s both educational and entertaining. My goal is to show that limb loss isn’t the end of an active, fulfilling life—it’s just 

Hope Beyond Limits Ambassadors

Our Social Media Ambassadors are digital visionaries committed to building an engaged online
community that enhances awareness of limb loss and limb differences.

Gini Thomas

Cam Ayala

Katie Bondy

Angelina Martinson

Kristine McGuire

Rustin Hughes

Troy Karnes