Jeff Rich is a Board-Certified Pedorthist and the owner of the U.S. Orthotic Center in New York City, which specializes in orthotic manufacturing and shoe modification. He employs a unique orthotic fabrication method that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology and serves professional athletes, including teams from the NBA and the US Olympic team.
   Additionally, he co-founded Masterfit Enterprises, which focuses on orthotic and footwear solutions, and has contributed significantly to the snowsports industry through training programs and product innovations. Rich holds seven US patents including three for orthotic designs.
   Jeff is the President of PFA and serves on several committees. He also heads the Pedorthic lab and teaches Pedorthics at Hamad Hospital in Qatar.

Will has been a practicing physical therapist and certified pedorthist for over 20 years. As the owner of In-Step Biomechanics, custom foot orthotics lab and In-Step Physical Therapy, his practice offers on-site, custom manufacturing and products designed to maximize function, comfort and performance.
   He is the inventor of the BFT 360 barefoot training system, an exercise device that uses “balance pods” to alleviate and prevent plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, shin splints, and tendonitis while improving balance, athletic performance and injury recovery.
   Will also serves as Vice President of the PFA and a member for PFA’s Marketing / Membership and Publications Committee.

Teresa specialized in lower extremity biomechanics. A respected leader in her industry, lecturer and educator. Currently she holds a faculty appointment at the University of Colorado as the Orthotist to the Foot and Ankle Institute where she created and implemented the DME, O&P division for the orthopedic department. Teresa is responsible for training the Residents and Fellows, working with the Gait Lab, research and direct patient care.
   Teresa Alpert completed her orthotics and prosthetics course work at Northwestern University in 1987. In addition, she attended Ball State University, Apex University and Eneslow Pedorthic training. Certified by both the ABC and BOC as an Orthotist and Pedorthist, Alpert has been in private practice for over 30 years.
   Teresa was past Chairwoman for Board of Orthotist, Prosthetist, Pedorthics Certification and Education (BOC). Past Education Chairwoman for the National Shoe Retailers Association (NSRA). Currently she is on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors for Pedorthic Footcare Association (PFA). Recently, Teresa was appointed to the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Allied Health workgroup as an ad-hoc member. Teresa is passionate about helping people, each step of the way.

Giuseppe Lombardo has been a certified pedorthist since 1996. Prior to working as a C.Ped, Giuseppe worked as a carpenter, and served with the military working on large jet aircraft. Eventually, Giuseppe returned to his family footwear business.
   During the early part of the 20th century, Lombardo’s great-grandfather, grandfather and uncles began making horse saddles and other leatherwork items which eventually lead them into the repair and modification of shoes. The skills and abilities were passed down to Giuseppe and his sister Elsa.
   Originally from New York, Giuseppe and Elsa currently run Lombardo’s Comfort & Casual Shoes in Ocala Florida. Giuseppe works with doctors and shoe companies worldwide stating, “We do what we can to get people into shoes that are right for them…bringing generations of experience… providing them the ability to walk with ease and comfort.”

Jacob Thomas is a Director of Operations and a Hanger Clinic MBA Candidate. Jacob is a business-savvy and detail-oriented Director with demonstrated success working in the hospital & health care industry.
   Jacob is skilled in multiple professional areas including, Operations Management, Operational Optimization, Lean Six Sigma design and implementation, Project Management, Coaching, Team Building, Medical Devices, and Sales.
   As a strong operations professional with Masters of Organizational Leadership, Jacob has a passion to help organizations improve their process for their patients, their partners, and their employees.

Josh White is the Vice-President of Orthofeet and a Podiatry Specialist in New York, NY, with over 33 years of experience in the medical field. Graduated from California College of Podiatric Medicine in 1989.
   Dr. White has long combined interests in foot care and shoes. Selected as one of the most influential podiatrists in the US.
   He created SafeStep which offered a proprietary, web-based program that streamlined shoe ordering with the guaranteed assurance of Medicare compliance.
   Dr. White serves on an American Podiatric Medical Association committee that addresses matters relating to durable medical equipment and is a Codingline Expert Panelist. He is a three-time Ironman triathlon finisher.

Itamar is the owner/operator of Rosenbaum Foot Health & Comfort Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Matt Gooch, MS, C. Ped., is the Vice President of Product and Innovation at Superfeet Worldwide. In this capacity he is responsible for all internal research and scientific development/assessment of Superfeet products as well as the management of Superfeet's product line and Global Education Program.
   Matt received a Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Exercise Science from Furman University in 2005 and a Master's Degree in Health and Human Performance in 2009 from Middle Tennessee State University. Since 2009, Matt regularly lectures to retailers, clinicians and consumers about topics ranging from lower limb biomechanics to the use and effectiveness of foot orthoses.
   Matt currently serves on PFA’s Board of Directors and the Pedorthic Education Committee.

Terry Reed is a certified BOC Pedorthist working for Caldwell HME, Wynne, Arkansas. Reed is the only certified pedorthist in an eight-county area serving the Mississippi Delta region of that state.

Kathy is a Certified Pedorthist and the Founding Owner and CEO of WalkEZstore Custom Orthotics
   Kathy’s goal is to help clients, old and new, reach their goals and to contribute to the overall good health and well-being through the pathway of quality foot health.

Derek Schwartz is a dedicated professional with a diverse background in education, philanthropy, and business, focusing on Pedorthics and community service. His career spans international work, entrepreneurship, and innovative contributions to the shoe industry.
   Raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Derek engaged in various roles including youth program director and English teacher in Asia, and later developed a volunteer program in Nazareth, Israel, working with both Arabs and Jews.
   After returning to the U.S., Derek pursued education while working in Pedorthics, eventually purchasing and revitalizing Nobile Shoes to become the top-ranked shoe store in Palm Beach County. He also founded Shoe Doctor, an online telemedicine service for the shoe industry.
    Derek leads a middle school group, participates in local sports, serves the homeless, and promotes small businesses through his podcast, Palm Beach Pros. He aims to expand Shoe Doctor to enhance the Pedorthic profession nationally and provide remote work opportunities.

Celina Quilantan, C.Ped., BOC Certified, oversees clinical operations for the Foot Health Department at Gonzaba Medical Group in San Antonio, Texas, including diabetic shoe services, preventive foot care, and foot care technician education.
   A Certified Pedorthist with over 12 years of experience, Celina specializes in custom footwear, orthotic fabrication, pedorthic education, and patient care. At Gonzaba Medical Group, she developed and leads comprehensive foot health training programs focused on limb loss prevention, foot health education, and improving clinical outcomes.
   Celina studied at Northwest Vista College and the University of the Incarnate Word, strengthening her foundation in healthcare management and patient-centered service. She also served on the American Diabetes Association Committee, collaborating with local healthcare organizations to provide screenings and education at Diabetes Expos.
   Passionate about advancing professional education in pedorthics and foot health, Celina continues to promote excellence through leadership, outreach, and community engagement initiatives that enhance patient outcomes and professional standards.

Jeff Gray has been a Board Certified Pedorthist since 1981. At a very early age, Jeff’s personal challenges with shoe fitting issues sparked his passion for improving foot function and comfort. The start of his career was in 1973 in the ski industry, which eventually led to him becoming one of the founders of Superfeet Worldwide, Inc.
   Since then, Jeff has lectured and educated globally on lower extremity biomechanics in a wide variety of disciplines. He was a lead designer for the 1st generation Superfeet sandal as well as the GTL women’s ski boot for Tecnica. He is listed on numerous patents and contributed 43 years of research and development towards Superfeet tools and products.
   Jeff works part-time at a Podiatry Clinic and Wound Healing Center in Bellingham Washington. He volunteers for various charitable organizations and is dedicated to improving the quality of people’s lives every day.
   Jeff is also passionate about restoring classic cars. He still owns and enjoys working to perfect his 1968 Z/28 Camaro. He is known for the quote “feet and cars…they both make you go”.

Dr. Lew Schon has been a foot and ankle surgeon for more than 25 years. During that time, his patients have included people of all ages, athletic abilities, and walks of life.
   As a foot and ankle specialist, Dr. Schon treats traumatic injuries, overuse injuries, tendon injuries, ligament disorders, joint disorders, rheumatic conditions, and deformities in adults at Joan H. and Preston Robert Tisch Center at Essex Crossing. In addition, Dr. Schon also treats congenital conditions in children at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone and also performs total ankle replacements. Being focused on ankle and hindfoot arthritis, Dr. Schon invented an artificial ankle joint that corrects deformity and restores function.
   Dr. Schon’s clinical work drives his biomechanical and basic science research, having researched nearly every condition that affects the foot and ankle. Having published more than 180 peer-reviewed papers and 110 other publications, Dr. Schon trained approximately 500 students, researchers, residents, and fellows worldwide. Dr. Schon is a former president of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and a consultant to professional and collegiate sports teams and dance companies. Dr. Schon is also a co-inventor of several medical devices used to help treat challenging musculoskeletal conditions.
   Dr. Schon has earned numerous awards, including the 2012 Johns Hopkins University Professors Award for Excellence in Teaching, and many more. Dr. Schon has also been made an honorary member of the German Foot and Ankle Society and the Israeli Foot and Ankle Society and currently serves as medical advisor of Pedorthic Footcare Association (PFA).