WHAT WE DO
FAOP
Mission Statement
The Florida Association of Orthotists and Prosthetists (FAOP) mission is to ensure the highest standard of orthotic and prosthetic care for persons with disabilities. This is accomplished by actively promoting the professional development of FAOP members and supporting excellence in business practices.
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The FAOP seeks to raise awareness and increase public support for professional standards and accountability regarding providing comprehensive orthotic and prosthetic care by developing collaborative relationships with local, state and national groups.
WHO WE ARE
FAOP Board of Directors
President
Hernan Luna, CPO, LPO
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While completing his undergraduate coursework in Mechanical Engineering at Florida International University, Hernan discovered the field of Prosthetics and Orthotics, and fell in love with both the human interaction and the hands-on experience the field offered.
He went on to complete his Bachelor's Degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics in 1995.
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He has worked in many different roles during his three decades in P&O including business owner, clinical director and non-profit administrator, always working to promote the field with professionalism and humility.
Hernan enjoys traveling, movies and music, and spending time with his family. He is an avid Miami Heat fan!
President-Elect
Kevin S Garrison, CP, LP
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Educated in prosthetics at UCLA and Northwestern University. He founded Garrison’s Prosthetic Services in NMB, Florida, 1986 and is actively practicing today. An author publishing an autobiography, “It’s Just a Matter of Balance – You Can’t Put a Straight Leg on a Crooked Man.”
Immediate-Past President
Orializ Gonzalez, CPO, LPO
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Orializ was born and raised in Puerto Rico. While in High School she felt called to pursue the O&P Career with the main goal of helping people. She moved to Florida and completed her Bachelor's in O&P at St. Petersburg College, and her Master's Degree at The Florida State University. She completed her residency at a successful prosthetic-focused O&P practice in Palm Beach, Florida.
Having found her passion in working with kids, she continued her career in one of the busiest pediatric-focused private O&P clinics in South Florida.
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Secretary
Althea Powell, C.Ped, L.Ped, O.S.T.
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Althea Powell is a practicing Pedorthist who has owned and operated a Retail Pedorthic facility in Vero Beach since 2007. She is passionate about the field of Pedorthics and educating the public.
She has been a Victim's Advocate at the Indian River Sheriff's Office for 17 years and trains in Muay Thai.
Treasurer
Jason Ambachen, CPO, LPO
Jason began his career in Orthotics and Prosthetics in 2004 after completing a B.Sc. In Biomedical Engineering at the University of Hartford and continued on to complete O&P school. He practiced in New York for 18 years, with a focus in pediatrics/infants. In 2023, he relocated and is happy to call Florida home, but will never forget his birthplace of New York. Jason hopes to positively serve the O&P community of Florida and promote ethical practices and collaboration across the field for the advancement of the O&P profession.
Early in 2022, the Florida Chapter was dissolved. They generously donated $7,500 to FAOP. They requested that the funds be used to promote Florida practitioner's continuing education and promote public awareness of the Orthotic and Prosthetic field.
We appreciate their generous donation and will use the money to fulfill their request.
SPONSORS
