The following medical professionals have agreed to becoming guest speakers at our 21st Annual AMCSI Conference in Columbus, Ohio, July 1-4, 2026. Appearances are subject to change.
Born and raised in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Todd has degrees in Wildlife Conservation and Communications from Oklahoma State University. He has worked as a nature instructor at a children’s camp on the shore of Lake Superior, and a ranger with the U.S. Forest Service in Colorado. He then retired in 2025 after 30 years with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation as producer and host of the award-winning television show, Outdoor Oklahoma. Currently, Todd is living out his childhood dream as a Ranger in Yellowstone National Park. His passions include hunting, camping, rock crawling in his 1980 Jeep CJ7, and his daughter Emily.
Dr. Harold van Bosse has been practicing pediatric surgery exclusively since completing his orthopedic residency at the University of Illinois in Chicago in 1994, and his fellowship at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children in 1995. His specialty interests within pediatric orthopedics are arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC), Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), idiopathic clubfoot deformity, limb malalignment conditions, and pediatric spine deformities, especially of the growing spine. AMC and PWS alone make up more than 90% of his practice, allowing him to delve deeply into his special interest. He has published widely on topics related to arthrogryposis, clubfeet, and Prader-Willi syndrome. When developing an arthrogryposis center, the goals are to allow children with arthrogryposis to reach their fullest potential by addressing their limb deformities and helping them function/adapt to their limitations. Dr. van Bosse considers himself privileged to follow patients from North and South America, Europe and Asia. He is excited to announce that he has joined Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip, NY, part of the Catholic Health Services. He could not have gotten this far without the support of his wife, Ana.
Session topic: A discussion designed to provide a structure to understand arthrogryposis.
Philip F. Giampietro, MD, PhD, is currently the Asok K. Ray, M.D. FRCS (EDIN) and Purnima Ray Endowed Professor of Pediatrics and Section Chief of Medical Genetics in the Department of Pediatrics at University of Illinois-Chicago School of Medicine. He received his B.S. in Biological Sciences at State University of New York at Stony Brook, Doctorate in Biomedical Sciences at the City University of New York and M.D. at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Dr. Giampietro completed his internship in Pediatrics at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, a residency in Pediatrics at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, and a Fellowship in Medical Genetics at Weil Medical College of Cornell University. Throughout his career, he has been active in the education of medical students, genetic counseling students, physician assistants, and pediatric residents and fellows. Prior to his current position, Dr. Giampietro held positions at Rutgers -Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Drexel University College of Medicine, University of Wisconsin- Madison, Marshfield Clinic, Marshfield Clinic and Weil Medical College of Cornell University. Dr. Giampietro’s research interests include dysmorphology and birth defects, in particular the genetics of congenital and idiopathic scoliosis. He has worked closely with orthopedic surgical colleagues, clinical and molecular geneticists, and epidemiologists to better understand genetic and environmental contributions to these conditions.
Session topic: What is a Genetic Evaluation and How Will it Benefit my Child?
Dr. Maureen (Reenee) Donohoe, PT, DPT Emeritus, is a board-certified pediatric clinical specialist with over 36 years of expertise in pediatric orthopedics, specializing in contracture disorders, clubfeet, and brittle bone diseases. She recently retired from clinical practice at Nemours Children’s Health in Wilmington, Delaware, where her career included 20 years of part-time work in educational physical therapy. Currently, Dr. Donohoe remains active in clinical research with both Nemours and the University of Delaware physical therapy research lab. She also practices per diem at a private, physical therapist-owned clinic, focusing on adult care and aquatic exercise. A leading expert in her field, she is a contributing author on 21 text book chapters including Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita in all seven editions of Physical Therapy for Children. She has been involved in over 20 published research papers related to issues around AMC. In her free time, she volunteers with an adaptive rowing program.
Session topic: The Top 10: Things a PT might share that may surprise you
Reid Nichols, M.D., FAOA, FAAOS, is a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon at Nemours Children’s Health, Delaware Valley, and Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, at Thomas Jefferson University. She received her undergraduate degrees from the University of Virginia and from Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing. She earned her medical degree from Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine. After graduating from residency in orthopaedic surgery at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY, she completed a limb lengthening and reconstruction fellowship at the International Center for Limb Deformity in Baltimore, MD. Under the supervision of John Herzenberg, M.D., she received advanced training in the management of clubfeet. She received advanced training in pediatric orthopaedics after completing a fellowship at the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children. She is currently the president of the Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society(LLRS). She is active in many societies, including the Pediatric Society of North America, LLRS, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopedic Association, and the Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society. She has served as the BOS representative for LLRS and is currently the POSNA BOS representative. Dr. Nichols’ clinical interests include limb deformity and reconstruction, clubfoot, arthrogryposis, and pediatric trauma. She serves as the director of the Clubfoot Clinic and co-director of the Arthrogryposis Clinic.
Session topic: Focused on the arthrogrypotic hip
In 2015, Dr. David Feldman joined the Paley Institute to lead our new Spine Deformity Center and Hip Pain Center. Dr. Feldman was previously Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Pediatrics as well as Chief of Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery NYU Langone Medical Center/ NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases. Dr. Feldman specializes in pediatric orthopedic surgery and subspecializes in children with scoliosis and severe limb and hip deformities. As well, he focuses his practice on conditions such as arthrogryposis, Multiple Hereditary Exostosis and Skeletal Dysplasias. After graduating from the Albert Einstein School of Medicine in 1988, Dr. Feldman interned in general surgery at NYU Langone Medical Center. He completed his residency in orthopedic surgery in June 1993 and spent the next year in fellowship at The Hospital for Sick Children Toronto with a special interest in pediatric orthopedic surgery and pediatric spine surgery. Dr. Feldman brings over 25 years of experience in pediatric orthopedics, spinal deformity and joint preservation to the practice. Since completing his studies, Dr. Feldman has been at the forefront of both simple and complex pediatric orthopedic treatments. He has helped many children with orthopedic deformities and conditions avoid surgery through early detection. His expertise with advanced non-surgical and surgical techniques has allowed hundreds of children to resume their normal activities after recovery times that are shorter than those of other methods.
Session topic: To help patients, parents and care givers to have the information to make informed decisions about making a thoughtful life plan for an individual with arthrogryposis
Fran Guardo, MEd, MPT, DPT, BSPTS C1&2 Director of Rehabilitation for the Paley Orthopedic and Spine Institute (POSI) since 2009. She is a sought-after speaker in the field of Rehabilitation of Limb Lengthening and Treatment of Arthrogryposis, where she trains therapists and surgeons internationally. She has authored multiple book chapters, presents nationally and internationally, and is an adjunct professor for Nova Southeastern University, where she lectures in the Physical Therapy Department.
Session topic: Early Intervention and Beyond.
Lauren C. Hyer, M.D. joined Shriners Children’s in Greenville, SC in 2016. Since then she has She primarily cares for lower extremity differences in children with arthrogryposis. She embraces a multidisciplinary model involving therapy, motion analysis, orthotics, and orthopedics. Her primary research interests involve understanding and improving mobility as well as enhancing functional independence for children and youth with arthrogryposis.
Session topic: Discussing foot conditions in arthrogryposis.
Dr. Lisa V Wagner DHS, OTR/L, has a dedication for all things AMC! She loves engaging with people both on a clinical and a research level. This work has resulted in peer-review articles, book chapter and the ability to speak nationally and internationally. Passionate about children with AMC, she is currently collaborating on an outcome assessment for better understanding of the upper extremities, knowledge dissemination of rehabilitation guidelines and defining AMC classifications for better understanding across disciplines.
Session topic: Adventures in Autonomy
Sarah Turgeon-Desilets, MScPT, CAS, is a pediatric physiotherapist, future PhD student, clinician, and academic educator at McGill University with over a decade of experience in neuromuscular and rare pediatric conditions. She specializes in the clinical care, assessment, and rehabilitation of children and youth living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy and serves as a clinical evaluator in multiple international rare disease trials. Sarah is actively involved in advancing rare disease care through research, education, and provincial leadership. Her work focuses on improving standardized assessment, building clinician capacity, and promoting evidence-based, patient-centered care for individuals living with rare neuromuscular disorders.
As the mother of a child with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC), Liezel brings a lived experience perspective to the DARE Partnership (Developing Arthrogryposis Rehabilitation Expert Guidance, Dissemination through Partnership). Through their family’s journey navigating healthcare, rehabilitation services, and advocacy, Liezel has gained valuable insight into the challenges and priorities faced by children with AMC and their families. Liezel has contributed to the co-design and review of educational resources and dissemination strategies to ensure they are meaningful, accessible, and relevant to families. Passionate about amplifying the voices of individuals with lived experiences and supporting the translation of evidence-based rehabilitation recommendations into practical resources that can improve outcomes and empower families across Canada.
Session topic: From Collaboration to Impact: Developing E-Learning for Rare Neuromuscular Diseases
Currently serves as Director of Transportation Policy and Programs, for the Maryland Department of Disabilities. With an exceptional background dealing with statewide transportation issues concerning the disabled and older age communities. Experienced Recruiter with a demonstrated history of working in the health wellness industry. Strong advocate for people with disabilities. Well skilled in cross disabilities. Skilled in Policy Change, Strategic Public Relations Planning, Customer Service, Data Entry, Staff Recruitment, and IT Operations. Also serves as the Vice President of the “League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Society” (L.E.G.S.) a peer mentoring group. Prior to my current position as VP, I served as the President of the LEGS organization while also being involved in several other organizations including the Christopher Reeve Mentoring Program. I foresee a bright future for LEGS and the disability community with the assistance of a great network of team players taking the necessary actions required to be successful.
Session topic: Beyond Labels
Matthew Dobbs, MD, FACS is director of the Dobbs Clubfoot Center at the Paley Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida. Prior to that he was the Dr. Asa C. and Mrs. Dorothy W. Jones Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and the Director of Strategic Planning at Washington University School of Medicine. Dr. Dobbs trained under Ignacio Ponseti MD (Ponseti method). Since that time, he has introduced the Ponseti method for clubfoot management to surgeons in more than 50 countries. Dr. Dobbs is dedicated to Research and Teaching. He co-directed an NIH funded musculoskeletal genetics research laboratory and was founder (2001) and director of the clubfoot clinic at Saint Louis Children’s from 2001-2020. He has been named a top orthopedic surgeon by US News & World Report, Top Doctors, Castle Connelly, Consumers’ Research Council, Orthopedics This Week, the International Association of Orthopedic Surgeons, and St. Louis Magazine. He has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle, and the LA Times. He is internationally recognized for his expertise and innovation in the field of pediatric foot and lower limb deformities and experience with the differences that can arise with Arthrogryposis, Spina Bifida, Nail Patella Syndrome, and genetic conditions. He is the founder of the Dobbs method for treatment of vertical talus and remains the leading innovator in bracing for foot deformities. He values the multidisciplinary efforts needed to help children be their best self and minimize recurrences.
Session topic: Atypical Clubfoot and Foot Deformities in Arthrogryposis
Jan Shea, MSW, joined Virginia Commonwealth University’s Center on Transition Innovations (CTI) in 2014, bringing a rich background in juvenile justice and mental health. As the program coordinator for the recently accredited ACE-IT in College program, Jan fosters a sense of belonging and community for young adults with intellectual disability pursuing inclusive higher education at Virginia Commonwealth University. Over the past decade, she has contributed to various CTI projects, including providing mental health support to transfer students and coordinating employment for women with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and spinal cord injuries (SCI). Outside of work, Jan enjoys paddleboarding around Greater Richmond, spending time with her family, and pursuing her doctorate in Educational Leadership.
Session topic: Let’s talk about college and education pathways after high school.
Jake Gates-Ehlers, an Information Sciences Major at University of Illinois, is excited to take the stage for the first time as a conference presenter. Usually found on the stage playing the Euphonium for the university band, Jake is switching gears to speak about the importance of college access and navigating the college landscape. Jake is an avid gamer and scouter and officially earned the rank of Eagle Scout in January 2026. Something Jake is excited for the world to know about him is he is actually enrolled at two universities at once and he looks forward to meeting new people and having a more fun over his remaining years in college.
Tammy Phipps is an Occupational Therapist (OT) and Certified Driver Rehabilitation Center of Excellence CDRS. She has been practicing in the area of driver rehab for over 20 years, starting her first program at a hospital in Aberdeen, SD (2005). She deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from June 2007-June 2008, while in Iraq MAJ (then CPT) Phipps was recruited to create the driving rehab program at the Department of Defense’s largest amputee care rehabilitation facility, Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC. She developed (2008-2016) and led the first comprehensive driving rehabilitation program in the Department of Defense. During her tenure she provided driving rehab services to over 600 military service members with limb-loss, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress and anxiety, paralysis, burns, visual deficits and complex poly-trauma. The complex nature of the illnesses and injuries seen required her to be extremely innovative as “out of the box solutions” were not going to work. Her experience at Walter Reed provided her the unique perspective needed to start private practice. In August 2016, Tammy opened Driver Rehabilitation Center of Excellence, LLC (DRCE) in Chantilly V A. Her business combines driver rehabilitation and vehicle modifications all in one shop. She has recently expanded driver rehabilitation centers in Richmond V A and Columbus OH. She currently employs 13 driver rehab specialists whose common goal is to make community mobility / driving accessible to as many as they can reach.
Session topic: Driving Rehab Solutions – Featuring cases where AMC was the primary diagnosis.
Kaveh Asadi-Moghaddam, MD, PhD, FAANS is a board-certified pediatric and adult neurosurgeon serving as Director of the Spasticity Center at the Paley Orthopedic & Spine Institute and Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Palm Beach Children’s Hospital in West Palm Beach, Florida. He specializes in complex neurosurgical care including pediatric neurosurgery, trauma, and neuro-oncology, with prior leadership roles at AdventHealth for Children and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. Dr. Asadi-Moghaddam completed his medical and doctoral training in Germany and neurosurgical training at The Ohio State University and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, and remains active in research, clinical trials, and national neurosurgical organizations.
Session topic: A tethered cord spinal cord
Kimberly Kolstad is a full-time medical social worker at Craig H Neilsen Rehab Hospital at the University of Utah. For over 18 years she has been advocating for underprivileged individuals and most recently has had the opportunity to work with individuals with spinal cord injuries, amputations, and transplants. Kim has successfully created and runs a peer coaching program for patients with new spinal cord injuries. She works closely with TRAILS Adaptive Sports and has organized an event for Veterans with complex disabilities to experience the Tetra Watercraft. Kim has a love of adventure, and over the last two and a half years, her life has been changed for the better by participating in over 15 different adaptive sports, her favorites being snow skiing with the TetraSki, wake-surfing, and adaptive mountain biking. As a social worker and a person with AMC, Kim knows the importance of accessibility and inclusion for all. She is now advocating for adaptive sports to be known and accessible to all people with disabilities, especially those with AMC.
Session topic: Different Gear, Same Soul: Maintaining Identity through the “off-season.”
Misha Walker is an international disability advocate, speaker, writer, and founder of The Dream Walker Project. Born with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC), she has spent almost a decade traveling the world, connecting with individuals and families affected by AMC, and helping raise awareness through storytelling, community building, and advocacy. Through The Long Road to AMC Awareness, an annual road trip initiative, Misha and her husband Michael have visited hundreds of families across multiple countries, reminding people that they are not alone. Known for her authenticity, vulnerability, and heartfelt approach, Misha encourages others to embrace who they are, live boldly, and discover the power that comes from showing up as their true selves.
Session topic: The power of authenticity
Aly & Navina are the official Pre-Teen & Teen Moderators at the 21st Annual AMCSI Conference!
Aly has arthrogryposis in all limbs and she discovered AMCSI in 2022. She attended her first conference in Orlando, Florida that same year and her life has not been the same since. She’s passionate about disability awareness, acceptance, and accessibility for all. Aly volunteers at Scottish Rite Hospital with kids of various upper limb differences and she is pursuing a degree in Speech Language Pathology. She loves all things coffee, art, the outdoors, cooking, and books!
Navina has Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita with all limbs, spine, and airway affected, she was also diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 11. She has had minimal surgeries but vigorous therapy which helped her to gain the range motion and the passive range that she has. She’s lived in Maine, Minnesota, and now Florida. She has participated in multiple adaptive/disability programs including adaptive skiing/snowboarding, being an ambassador for Easterseals, going to an adaptive gym, etc…She was homeschooled and took interest in arts, computer skills, library volunteering and reading. She greatly enjoys co-leading a Bible Study she started for others affected by AMC. She loves to travel to other countries with her family and to see how others live and all the beauty this world has to offer. She rarely passes up coffee, and enjoys spending time with her friends and family. She has loved coming to the annual conference since she was young and growing up with the community and being inspired each year by the people in it. She is looking forward to getting to inspire others herself.
