Robert Martinez is a second-generation orthotics and prosthetics professional with nearly three decades of clinical and technical experience. Inspired by his mother, an ABC-certified orthotist for more than 45 years, Robert began his career in O&P in 1996 and has dedicated his professional life to improving mobility, independence, and quality of life for individuals with physical disabilities.

Robert currently serves as a Prosthetic Technician with Hackensack Meridian Health, where he fabricates, modifies, and repairs prosthetic devices while collaborating with clinicians to support high-quality patient care. Previously certified as an Orthotist and Prosthetist-Orthotist, he is now pursuing certification as a Certified Prosthetic Assistant to return to a direct patient-care role. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Robert hopes to draw upon his extensive experience, technical expertise, and commitment to compassionate care to continue serving patients and advancing access to high-quality orthotic and prosthetic services.

Levy Rico is an experienced Orthotic Technician with more than 12 years in the profession. He is dedicated to helping patients improve their mobility, independence, and quality of life through personalized orthotic care. Building on a strong foundation of technical expertise and hands-on patient support, Levy is committed to continuing his education and advancing within the orthotics and prosthetics profession.

This scholarship will help reduce the financial barriers associated with further education and professional development, allowing Levy to focus on achieving his career goals and expanding the level of care he can provide. His long-term goal is to make a broader impact by delivering compassionate, high-quality care and giving back to the communities he serves.

Autumn LeGuerre is a licensed massage therapist with more than 20 years of experience helping individuals improve function, reduce pain, and enhance their quality of life through evidence-based, hands-on care. Her work has focused on medical massage, post-surgical rehabilitation, sports performance and injury recovery, and maternal health.

Through her clinical experience, Autumn developed a strong interest in the relationship between foot mechanics, gait, mobility, and long-term recovery. She is currently enrolled in an ABC Pedorthic Pre-Certification course and is completing the clinical hours required to pursue certification as a Certified Pedorthist. Her goal is to integrate pedorthic assessment and care into her existing practice and collaborate with orthotic, prosthetic, surgical, and rehabilitation professionals to improve outcomes for patients recovering from injury or surgery.

Autumn hopes to help create a more comprehensive model of care that addresses the entire kinetic chain and supports patients in remaining active, mobile, and pain-free.

RaShad Poindexter is a physical education teacher and coach with 19 years of experience helping students build confidence, develop healthy habits, and lead more active lives. His career in education, along with personal experiences and early influences, inspired him to pursue a new professional path in pedorthics, where he can continue helping others improve mobility, reduce pain, and remain active.

RaShad’s goal is to become a Certified Pedorthist and establish a practice providing gait analysis, custom orthotics, therapeutic footwear, and foot care services. He hopes to serve athletes of all ages, individuals with diabetes, and others experiencing foot and lower-extremity conditions. He is especially passionate about expanding awareness of and access to high-quality pedorthic care within the communities he serves.