YOUR TEAM

Your team at Optimus Prosthetics is here to support you every step of the way from meeting with you in the hospital to delivering your new prosthesis. There’s a reason most patients leave feeling like they are a part of our family. Read more below about the individuals working to ensure your best outcomes.

YOUR CLINICAL TEAM

  • John Brandt

    Owner, CPO, LPO
    John Brandt is an American Board Certified and Ohio Licensed prosthetist/orthotist. In 1990 he received a B.A. degree from Wright State University. He continued his education at Northwestern University and received his post-graduate certificate in Orthotics and Prosthetics. John has provided prosthetic care in the greater Dayton area for over 30 years. As a prosthetist, he enjoys working with his hands and interacting with people to provide them with care that helps them to maximize their potential. John and his wife, Kim, have been married for 34 years, spending the bulk of their married life raising their 10 children. Following the activities of their two teenagers and remaining involved in their local church keeps them busy. They travel the country often to celebrate weddings, college graduations, and births of grandchildren (7 so far). In the little free time that remains, John makes room for yardwork, woodworking, and an annual snowmobiling trip, all of which he finds incredibly relaxing.

  • Sara Goldberg

    Clinical Manager, CP, LP
    Sara Goldberg is an American Board Certified and Ohio Licensed Prosthetist. Sara earned her BS in Exercise Science and Sports Medicine from California Lutheran University and a post-graduate Certificate in Prosthetics from California State University, Dominguez Hills. Sara pursued a career in the field of prosthetics because she felt that it was the perfect combination of art and science while getting to help people. She has moved across the country 6 times as an adult and loves exploring new places. Outside of work, Sara enjoys spending time with her husband and son and their 2 dogs. She likes playing nerdy tabletop games and exploring the outdoors.

  • Christian Arnold

    CP, LP
    Christian Arnold is a Certified Prosthetist and Board Eligible Orthotist. Christian earned his BS in Biology from William Penn University in 2018 and MS in Prosthetics and Orthotics from Alabama State University in 2020. Christian is a transtibial amputee due to childhood cancer and pursued a career in prosthetics to help other amputees achieve their goals. Outside of work he enjoys golfing, playing D&D, and relaxing at home with his dog Pepper.

  • Mark Murka

    CP, LP
    Mark P. Murka an American Board Certified and Ohio Licensed Prosthetist. A fourth generation prosthetist, Mark laid the foundation for his career by earning his Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Dayton, where he developed a passion for healthcare and helping others. Mark's journey continued at Northwestern University, where he earned a post-graduate Certificate in Prosthetics. One of Mark's distinctive features is his genuine dedication to working with veterans. Understanding the unique challenges they face, he has become a trusted ally in their journey to regain mobility and enhance their overall well-being. Outside of his professional life, Mark finds joy in spending quality time with his wife, son, and daughter. Mark's love for the outdoors is evident in his hobbies, where he enjoys kayaking, fishing, and golf.

  • Robert Hinks

    CPO, LPO
    Robert Hinks is an American Board Certified and Ohio Licensed Prosthetist and Orthotist. He received his BS in mechanical engineering from Cedarville University in 2014. After working as a product engineer in the medical device industry for a few years, he went to Georgia Tech for his master’s degree in Prosthetics & Orthotics. Robert completed his residency in Nashville, TN and then moved to Columbus with his wife, Connie, in 2021. He enjoys hiking, biking, playing pickleball, and 3D printing in his spare time.

  • Ashley Harrod

    PTA, CPA
    Out of high school, Ashley joined the Air Force as a Surgical Technologist, which led her to pursue a career in Physical Therapy. She has been a Physical Therapist Assistant for 14 years, primarily working in an outpatient setting. Over the years, she has treated many diagnoses and now specializes in treating amputees of all ages. Currently, Ashley is working towards becoming a Certified Prosthetic Assistant. Outside of work, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter. Ashley is also a Track and Field coach at a local high school.

  • Jeff Hoppe

    Clinical Assistant, PTA
    After spending several years as a Licensed Massage Therapist, Jeff decided to venture deeper into the world of healthcare. His background in manual therapy naturally led him to the Physical Therapy Program at Sinclair Community College, where he learned a little about prosthetics. After graduation, he spent 6 years working the In-Patient setting. He had the opportunity to work with many amputees learning how to live with their new devices, and Jeff found the prosthetics he worked with fascinating. This fascination eventually led him to Optimus. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, reading, writing and playing games.

  • Di'Angelo Burress

    Clinical Assistant
    Di'Angelo Burress attended the University of Toledo in 2012, where he laid the foundation for a successful career in healthcare. With a decade of experience as a healthcare technician, Di'Angelo has dedicated his professional life to improving patient care and supporting medical teams. Outside of work, Di'Angelo is a proud parent to three children, two girls and one boy and treasures family time. When not busy with family activities, Di'Angelo enjoys hiking, exploring nature, and creating lasting memories with loved ones.

  • Andrea Kinsinger

    PT
    Andrea Kinsinger is a licensed Physical Therapist. She received her BS in Physical Therapy in 1986 from Bowling Green State University and the Medical College of Ohio. Andrea has worked with lower extremity amputee patients throughout her career and loves coaching amputees through the process to return to an independent and active life. She also works with area therapists offering expertise and education in gait biomechanics and rehabilitation to facilitate an optimal outcome for our patients at Optimus. Outside of work, Andrea enjoys life with her husband, adult children and grandchildren bicycle touring, wilderness canoeing, cooking, gardening and mentoring high school girls.

  • Christine Giesting

    PTA, C. Ped
    Christine graduated from Central Ohio Technical College in 1990 with a major in Physical Therapy. Since then, she has also become a Board of Orthotics Certified Orthotic Fitter as well as an American Board Certified, Ohio Licensed Pedorthised. It was while working with Pedorthic patients that she realized her interest in Prosthetics. As a Community Outreach Coordinator, her goal is to help transition both the patient and family through their prosthetic journey. Outside of work she enjoys, cooking, gardening, traveling, and spending time with her family.

  • Amy Yates

    LPO, CPO, and Patient Advocate
    Amy Yates is an American Board Certified and Ohio Licensed Prosthetist. She earned her BE in Exercise Science from the University of Toledo in 1990 and a post-graduate Certificate in Prosthetics in 1990 and Orthotics in 1993 from Northwestern University. Amy serves as a Practitioner Patient Advocate for the Dayton office. She is able to answer questions for our patients and their families not only from a clinical perspective but also from personal experience.

YOUR EXECUTIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

YOUR FABRICATION TEAM

  • Russell Hawkes

    Lab Technician

  • Nick Collinsworth

    Lab Technician

  • Jaime Stidham

    Lab Technician

  • Steve Smith

    Lab Technician