The Orthotic and Prosthetic Activities Foundation (OPAF) announced new board members for 2021-2022: Deborha Plescia, CPO, Jacob Calvert, CPO, and Taushima “Shima” Nixon. They join Matt Swiggum, Jena Baxter, Jackie Valdez, CO, and Elise Griset, CPO.
Plescia is the clinical specialist for Ottobock Orthopedic Services. She is a graduate of the Northwestern University P&O program. Plescia volunteers as an examiner for the clinical patient management exam with American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, & Pedorthics (ABC) and has served eight years on the ABC board. She was elected the first female president of ABC in 2018.
Nixon, who has a bilateral lower-limb amputation after a car accident, has dedicated her career to helping others. She has a bachelor of science in recreation with an emphasis in recreation therapy and is currently a graduate student in Alabama State University’s MSOP program.
Calvert is a CPO with Hanger and has devoted time to become an adaptive fitness trainer and has helped lead adaptive cycling, weightlifting, and golf events in Washington DC and surrounding areas.
“We are thankful for the experiences that each of these new members bring to the organization and will be integral in helping grow OPAF and the First Clinics. I also want to thank Neal Seigfried for his service on the board over the past two years, and we wish him the best,” said Travis Young, CPO, OPAF president.
The executive board was also re-elected to their positions with Young, serving as president, Michelle Jamin, PT, DPT as vice president, and Rebecca Snell as secretary and treasurer.
