Tech Talk: Highlighting Women in O&P Fabrication

Alisha Brennon, Shawna Ross, Jessica Lara, Kendal Wipperling, Dalila Contreras, Brooke Manz, and Amelia Toomey are all women from different parts of the country and from different backgrounds. They share one common bond—they all work in O&P fabrication. Perhaps as little as a generation ago, these women would have been the exception, not the rule. Proving themselves in this historically male-dominated sector of the profession hasn’t always been easy, but they have managed to carve out their own successful career paths, working and thriving in a profession they love. Brennon, CTPO, Health Services, Orthotics & Prosthetics, Joliet Junior College, has been teaching since 2021, progressing to director in 2024, and assuming the department chair position in 2025. She was working as a paralegal with a business degree when she was involved in an accident that changed the trajectory of her life. [caption id="attachment_277854" align="alignleft" width="228"] Brennon[/caption] “During my recovery, I experienced firsthand the impact that compassionate healthcare professionals can have on a person’s quality of life, independence, and confidence,” she says. “As I was trying to determine what direction to take next in life, I stumbled upon the O&P program. The combination of healthcare, biomechanics, hands-on fabrication, creativity, and patient interaction immediately stood out to me.” Brennon says women in O&P often have to work harder to establish credibility or prove their competency in areas such as fabrication, biomechanics, adjustments, and leadership. “There can sometimes be assumptions made about physical ability, mechanical skills, or knowledge before a woman has the opportunity to demonstrate her capabilities,” she says. Another challenge, says Brennon, is balancing leadership, education, and clinical responsibilities while also self-advocating professionally. “Women in healthcare and technical fields are often expected to continually demonstrate confidence, professionalism, and expertise in ways that may not always be equally expected of their male counterparts,” she says. “Also, there can be challenges surrounding visibility and representation. When fewer women are seen in leadership positions, students and newer professionals may struggle to envision themselves in those roles.” Brennon says, most importantly, she believes the profession itself is evolving. “More women are entering O&P programs, stepping into leadership roles, contributing to research and innovation, and becoming educators and program directors,” she says. “The more representation increases, the more normalized it becomes for women to succeed in every aspect of the field.” Ross, CTPO, lab operations manager, Brownfield’s P&O, Idaho, was 25 years old when she started working in O&P. “I also look young,” she says. “I have been shut down and pushed aside by male business owners when trying to start a conversation with them. I have also been called an assistant to a practitioner right in front of me while at a conference. At the time I was actually the lab manager at my facility.” Another challenge Ross has faced is having children while working at Brownfield’s. “I was pregnant three times, one of my own, and two surrogacy journeys.” She says it was hard for prospective parents to accept that she worked with chemicals, and she was turned down several times because of the nature of her job. “Being pregnant in the lab setting is what really opened my eyes to question the chemicals and materials we use and how I can make it safer for myself and other staff members who were also expecting.” [caption id="attachment_277855" align="alignright" width="226"] Ross[/caption] Some of the chemicals used in the lab could cause birth defects, Ross says, so she made it a priority to find alternatives that were safe to use while she was pregnant. For example, Ross’ lab stopped using toluene, which is harmful to humans when used repeatedly. She also did extensive research on the best chemical-resistant gloves to use, and the lab has stopped using an epoxy resin that has a corrosive liquid component detrimental to fetuses in utero. There has been a shift in perception of women within the field though. Brennon says that she sees women’s careers in O&P continuing to advance. “One of the biggest changes I have observed and heard discussed by long-time professionals is the increased visibility and representation of women throughout the field. Women are no longer viewed as uncommon within O&P educational programs, clinics, laboratories, or leadership positions. From my perspective, there appears to have been a significant cultural shift toward recognizing that success in O&P is not defined by gender, but by knowledge, skill, compassion, adaptability, and professionalism,” she says. Technology has also played a role in changing the field, Brennon believes. “The integration of digital scanning, CAD/CAM systems, 3D printing, and advanced fabrication methods has shifted the profession in ways that emphasize technical knowledge, creativity, and innovation rather than outdated assumptions about physical labor alone,” she says. The O&P EDGE asked Brennon, Ross, and their colleagues about their career decisions, facing and overcoming challenges, and their skills beyond O&P. Q: What made you decide on a career in O&P? Ross: I wanted to be in a field where I am able to make a difference in the lives of others and work in the healthcare field. I was going to college and happened to find a flyer for the tech program outside the counselor’s office. I toured the lab and immediately knew this was what I am meant to do for a career. Lara, CTPO, Rotter Prosthetics, Illinois: Upon commencing my career, I lacked a specific interest or understanding of the [O&P] profession. My initial aspiration was to become a physical therapist, as I had extensive experience with my mother’s carpal tunnel surgeries. I was drawn to the concept of assisting individuals during challenging periods in their lives. [caption id="attachment_277856" align="alignright" width="213"] Lara[/caption] Wipperling, CTPO, Hanger Clinic, Montana: I grew up in a small rural town in eastern Montana where the primary economy revolves around farming and the oil field. I was exposed early on to individuals whose injuries resulted in amputations or the need for bracing. Seeing that need, I felt a strong pull to give back to my community. In high school, a financial literacy class introduced me to career research, which led me to discover O&P. That summer, I completed a job shadow at a Hanger Clinic and immediately knew this was the right path for me. Contreras, CTPO, Hanger Clinic, California: I was volunteering with the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, a nonprofit, in 2015. A little boy from Palestine needed a bilateral amputation and I volunteered to assist the mother and child with transportation and attend some appointments. The little boy’s amputation, recovery, and physical therapy were completed at Shriners Children’s Hospital in Spokane. The more time I spent at Shriners, the more I learned about O&P. I was originally completing my prerequisites for physical therapy, but after volunteering and witnessing the impact O&P had on patients, I changed career paths. Manz, CTPO, Gillette Children’s, Minnesota: Honestly, my inspiration came from watching the movie I, Robot with Will Smith an embarrassing number of times when I was younger. The idea of fabricating something that could replicate the function of, or fully replace, a part of the human body was always fascinating to me. I originally pursued engineering because I thought I wanted to work in robotics, but I found out quickly that coding was not my thing. After that, I shifted my focus to the kinesiology program and prosthetics. Prosthetics felt close enough to robotics that I still got the technical, problem-solving aspects that I loved, but with a much more human element. I liked the idea of creating stylish, yet functional limbs for people. Toomey, CTPO, Kentucky: I wanted to make a difference. The field is a way to use hands-on approaches to create solutions to sometimes the not so cut and dry medical devices. Q: What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced working in this field? Lara: Maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I occasionally bring work home, not only emotionally and mentally but also physically. Wipperling: O&P is classified as durable medical equipment rather than as a medical profession, which impacts how the field is valued and compensated. Despite that, the work requires a high level of skill, dedication, and compassion. It’s a field where you truly have to be passionate—both about the craftsmanship and about the people you serve. [caption id="attachment_277859" align="alignleft" width="212"] Wipperling[/caption] Contreras: Career growth opportunities. I started out in fabrication. I enjoyed fabricating, but I also wanted to be involved in patient care. Multiple companies that I worked for put me in a box and expected me to stay within the parameters of fabrication. I passed my ABC fitter exam and these companies still wanted to keep me in fabrication regardless of my physical therapy background, certifications, and experience. I worked in multiple companies until a clinician gave me a chance to grow my skills in fabrication in conjunction with patient care. I have been with the same company for three years, and they continue to push me to grow in my career. [caption id="attachment_277857" align="alignright" width="209"] Manz[/caption] Manz: Underestimating myself and being underestimated by others. I’m on the shorter side, pretty slight build, and people constantly assume I’m younger than I actually am, so there are times coworkers treat me like certain concepts might be over my head, or physically too demanding. I think it comes from a genuine place of wanting to help, but there have definitely been moments where it felt more dismissive than supportive. Almost all of my knowledge around orthotics and modern prosthetics techniques has been things I’ve been taught on the job, and although I don’t agree, that form of learning has sometimes been described to me as second-rate because it wasn’t through traditional means, like college courses, or accompanied with ABC certification or a professional degree. Toomey: Finding ways to pursue this degree in such a small town. Q: How have you overcome some of those challenges? Brennon: Through persistence, education, confidence, and consistency. I learned very quickly that preparation and knowledge speak loudly. By developing strong clinical skills, fabrication skills, teaching abilities, and leadership experience, I was able to establish credibility through my work and results rather than allowing assumptions to define me. I also believe that overcoming challenges in O&P requires resilience. This profession can be demanding physically, mentally, and emotionally regardless of gender, so learning how to adapt, problem solve, and continue growing professionally is essential. I made a conscious decision early on not to allow obstacles or stereotypes to discourage me from pursuing opportunities or leadership roles. Mentorship and support systems have also been incredibly important. Having people who believed in my abilities and encouraged my growth made a tremendous difference. Because of that, I now try to do the same for my own students and colleagues. One of the most effective ways to overcome barriers is by helping create pathways for others coming behind you. Lara: I engage in hobbies that align with my passions. Recently, I have discovered a newfound interest in birdwatching, cycling, and hiking. Manz: I work to overcome others’ first impressions of my stature and my own imposter syndrome through practice, time, and persistence. I try to do or figure things out on my own before asking for help and let the quality of my work speak for itself. The more experience I’ve gained, the more confident I have become in my abilities. I often joke that my ambition is going to be the death of me, but I love learning as much as I can about O&P. Q: What has been the biggest reward? Brennon: Knowing that the work I do genuinely changes lives. O&P is one of the few professions where you can physically see the difference your work makes almost immediately, and that is incredibly fulfilling. Ross: I absolutely love seeing patients stand or even walk for the first time on the prosthesis that I made for them. I especially love when they pick a fun fabric and I make their vision come true. Lara: Witnessing patients emerge from the facility pain-free and expressing a profound sense of regaining their mobility. The joy, friendships, and affection my patients bestow upon me on a daily basis are invaluable and irreplaceable. Wipperling: The most rewarding part of my work is hearing from practitioners that a device I’ve made is performing well and that the patient loves it. Even more meaningful is seeing the patient’s confidence and joy when they’re able to return to their daily lives. Knowing I played a part in that process is incredibly fulfilling. Contreras: Seeing patients gain confidence and meet their ambulation goals with devices that we fabricate/provide. Manz: Getting to see [or hear about] the things I make improve someone’s life, especially when a device exceeds a patient’s expectations. When I worked in a central fabrication facility, we received a video of a patient using our KAFO to walk for the first time in months and it made my week. In my current position within a pediatric hospital, I can attend some fittings, and there have been so many delivery days where a patient gives this small smile when they see their new leg or arm that makes me glow inside. Toomey: Seeing how much the patients appreciate the conversation and getting to be personable with each patient. [caption id="attachment_277858" align="alignright" width="210"] Toomey[/caption] Q: Beside your love for O&P, what other skills do you have? Brennon: I played collegiate basketball, and later played women’s professional football as an outside linebacker for the Chicago Force. Athletics taught me discipline, resilience, accountability, adaptability, and how to work effectively within a team environment while still pushing myself individually to improve. Ross: I am very artsy and have recently gotten back into embroidery and painting mini figurines for tabletop games. I’ve made things from duct tape, including my high school prom dress. Lara: I possess skills in special-effects makeup, glam makeup, and acrylic nail application, which I exclusively perform on myself and my close family and friends. Wipperling: I enjoy hiking, hunting, horseback riding, and quilting. Contreras: I’m skilled in the art of picking up hobbies I learn on YouTube and TikTok. Toomey: I am very involved with kid’s ministry at my church and love to spend time with my family. Manz: One thing people are surprised by is my writing background. I’ve had two poems published in magazines, and I recently wrote a piece for NCOPE’s newsletter about my experiences as an O&P technician. Currently, I’m focused on knitting, but over the years I’ve also done quilting, crocheting, embroidery, needlepoint, scrapbooking, and bullet journaling. Most of those hobbies require paying attention to tiny details that eventually build into a much bigger final product, and I have also found that approach sneaking its way into my work in O&P. Betta Ferrendelli can be contacted at betta@opedge.com. All stock images: FotoArtist/stock.adobe.com

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Asking Why: How a Simple Safety Concern Transformed an O&P Lab

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