Meet The Team
Jon Allen | CPc
Owner, Certified Prosthetist
Jon was born in Calgary but grew up in Milestone, Saskatchewan. In May 2000, he founded the Alberta Orthotic and Prosthetic Centre (formerly Alberta Artificial Limb). His interest in prosthetics began in grade 9 and he pursued a career in the field, graduating from BCIT in 1996.
Jon's influence goes beyond his practice. He has actively participated in various boards and committees dedicated to advancing the field of Prosthetics and Orthotics in Canada. Notably, he played a pivotal role in negotiating fair reimbursement for P&O services and successfully spearheaded the transition of Alberta to a new fee system in 2002.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Jon enjoys spending quality time with his family and giving back to the community through coaching hockey.
Clinical training at BCIT - 1996
Michelle Pickard | CPc
Certified Prosthetist
Michelle has always wanted to help people. Her interest in helping others started in high school, where she volunteered at a rehabilitation centre as well as a school for the disabled.
She says she always knew she wanted to be in healthcare but wanted to combine her interest in helping others with her creativity and interest in working with her hands. Prosthetics provided the best of both worlds, providing opportunities to be creative in finding unique solutions to better serve her patients.
She works closely with her patients, developing a trusting relationship that is so important in helping them achieve their goals. For Michelle seeing the difference she can make in their lives is one of her greatest rewards.
Clinical training at BCIT - 1998
Certified in Cleg, Genium Knee, X3, MyoElectric, MAS socket, Rheo Knee, Microprocessor feet and knee certifications, Willowwood Socket Design,
Michelle joined AOPC 20 years ago.
Vanessa Kato | COc
Certified Orthotist
Bio coming soon!
Emily Dunnion
Prosthetic Resident
Emily joined AOPC in 2023 to start her training as a Prosthetic Resident. Originally from Ottawa, she moved out to Calgary shortly after graduating from the clinical program at GBC in Toronto. Prior to the clinical program, Emily completed her Bachelor’s in Biomechanical Engineering from Queen’s University. She then completed her Master’s in Rehabilitation Science from McMaster University while completing the GBC program.
Emily entered the P&O field because it combines her love of working with others and her engineering background to create unique solutions that fit within the lifestyle of her patients. She has a special interest in pediatric patients, highlighted by her volunteer work at the ACH Rotary Flames House. Outside of work, Emily loves to hike and play sports.
Clinical Training | GBC (2023)
Master’s in Rehabilitation Sciences | McMaster University (2023)
Bachelor’s of Biomechanical Engineering | Queen’s University (2021)
Kasia Hupert
Office Administrator
Originally from Gdańsk, Poland, Kasia is our team member who has travelled the furthest away from home. After moving to Canada in 2013, Kasia soon joined AOPC as a receptionist and later transitioned to a position as our office and billing administrator. She's also our in-house photographer.
In her free time, Kasia enjoys photography, reading, dancing and going on road trips.
Bachelor of Arts in Art History | University of Gdańsk (2009)
Master of Cultural Studies | Warsaw University of Social Sciences and Humanities (2011)
Kiera Allen
Receptionist
Bio coming soon!
Samantha Chabot | B.Sc.Kin. RTO(c)
Technical Lead
Samantha has been creating leading-edge orthotic and prosthetic devices at AOPC since May 2016. Originally from Grande Prairie, Sam moved to Edmonton to study nanomaterials engineering at the University of Alberta. Sam switched to a degree in Kinesiology to pursue her passion for anatomy and biomechanics. Sam completed a practicum with the Syncrude Motion and Balance Lab at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital where she was introduced to the P&O field. Sam shadowed their P&O clinic over the Christmas break and then applied to the P&O technical school in Toronto.
Samantha began an Orthotic Internship at Orthopedic Bracing Solutions in Kitchener, ON, completing her internship at AOPC.
When not at work, Samantha’s busy with endless sewing and art projects. She loves playing the piano and spending time with her family and 2 cats.
Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology | University of Alberta (2013)
Technical P&O Training | GBC (2015)
Registered Technician | Orthotics Prosthetics Canada (2017)
Matheus Da Silva
Prosthetic Technician Intern
An avid snowboarder, biker, and gamer, Matheus has been interested in working with prosthetics since high school, manifesting itself in an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering with a focus in Biomedical Engineering. During his last year of undergrad, he had the pleasure of volunteering at Hager Orthopaedic Clinic in Kelowna, BC, where he committed himself to the field of P&O.
Matheus completed the Orthotics & Prosthetics Technician program at George Brown College in Toronto in 2024, having worked at Ron Joyce Children's Hospital in Hamilton, ON during his second year, and shortly thereafter began working at AOPC. He is currently working on his Prosthetic internship and is delighted to be working towards making a difference in people's lives.
Although still early on in his career, Matheus has an aptitude for learning and a keen eye for detail which he applies to each and every device that crosses his bench.
Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Electrical Engineering | University of British Columbia Okanagan (2022)
Orthotics & Prosthetics Technician Program | George Brown College (2024)