ABC-Certified Prosthetists and Practitioners at Next Step

"What is really key for Jon, and probably for a lot of people, are the people here [at Next Step]. He really likes to come here, and it's really fun to hang around and joke with the guys. They're absolutely wonderful, incredible guys and so inspiring."
Janet Laughead
Mother of Jonathan, 22-year-old above-knee amputee

Next Step's experienced and attentive Orthotic and Prosthetic practitioners are certified by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC), a national organization that sets the standards for excellence in the field. Only ABC-certified practitioners are authorized to use the credentials CO (certified orthotist); CP, (certified prosthetist); and CPO (Certified prosthetist/orthotist). Next Step is a member of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP).

experience exclusively in prosthetics. Peter received the Paractitioner of the Year award in 1997 for clinical excellence. His reputation is due to his ability to successfully fit very ative, "educated" consumers whose lifestyles and expectations demand successful outcomes. Well-known for his success in fitting challenging cases from all over the United States and Europe, Peter has developed various socket designs and fitting protocols and is currently involved in several research projects.

Peter is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire, as well as New York University's post-graduate medical extension for Prosthetics. He is also ABC and VA certified and continues to exceed the yearly continuing education requirements to maintain his certification. Peter has recently been involved with successfully fitting soldiers in rehab at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, DC.

His professional memberships include the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists, the American Board for Certification, the Amputee Coalition of America, the National Amputee Golf Association, and the New England Handicapped Sportsman's Association.

Matt Albuquerque is an ABC certified practitioner in orthotics and prosthetics with more than 14 years experience. Matt received his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Stonehill College, North Easton, Massachuesetts. He received his orthotic training at Rancho Las Amigos Medical Center through the University of California and his prosthetic training at Northwestern University.

Matt chose this business because of his desire to have an occupation that involved working with and helping people. "The favorite part of my work involves working with children who are in need of our services."

Matt explains that there was a little boy who came from Brazil to receive prosthetic care. "At Next Step, we were able to use our technology and skills to give him a high-performance prosthesis. Today, he plays soccer with all the other boys."

Matt's areas of special interest include pediatric orthotics and prosthetics, with a concentration in lower extremity prosthetics. Matt lives in Bedford, NH with his wife, Kathleen, and their sons, Kyle and Dylan.

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Arthur Graham is an ABC certified prostheticst and board-eligible orthotist. A graduate of Stathclyde University, Arthur has spent the last 11 years working as a prosthetist/orthotist in and around the Greater Boston area. Prior to this, Arthur worked at Queen Mary's Hospital, London, and was involved with the implementation and operation of many overseas O&P clinics in the former USSR and Saudi Arabia.

Arthus is involved with the Amputee Coalition of America and served on the program planning commitee for the 2003 conference in Boston. He possesses extensive experience in upper and lower extremity prosthetics, with a special interest in above-knee microprocessor controlled prostheses. He also teaches orthotics and prosthetics part-time to undergraduate students in the physical therapy program at Northeastern University, Sprinfield College and Simmons College.

Arthur resides in Framingham, MA, with his wife Jan and their daughter, Grace Jane. The Grahams are avid skiers and can be found on the slopes at Wildcat Mountain most weekends in the winter.

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Scott is an ABC-certified practitioner as well as a Licenced Physcial Therapist. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy at Northeastern University prior to completing his graduate work at UCLA. He has spent the subsequent 20 years helping people maximize their functional potential so that they may achieve their goals.

In addition to teaching orthotics and prosthetics at local colleges, Scott currently sits on the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists and holds several positions on professional committees associated with advancing the care provided by the orthotic and prosthetic profession.

Scott resides in Bedford, NH with his wife Alison and their children, Amy, Michelle, and David. The Cummings family involve themselves in community activities and they can often be found at the local ball field.

Gerald Scandiffio, CP

Jerry Scandiffio is an ABC-Certified Prosthetist and has been a below-knee amputee for the past 16 years. Jerry chose the field of prosthetics because as an amputee himself, he felt he could understand what amputees are going through and, therefore, be even more effective in helping them get back to their desired lifestyles.

"I see being an amputee as challenging but we all know life is full of challenges. If I can be a positive influence on another amputee and help to change their life, then I have done my job."

Jerry continues to attend educational seminars to maintain his certification, has played on the National Amputee Hockey Team and participates in 5k runs for charity. He can be found most frequently riding his Harley Davidson throughout New England.

David Beauchemin, ROA
Registered Orthotic Assistant

David specializes in pediatric orthotics and is based in the Manchester, NH facility. Dave has 16 years of experience as an orthotic/prosthetic technician along with his skills as an assistant. He also serves Next Step as the company's Safety Program Coordinator.

David continues to improve his knowledge by attending educational seminars and is pursuing his ABC certification towards becoming a Certified Practitioner Assistant.

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David Dage, RT-P
Practitioner Assistant

David Dage is an ABC-certified prosthetic technician as well as a practitioner assistant. David has been involved in the field of O&P since October of 1979.

"Celebrating 25 years in the profession, the hands-on involvement in all aspects of fabrication and ever evolving technologies has given me an extremely rewarding and interesting lifelong career. It makes me feel good to be able to touch so many lives through the services I provide."

Jason Lalla has been an above the knee amputee for the past 17 years. Jason was also a U.S. Disabled Ski Team gold medalist.

Jason attended California State University at Dominquez Hills where he recieved his bachelors degree in health science with an emphasis in prosthetics. He has chosen Next Step O & P as his learning environment to complete his residency for ABC certification not only because he relocated to New England, but because he will be under the instruction of his first prosthetist, Peter Couture.

Jason resides in Dunbarton, NH with his wife, Heather and their 3 year-old son, Jackson.

has worked in our Warwick, RI facility as a technician and practitioner assistant for over 5 years.

"My mother is an amputee and after seeing what was involved, I decided this is the career I wanted. Not only did it feel good to help my mother, but it felt good to help others as well."

Experienced, attentive staff • Peter Couture, CP, President/Clinical Director • Matthew J. Albuquerque, CPO, Vice President • Arthur D. Graham, CP, CPO (UK) • Scott Cummings, PT, CPO,FAAOP • Gerald Scandiffio, CP • David Beauchemin, ROA • David Dage, RT-P

Experienced, attentive staff

• Peter Couture, CP, President/Clinical Director
• Matthew J. Albuquerque, CPO, Vice President
• Arthur D. Graham, CP, CPO (UK)
• Scott Cummings, PT, CPO,FAAOP
• Gerald Scandiffio, CP
• David Beauchemin, ROA
• David Dage, RT-P