Meet the Mary Free Bed Assistive Technology Team
Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists
- Evaluates each client’s physical and functional needs relevant to mobility and assistive technology equipment
- Documents medical necessity to pursue funding for recommended equipment
- Assists in the fitting process of the various seating components as well as with education in the safe use or maintenance of the equipment
Rehabilitation Engineer or Assistive Technology Specialist
- Uses engineering background to evaluate and train clients and to create assistive technology equipment for modified access to computers, telephones, environmental, or work-related equipment
- Completes work site and home evaluations to determine necessary accessibility modifications
Seating Technician
- Measures for and fabricates various seating components (seat, back, headrest, lateral supports, and arm supports, among others)
- Designs and completes custom modifications to walkers, commodes, standers, bicycles, and custom safety beds.
Upholstery Technician
- Sews and upholsters complex shapes of custom seating components
Assistive Technology Staff
Karen Gora, MPA, OTR, ATP
As the clinical manager for Mary Free Bed O&P's Assistive Technology Program and OrthoSEAT Program, Karen's responsibilities include completing evaluations and/or training for: pediatric and adult seating and mobility; power mobility; Ride Design custom cushions; computer access; electronic aids for daily living (EADL); augmentative communication; home; child care equipment; and adaptive cycling equipment. Karen also performs wheelchair pressure evaluations (computerized pressure mapping) for pressure ulcer prevention or management. She is a RESNA-certified assistive technology professional and has been a Mary Free Bed employee since 1979.
Denise Langton, MA, CCC-CP
Denise is a speech-language pathologist on the Assistive Technology team. She specializes in augmentative communication evaluations and client training for children and adults who have a variety of developmental and neurologic diagnoses. She is also a member of the Mary Free Bed ALS clinic team.
Cara Masselink, OTR
Cara graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in occupational therapy. She began working at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in 2008, and most recently joined the Assistive Technology team in 2009. As an occupational therapist she specializes in helping people regain independence with daily tasks at home and in the community.
Matthew Scholtens, MS, ATP
Matthew came aboard at Mary Free Bed O&P in 2000. As an assistive technology specialist, he performs computer access evaluation, equipment set-up, customization, and client training; computer voice access client training; electronic aids for daily living (EADL) evaluation, installation, and client training; wheelchair mounting for communication devices and EADL equipment; and installation, modification, or fabrication of electronic devices for emergency call, hospital bed controls, and door openers. Matthew is a graduate of the University of Michigan's Biomedical Engineering Program and is RESNA-certified assistive technology professional (ATP).