Our Team

Manuel Garcia LPO, CPO, FAAOP

In 1972 Manuel and his father, Manuel Sr., co-founded Manuel Garcia Prosthetic and Orthotic Centers. Currently he is the CEO and the clinical and administrative director. As an American Board Certified and Ohio Licensed Prosthetist and Orthotist, with over 40 years of experience, he has had numerous board and presidential positions for orthotic and prosthetic organizations throughout his career.

Manuel has served 2 three year terms on the State Board Of Orthotics, Prosthetics, & Pedorthics. He has served on the board for the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy & Orothists and Prosthetists.

Manuel was one of the first practitioners to fit a C-leg in the state of Ohio and pioneered the use of this advanced technology as the initial prosthesis, siting the reduced rehabilitation time needed to regain personal independence.

In May 2003 Manuel was a one of 20 experts on microprocessor controlled Knees that met at the U.S. Army's request on the campus of Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC to discuss various issues relating to the use of the microprocessor knee for wounded soldiers. Walter Reed Medical Center is charged with managing the needs of returning servicemen and women from the Iraqi War who may require prostheses. The forum structure was similar to a consensus conference. Its primary goal being the establishment of specific patient procedure and protocol for the microprocessor knee component. The chairman selected participants based upon their personal clinical experience in fitting, prescribing, evaluating and/or clinical research with the microprocessor knee component

Along with his clinical responsibilities, Manuel was a co-founder of Point Health Centers of America in 1990, This unique networking model created in Ohio was ultimately duplicated in many other states nationally throughout the 1990’s and still in use today.

In addition to his corporate responsibilities and patient care, Manuel has lectured to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residents at Metrohealth Medical Center. Manuel is a member of the National and Ohio Chapters of the Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists and Pedorthists.

David J. Garcia LP.LPed,CP,CPed

David is a third generation practitioner. As a child he enjoyed accompanying his father to work every chance he could. He found his father’s career inspirational and intriguing. He couldn't wait for show and tell day to take an arm in to show his classmates what an artificial myoelectric arm looked like and how it worked. Growing up in the business watching technology improve enticed David to delve further into the field. In 1992 he began working as a technician full time, in 1994 he began pedorthic school and was certified in 1995. As his pedorthic practice grew he knew he wanted to continue his journey into becoming certified in prosthetics. In 1996 he became a registered technician and in the spring of 1998 finished his educational requirements to sit for his prosthetist certification. Since 1998 he has focused on Vacuum Assisted Socket Technology(VASS), Microprocessor controlled prosthesis and upper limb Prosthetic development. David was one of the first practitioners to fit, a Proprio prosthetic foot in Ohio to a unilateral and bilateral amputee and was the first to fit an iLimb in Ohio. He is one of the elite few certified practitioners to fit the Genium Knee, Michelangelo Hand, the Dynamic Arm.

David enjoys lecturing at area schools, The Great Lakes Science Center and at the annual Regional Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Lower and Upper Limb Course. David is an active member of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthesis. He is currently a Past President of the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Orthotics & Prosthetists. David is also a committee member for the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services Relations Committee and Ohio Prosthetic and Orthotic Parity Commission.

In his spare time he is an instructor and referee in the martial arts. He has earned his black belt in Karate.

Edwin D. Niehaus LP, CPO

Edwin is certified by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics as a Prosthetist/Orthotist and is an Ohio licensed prosthetist with over 13 years of experience. Edwin is dedicated to the art, science and humanity involved in the orthotic & prosthetic field. Edwin’s interest lies in helping people restore their lives.

Prior to joining our team Edwin traveled extensively through out Europe, Asia and the Middle East. In Saudi Arabia he worked with hospital personnel to help create Physical Education programs for men, women, and children.

Edwin has served as a Minister for more than 9 years and is involved extensively with the Boy Scouts of America as an Assistant Scout Master and Chaplain. Edwin is a well rounded man with an infectious laugh who loves working with people of all ages and abilities as he continues to flourish in his chosen field.

Edwin has been appointed to a second term to serve on the State Board Of Orthotics, Prosthetics, & Pedorthics.

Marian C. Paulus LP, CP

Marian is an American Board Certified and Ohio Licensed Prosthetist with her bachelors degree in prosthetics from Florida International University. She has over 15 years experience in the orthotics and prosthetics field. Marian’s clinical experience is vast and unique because she too is an above the knee amputee.

At the the age of 1 she began to wear a prosthesis. She has been able to use her humor and compassion to assist many patients with the trials of adjusting to the loss of a limb. Marian has not allowed her limb loss to slow her down as she enjoys playing softball, basketball, roller-skating, bicycling and golfing.

Charles A. Gustkey III CPOA, CTP

Charles has more than 27 years experience in the field of prosthetics and orthotics. His expertise is in the manufacture, modification, and design of prostheses and orthoses.

He designed and developed a Custom Discontinuous shaped covering system for use with microprocessor-controlled knee prosthesis.