Clinical Team
-
Ryan Russell, CPO
Owner & Certified Prosthetist / Orthotist
Chatsworth, Thousand Oaks, & Oxnard
Ryan is an ABC-certified prosthetist and orthotist with over 14 years of experience. He began his career in the U.S. Air Force as an orthotist before expanding into prosthetics at the Cal State Dominguez Hills Prosthetics Program.
Ryan’s expertise has been featured on national media outlets including The Doctors, The History Channel, The Ellen Show, and Good Morning America. One of his proudest professional moments was traveling to Haiti in 2010 to provide prosthetic care after the devastating earthquake.
Outside of work, Ryan enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, surfing, and just about anything outdoors. A dedicated sports fan, he proudly supports all his local L.A. teams.
-
Jeffrey Vranesh, CP
Certified Prosthetist
Chatsworth
Jeff was introduced to the field of orthotics and prosthetics by his father-in-law, Bill Peralta, owner of Glendale Prosthetics. After completing the prosthetics program at UCLA and earning his ABC certification, he founded Reseda Prosthetics and Orthotics in 1978.
For more than 40 years, Jeff has built his practice on unwavering loyalty to his patients and a deep dedication to craftsmanship and artistry. His unique approach and attention to detail in every device have made him a highly sought-after clinician, especially for complex cases that require specialized expertise.
Outside of work, Jeff loves spending time with his family especially his three grandchildren. He also enjoys cycling, woodworking, and a good game of poker.
-
Marcie Diamond, CPO
Certified Prosthetist / Orthotist
Chatsworth & Thousand Oaks
Marcie is an ABC-certified prosthetist orthotist passionate for blending science, creativity, and patient-centered care. She earned her M.S. in Orthotics and Prosthetics from Baylor College of Medicine and completed an 18-month residency at facilities in Sacramento, Denver, Albuquerque, and Seattle.
Her path began at the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a B.S. in Bioengineering and first discovered prosthetic design. With a background in theatre production, Marcie brings a creative perspective to her work emphasizing innovation, attention to detail, and a personalized approach to each patient’s experience.
Outside of work, Marcie enjoys hiking, camping, exploring national parks, and spending time with family and friends.
-
Robert Salone, CPO
Certified Prosthetist / Orthotist
Chatsworth
Robert has been practicing in the field of orthotics and prosthetics for more than 15 years. He is a BOC-certified prosthetist orthotist with an MBA in Finance and has over 25 years of experience in business development and operations. Before joining Empowered, Robert served as a Clinic Manager for Hanger Clinic, where he combined his clinical expertise with strong leadership and strategic insight.
Robert’s deep understanding of device usability and patient experience drives his mission to redefine the connection between people and their prosthetic and orthotic devices. He is also passionate about educating the community, raising awareness of the field, and encouraging others to pursue rewarding careers in orthotics and prosthetics.
Outside of work, Robert enjoys volunteering in his community and spending time with his wife of more than 22 years.
-
Alberto Gonzalez, CFo
Certified Orthotic Fitter
Chatsworth
Alberto has been an ABC-certified orthotic fitter since 2013, and he is currently a candidate for Prosthetic Assistant. He studied Kinesiology and earned a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology at CSUN. At Empowered, Alberto is deeply committed to helping patients, particularly in diabetic foot care. He is inspired to improve patient mobility and comfort. He cares about protecting patients’ feet and reducing pain through orthotics and braces for both feet and knees. His focus is on enhancing function and quality of life, allowing patients to regain mobility and independence.
Outside of work, Albert enjoys mountain biking and exploring the outdoors. His active lifestyle reflects his dedication to movement and health.
-
Anthony Russell, CFo
Certified Orthotic Fitter
Chatsworth & Thousand Oaks
Anthony is an ABC-certified orthotic fitter at Empowered Prosthetics and Orthotics, where he supports patients through evaluations, fittings, and the delivery of orthotic devices. With seven years of experience in the prosthetic and orthotic field, Anthony finds his work most rewarding when patients leave feeling happy and more confident with their personalized medical devices. He is passionate about helping people live their day-to-day lives with greater comfort and independence.
Outside of work, Anthony enjoys gaming, is a proud Star Wars enthusiast, and cheers loudly for the Philadelphia Eagles.
-
Mark Tracy, CFo
Certified Orthotic Fitter
Chatsworth
Mark is a BOC Certified Orthotic Fitter with decades of experience evaluating and fabricating custom foot orthotics and fitting braces from head to toe. He began his career in the early 1990s at Vogue Prosthetic Orthotic Center in Reseda and most recently worked at Hanger Clinic. Mark now feels right at home as part of the Empowered family, where he can focus on providing personalized, patient-centered care.
Outside of work, Mark is passionate about the collector car hobby and has served multiple terms on his club’s board of directors.
Administrative Team
-
Araceli Jamison
Patient Care Office Manager
Chatsworth
Araceli brings over 20 years of experience to the orthotics and prosthetics field, having worked in nearly every administrative role. Her favorite place is at the front desk, where she can connect directly with patients, assist with insurance and accounting needs, and hear their inspiring stories. With her warm personality and dedication, Araceli is an invaluable member of the Empowered team.
Outside of work, Araceli enjoys watching documentaries on historical events and true crime. Family is at the heart of her life, and she treasures time spent with her three daughters, parents, and granddaughter. She also loves going on walks with her two rescue dogs and two cats.
-
Gaby Bueno
Patient Care Coordinator
Chatsworth
Gaby brings seven years of customer service experience to her role in patient care administration. After deciding to transition from the financial industry, she discovered her passion for orthotics and prosthetics and has been a valued member of the Empowered team for the past two years. Gaby is passionate about helping patients restore mobility and confidence in their everyday lives, and she values forming meaningful connections while contributing to a team committed to exceptional patient care.
Outside of work, she enjoys listening to music, traveling with her husband, spending time with family, and doting on her beloved cats.
-
Jeanette Bueno
Patient Care Coordinator
Chatsworth
Jeanette brings more than eight years of healthcare experience to her role at Empowered Prosthetics and Orthotics. Before joining the team, she worked as an Operations Coordinator at Kaiser Permanente and as a Utilization Management Representative with Shield Healthcare. In her current role, she assists with patient check-ins and insurance verification, helping ensure every visit is smooth and stress-free. Jeanette loves connecting with patients, hearing their stories, and seeing the difference Empowered makes in their lives.
Outside of work, she enjoys watching sports with her husband, traveling, trying new cooking and baking recipes, and spending time with her cat, Mr. Noodles.
-
Linda Browning
Patient Care Coordinator
Thousand Oaks
Linda brings over 15 years of customer service experience and 5 years in the orthotics and prosthetics field to her role as a patient care coordinator. In her previous experience, she has served as a customer representative at Anthem BlueCross. Linda loves connecting with patients, learning their stories, and helping them navigate insurance to ensure a smooth, stress-free experience.
Outside of work, Linda treasures time with her family—including her husband of 40 years, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A passionate cook and baker, she has published her own cookbook, enjoys teaching classes, and still makes time for trips to Disneyland.
-
Lupe FitzGerald
Patient Care Coordinator
Oxnard
Lupe brings more than 40 years of experience in the medical field, including 29 years in management. Throughout her career, she has developed a passion for leadership and clinical operations, taking pride in supporting both patients and staff. Her experience across multiple medical specialties has given her a well-rounded understanding of patient care and healthcare administration.
Outside of work, Lupe is a proud mother of two sons and a daughter and a loving grandmother to two granddaughters. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, socializing, and spending quality time with her family.
-
Marvin Martinez
Patient Liaison
Chatsworth, Thousand Oaks, & Oxnard
Marvin serves as the patient liaison. He brings a unique perspective and deep understanding to individuals navigating life with limb loss. As an amputee himself, he offers both knowledge and empathy, helping patients feel supported and confident throughout their care journey. His ability to connect on a personal level makes him an invaluable part of our care team.
Marvin is also a proud U.S. Marine veteran, having served from 2011 to 2016 as an infantry machine gunner and honorably discharged as a Corporal.
Outside of work, he enjoys cycling, hiking, weight training, and spending time with his two dogs.
-
Desiree Jamison
Appointment Scheduler
Desiree is a Scheduler at Empowered Prosthetics and Orthotics, where she plays a key role in coordinating patient appointments and maintaining accurate patient information. With a background in nonprofit volunteering work and hands-on experience shadowing her mother in healthcare, Desiree brings empathy and strong communication skills to her role. She is known for her patience and calming presence, often helping to ease frustrations during long wait times and addressing patient questions or concerns with care and clarity.
Outside of work, Desiree enjoys listening to and creating music, dancing and singing, and spending quality time with her daughter on walks to the park.
-
Shaeleigh Russell
Patient & Insurance Care Coordinator
Shaeleigh graduated from Grand Canyon University in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in business and marketing. At Empowered, she also communicates with doctors about documentation and insurance verification. She values making the process seamless for patients by coordinating effectively with insurance providers and healthcare professionals.
Outgoing and full of energy, Shaeleigh loves connecting with people and bringing positivity to the team. Outside of work, she enjoys going to Disneyland!
-
Missy Russell
People Operations
Missy has several years of experience in the medical field and has worked in many aspects of patient care, including front office, back office, medical assisting, and billing. Her natural ability to build instant connections helps patients feel comfortable and supported throughout their entire experience at Empowered.
Outside of work, Missy enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, and relaxing at the beach.
Fabrication Team
-
Dat Le
Orthotic and Prosthetic Technician
Chatsworth
Dat has more than 40 years of experience as an orthotic and prosthetic technician. He began his career in Seattle before joining Reseda Prosthetics, the former practice of Empowered Prosthetics and Orthotics, in 1988. Involved in every aspect of the fabrication process, Dat brings a wealth of knowledge, skill, and craftsmanship to the team. Dat personalizes every medical device with precision, care, and expertise.
Outside of work, Dat is an avid sports fan who enjoys playing golf, tennis, and basketball.
-
Pete Velez
Shipping/Receiving Coordinator & Orthotic and Prosthetic Technician
Chatsworth
Pete oversees shipping and handling for a wide range of supplies, from shoes to inserts and more. He also serves as an orthotic and prosthetic technician. With over fifteen years of warehouse experience, Pete brings strong organizational skills and reliability to the fabrication team. At Empowered, Pete enjoys expanding his expertise by learning hands-on skills, including the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into building prosthetics.
Outside of work, he loves spending time with his two kids.