Our Team

Demetrio Amador started his Prosthetic and Orthotics career in 1999 as a technician apprentice at a highly recognized facility on
Long Island, N.Y., which had a 99% amputee patient population. After several years, he began to master the thermo-forming of
plastics, mold duplication, laminations, and cosmetic coverings for all amputation levels. He quickly advanced in position and skill to
become a lead Prosthetic technician in this facility. In 2008, Demetrio went on to work for a company whose primary scope of patients wore Orthotic devices. Here, he gained invaluable knowledge in the design and fabrication of bracing of all types. He also gained experience in upper extremity prosthetics, including myo-electric and passive prosthesis, allowing him to earn the title of specialist. To date, Demetrio has over two decades in O&P experience and currently works full time as a Lab Manager/
Technician for a renowned facility in New York City with a high turnaround and success rate. Demetrio is well versed in all aspects of design & fabrication of Orthotic and Prosthetic devices. He has worked closely with numerous manufacturers in the industry, beta testing cutting edge products and new componentry for the patients he provides services and (recording) outcomes to better improve
these products and patients quality of life.
Demetrio’s first experience with Limb Kind Foundation was in 2021 in which he was honored with an invitation to join an amazing
team of professionals in Kenya. He had the opportunity to volunteer and looks forward to continue providing his technical knowledge
and expertise for the betterment of lives globally.

Bob Arkow, MSW, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (retired) with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond Virginia. He began his career with the New York City Child Welfare
Administration and served as Program Director for Foster Care and Group Home programs with several non-profit foster care agencies. Prior to retiring in 2015 Bob was the Mental Health Unit Manager on Rikers Island where he was
responsible for overseeing the provision of mental health services for the female inmates in the Rose M. Singer Center, the only facility for incarcerated woman on Rikers Island.
Bob’s interest in photography has developed over many years and he especially enjoys photographing all aspects of nature including animals in their natural habitats. Bob has travelled the world in in pursuit of his photography including Kenya, Brazil, Ecuador and Alaska.
Photographing the members of the Limb Kind family has added a new dimension to his photography and to capture the joy in the faces of the children as they participate in the various events and outings is truly rewarding.

Neerja Baijal is a physical therapist, practicing for over 30 years. She was raised in India and
did her Masters in Physical Therapy from Mumbai, India. She came to the US in 1993 and has worked in Level One Trauma centers, Rehabilitation Centers, Outpatient Clinics, Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Center, Pediatric Rehabilitation etc. Currently she provides Early Intervention to babies 0-3 years old. She is very passionate about helping people stay independent and aspires to help her clients reach their full potential. When Doctors help you add years to your life, her motto is to add life to those years. Her favorite line is, “How can we do this”. She doesn’t like to use the word “Never”. “If there is a way, we will find it together”, is what she believes in.
She has helped run a very successful Gavel Club for Jack and Jill of America, Suffolk County
Chapter to help children from Grade 2 to Grade 12 hone their public speaking skills. She has
helped start and maintain a vegetable garden with Teenagers to donate fresh produce to Pronto in Bayshore. She has worked with children to make lap blankets to donate to the Veterans Center. She has volunteered at Boys and Girls Club, Bellport and Tri CYA, Huntington serving holiday meals and organized collection of gift cards to be distributed as gifts for the holidays.
She believes in the potential of differently abled and hopes to be a conduit to help them realize
their dreams.

Jessica Bodary MPO, CPO is a certified prosthetist/orthotist with a masters in prosthetics & orthotics from NorthWestern University. Jess received her bachelors in Kinesiology from Michigan State University. Jess is very passionate about the field of prosthetics because she gets to help others, she believes it is her purpose in life. She first met Rob while volunteering at Camp No Limits Big Bear, CA in 2017. Once hearing about Robs LKF trips- she knew she had to ask to be part of the team. Jess joined her first LKF trip to the Philippines in 2019 where she fell in love with the LKF’s mission. Jess is excited to continue being part of the LimbKind Foundation by helping spread kindness and make differences in many children’s and their families lives around the world. 

   Deon Carryl has worked her entire career managing the front end of medical offices and has become an expert in insurance and health care management. For the past 20 years, she has worked in the Prosthetic/Orthotic industry, and is well versed in Prosthetic insurance coverage.   Becoming the Practice Manager at the Limb Kind Prosthetic Center has given her the opportunity to fight for something she believes in.  Deon stands behind the mission of Limb Kind and has been by our side since day one.  She will greet you by the door with a hug and a smile, but is a force to be reckoned with when she is fighting your insurance company for authorization.   

Billy Davis is a New York City based real estate agent and  entrepreneur. Born and raised in Kansas by visually impaired parents, Billy was a high school and Division 1 standout athlete in football and track and field. He moved to the Northeast in 1998. After losing his leg in May 2012, Billy set out on the mission of becoming a triathlete. Three years later he would compete is in first full triathlon. Along the way, he leveraged the event into his first fundraising effort. Since then, Billy has worked with some of the nation’s top organizations helping people with disabilities and limb difference as an advocate, fundraiser, and board member. When Billy isn’t training for triathlons, he enjoys going to comedy clubs and watching movies. Volunteering with Limb Kind has been an amazing and rewarding experience for him, being able to give back to his community. Billy is extremely proud to be part of the Limb Kind family! 

Duffy Felmlee, MSPO, CPO, FAAOP is an associate professor for the Prosthetics and Orthotics Program at the University of Hartford. Duffy maintains practice as clinical and educational consultant for Hanger Clinic primarily focused on lower extremity orthoses and is in his eleventh year of clinical practice. Duffy has received his Master's of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics from the University of Hartford in 2010 and his Fellow of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists in 2019; furthermore, he is pursuing is PhD in Kinesiology through the University of Connecticut. Duffy transitioned into the full-time academic role in 2014 and is the primary Orthotic course instructor, Director of the Adult Balance Lab, Technical Director of the University of Hartford’s Cromwell MSPO Lab, and associate Program Director for the University of Hartford MSPO program. Duffy’s research focuses on functional rehabilitation interventions for the veteran populations, which include investigation into submerged swimming prostheses and use of microprocessor knees to reduce falls. Additionally, Duffy serves as the national Chair for the Fabrication Sciences Society within the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists.

Duffy’s work within the international community originated with efforts in Lima, Peru. This location provided insight into how effective a skilled multi-disciplinary team can be in a new and unique environment. These trips have developed into a clinical and educational endeavor to not only make contributions to individuals’ lives with the prosthesis, but also making an impact with in-country healthcare providers by assist in development of best practices unique to the orthotics and prosthetic populations. Duffy first met Rob through Camp No Limits and has been fortunate to work along the LimbKind team in Davao City, Philippines. It is Duffy’s intention to assist LimbKind into developing unique experiences for graduate level students to become involved in international humanitarian endeavors to cultivate a culture of life-long benefic both domestically and abroad

Nicole began her journey to limb kind after she met the founder Rob at a camp for children with limb loss. She saw the difference he was making in the children’s lives in Haiti on his own and wanted to be a part of it. Being a bilateral above knee amputee herself since 2015, and having spent the previous years working on her degree to become a nurse practitioner, Nicole saw this as yet another opportunity to give back to the limb loss community, but this time, overseas. 

Nicole was honored to be on the first limb kind trip to Haiti in 2018 and it changed her life. She vowed to help limb kind grow in any way she could, so much so that she moved to NYC from Wisconsin just to be closer to the Limb Kind Pediatric Prosthetic Center. Working as a nurse practitioner in physical medicine and rehabilitation as well as her years of experience as an amputee has helped Nicole become an integral part of the Limb Kind Family. Nicole has been on multiple Limb Kind trips, participates in youth outreach here in NYC as well as is the Emcee/participant coordinator for Limb Kind’s Show your Shine Runway event!

Nicole lost her legs due to a rare heart condition, and when she awoke from her coma to find her legs had been amputated she thought her life was over. Little did she know at the time, that Limb Kind would give her her life back. Nicole says it means everything to her that she gets to help provide the tools she was privileged enough to receive, to these children who don’t have the same access and opportunities she had. It has become her mission to leave them feeling like they are worthy of the independence, love, and kindness they so deserve. That they are not alone. 

Roberto as been a huge asset to the growth of Limb Kind since inception. Has been on many trips as either a Prosthetist, a Videographer, or both. Helping to create, edit, and publish social media videos and posts has been a great help from Roberto. 

Ashley was born and raised on Long Island, NY where she continues to live with her husband and three sons. She received her BA in Psychology from Boston University, followed by her PhD in clinical psychology from Columbia University. Ashley maintains a small private practice, although most of her current time is spent being a mom the her three young boys. Ashley loves theater, to dance, to travel and to spend time with her family.

Josh was born and raised on Long Island, NY where he continues to live with his wife and three sons. Josh is a third generation dental lab owner. Josh has his MDT and works hands on as a certified dental technician at Marotta Dental Studio in Farmingdale, NY. In his free time, he loves to be outside, to build and fix things, and to spend time with his family.

Ashley and Josh have three sons together: their middle son, Jordan, was born with a limb difference. They feel they have been blessed with making so many wonderful connections within the limb different community and that speaking with parents who “truly get it” has been invaluable. They hope to bring their knowledge, warmth, and understanding to the LK family in hopes of helping other parents feel supported and understood.

Meet “BrockStar” McConkey, CPO, and manager of POPS at Shriner Children’s New England in Springfield, MA. He is a certified prosthetist/orthotist of 29 years spending 20 of those at Shriners and counting. Brock’s areas of special interest include complex upper/lower prosthetic projects as well as treating burn patients for prosthetics. He enjoys taking his show on the road around the world with the Limb Kind team giving children the prosthetics needed to return to being a kid. Brock once hiked Mount Kilimanjaro with a group of amputees from England while making sure their prostheses stayed working during the climb. When not traveling the world helping kids, he enjoys camping with his family and riding his bike all over New England.
Brock believes that every child deserves the right to get to run, jump , and play with friends no matter what country they live in . Brock lives by this quote: “the greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively”.
Fun fact: Before beginning a career in prosthetics brock was a glassblower.

Dr. Patel is a highly accomplished and board-certified pediatrician with an extensive track record of over eight years practicing on Long Island. Her residency training at New York Medical College and chief resident has equipped her with invaluable expertise. Currently, Dr. Patel holds privileges at prestigious institutions, including Stony Brook Children's Hospital and South Shore University Hospital.

Specializing in general pediatrics, Dr. Patel's professional focus encompasses pediatric behavioral health and mental well-being. She possesses a wealth of experience in caring for children with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and special needs. Driven by her belief that a pediatrician's role extends beyond physical health, she diligently strives to promote comprehensive well-being by employing evidence-based medicine. Dr. Patel is renowned for her compassion and unwavering dedication, as she remains resolute in making a positive impact on each patient under her care. She treats them with the utmost kindness, care, and respect.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Patel embraces a vibrant personal life. She finds solace in traveling and cherishes quality time spent with her family. As a proud mother of a 19 year-old son and an 14 year-old daughter, she deeply understands the joys and challenges of parenthood. In her spare time, Dr. Patel actively engages in volunteer work, participating in numerous community service events. You can often find her helping at organizations such as Toys For Tots, Remote area medical, soup kitchens, food drives, and blood drives. Driven by her unwavering belief in the power of community, she tirelessly advocates for mutual commitment and support among its members.

In essence, Dr. Patel exemplifies excellence in pediatric care through her extensive experience, genuine compassion, and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of her patients. Her holistic approach to healthcare, coupled with her commitment to community service, makes her a trusted and respected figure within her field and beyond. 

Jacob Schulman, a 2020 graduate of SUNY College at Oneonta, went on following the footsteps of his father, our Executive Director Robert Schulman, and pursued the field of Prosthetics and Orthotics.  Jacob attended the California State University, Masters Program for Prosthetics and Orthotics, graduating in 2022.  He has a strong passion for utilizing new technologies in Prosthetics, as well as a desire to help Limb Kind’s international efforts in accomplishing our mission.   Upon return from California, Jacob started his combined residency program at the Limb Kind Prosthetic Center, here in Ozone Park, NY.  Jacob is proving himself to be a skilled, creative, and passionate practitioner that will be a strong asset to the Limb Kind Foundation.  

Jacob is enthusiastic about taking on more roles and responsibilities within the Limb Kind Foundation.  

Matilde Simas is a documentary photographer from Boston. Her work focuses heavily on the beauty of the human spirit and aims to show the dignity of every subject. Matilde’s travels have brought her around the world, where she examines the theme of human rights and attempts to capture – with the utmost respect and admiration – the resilience of human beings. She has been recognized with numerous international awards including a UNICEF Photo of the Year HM for her work with Voice of the Free.

Matilde has been part of the Limb Kind family since inception as the Creative Director, helping us share our stories to all who follow through photo, video, and through story. We are so thankful to have Mattie, so the rest of the world has the oppportunity to share the impact we are making both here in the US, and all around the word. Please enjoy most all of the photographs on our site, giving acelades to our star Photographer Mattie.

Mattie has created the organization, Capture Humanity, which is an artistic collaboration of photographers, filmmakers, and writers documenting humanitarian groups that assist women, children, marginalized communities, and conservation efforts around the world.  Please visit the Capture Humanity site, and support her amazing efforts.

Jill Smith graduated from Towson University, in Towson, MD in 1999 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Occupational Therapy. Jill has worked with all populations over the span of her career, but has found her passion working with the pediatric limb loss population. Jill has been using her OT skills, working with Limb Kind, both in the Youth Groups and Internationally on the mission trips she attends.  Jill has been involved with the Limb Kind Foundation before it was even a non-profit organization, helping run fundraisers, and special events. Jill has taken on the roles of Youth Group Director and Special Events Coordinator, and created the first ever, "Show Your Shine" Adaptive Runway Fashion Show. The Event was created in order to improve the self confidence of the amputees and show the world the things within them that make them shine. This event was also created to educate the community on the importance of seeing past ones physical self, and seeing the beauty that comes from within.  Jill has joined the Limb Kind International team multiple times as an Assistant Trip Leader, reinforcing her desire to stand behind Limb Kind's Mission.  Jill is extremely passionate about her work with the limb loss community, and feels fortunate as an Occupational Therapist to offer her skills to those in need.