RIC Orthotic Clinical Staff

Our orthotics clinical staff is dedicated to working with you, your physician, and your therapist to design, fabricate and fit a custom prosthesis or orthosis that works best for you. The unique environment of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) allows direct interaction between all members of the rehabilitation team.  The input of staff physiatrists (doctors who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation) as well as occupational and physical therapists is invaluable in successful orthotic and prosthetic outcomes. The varied backgrounds and experience of the clinical staff ensure that the most diverse of patient needs can be met. 

Learn more about each member of our orthotics clinical staff:

Walter Afable, CP

Walter is an ABC Certified and Illinois Licensed Prosthetist and is a staff prosthetist at the RIC Prosthetics and Orthotics Clinical Center.  

Walter received his Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering from Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI. He received Prosthetic Technician and Prosthetic Practitioner certificates from Century College, White Bear Lake, MN and completed his prosthetic residency with MD Labs in Chicago. Most recently he worked at Dankmeyer, Inc. in Baltimore, MD. Currently he is participating in the blended learning certificate program in orthotics through the Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center.

Walter has received training and certification to fit the Harmony vacuum assisted socket system, Otto Bock myoelectric systems and C-leg, Rheo and Agility microprocessor knees. He also serves as an independent course consultant for Freedom Innovations, Irvine, CA and is a member of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists.

Ken Boggs, CO

Ken is an ABC Certified and Illinois Licensed Orthotist. Ken is a staff orthotist at the RIC Prosthetics and Orthotics Clinical Center and also serves patients at the RIC DayRehabCenter – Ravenswood and Windermere House at Hyde Park.

Ken completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in product design at Southern Illinois University in 1990. He has been in the orthotics and prosthetics field for 16 years—eight as a technician and eight as a clinician. He completed the Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center certificate program in orthotics in 1998 and then completed his orthotic residency at Keller Orthotics in Chicago, serving Children’s Memorial Hospital and Midwestern Orthopedics at Rush St Lukes in Chicago.

Ken has received training and certification to fit the Smartwalker ambulation training orthosis. He specializes in pediatric orthotics and spinal orthotics (post op, neuromuscular and scoliosis).  Ken is also a member of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists.

Martin Buckner, CPO

Martin is an ABC Certified and Illinois Licensed Prosthetist/Orthotist, bringing over 10 years experience in the field to RIC's flagship hospital. His formal training has included Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center certificate program and residency training at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

With knowledge and experience in pediatric orthotic/prosthetic care, acute early management of amputations and pediatric spine management, Martin is a great addition to the RIC family. He also contributes back to the community and the field of O&P as an adjunct faculty member in the OPT (Orthotic Prosthetic Technician) program at JJC (Joliet Junior College) and as a member of the American Academy of Orthotics Prosthetics Fabrication Sciences Society.

Richard Dempsey, C.Ped, Registered Prosthetic Assistant and Technician

Richard is a BCP Certified and Illinois Licensed Pedorthist and  an ABC registered prosthetic assistant. Richard is a part-time staff pedorthist at the RIC Prosthetics and Orthotics Clinical Center and also serves patients at the RIC Spine and Sports Rehabilitation Center. Additionally, Richard works as a prosthetic assistant and technician at the RIC Prosthetics and Orthotics Clinical Center.

Richard is a United States Marine Corps veteran who attended the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh for pre-engineering studies and completed his technical training at the Century College orthotic and prosthetic technician program. He then completed the Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center certificate program in pedorthics. Richard completed his pedorthic residency at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.

Richard has received training to fit Otto Bock custom silicone prostheses. His clinical interests include sports medicine, alternative medicine, partial foot amputation and new fabrication techniques. Richard has been with RIC for over ten years and he enjoys collaborating with professionals across disciplines to create unique solutions for patients.

Mark Han, CO

Mark is an ABC Certified and Illinois Licensed Orthotist and is a staff orthotist and the Director of Business Development for the RIC Prosthetics and Orthotics Clinical Center. He also serves patients at the RIC DayRehabCenter – Northbrook.

Mark received his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, IL. He then completed the Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center certificate program in Orthotics in 1991. Mark completed his Orthotic residency at Scheck & Siress in Oak Park, IL.  Mark also graduated from Orthotic Specialist School, 1986, United States Air Force: Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, TX.  He then served as an Orthotic Specialist at David Grant Medical Center, Travis Air Force Base, CA.  Mark was also an assistant Director of Orthotics education at the Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center and  was the Orthotics Operations Manager and a staff Orthotist at Children’s Memorial Medical Center in Chicago, IL.

Mark's clinical interests include both adult and pediatric orthotic management.

Donald McGovern, BS, OT, CPO, LPed, FAAOP

Don McGovern is an ABC Certified and Illinois Licensed Prothetist and Orthotist and is a staff orthotist and prosthetist at the RIC Prosthetics and Orthotics Clinical Center. He also serves patients at the RIC Outpatient Center in Homewood, the RIC DayRehabCenter – Willowbrook and the RIC Outpatient Center at Willowbrook.

Don has been in the orthotics and prosthetics field since 1979. He graduated from the University of Illinois Occupational Therapy School with Honors in 1979.  He completed the Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center certificate program in prosthetics in 1980 and in orthotics in 1982.  Don had his own orthotic and prosthetic practice for 18 years which focused on the pediatric population.

He is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists.

Vari McPherson, CPO, CP

Vari is an ABC Certified and Illinois Licensed Orthotist and Prosthetist and is a staff Orthotist at the RIC Prosthetics and Orthotics Clinical.

Vari completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Biomechanics and Human Kinetics at the University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada in 1997 and continued her education at the University of Washington, Seattle, WA in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics. She then completed her orthotic residency at Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, Hartford,CT in 2002 and completed her prosthetic residency at Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics in Chicago, IL. 

Vari has received training and certification to fit the Walk-Aid, multiple Stance Control Knee systems, Boston Scoliosis Brace, the C-leg and various dynamic prosthetic feet. She is also a member of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists and American Orthotics and Prosthetics Association.