Meet our Practitioners

Dennis Clark CPO
Founder/President

Dennis Clark, CPO is the founder and president of Clark & Associates. Additionally, he serves as president of the Orthotic and Prosthetic Group of America (OPGA). Dennis has worked in the orthotic and prosthetic fields for more than 30 years. He began his career in 1976 as a staff technician in his father's business; Dale Clark Prosthetics. This work inspired him to earn certifications and go on to teach at Northwestern University. Dennis continued his career as owner of Dale Clark Prosthetics, regional vice president of NovaCare Orthotics & Prosthetics Division, vice president of Practice Development, regional vice president of Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics, founder and president of DEC Development, president of Clark & Associates Prosthetics & Orthotics, and as lead prosthetist at Walter Reed Army Medical Center/Prosthetics Department. Dennis has served on the board of directors for the American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists (AAOP) and served as president of AAOP-Region 7. Dennis also served on the advisory Board for the American Orthotics and Prosthetics Association (AOPA), and served as president of the American Board for Certification for Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC). He is also an active member of the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA). Dennis has been featured in industry, military, and news publications including O & P Edge, the O & P Almanac, O & P Business News, Popular Mechanics, Biomechanics, Red Orbit, the Waterloo Courier, ARNews, Newsmax and The Bayonet.

Andrew Steele CPO
Certified Prosthetist/ Orthotist- Partner

Andrew Steele, MBA, CPO serves as the managing partner of Clark & Associates Prosthetics and Orthotics. He is a Certified Prosthetist/ Orthotist serving patients in Waterloo and Mason City, as well as contributing to business planning and financial analysis. Steele has a very personal interest in the field of prosthetics as he lost his leg below the knee in 1981 in a farm accident at the age of 12. He believes hard work is the key to success and demonstrates this philosophy through his many professional accomplishments. “If you work hard enough, you will make your own luck,” Steele said. He’s contributed to many lectures and workshops as well as having research published, namely in the Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics.

Prior to this position and his partnership with Clark & Associates, Steele was a staff prosthetist/ orthotist at Dale Clark Prosthetics for four years and then Vice President or Orthotics and Prosthetics Once, Inc a prosthetics and orthotics outsourcing firm. He completed his prosthetics residency at Newington Children’s Hospital in Newington, Connecticut in 1992. Steele earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1991 from the University of Iowa. He received his certificate in prosthetics in 1991 and his certificate of orthotics in 1993, both from Northwestern University. In May 2000, he earned his MBA from the University of Northern Iowa. He is a past-president of the Iowa Association of Prosthetics, Orthotics and Pedorthics Association (IPOPA). Steele and his wife Sarah currently reside in Waterloo, Iowa. They have four children, Madisyn, Patrick, Thomas and Natalie.

Special Training/Ceritification:

• Otto Bock C-Leg Certified
• Otto Bock Harmony Pump Certified
• Otto Bock E-Mag Active Certified
• Otto Bock Sensor Walk Certified
• Utah Arm Certified
• Ossur Rheo Knee Certified
• Ossur Proprio Foot Certified
• Bioness L-300 Foot Drop System
• Plie’ Knee
• Galileo System- Functional Level Indication System
• COMPAS- Computerized Prosthetic Alignment System
• Stance Control Knee Ankle Foot Orthotics
• Otto Bock Genium Knee Certified
• Otto Bock X2 Knee Certified

Dean Sturch CO
Certified Orthotist - Partner

Dean Sturch serves as a partner and manager at Clark & Associates Prosthetics and Orthotics. Based in the Waterloo office, he is responsible for managing orthotic clients. He is a certified orthotist by the American Board of Certification and has been in practice for 23 years.

Sturch believes focusing on the abilities of his patients will lead to their success. He understands their needs come first, and this philosophy shows through the patient care he provides. He truly enjoys pediatric orthotics.
Sturch earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 1984. He completed both the orthotics tech and orthotics practitioner programs in 1987 at Northeast Metro Tech in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. In 1988, he completed his residency at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Sturch currently resides in Waterloo, Iowa with his wife Shelly. They have two daughters, Samantha and Bridget.

Certifications and Qualifications:

• Clinically trained in Bioness L300 Orthosis
• Cascade DAFO Pediatric Orthosis
• Otto Bock Stance Control Orthosis
• Horton Stance Control Orthosis
• Certified SWASH Fitter

John Costello CPO
Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist - Partner

John Costello serves as a partner at Clark & Associates Prosthetics and Orthotics. He is a certified prosthetist and orthotist. He is responsible for patient care in the Waterloo and Mason City offices. 

Costello brings strong optimism to Clark & Associates. His philosophy is to always stay positive and open minded. He believes exceptional patient care can only be achieved by truly listening to your patients. He states that it is very rewarding to help patients meet and exceed their expectations and goals. 
Costello has worked in the prosthetic and orthotic field for over 17 years, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to Clark & Associates. Prior to his partnership with Clark & Associates, Costello was employed by Hanger Orthopedic Group and Nova Care. He started his career with Dale Clark Prosthetics in 1994. He also served as an upper extremity specialist for Advanced Arm Dynamics from 2003 to 2007. He is certified by the American Board of Certification in both prosthetics and orthotics. 
Costello earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Coe College in 1992. He earned his certificate of orthotics in 1994 and his certificate of prosthetics in 2000, both from Northwestern University. He and his wife Karri currently reside in Dike, Iowa. They have two children, Ella and Carson.

Costello’s specialized training in prosthetics includes;

• Otto Bock C-leg certified
• Otto Bock Myobock course
• Ossur Proprio foot certified
• Utah arm course
• Harmony certified
• Tracer CAD
• Trained in Bioness for orthotics
• Plie’ Knee
• COMPAS- Computerized Prosthetic Alignment System
• Stance Control Knee Ankle Foot Orthotics
• Galileo System- Functional Level Indication System

Travis Carlson CPO
Practice Manager/ Certified Prosthetist-Orthotist/ Part Owner

Travis Carlson serves as a certified prosthetist-orthotist and practice manager at the Dubuque and Cedar Rapids offices of Clark & Associates. He is responsible for all aspects of patient care, as well as overseeing all clinical and business activities in these offices. He currently has added his care at our Marshalltown office as well.

Carlson brings a strong philosophy to Clark & Associates. He believes his mission is to assist patients who require orthotic and prosthetic services by focusing on maximizing their capabilities, and providing the highest level of compassionate patient care possible.

Carlson has worked in the orthotic and prosthetic field since 2001. He started his career as a volunteer technician at OandP1 Central Fabrication. He graduated from Northwestern University with degrees in Orthotics and Prosthetics. Carlson fulfilled his Orthotic residency in the Chicago area providing acute and outpatient care at Multiple Chicago area hospitals including Northwestern Memorial. Carlson completed his Prosthetic Residency with Clark and Associates while traveling to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C., providing prosthetic care to the men and women wounded in military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Carlson routinely provides care that covers the complete spectrum of orthotic and prosthetic services. Carlson has in-depth experience in the areas of pediatric orthotics (including cranial remolding helmets), functional electric stimulation devices, and microprocessor controlled prosthetic systems. He currently resides in Cedar Rapids with his wife and daughter

Certifications/Qualifications

• IPOPA Board Member (Iowa Prosthetic and Orthotic Professional Association)
• ADA Board Member (Americans with Disability Act)
• Microprocessor Technologies
  • C-Leg
  • Rheo Knee
  • Proprio Foot
  • Plie’ Knee
• Alignment Technologies
  • COMPAS - Computerized Prosthetic Aligment System
• Outcomes Technologies
  • Galileo System- Functional Level Indication System
  • Pediatric Cranial Remolding Helmets/li>
  • Bioness L-300 Foot Drop System
  • Stance Control Knee Ankle Foot Orthotics

Shawn Weinke CPed
Certified Pedorthist

Shawn Weinke serves as a certified pedorthist at Clark & Associates Prosthetics and Orthotics. He is responsible for the design, manufacture, modification and fit of footwear. These designs and changes allow him to prevent or alleviate foot problems caused by disease, congenital defect, overuse or injury.

Prior to his position at Clark & Associates, Weinke served as an orthotic technician and marketing manager at Orthotics and Prosthetics One, Inc., and Central Fabrication.

Weinke received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 1997. In 2005, he earned his certificate of pedorthotics from Northwestern. He currently resides in Waterloo, Iowa. He is married to Stacy, and has three grown children, Brandon, Lindsey and Jake, and one granddaughter.

Pat McTaggart CO
Certified Orthotist

Pat McTaggart serves as a certified orthotist in the Dubuque office of Clark & Associates Prosthetics and Orthotics. McTaggart bring a strong philosophy to Clark & Associates. He believes the company is well respected and operates with integrity. His primary focus is on the needs and abilities of his patients.

McTaggart was introduced to the field of orthotics while applying to P.T. School and working as a P.T. Aide for five years. He has worked in the field since 1992 and is certified by the American Board of Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Clark & Associates and has significant experience in pediatric orthotics.

McTaggart earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Loras College in 1984. He earned his certificate of orthotics in 1991 from Northwestern University and completed his internship at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in 1992. In 2009, McTaggart went back to school for prosthetics, studying prosthetics via distance learning program, through Newington Certificate Program. He finished his schooling and is currently working on his residency program. He will be eligible for certification process at the end of 2011. He and his wife Sur currently reside in Dubuque, Iowa. They have four children, Abbey, Ryan, Liam and Danny.

Matt Hutchings CP
Certified Prosthetist

Matt Hutchings is a certified prosthetist, and is responsible for patient care in the prosthetics area. Hutchings’ over-riding philosophy is that the patient always comes first. He strives daily to follow this way of life in his position at Clark & Associates. 
Hutchings brings nearly 33 years of experience in prosthetics and orthotics to the practice. Prior to accepting his position at Clark & Associates in 2002, he spent six years employed by Hanger and Nova Care. He worked for Dale Clark Prosthetics from 1986 until 1995. In 1985 he worked for North Iowa Prosthetics in Mason City. He spent the previous eight years working for American Prosthetics in Iowa City. 
Hutchings earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in health and physical education from the University of Northern Iowa. He received his prosthetic training and degree from Northeast Metro Tech in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. He currently resides in Waterloo, Iowa.

Jill Roberts CFm
Certified Mastectomy Fitter

Jill Roberts serves as a Clark & Associates Certified Mastectomy Fitter in the division called "Hope from Jillian’s". She assists patients following breast cancer surgery in areas prosthetics and garments along with compression garments and compression pumps. Jill brings a strong sense of compassion to the post-breast surgery portion of the practice. She believes each woman is uniquely different. "I strive to find the best item for each woman’s particular needs," said Roberts. Her goal is to make each client look and feel wonderful. For her compression garment patients she strives to find the best product for their individual needs and condition.

Jill has been an employee since October 1998. She joined the practice in the clerical aspect of the business before continuing her education and becoming a Certified Mastectomy Fitter. Roberts earned her associate in applied science degree from Hawkeye Community College in marketing and worked towards a BA at Framingham State, in Massachusetts. She is also certified by the American Board of Prosthetics and Orthotics in Mastectomy fitting and compression garments. Jill continues to strive as being a leader in finding new products for her clients. She has taken courses from Trulife, Amoena, American Breast Care, Juzo, Medi, Jobst, and Bio-Compression lymphedema pump certification classes. Roberts continues to update her portfolio by taking continuing education classes to keep up with her certification. She is considered to be extremely knowledgeable about the products she uses for each person’s individual condition. She currently lives in Dike, Iowa with her three children. She enjoys watching whatever sporting, musical or theatrical event her children are participating in and spending time on the Mississippi River with family.