Staff

Erich Schulze

Certified Prosthetist Orthotist, Certified Pedorthist Erich graduated from Rockford College in 1985 with a BA in Psychology. He attended Northwestern University Graduate Program in Prosthetics in 1985 and Orthotics in 1991-1992. Erich is licensed in the State of Illinois, certified by the American Board for Certification and the Board for Certification of Pedorthics, and is a member of the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association. Erich has been employed at NPO Inc. since 1979 and is the president and principal owner. He also directs in-services for Physical Therapists, VNA personnel and other health care providers.

Mike Carzoli

Certified Prosthetist

Mike is a graduate of Northern Illinois University with a BS in Mathematics and joined NPO Inc. in January 2009. He completed his prosthetic education in 2009 at Northwestern University. Mike is licensed in the State of Illinois and certified by the American Board of Certification. Mike has been trained in many of the most popular prosthetics technologies. These include microprocessor knees such as the C-Leg, Genium and Pile. He has been trained in many socket technologies such as Vacuum suspension, Revo-Fit and sub-atmospheric above knee sockets (NUFlex-SIV). Mike is also certified with fitting the Taska Hand for upper extremity patients.

Ryan Babiarz

Certified Pedorthist, Certified Therapeutic Shoe Fitter

Ryan began his career in prosthetics and orthotics in 2005, primarily as a technician and custom fabricator. He began formal training to become a certified shoe fitter and pedorthist in 2015. Ryan is licensed in the state of Illinois and certified by the American Board of Certification. He began his employment at NPO in January 2015.

Tina Hoel

Office Manager

Tina graduated from Rockford Business College in 1992 with an Associates Degree in Business and Computer Management. Tina has worked in the medical billing/collection field for over 18 years. Tina has been employed at NPO Inc. since September 2007.

Vince Licari

Prosthetic & Orthotic Technician

Vince is a native of Rockford. Born and raised here with his sister. Vince started with Northern Prosthetics & Orthopedic Inc. in 1994 and worked here for over 13 years. He moved for a short time to Arizona where he worked for a nationally known prosthetic & orthopedic company. He has moved back to Rockford and brings with him a vast knowledge of prosthetics & orthopedic technologies. He works close with our practitioners to fabricate the finest prosthetic devices in the Stateline area.

Barbara Gorham

Transcriptionist

Barbara does all of the transciption for Northern Prosthetics and Orthopedic Inc. She has been employed with the company since March 2009.

Lori Ellingson

Administrative Assistant

Lori graduated from St. Francis High School, WI in 1991. Directly out of high school Lori started working in the healthcare field in all areas from medical records, insurance verification/authorization, reception and scheduling, and registration.

Herbert Schulze

Certified Prosthetist

Herb came to the United States from Germany in 1952 where he had five years of prosthetic and orthotic training from 1947 to 1952. He attended Northwestern University, New York University, and the University of California specifically in the education of prosthetics. Herb and business partner Lothar Grade opened Northern Prosthetics & Orthopedic Company in 1961 in Rockford, Illinois. In 1992 Herb became sole proprietor of the company and on Dec. 28, 1999, the company became a corporate entity. Herb is licensed in the State of Illinois, certified by the American Board for Certification, is a member of the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association and has been certified as a VA Prosthetist since 1972. Herb has completed several continuing education courses with various suppliers.