Jim is Vice President - Director of Education/Resident Director for Boston Orthotics and Prosthetics. He lectures both nationally and internationally on the non-operative management of scoliosis and has authored several book chapters and peer review articles on the same. Jim is a past president of the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics and is the current President Elect I for SOSORT, the International Society on Scoliosis Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Treatment.

Hi! My name is Lauren, and I am the founder of Higgy Bears. I was diagnosed with scoliosis in my early teens, and never knew anyone else “like me” growing up.  I always felt very alone and different. I wanted to find a way to keep other patients from feeling that way, so I came up with the idea for Higgy Bears. Higgy Bears are special teddy bears specifically for scoliosis patients, that wear back braces, casts and even have rods in their backs for patients, like me, that have had surgery. They are a friend where one didn’t exist. They help patients feel less alone. I am so happy and lucky to be able to do this for patients all over the world, and am so excited to be part of the Brace Design Contest this year!

Born and raised in Utah, David Butler founded Align Therapy in 2015 as a way to provide specialized care to patients with one-on-one treatment. In 2015, he was trained by the Schroth Barcelona Institute in the treatment of scoliosis.  Since then, he has received training the Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis (SEAS), and more in depth Schroth training. This specialized treatment using the Schroth Method laid the groundwork for becoming the premier spinal clinic in the state.  Along with treating scoliosis, David also focuses on pediatric back pain, kyphosis, posture problems.  He also is skilled in chronic low back pain and many other spine disorders and pains.