Jon Hess’s introduction to the field of rehabilitation came first, as a Recreation Therapist at Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw, NY. Jon had completed his Bachelor’s degree in Recreation & Leisure Service Management while at East Stroudsburg University and then had joined Helen Hayes Hospital in 1991. With a long background in sports and fitness in New York, his career choice as a therapist seemed a good fit for him. Jon’s discovery of the field of O&P happened when he was assigned to the amputee unit at Helen Hayes. He quickly recognized that the O&P field was an even better fit for his desire to help people, to work with his hands, and to utilize his knowledge of human biomechanics. Jon attended Northwestern University’s programs in orthotics and prosthetics. He was certified in orthotics by Northwestern in 2000 and then became certified in prosthetics in 2003.

For his residencies, he worked in the O&P department at The Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City and continued his work in the city with Eschen P&O until 2006. He joined Prosthetic & Orthotic Associates in Middletown, NY in 2007 and was named the Assistant Clinical Director and Fabrication Manager at POA until 2016. He spent the last two years with Allcare O & P, a company in New Jersey. While he worked there, he missed working in the Hudson Valley and is now excited to return and open his own practice to take care of the people in his community. He really is looking forward to growing his own practice.

Over the years, Jon has continued to develop his professional expertise with a special emphasis on leading edge prosthetic technologies. He has broadened his knowledge with experience in cutting-edge upper and lower limb prostheses. Jon also has extensive experience in the successful use of many different types of microprocessor knees and high activity feet for lower limb amputees.


When not treating patients at Prosthetic & Orthotic Designs, LLC, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Carrie, and their two teenage boys, Alex and Christian. His passion for sports carries over from his youth to today as he continues to play competitive soccer in New Jersey. He was inducted into the New York State, Section 9 Track & Field Hall of Fame, along with his three teammates from the 1986 Washingtonville High School, 4 x 800 m relay team; after being recognized as state and national champions in this event.

Education

  • East Stroudsburg University, East Stroudsburg, PA
  • Northwestern University, Chicago, IL

Professional Activities

  • C-Brace 2 Certified
  • Touch Bionics’ i-LIMB & ProDigits Accredited
  • Michelangelo Prosthetic Hand Accredited
  • Genium & X3 Microprocessor Knee Accredited
  • C-Leg Microprocessor Knee Accredited
  • Rheo Microprocessor Knee Accredited
  • Plie Microprocessor Knee Accredited
  • Harmony Vacuum Suspension Accredited
  • Smartpuck Vacuum Suspension Accredited