About Sampson's

Bios // Our History // Accreditation // Employment Opportunities

William J. Sampson, a native of the Capital District, received his bachelor of science degree in prosthetics and orthotics from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas. His orthotic and prosthetic internships were served at the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Crippled Children, Parkland Memorial Hospital, and the University of Texas Prosthetic and Orthotic Clinic. He became board certified in prosthetics in 1989 and has completed numerous continuing education courses, keeping abreast of the most recent advancements in prosthetics, computer-aided design, and manufacturing technology. In 1999, Bill was one of only two East Coast prosthetists to be certified in fitting the computer-controlled C-Leg®. He is now among an elite group of practitioners certified to fit the technologically-advanced i-Limb™ and DynamicArm®. He also is certified to teach and fabricate the prosthetic socket technique, MAS (Marlo Anatomical Socket) Design. This year, Bill was one of the first prosthetists in the nation to be certified to fit the Genium Microprocessor system and the X2 (the military version of the Genium).

Bill is a member of the American Board for Certification, the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists, and the New York State American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists.

He resides in Charlton with his wife, AnneMarie, and their three children.

Brian Clark specializes in the fitting and fabrication of prostheses and provides braces and support systems for injured muscle/skeletal groups.

A native of Knoxville, Tenn., Brian majored in biomedical engineering, receiving his bachelor’s degree in engineering science and mechanics from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville in 1989. Upon completion of his undergraduate degree, he served five years as a naval officer aboard a nuclear submarine. He later began working as a prosthetics technician at the University of North Carolina Hospitals before entering the orthotics program at Northwestern University, Chicago. He became board certified in orthotics in 1997. Brian returned to Northwestern for prosthetics and earned his certification in 1999.

Brian's wife, Elizabeth, has been a practicing physical therapist since 1988, and the couple has three children.

David McClernan joined Sampson’s Prosthetic & Orthotic Laboratory in January 1999. After graduating from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1994, he was employed as a prosthetic technician before enrolling at Northwestern University, Chicago. He is a graduate of both the orthotic and prosthetics program at Northwestern University and became board certified in prosthetics in 1998 and orthotics in 2000. David’s internships and practitioner/technician training programs were completed at various orthotics and prosthetics facilities in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Both David and his wife, Jodi, a Montessori preschool teacher, are from Saugerties, N.Y. and have relocated to the capital region with their three children.

Jillayne Kunz joined the staff of Sampson’s in 2000. Prior to becoming ABC-certified in 2002, Jill had compiled nearly two decades of rehabilitation experience in both orthotics and as a physical therapist assistant. She has extensively designed and custom-fit orthotic systems for children and adults with a variety of musculoskeletal/neuromuscular conditions. Along with William Sampson, Jill established the Bioness Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) program at Sampson’s in 2009. Earlier, she was employed as a physical therapist assistant at various facilities including the Center for the Disabled in Albany and United Cerebral Palsy Center in Glens Falls. She is a 2001 graduate of Empire State College with a bachelor of science degree in biology.

A homeowner in Howes Cave, Jill enjoys landscaping, remodeling projects, and culinary experimentation.

For the past twenty years, Robert Lawrence has used his education, skills, and personal experiences to become first, a registered technician; then, a certified pedorthotist; and ultimately, an ABC-certified orthotist. He has an Associates Degree in mathematics and has attended several colleges, fulfilling the educational requisites for credentialing.

Rob attributes his vocation to his own life experiences. In 1989, he suffered a spinal cord injury caused by a motorcycle accident and has since relied on braces for walking and most other daily activities. Rob relates to many of his patients and is committed to providing a level of care that exceeds the expectations of his patients and their caregivers.

Rob is a lifetime resident of Schenectady County, living with his wife and daughter in Mariaville. He enjoys the outdoors and all forms of motor sports.

Michael Pagano joined the staff of Sampson's in 2007. He earned his bachelor of science degree in therapeutic recreation from Utica College, N.Y., in 1998. He practiced as a certified therapeutic recreation specialist in a skilled nursing setting for nearly six years. Michael received his certification in orthotics in May 2005 from the Newington Certificate Program in Orthotics & Prosthetics, Conn., and his residency was performed under Donald Holmes, CPO. A distance learning certificate in prosthetics was earned in May 2009 from the Newington Program. An ABC-certified orthotist since 2007, Michael completed his prosthetic residency at Sampson's under Bill Sampson, CP, through the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE). He received his certification in prosthetics in Spring 2011. Michael is certified in Otto Bock Stance Control orthoses, is a trained NESS L300™ clinician, and is a member of the American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists (AAOP) and the New York chapter of AAOP.

Michael resides with his wife, Valerie, and their two children in Duanesburg. She is a cardiopulmonary physical therapist at Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital.

Kenneth Garcia, an ABC certified prosthetist orthotist, joined Sampson's team of experienced practitioners in 2010. He received his certifications in prosthetics and orthotics in May 2006 and 2005, respectively, from the Newington Certificate Program in Orthotics & Prosthetics, Conn. A 1998 graduate of the Fatima Medical Science Foundation in Valenzuela City, Philippines, Ken has a bachelor's degree in physical therapy. He also is a trained WalkAide® clinician.

A native of Auburn, N.Y., he resides in Clifton Park and has one daughter.