team
The team that makes your quality care possible
JOE RIEGER
Owner, COJoe is the foundation of A Step Ahead, embodying the dedication and excellence the company is known for. With extensive training from top facilities in the Southeast, Joe's expertise in lower extremity orthotics is unparalleled. He particularly shines in handling the most challenging cases, consistently setting the standard for knowledge and care at A Step Ahead.
JASON WATSON
CO, BOCPJason, an ABC certified orthotist and BOC certified prosthetist since 2002, serves patients in Alabama and Tennessee. He is a current board member of the Alabama State Board of Prosthetists and Orthotists. He earned his B.S. in Athletic Training from Troy University in 2001 and transitioned to orthotics and prosthetics after working with high school athletes and a physical therapy clinic. With a focus on pediatric orthotic patients, he now collaborates closely with therapy and rehabilitation service groups to provide comprehensive care for all patients. Jason emphasizes a collaborative approach with the patient's entire rehab team to ensure optimal fitting and believes in unifying therapy and orthotic/prosthetic interventions for the best possible outcomes. Married to Laura since 1999, they have 2 boys, Thomas and Cooper.
AJ ALGIERS
CPO, LPOHaving earned a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin and a graduate degree in OandP from Century College in Minnesota, AJ has experience with the latest technologies in the O&P field, including certifications with the most recent microprocessor knees, feet, and myoelectric hands. He enjoys volunteering for AMBUCS, an organization that fits specialty tricycles to accommodate riders of all ages with a myriad of physical and/or developmental challenges. He finds it all the more rewarding when he is able to build and fit these specialty tricycles for his own patients. A.J. enjoys seeing his patients succeed and turn their disabilities into abilities.
ROCKY GOODALL
Clinical Director, BOCO, BOCP, LPORocky is a rare Nashville native, born and raised in middle Tennessee. Rocky has worked many years in this area servicing orthotic and prosthetic patients from all over the state. Rocky has wonderful communication and listening skills. When working with patients, he listens carefully and relates to the patient’s needs. Rocky understands his ability to listen is the key to a good outcome because he is not only a practitioner, but he is a prosthetic patient as well. This gives him the ability to truly empathize and provide uncompromising care.
HILARY PALMER
CPO, LPOHilary is an ABC-certified and licensed prosthetist/orthotist with 10 years of experience. She earned her masters of science in prosthetics and orthotics from the University of Hartford in Connecticut. With experience in providing orthotic and prosthetic care to adults and children, Hilary specializes in cranial remolding orthoses for infants diagnosed with plagiocephaly and craniosynostosis, the treatment of pediatric scoliosis as well as the orthotic management of neuromuscular diagnoses such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida and muscular dystrophy. Hilary enjoys working with patients of all ages to provide lower extremity prosthetic devices and is skilled in advanced technologies. She believes a collaborative approach with a patient’s rehabilitation team will allow her patients to reach their goals. When away from work, Hilary enjoys gardening, hiking and spending time with her husband and son.
JR MCNEESE
BOCO, COF, CPEDJ.R. was born and raised in East Nashville. With over 15 years of dedicated practice in the field of orthotics and prosthetics, he has developed a deep understanding of orthotic care for both adult and pediatric patients. His passion lies in improving the quality of life for individuals through the application of orthotic solutions tailored to their unique needs. Whether it's helping adults regain mobility or assisting pediatric patients in achieving developmental milestones, he is committed to providing compassionate and effective orthotic care. His work is guided by a dedication to innovation, and is always looking for new ways to improve patient outcomes. As an orthotist, he strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of his patients, empowering them to live their lives to the fullest.
BRIAN CUMBY
CPO, LPOBrian is a Michigan native but a Tennessean at heart that moved to Nashville for a career in Orthotics and Prosthetics. An Alum of Michigan State University’s Kinesiology program and Northwestern University’s Orthotics and Prosthetics program, he appreciates the complexity of the human body and the necessity to maintain its mobility and function. Brian’s experience ranges from SMOs to CTLSOs and he has a strong interest in lower and upper limb prosthetics. He values high-quality patient care, utilizing the best techniques and devices along with a team-based approach to patient care.
MEREDITH PHILLIPS-WATKINS
CPO, LPOMeredith is American Board Certified and licensed as both a prosthetist and an orthotist. She has been in and around Nashville working in O&P for many years. She started out in marketing, working with physicians and physical therapists, helping to educate and familiarize them with new products and services. This is where she learned she really enjoyed helping people to restore their lives through the care she could help provide. Meredith studied orthotics & prosthetics at Northwestern University in Chicago. She completed the program and moved back to Murfreesboro to work and start her family. Meredith is a mother and has the empathy with pediatrics that elevates her care. She strives to have every appointment to be as easy as seeing an old friend.
Lauren Manley
Administrative/Billing DirectorLauren Manley serves as the Administrative and Billing Director at A Step Ahead, bringing over a decade of dedicated experience to the company. Her role allows her to provide invaluable support to families. Known for being a great leader, she thrives on fostering a supportive environment for the team and helping families navigate their unique journeys. Passionate about making a difference, she is deeply committed to ensuring that the office operates efficiently to provide the best care and resources for the community we serve. A Nashville native, Lauren is deeply rooted in her community. She balances her professional commitments with her personal life as a loving wife and mother to two wonderful daughters. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, solving puzzles, and spending time at the beach with family.
RUTH JOLAINE GUINESS
CPO/LPO MSK, MSOPRuth is an ABC-certified and licensed prosthetist/orthotist with 7 years of professional experience. She earned a Master of Science in Kinesiology at Life University in Atlanta, Georgia, and a Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. With experience in providing orthotic and prosthetic care to adults and children, Ruth specializes in Scoliosis/ Kyphosis TLSOs. Ruth has been aware of the O&P field since age 10 when she wore a scoliosis TLSO for two years. With that personal experience, she applies the knowledge she has gained as a former patient and a professional to treat her patients. When not immersed in her work, Ruth finds joy in gardening, reading, and cherishing moments with her husband and beloved pets, Gretchen and Fabeau. These personal interests reflect her nurturing and caring nature, which she brings to her professional life.
DAVID CLOUD
CPED, CPOA, CFODavid is a dedicated and compassionate pediatric pedorthist with over 20 years of experience. He holds both national certification and state licensure, specializing in the unique needs of children's foot health. Known for his gentle approach and expertise, David is committed to ensuring his young patients receive the best care possible. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he is a devoted husband of 10 years to a wonderful wife, and together they have two daughters who bring joy to their lives. In his free time, David enjoys family outings and volunteering in his community, always looking for ways to make a impact
SCOTT AUERBACH
CPO, LPOScott is an ABC certified & licensed prosthetist & orthotist with 25 years of experience ranging from patient care, product development & manufacturing as well as the education sec. He is a graduate of St. Petersburg College of Orthotics and Prosthetics. Following graduation, he spent time in Munich, Germany, perfecting his skill set by learning various techniques in fabrication before returning to the US. Scott specializes in pediatric orthotics as well as pediatric and adult prosthetics. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, listening to music, gardening, being in the outdoors and spending time with his wife Leslie, his two boys Reid & Henry and their Poodle Pierre.
SARAH THOMAS FREED
CPO, LSarah is an ABC-certified and licensed orthotist/prosthetist. She earned her Master of Science in prosthetics and orthotics from Eastern Michigan University. A Chattanooga native, she is thrilled to be back in Tennessee after completing the early years of her career in Baltimore, Maryland. She has special interests in cranial remolding and scoliosis bracing, but loves working with patients of all ages, sizes and diagnoses. With a passion for patient education, she wants every patient and family to leave their appointments with a clear understanding of what brace is being provided and why it was recommended for them. Outside of the clinic Sarah is an avid baker, and dotes on her husband and puggle.