AMERICAN BOARD CERTIFIED ORTHOTIST-PROSTHETIST
Our practitioners include American Board Certified Orthotist-Prosthetist and Certified Mastectomy Fitters. You can trust your orthotic and prosthetic needs to the experienced and capable team at Valley Institute of Prosthetics and Orthotics.
James V. Bernadino, C.P.O.
James is an American Board Certified Orthotist-Prosthetist and VIPO's co-owner and CEO. He received his Bachelors of Science degree in Health Science from St. Mary’s College of California in 1990 and completed his Orthotic-Prosthetics training at California State University Dominguez Hills in 1992.
James has more than 20 years of experience in the field of orthotics and prosthetics, with an intensive background in pediatric care, having worked at the Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital from 1993 to 1995. He is also the Clinical Director of our NCOPE Residency program, a member of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists, and of the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association. James enjoys camping, fishing, and home renovation projects.
Trevor John Townsend, C.P.O.
Trevor is a native of Bakersfield and as the son of VIPO's founder (now retired) Barry Townsend, he literally "grew up" with the company. Now co-owner and President of VIPO, Trevor graduated from UCLA in 2001 with a B.A. degree in English, and completed his certification in Prosthetics at CSUDH in 2003. Trevor then attended Northwestern University in Chicago, where he received his certificate in Orthotics in 2004.
Trevor completed his residencies at the University of California at San Francisco Medical Center, Orthotic and Prosthetic Center under the tutelage of AOPA President, Walter Racette, C.P.O. He returned to VIPO in August of 2006 as an American Board Certified Orthotist and achieved his American Board Certification in Prosthetics in 2007. He currently sits on prosthetic Advisory Boards for both Ossur and Freedom Innovations.
Trevor enjoys spending time with his wife, two daughters and his son. He finds great fulfillment in helping others.
Michael Nelson, C.P.O
Michael Nelson, Manager/Practitioner for Newhall location, was born and raised in California. He received his Bachelors Degree in Health Science - Prosthetics Option from California State University Dominguez Hills. He then went to Northwestern University in Chicago for a post graduate program for his Orthotics Certificate. Michael was introduced to Prosthetics and Orthotics while in high school and found that it was the perfect field for his two passions, helping people and building things.
Michael has over 13 years of experience working in the field and has experienced working with advanced prosthetics, pediatrics, stroke patients, and vast variety of other conditions. He is an American Board Certified Prosthetist and Orthotist. He enjoys woodworking, fishing, and spending time with his wife and daughter.
Lesly Garibay, CFo, CFts, CFm
Born in Bakersfield and raised in Mexicali, Baja California. Lesly joined V.I.P.O.'s team in 2016 as a Medical Assistant intern. She found orthotics interesting and exciting, so she decided to further pursue her education and became a certified Orthotic, Therapeutic Shoe and Mastectomy Fitter. Lesly enjoys interacting daily with patients and strives to give the best patient care.
On her spare time Lesly enjoys crafting, traveling, and spending time with her husband and daughter.
James Cobb, CO, BOCP
James is a native of North Carolina and entered the United States Air Force in 1993. He entered the PRM program immediately after Basic Military Training. After completing the program, he entered his residency at the Royal Air Force Lakenheath. He has been fortunate to practice orthotics and prosthetics in many countries during his service in the Air Force.
James has almost 30 years in the field of orthotics and prosthetics. After his enlistment was complete, he worked in the private sector for a few years before joining the Department of Veterans Affairs as Lab Chief in Biloxi Mississippi. His commitment to his patients and quality of care resulted in being hired as Clinical Director for Townsend Design in Bakersfield. After providing training, education and mentorship to thousands of practitioners worldwide, his true passion of hands-on patient care he joined VIPO in November 2022.
James enjoys spending time with his family as well as outdoor activities. He finds solace in home projects and helping others. He is excited about bolstering the high standards of care of VIPO and to provide continual innovation and empathy to the community.
Jacqueline Amezola, CFo
Jacqueline joined VIPO in February 2022. She has many years of experience in the medical field that includes a background in wound care, orthopaedic, orthotics and casting. Jacqueline describes herself as driven, hardworking and passionate about her work and her patients. She enjoys watching series, shopping and spending time with her husband and 3 kids.
Mike Rivas, CFo
I work as an orthotic fitter and have served as a patient advocate since 2016. Having experienced amputation myself, I felt called to become an advocate for other patients and provide additional support. My background also includes phlebotomy and cast technician work. Originally from Brawley, California, I have lived in Bakersfield for most of my life. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, playing pool, and spontaneous activities.