Our Practitioners

Don Buethorn CPO, Founder and Owner, Cascade Prosthetics and Orthotics

Don Buethorn

After first earning a Special Education degree from Western Washington University, I decided to pursue the field of prosthetics and orthotics. I returned to school at the University of Washington School of Prosthetics and Orthotics and graduated in 1980.

After graduating, I served a two year internship in Boise, Idaho, upon completion of which I started my own company, Cascade Prosthetics and Orthotics, in Bellingham, WA. Since then I have devoted myself to the development and application of a specialized system of pediatric bracing, called Dynamic Ankle Foot Orthoses, or DAFOs.

Today my focus, in addition to seeing patients, is teaching biomechanical principles of dynamic bracing and custom casting to practitioners all over the country. I am Board-Certified by the American Board for Certification in Prosthetics and Orthotics.

Craig Keyes, Certified Prosthetist

Craig Keyes

My path toward Prosthetics and Orthotics began with a climbing accident in 1972. Rehab sessions with a physical therapist sparked an interest in that field which ultimately led me to New York University where I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics in 1976. The combination of working on a one to one basis with a client and making a device that improves their quality of life is what really appealed to me. In 1977 I obtained my American Board Certification in Prosthetics while working in Seattle. I have been working at Cascade Prosthetics and Orthotics for the past 22 years while raising a son and daughter with my wife Julie.

I enjoy hiking in the Cascades, gardening, playing tennis, and singing in a choir. I look forward to continue providing quality care for my clients here at Cascade.

Cindy Diener, Certified Orthotist Prosthetist

Cindy Diener

I have been working at Cascade Prosthetics & Orthotics since April of 1994 where I began my career. I had just graduated with my second degree which was a B.S. in Prosthetics and Orthotics from the University of Washington. I began with my internship at Cascade which has now blossomed into 15 years and counting. I began college with an interest in the field of Physical Therapy. I was introduced to the field of Prosthetics and Orthotics when I was volunteering at a hospital in Everett.

I met a prosthetist who was working with one of the patients who was in physical therapy after a recent amputation. I thought it was an interesting career so I decided to apply to the program at the UW. I have always had a passion for helping people. I graduated with a B.S. degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics in 1994. I am a certified prosthetist and orthotist and am the clinical manager of the Ferndale office. I spend part of my time here at Cascade, teaching for our sister company, Cascade DAFO, Inc. on pediatric braces and the remainder of my time with patient care. When I'm at home I really enjoy spending time outdoors like camping, hiking, yard work and playing with my dogs. I have several horses and love hitting the trails to ride!

James Redhed, Certified Orthotist Prosthetist

James Redhed

My first exposure to prosthetics and orthotics came many years ago from the devices worn by some disabled children that I was teaching to swim, and I decided to pursue it professionally following a suggestion from a physician friend of mine. I had always enjoyed working with my hands, but the idea of helping people directly was something new. Now, I can't imagine doing anything else!

I earned my B.S. in Prosthetics and Orthotics from the University of Washington in 1991, and went to the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio for what I thought would be a one-year internship in prosthetics. I ended up staying for 19 years, acquiring a fascinating range of patient care experience, and became American Board certified in both orthotics and prosthetics.

Here at Cascade Prosthetics and Orthotics, I am blessed to be able to continue to care for people in an environment where the highest quality of patient care is the priority, and where a real difference can be made in the lives of my patients.

When not working, my wife and I enjoy bicycling, mountaineering, and gardening, and I also love woodworking.

Debbie Donaldson, Certified Orthotist Prosthetist

Debbie Donaldson

I graduated from the University of Washington in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics. I was first introduced to Prosthetics and Orthotics at a very young age by my mother who made prosthetics and orthotics for people in need in India.

Since graduating, I have worked for Cascade Prosthetics & Orthotics as the primary Orthotist/Prosthetist and Manager of the satellite office in Mount Vernon, WA. I specialize in dynamic bracing and travels around northwest Washington to evaluate and cast children in need of DAFOs. My favorite things about my job is working with people and making a difference in patients' lives.

I am Board-Certified through the American Board for Certification in Prosthetics and Orthotics, and also hold Washington State licenses for Prosthetics and Orthotics.

When I am not working I can usually be found at the golf course. I also enjoys training for triathlons and mountain biking.

Larry Paise, Certified Orthotist Prosthetist

Larry Paise

People often wonder how I got interested in this unique field of orthotics and prosthetics. I spent an afternoon observing at a P&O clinic during my senior year in high school. When I saw a resilient 7 year old boy run out of the office on his refurbished prosthetic leg, I knew this was what I wanted to do!

In 2002, I graduated from the University of Washington with a BS in Prosthetics and Orthotics. I spent the first seven years practicing in Salem, OR, where I received my American Board Certification in both prosthetics and orthotics. I'm excited to be a part of the clinical team at Cascade Prosthetics & Orthotics. With their emphasis on clinical excellence and complete patient satisfaction, I'm excited to continue serving my patients and improving their quality of life.

When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, mountain biking, or indulging my passion for travel and the Spanish language in South America.

Our practitioners have 130 years of combined experience in the orthotic and prosthetic industry! Let us use our experience to help you today!