About Us: Professional Staff

The owner of Ballert since 1986. Gene graduated with a BS degree in Pharmacy from the University of Illinois in 1962. During his long career as a pharmacist, Gene was owner of several independent pharmacies in Chicago and suburbs, and it is as a pharmacist that he became interested in orthotics. Gene completed the orthotics program at Northwestern University’s Prosthetics and Orthotics Certificate Program in 1989 and was certified by the American Board for Certification shortly thereafter. As the owner and President of Ballert Orthopedic, Gene is responsible for the emergence of Ballert as one of the premier O&P companies in Northern Illinois. He regularly attends muscular dystrophy clinics, lectures on cranial molding helmets and the orthotic treatment of neuromuscular disease at Northwestern University’s Orthotics and Prosthetics Certification Program, and regularly provides educational inservices to Chicago-area physical therapists, nurses and physicians.

Thomas joined Ballert in 1989, shortly after receiving his orthotic training from Northwestern University’s Prosthetic and Orthotic Program (NUPOC). A graduate of Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY, Thomas’ interests gravitated toward orthotics after suffering a complete tear of his anterior cruciate during his freshman year. At Ballert, Thomas specialized in lower extremity and spinal orthotics before returning to NUPOC for prosthetics coursework. He was certified in 1995. Since that time he has added cranial molding helmets to his growing range of expertise. In addition to other achievements, Thomas is responsible for the development of Ballert’s custom Cervical Thoracic Orthosis (CTO) for stabilization of multiple cervical instabilities. He has also served ably since 2000 as the Director of Ballert’s residency program.

Thomas is an active member of the American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists.

A 1987 graduate of the orthotics/prosthetics program at White Bear Lake in Minnesota, Harry joined Ballert in 1987, shortly after receiving his certification. Prior to that, Harry worked for several years as a prosthetic technician. The combination of technician and practitioner training gives Harry the ability to integrate the entire prosthetic process from casting, to fabrication, to patient fitting. Harry works closely with Ballert’s technical staff to solve complex prosthetic problems and to address the individual needs of each prosthetic patient. He also trains Ballert’s technicians in the latest production and product technologies.

In addition to his basic prosthetic certification, Harry has been certified in the following special systems: MAS AK Sockets, Endolite limbs, the Harmony Prosthetic System, Myoelectric Arms, 3S (Silicone Suction Socket), CAT-CAM Sockets, and Flex-Foot System.

A graduate of Northwestern University’s Orthotics and Prosthetics Certificate Program’s orthotics program in 2001, Dan joined the Ballert staff in 2006. As a practitioner, Dan specializes in spinal and lower-limb orthotics, and participates in muscular dystrophy clinics as well as educational inservices for physical therapists, nursing staffs, and physicians. Prior to joining Ballert, Dan completed a residency program and worked as a staff orthotist at Chicago-area firms.

Don has been practicing orthotics and prosthetics in the Chicago area for 35 years. A graduate of Northwestern University’s Orthotics and Prosthetics Certificate Program, he became an ABC-certified orthotist in 1974. He is currently a member of the Midwest and National Chapters of AAOP and the Illinois Society of Orthotists, Prosthetists and Pedorthists. He is a past board member of the Midwest Chapter of AAOP and a past president of the Illinois Society of Orthotists, Prosthetists and Pedorthists (1992).

Don’s expertise is in pediatric orthotics, diabetic patient management and wound care, as well as spinal and lower-limb orthotics.

Robert is a licensed and board certified prosthetist and orthotist with over 30 years of experience caring for patients. Robert received a BA in Psychology from the University of Illinois and received his prosthetics training from Northwestern University’s Prosthetics and Orthotics Certificate Program. Robert has been certified in prosthetics and orthotics by the American Board for Certification since 1980. Prior to joining Ballert, Robert was affiliated with the Hines VA Hospital’s Orthotic and Prosthetic clinical and research services. Robert has received specialized training in Otto Bock’s C-Leg and vacuum assisted suction suspension Harmony System. Robert is currently involved in muscular dystrophy clinics and participates in educational inservices in both prosthetics and orthotics for healthcare professionals.

John is a 2006 graduate of Northwestern University’s Orthotics Certificate Program. John joined the Ballert staff in June of 2006. As a practitioner John specializes in spinal and lower-limb orthotics, and participates in educational inservices for physical therapists, nursing staffs, and physicians.

Executive Management

Carlos brings extensive experience in billing and collection to his position as Director of Administration. Prior to starting at Ballert in June of 2009, Carlos was Director of Billing/Collections for Water Tower Surgicenter/Midwest Pain Clinic in Chicago. Carlos has also held several positions as Office Manager of medical practices.

Charlotte joined Ballert in August of 2009 after relocating to Chicago, IL from Little Rock, AR. She brings extensive medical and sales experience to her position as Director of Marketing and Sales. Prior to Ballert, Charlotte was a successful sales representative for DePuy Orthopedics. Charlotte also spent several years as a clinical and surgical assistant in a successful orthopedic practice.