Our Practitioner Team
Michael Cestaro, CPO
Certified Prosthetist & Orthotist
Holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia, Mr. Cestaro is deeply committed to serving local veterans and collaborates closely with the VA hospital, assuring our veterans receive high quality care. He completed his training at Northwestern University Prosthetic and Orthotic Center, part of the Feinberg School of Medicine, earning certification in 1991.
Joan Cestaro, CP
Certified Prosthetist, Orthotist
Beginning her career as a prosthetic technician, Ms. Cestaro fabricated patient devices during the formative years of RPI while concurrently earning her Bachelor's degree in Nursing from Shenandoah University. She furthered her education at Northwestern University Prosthetic and Orthotic Center, part of the Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, where she completed her clinical training and earned her Prosthetic Certification in 1998. Ms. Cestaro is a member of AOPA’s Coding & Reimbursement Committee, the Policy Forum and the Global Leadership Summit. She volunteers for various community organizations and is active with Camp No Limits, a camp for children with limb loss and limb difference.
Joseph Cestaro, CPO
Certified Prosthetist & Orthotist
Mr. Cestaro holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Virginia Military Institute. After a distinguished military career as a pilot, he completed Prosthetic and Orthotic training at New York University, earning certification in 1968. He's a former president of national Prosthetic and Orthotic organizations, such as AAOP and AOPA, and received a lifetime achievement award for his many contributions to the field.
Mary Virginia Paletta, CPO
Certified Prosthetist & Orthotist
With a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from West Virginia University, Ms. Paletta advanced her prosthetics and orthotics education at Northwestern University Prosthetic and Orthotic Center, part of the Feinberg School of Medicine, earning her certification in 2009. Recognized for her expertise, she was selected by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics (ABC) to serve as a board examiner, evaluating clinical competencies in orthotics and helping to advance our field.
Ethan Cestaro, CP
Certified Prosthetist & Board Eligible Orthotist
Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Human, Food, Nutrition & Exercise from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Mr. Cestaro continued his educational journey to Northwestern University Prosthetic and Orthotic Center, part of Feinberg School of Medicine, graduating in 2023. A two-year residency in South Carolina followed, and he became a Certified Prosthetist in 2025. Ethan volunteers with Special Olympics and Camp No Limits, a camp for children with limb loss and limb difference.
Christina Shipe, CFts
Certified Fitter of Therapeutic Shoes
Ms. Shipe initially joined RPI as an administrative assistant. Driven by her ambition to broaden her knowledge and skills, she diligently pursued a pre-certification course, met all eligibility prerequisites, and successfully passed the certification exam, officially becoming a certified therapeutic shoes fitter accredited by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics.
Christine McFarland, CFo, CFts
Certified Fitter of Orthotics & Therapeutic Shoes
Ms. McFarland embarked on her journey at RPI as an administrative assistant, swiftly rising to the role of branch office manager in Martinsburg, WV. Driven by her thirst for knowledge and personal growth, she met the eligibility criteria and attained certification as both an orthotic fitter and therapeutic shoes fitter from the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics.