In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland takes a look at the Amputee Coalition’s leadership. Between 2019 and 2022, CEO total compensation (Form 990, Part VII, Columns C & F) increased from $183,877 to $380,727—a 107% jump. Cass Isidro stepped into the role in February 2023 and left on August 22, 2025.
Host Mike Bolland has been told by reliable sources that she did a good job during her tenure. However, with limb loss being a lifetime journey, he discusses why it would be valuable to have someone leading the organization for longer than 2.5 years—someone truly dedicated to the community, not just viewing the position as another step in a career.
Mike also shares why he personally would not pursue recommendation letters for the Amputee Coalition when it comes to becoming a Certified Peer Visitor. As always. a representative from the Amputee Coalition is welcome to join a future episode to share their perspective and continue this important conversation.
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Access to the resources, support, and equipment needed after limb loss can change a person's life—but for many, those essentials remain out of reach. In this episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland spotlights Amputee Aid and A Leg Forever, two organizations dedicated to helping people with limb loss reclaim independence, confidence, and hope. While each organization has its own unique mission, both are committed to removing barriers by providing financial assistance, equipment, peer support, and other critical resources that help individuals move forward after amputation. Mike discusses why a supportive community can make all the difference during recovery and beyond. Whether you're living with limb loss, supporting someone who is, or simply looking for stories of compassion, advocacy, and resilience, this episode highlights how generosity and community can create lasting change.
What does it really take to learn to walk again after an amputation? In this episode of We're Not Stumped, Mike Bolland welcomes physical therapist John Lottes, DPT, Clinical Supervisor at First Step Physical Therapy and an adjunct professor who specializes in prosthetic rehabilitation. John shares how an unexpected career path led him to working with individuals with limb loss and explains why the biggest hurdle in recovery often isn't physical—it's confidence. Together, Mike and John discuss the importance of celebrating small victories, building trust with your rehabilitation team, and developing the mindset needed to regain independence.
Sometimes, the biggest changes don't happen in a lab—they happen with a few carefully chosen words. In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, I want to personally thank the LN-4 Hand Project (https://ln4handproject.org/) for updating its mission statement to better reflect the entire upper limb limb loss community. For many years, organizations have understandably focused on a specific group of individuals. But recognizing and including everyone living with upper limb loss and limb difference sends a powerful message: you belong, your story matters, and you are seen. As someone born without a right hand, this change means a great deal to me personally, and I believe it represents an important step toward greater inclusion across our community.
