We are fully committed to the cause of osteoporosis and bone health (OBH), dedicating our time, reputation, experience, and passion to developing and implementing certification training for OBH team members. This is a crucial step in enhancing the quality of OBH care, and we are fully invested in its success.

Our initiatives are designed to empower team members by providing them with comprehensive education, recognition for their efforts, and robust data support in the bone health arena. We want our members to feel valued and integral to their crucial role in OBH care.

Our goal is to create standards of care that provide a clear and comprehensive roadmap for bone health and osteoporosis providers. This will give them a sense of direction and clarity in their practice, ultimately benefiting their patients by urgently reducing the fracture rate in the USA.

Board of Directors

Visionary Leaders in Osteoporosis and Bone Health

  • In addition to serving as President of the ASOP Board of Directors, Mr. Torkelson is a dedicated Physician Assistant in the Orthopedic and Sports Medicine department at the Mayo Clinic Health System. He specializes in adult lower extremity reconstruction, trauma, and the treatment of osteoporosis in the setting of fragility fractures. Mr. Torkelson operates the only Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) within the Mayo Clinic Health System. His commitment to education is evident in his role as an instructor of Orthopedics at the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, where he inspires the next generation of medical professionals. Mr. Torkelson has also presented on starting FLS programs both regionally and nationally.

  • Dr. Goode, a board-certified orthopedic trauma surgeon, a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, a member of the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons, and the ASOP Board of Directors Vice President, brings a wealth of expertise and a strong professional standing to his practice.

    In the Mobile area, Dr. Goode plays a pivotal role in overseeing the only truly comprehensive orthopedic osteoporosis clinic. His active involvement with the University, serving on the Medical Alumni Association Executive Board and managing the Frederick N Meyer 5013c nonprofit organization, further demonstrates his expertise and commitment to orthopedic care.

    Dr. Goode's unique approach to orthopedic patient care elevates and standardizes the level of care regardless of the hospital system, ensuring the best possible outcomes for all patients. He aims to provide personalized, comprehensive care that considers each patient's unique needs and circumstances.

  • Dr. Bruns, in his role as the secretary of the ASOP Board of Directors, plays a crucial part in osteoporosis prevention, treatment, and education. His initiative, the Bone Health Clinic at SSM Health Orthopedics, is a testament to his commitment to preventing subsequent fractures and improving bone health in the community. As a Certified Clinical Densitometrist (ISCD), his qualifications ensure the highest standards of care. His collaborative efforts with other healthcare professionals guarantee the most comprehensive treatment for osteoporosis, providing reassurance and security to those affected.

  • Mr. Cozadd serves as the treasurer of the ASOP Board of Directors. He has developed a comprehensive bone health clinic with TRIA Orthopedics in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His clinical practice is dedicated to treating osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease. He is particularly interested in secondary fracture prevention and perioperative bone health optimization. He is a current member of the American Orthopedic Association’s Own the Bone steering committee, where he helps integrate and advance osteoporosis care in the orthopedic setting. Additionally, he enjoys lecturing on osteoporosis-related topics and mentoring prospective FLS sites.

  • Mr. Phipps, the CEO and Executive Director of ASOP, is a nationally recognized expert in bone health. His dedication to this field, which he has been passionate about since 1980, is unwavering. His work, which includes specializing in bone health and implementing Fracture Liaison Services (FLS), is a testament to his commitment. From volunteering with the local ambulance service to holding paramedic positions in hospitals and insurance, his dedication to improving the quality of people's lives motivates him. He is a founding member of the Iowa Bone Club, serving as its treasurer.

     

    He founded The ASOP, intending to improve provider education, training, and recognition in the field of bone health and osteoporosis. His work is creating standardization within the field and is poised to have a significant impact on reducing the incidence of fractures in the US in the future, giving hope to many.

  • Sir Wesley Funchess Jr., PA-C is a licensed Physician Assistant based in Charlotte, North Carolina, with more than two decades of clinical experience in family and urgent care medicine. He has been board-certified and in clinical practice since 2003 and maintains active licensure in both North Carolina and South Carolina.

    Mr. Funchess received his formal training in physician assistant studies from Des Moines University and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He currently practices with Atrium Health, where he provides care across family medicine and urgent care settings, evaluating and treating patients of all ages in primary care, acute care, and occupational health environments.

    In addition to his clinical responsibilities, Mr. Funchess is actively engaged in workforce development within the physician assistant profession. He serves as Executive Director of Lillie-Kate, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing minority representation in the PA workforce and supporting access to professional training opportunities.

    Mr. Funchess resides in Rock Hill, South Carolina with his wife and three children.

  • Dr. Lake, the Director of Education at the ASOP, is a nationally recognized bone health expert, author, teacher, and speaker. Her work focuses on post-fracture prevention and implementing fracture liaison services (FLS). Her certification as a Clinical Densitometrist (ISCD) further validates her expertise. The FLS program she developed at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, a Star Performer with Own the Bone (AOA), has made a significant impact. She has trained hundreds of FSL providers and actively mentors hundreds more, inspiring others with her achievements.

  • Michael L. Parsons, MSN, FNP-C is an experienced family nurse practitioner with extensive clinical expertise in osteoporosis management, spine care, oncology, and complex chronic disease management. He practices at East Falls Sport and Spine (The Spine Center) at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, where he has provided comprehensive musculoskeletal and bone health care since 2015.

    In his current role, Michael assesses and treats spine-related and musculoskeletal conditions across the adult lifespan and developed and implemented a comprehensive osteoporosis management program focused on evaluation, prevention, and individualized treatment planning. His clinical approach integrates conservative therapies, physical therapy, interventional spine procedures, and coordinated surgical referrals when appropriate, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and patient-centered, evidence-based care.

    Michael also serves as a Nurse Practitioner and owner of TruNorth Men’s Health and Testosterone, LLC, where he provides specialized care in hormone and endocrine health, patient education, and long-term wellness strategies. His background includes prior experience in oncology and hematology at Snake River Oncology and Teton Cancer Institute, as well as hospice and home health care, giving him a broad and compassionate perspective on chronic disease, quality of life, and care transitions.

    Earlier in his career, Michael practiced as a registered nurse in cardiac, step-down, post-surgical, and community care settings, building a strong foundation in acute and chronic patient management. He holds a Fracture Liaison Certificate in Bone Health and Osteoporosis Management and remains committed to advancing professional standards through ongoing education and collaborative practice.

    Michael brings a valuable primary care, spine, and fracture-prevention perspective to the American Society of Osteoporosis Providers, supporting ASOP’s mission to improve osteoporosis care and patient outcomes through multidisciplinary leadership.

  • Alexandra (Alex) Rocco, PA-C is a nationally respected clinician leader in orthopedic and bone health care with more than two decades of experience across academic, hospital, and specialty practice settings. She currently serves as Director of the Bone Health Clinic at Utah Orthopaedics in Ogden, Utah, where she has led comprehensive osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease care since 2016.

    In her role, Alex evaluates and treats patients with osteoporosis and other metabolic bone disorders, performs and interprets DXA scans and laboratory evaluations, and leads preoperative bone health optimization for orthopedic procedures. She co-established the first Bone ECHO program for advanced practice providers and is a frequent presenter and planning committee member for bone health conferences, hospitals, nursing facilities, and multispecialty medical practices.

    Alex has practiced within orthopedic surgery for nearly two decades, including extensive experience in total joint arthroplasty, orthopedic trauma, adult reconstruction, and foot and ankle surgery. She has served as a first assist in complex orthopedic procedures, managed inpatient and outpatient orthopedic care, and precepted students throughout her career. Prior to her work in Utah, she practiced in Ohio and New York, including at Beth Israel Hospital’s Department of Orthopedic Surgery.

    Her background also includes early experience in physical therapy and long-standing involvement in fitness, wellness, and human performance, contributing to her holistic and prevention-focused approach to bone health. Alex previously served as an adjunct professor teaching human anatomy and physiology at John Jay College (CUNY), reflecting her ongoing commitment to education and mentorship.

    Alex brings a deep orthopedic, surgical, and bone health optimization perspective to the American Society of Osteoporosis Providers, strengthening ASOP’s multidisciplinary leadership and advancing its mission to improve osteoporosis care and fracture prevention nationwide.

  • Stacey Rothwell, PA-C is a nationally recognized clinician leader in bone health and osteoporosis care. She graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Physician Assistant program in 2003 and has been a member of the MUSC Orthopedic Trauma team since 2008.

    In 2018, Stacey founded the MUSC Bone Health Program and has served as its lead clinician and coordinator since its inception. Under her leadership, the program has grown to a multidisciplinary service with two dedicated providers delivering comprehensive bone health care, including primary and secondary fracture prevention and preoperative bone health optimization for elective orthopedic procedures.

    Stacey is deeply passionate about osteoporosis care, driven by firsthand experience witnessing the significant physical, emotional, and family impact of untreated bone disease. She is a strong advocate for early identification and evidence-based treatment, emphasizing the transformative potential of modern osteoporosis therapies to prevent fractures, improve surgical outcomes, and restore patient confidence and mobility. She is especially motivated by building long-term relationships with patients and supporting them as they regain strength, independence, and quality of life.

    A sought-after speaker and educator, Stacey has presented for numerous regional and national organizations, including the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF), Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA), American Orthopaedic Association Own the Bone® Program, the Southeastern Fracture Symposium, and multiple MUSC Orthopedic Department Grand Rounds. She is also committed to training the next generation of clinicians and precepts multiple PA students each year through the MUSC PA program.

    Through her clinical leadership, education, and advocacy, Stacey brings a vital orthopedic and fracture-prevention perspective to the American Society of Osteoporosis Providers.

  • Dr. Payal Sahni is a Physical Therapist at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital within the Montefiore Health System in New York, where she specializes in orthopedic rehabilitation with a particular focus on bone health and osteoporosis.

    A passionate advocate for osteoporosis prevention and wellness, Dr. Sahni previously served as Director of the New York State Osteoporosis Prevention and Education Program (NYSOPEP), leading professional and community education initiatives at state and national levels. She has also served as an advisor to industry and as an instructor for the Professional Education Systems Institute (PESI, Inc.), a leading nonprofit provider of continuing education for healthcare professionals.

    Dr. Sahni is actively involved in bone health research and rehabilitation, having authored the first published case study on long-term rehabilitation outcomes for vertebral compression fractures. Her commitment to early detection and fracture prevention has driven the development of evidence-based osteoporosis wellness programs. She continues to contribute to the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation and the American Orthopaedic Association's Own the Bone program.

  • Dr. Lori Siegel received her medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin and completed her Internal Medicine residency followed by Rheumatology fellowship training at Georgetown University and the National Institutes of Health.

    She currently practices as a general rheumatologist with Illinois Bone and Joint Institute in Gurnee, Illinois, where she founded and directs the Osteoporosis Center of Excellence. Her clinical work focuses on the evaluation and management of patients with metabolic bone disease across the continuum of care.

    Dr. Siegel is a past President of the Chicago Rheumatism Society and serves as Professor of Medicine and Medical Director of the Physician Assistant Program at Rosalind Franklin University. In this role, she is actively involved in the education and training of the next generation of advanced practice providers.

    She is certified by the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD).

  • Mr. Wing, a highly skilled Nurse Practitioner, practices at Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart Sports Medicine in Pensacola, Florida. His expertise in surgical and bone health orthopedics, gained from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, is unparalleled. As a board member of the Bone Health Osteoporosis Foundation, he shares his knowledge through presentations at both regional and national levels, instilling confidence in his audience.