Permobil Portraits
Humans are wired for connection, connections are made when people can relate to experiences, knowing someone else’s story provides the opportunity for others to relate, and everyone has a story worth sharing.
Cody Verrett
Cody Verrett is the vice president and general manager for Permobil Americas, where he oversees business development, and most recently, the development and launch of the TiLite X and TiLite Z. Born in San Francsico and raised between Colorado and Pennsylvania, Verrett discovered a passion for complex rehab technology (CRT) after studying adult health and wellness. He’s now been in the industry for 27 years with experience across companies such as Quantum, Numotion, Shoprider, and Motion Composites.
Cooper Jones
Cooper Jones, 22, is a singer, songwriter, graphic designer, and current Cal State Long Beach student. Using his Permobil F5 wheelchair, he navigates living independently in Long Beach, attending classes, and leading music gigs on the side. He is taking advantage of everything life has to offer despite being diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy when he was 4.
Jennifer Villocero
Jennifer Villocero is a customer experience representative with Permobil, working specifically on the PDG manual tilt-in-space wheelchair line of products. She takes pride in her work, helping answer customer questions and processing orders. Being able to help other people with their specific needs is the best part of the job for her.
Frank Fields
Frank Fields lost both his legs while serving in the Army in Iraq, but he hasn’t let that stop his life. Frank spends as much time as he can with his family and doing the things he loves – like hand-cycling, skydiving, and fishing. He also helps other people as a life coach.
Joel Strain
Joel Strain has been a territory manager for Kansas and Western Missouri at Permobil for the past two years. He started off his career as an occupational therapist, where he could help others like himself with spinal cord injuries. Joel is grateful for the opportunity to help grow Permobil’s business and use his OT skills as he interacts with various ATPs, end-users, and providers.
Alex Cavaliere
Alex Cavaliere was an up-and-coming lawyer and recently engaged to her fiancé when she found out she had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. Despite the shocking news she received at 27-years-old, Alex continues to blaze a trail forward for other young women diagnosed with the disease as Vice President of Her ALS Story.
Nicole Dettman
In the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, resides Nicole Dettman, a creative force whose path from childhood aspirations to becoming a Textile Product Designer at Permobil is a captivating tale. With over two years at Permobil's New Berlin Research and Development office, Nicole generously shares her narrative, weaving through the fabric of her past and present.
Rhonda Clark
In this edition of Permobil Portraits, we delve into the journey of Rhonda Clark, a resilient individual whose independence and zest for life are fueled by her mobility devices and unwavering determination.
Permobil products: Permobil F5 Corpus VS, ROHO AirLite Cushion
Guy and Roy Henningsson
This month's installment of Permobil Portrait delves into the fascinating lives of Guy and Roy Henningsson, twin brothers hailing from Sweden, with 23 years of dedicated service at Permobil. Guy excels as the National Technical Education Specialist, while Roy thrives in his role as a Software Electronics Liaison.
Chanda Hagen
In this month’s Permobil Portrait, we explore the life experiences of Chanda Hagen, a remarkable individual who has navigated the highs and lows with resilience and determination. From her childhood in sunny California to her passion for disability education, Chanda's story is one of strength and a refusal to be defined by challenges.
Permobil products: SmartDrive
Ashley Davis
As the heart and driving force behind the Permobil Foundation, Ashley Davis has been a part of the philanthropic arm of Permobil from the beginning. The twinkle in her eyes is well-deserved – she gets to see up close the impact of making a difference in the lives of others every day.
Bobby Brown
A stray bullet from a drive-by shooting at age 15 took away Bobby Brown's mobility, but it didn't dim his spark, determination, or infectious smile. Bobby was brought up in a family that places a high value on service to God and the community. Now, as a clinical psychologist and social activist, he has found healing with laughter and by helping others.
Listen to Wheelchair Nerds episode 17 with Bobby
Permobil products: TiLite TRA, SmartDrive, ROHO Hybrid Select Cushion
Doug Garven
Meet Doug Garven, Principal Product Manager for Permobil Americas. For someone who wanted to design cars, not wheelchairs, Doug Garven’s experiences have been with some of the biggest names and companies in this business. Now, with over 30 years of experience both designing and using manual wheelchairs, his latest creation, is the culmination of everything he has learned and wanted to do with a chair.
Permobil products: CR1
Mildred "Milz" Trejo
Don’t give up on your dreams! Not the accident, or COVID, or getting rejected from OT school twice stopped Mildred Trejo (aka Milz). Besides launching a T-shirt company and growing a large following on Instagram, in three years, she will forever be known as Dr. Milz, OT.
Permobil products: Aero Z, SmartDrive
Ken Winward
Known as the Wheelchair Whisperer for his vision and expertise for what is possible with manual wheelchairs, Ken Winward has over 22 years of experience working on TiLite chairs. He’s responsible for the Creative Mobility Division’s custom work, but one of his favorite parts of his job is working the repair booth at Abilities shows that Permobil attends around the USA.
Landon Rickley
Landon has grown from an adolescent into an 18-year-old young adult since we last connected with him. We were excited when Landon agreed to provide us with an update on what he’s been up to and his plans for the future. He continues to use his Permobil F5VS, make gains in his abilities and increase his level of independence.
Permobil products: F5 Corpus VS
Anton Danielsson
Meet Anton Danielsson, the mastermind behind chassis development at Permobil. Not only does Anton thrive on leading innovation and development work as an engineer, but he also channels his creative energy outside of work with sewing, woodworking, and welding projects. He's a true creator at heart.
Caroline Pennell
Meet Caroline Pennell, a proud Virginia native, is passionate about beachcombing and discovering treasures washed ashore. Her active childhood took a turn when she was diagnosed with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Type 2D at the age of 9. Attending her first MDA camp later on changed her perspective on life and her diagnosis.
Permobil products: F3 Corpus, Inception Cushion
Kara Kopplin
For nearly 20 years, Kara Kopplin, Director of Regulatory Science at Permobil, has been applying her passion for chemistry and expertise to understanding the science behind materials utilized in wheelchair seating while collaborating on the development of international standards for wheelchair seating efficacy, safety, and durability.
Corey "Pheez" Lee
Learn more about Corey "Pheez" Lee, songwriter and producer, as he shares his story from his days as a teenage rapper, to his accident while serving in the Navy, and his sweet journey to becoming a loving husband and dad.
Listen to Wheelchair Nerds episode 23 with Corey
Permobil products: F5 Corpus VS, ROHO Single Compartment Cushion with SmartCheck, mo-vis Multi Joystick
Ashely Detterbeck, DPT, ATP/SMS
A physical therapist originally from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan who has resided in Central Wisconsin for almost 20 years, Ashley joined the Permobil family in May 2017 as a Regional Clinical Education Manager.