Here's your “Elevation Team.”

Michael F. Carlson, CPO

Michael grew up in Western Colorado where his parents taught him to love the outdoors with their constant on-the-go camping trips, overseas travel and natural history education.

He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology from the University of Colorado, Boulder.  His degree’s emphasis in biomechanics led him to prosthetics.  He started an internship at a prosthetics office in Denver during his final year as an undergraduate, which led him to a technician position before attending the prosthetic program at Cal State University Dominguez Hills.  He completed a rigorous prosthetics residency in Manhattan and the Bronx before managing an office in Brooklyn while going to night school for orthotics through the University of Connecticut, Newington program.  He then transferred to Northern California in 2007 to lay down roots.  Since then, Michael has made a prosthesis for Bella the Llama, who wore it for 7.5 years before passing away.  He has gone on two prosthetic mission trips, one to Haiti in 2011 and once to Guatemala in 2018.  During a transitional period in 2018 and during the birth of Elevation, Michael volunteered over 100 hours to Achieve Tahoe and Team River Runner, both organizations dedicated to helping people with disabilities to do outdoor activities.

Michael maintains his good standing as an American Board For Certification (ABC) as a Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist (CPO) through rigorous continuation education credits and a thriving practice.

For the last 5 years, Michael has guest lectured at the Sacramento State University DPT Program and at the Sacramento City College PTA Program, regarding the Fundamentals of Prosthesis.

 Outside of work, he enjoys spending time outside with his wife and two young sons.

VINCENT XIONG

Vincent's journey is a testament to resilience and transformation. Born with Amniotic Band Syndrome, he became an amputee at a young age. As the youngest of 14 siblings, Vincent's early life was shaped by the challenges and triumphs of his condition. His path led him to Sacramento State University, where he earned a degree in Health Science. Inspired by his experiences as a patient at Shriners Hospital, Vincent pursued a career in prosthetics, joining Elevation Prosthetics in 2024. Under the mentorship of CPO Michael Carlson, he now contributes to crafting life-changing devices for others, embodying the spirit of Elevation.

NIMRTA RATHOR

Nim joined Elevation Prosthetics in Fall 2024 as the newest addition to the team. A Sacramento State University graduate with a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology focused on Athletic Care, she furthered her expertise by becoming an American Board-Certified Fitter of Orthotics in 2025. Beyond her professional achievements, Nim likes to explore California's natural beauty, enjoying activities from snowboarding in Lake Tahoe to gardening at home. Her dedication to enhancing mobility and quality of life aligns seamlessly with Elevation's mission.