Nikki Grace Strader is the Director of OPGA (Orthotic & Prosthetic Group of America), bringing nearly 30 years of diverse experience in the medical field. Originally from San Francisco, Nikki began her career in healthcare as a firefighter paramedic in the Bay Area, where she developed a strong foundation in patient care and emergency medicine.

In 2009, Nikki’s life took a significant turn when she suffered a spinal cord injury in a motor vehicle accident, resulting in her becoming a walking paraplegic. In 2016, complications from her spinal injury led to the loss of her right leg above the knee. Unable to tolerate a traditional prosthetic socket due to her spinal fusion, she underwent osseointegration in 2017, regaining mobility and independence. Nikki’s personal experiences inspired her to make meaningful contributions to the orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) community.

Nikki served as the Director of North American Operations for Osseointegration International for six years, where she played a pivotal role in advancing awareness and adoption of osseointegration technology. She has also been an Amputee Coalition Certified Peer Visitor and Peer Visitor Trainer since 2017, providing support and mentorship to individuals navigating limb loss.

Her professional achievements have earned her recognition within the O&P industry, including being named the 2022 Breece Fellow and the 2023 OPGA Woman of the Year.

After 18 years in Illinois, Nikki recently relocated to Cedar Falls, Iowa, to take on her new role at OPGA. She lives with her husband, Dustin, and their 17-year-old twin sons, Maximus and Dominik. With a unique combination of professional expertise and personal insight, Nikki is dedicated to advancing access to care and fostering innovation within the O&P industry.