Marissa Koscielski graduated from the University of Notre Dame with an undergraduate degree in math and a concentration in neuroscience. She then attended the same university’s ESTEEM program, one of the world’s premier graduate programs in technology and entrepreneurship. Marissa’s theoretical math background combined with her interests in neuroscience, pathophysiology, and the different models of health care delivery led her to the medical space, where she now looks for new ways to innovate. Recently, Marissa played a key role in the conception, design, and development of two medical devices: a syringe stabilizer created to help administer self-injections, which is currently undergoing the FDA approval process, and new rehabilitation technology for lower limb amputees and stroke patients, a project that is in development.

In her clinical administrator role, Marissa works on everything from guiding patients through the surgical process to handling data collection and reporting related to BalancedBack. She also helps the company maintain regulatory compliance for clinical operations.

Brady Riesgraf graduated from the University of Notre Dame’s Engineering, Science, and Technology Entrepreneurial Masters (ESTEEM) program, after receiving his undergraduate degree in neurobiology. Brady’s graduate capstone thesis focused on medical device analysis—specifically, the study of neuromodulator spinal implants for the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research (FIMR) and their Center for Bioelectronic Medicine. Prior to attending to Notre Dame, he also worked with Mayo Clinic Ventures, integrating his background in clinical and biological research to enhance patient care through medical device development within the departments of pediatrics and neurology.

In his role as a clinical associate, Brady touches on multiple parts of the BalancedBack operation, primarily focusing his efforts on patient qualification, as well as business development, data collection, and clinical trial refinement. In the latter, Brady’s experience with Mayo Clinic and FIMR will be especially important as we leverage his expertise with trials and grant writing for device approvals.

Dr. Hodges is a board-certified and fellowship-trained spine surgeon with more than 25 years of clinical experience. He has completed over 15,000 spine surgeries throughout his career, with a special interest in spine motion preservation techniques. Dr. Hodges entered private practice in 1994 with the Center for Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he works alongside a team of medical professionals specializing in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine.

Dr. Hodges is a pioneer in joint replacement and also holds an interest in minimally invasive surgery (MIS)
for the spine. He was an early adopter of navigationally-assisted MI and has served as a faculty member and chairman of numerous educational programs for over two decades. Dr. Hodges’ current research focuses on spinal mobility before and after surgical intervention. He is an active innovator with over 50 patents for spine/orthopedic devices, and currently serves as chairman of the research committee for the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics.

Dr. Hodges is a native of North Carolina. He received his undergraduate degree in biology from Southern Adventist University and graduated cum laude from the University of Health Sciences in Kansas City, Missouri. He also served in the United States Air Force achieving the rank of major.

Coming soon!

Dr. Don Duff has more than 35 years of healthcare experience. He began his spinal health career in private practice as a chiropractor in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1990. While working extensively with orthopedic spine surgeons, Dr. Duff utilized his expertise in conservative spine management to provide appropriate alternatives to surgery when indicated. He also developed postoperative rehabilitation protocols to help patients manage their surgical recoveries and optimize outcomes.

Dr. Duff graduated in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Southern Adventist University, then completed his Doctor of Chiropractic training at Life University. He later completed graduate training at Southern Adventist, earning the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) credential. Dr. Duff currently has a dual practice as part of a group of spine care associates in Tennessee, and at NovoClinic in the Cayman Islands.

An advocate of a multidisciplinary approach to spinal care, Dr. Duff frequently presents at academic meetings and teaches across a variety of specialties, including co-development of a 12-hour CME course on the continuum of care for spinal health.

Marcus James received his Bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of West Georgia, after which he completed two additional surgical assistant programs, one in Chattanooga, TN, and one in Los Angeles. He has extensive surgical experience, having started his nursing career in an operating room about 20 years ago. He began by working on general orthopedics cases and some neurosurgical procedures; after about seven years he moved into spine surgery exclusively.

Marcus currently works as Dr. Scott Hodges’ first assist at Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga. He also works alongside Drs. Hodges and Humphreys on BalancedBack surgeries in the Cayman Islands. As the RN first assistant he facilitates every procedure, providing direct patient care during surgery as well as in the pre- and post-operative stages.