Celebrating Kelly Waugh

A Legacy of Dedication and Compassion

Kelly Waugh, a licensed physical therapist with over 40 years of experience, has made a profound impact in complex rehabilitation technology. As she prepares to retire, we honor her dedication to improving the lives of individuals with significant mobility impairments which has shaped her career and inspired those around her.

Kelly's Career in Pictures

Pioneering Innovations in Assistive Technology

Kelly earned both her bachelor's in human biology and her master's in physical therapy from Standford University, which equipped her with the knowledge and skills to excel in her field. In the 1980s, she pioneered the use of wheelchair simulators, traveling the country to provide workshops aimed at determining patient-centered solutions. Her innovative approach set her apart as a leader early on.

In 2001, Kelly relocated to Denver, where she collaborated with Michelle Lange at Children’s Hospital to develop a sleep positioning clinical service, showcasing her commitment to innovative solutions for her patients.

Establishing a Legacy at CIDE

When Children’s Hospital transitioned to the Anschutz campus in 2004, Kelly's wheelchair and sleep positioning program found its new home at The Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering (CIDE), formerly known as Assistive Technology Partners. Kelly played a pivotal role in establishing a fully functioning clinic at CIDE and fostering strong relationships within the industry, including key figures who remain valuable contributors today.

Currently serving as a Senior Research Instructor and Assistive Technology Specialist at CIDE, Kelly continues to provide exceptional care and support to individuals with significant mobility impairments. Her expertise in wheelchair seating and mobility assessments, coupled with her dedication to advancing the field through research and education, has left an indelible mark on both her colleagues and the countless individuals she has served.

Messages from Colleagues and Clients

Kelly has served as my colleague, supervisor, and mentor. It is hard to fully explain the impact Kelly has had on my career. I would not be the clinician I am today without her influence. What I appreciate most about Kelly is that she is always willing to set time aside to help me think through a difficult problem or situation. She is both creative and logical in her problem solving, while always having empathy and understanding for both her clients and colleagues. She always holds herself and others to the highest standards. She will be missed greatly, but her impact on our clinic will carry on for years to come.

Becky Breaux

MS, OTR/L, ATP, Associate Director, CIDE

Dear Kelly, You have supported Jacob and his mobility and positioning needs with your expertise and care for the majority of his life. From literally creating, supporting and providing options and solutions to Jacob and his needs, that range from typical solutions to discovering and researching some of the newest, learning about and exploring possibilities, even around the world, in dynamic and speciality positioning equipment, you’ve always kept looking for options to support Jacob. We have and will always know how fortunate Jacob has been to have you and your skills focusing on his complex positioning needs. We cherish you!

Holly Ancell

Mother of Client

Congratulations, Kelly! We are happy for you with your decision to write a new chapter in your legacy! We want to thank you for working with us with an attempt to optimize the use of Jay's Rifton Pacer. With your guidance he was able to enjoy his walking freedom and gain some of his previous mobility.

Michael, Barbara and Jay K.

Client

Kelly is a GEM. I was in amazement at watching her use her years of experience to assess Julian. Over the years she has given me "pro-tips" of at-home resources to support Julian and give him his best life. Kelly, you are an amazing human, enjoy this next phase, so go and live your best life! Love, Jules & Bella

Julian and Bella

Clients

Yes, Kelly is a excellent wheelchair seating mobility specialist. She has helped a lot all these years that I'm with her.

Rogelio O.

Kelly Is not just a seating specialist, she is a seating expert, unmatched in her field! Kelly has saved me many times from pain resulting from wheelchair seating issues. She never once dismissed my symptoms. Kelly never gave up finding a solution even if it took multiple visits! Her care and compassion for me over the many years I have known her has been undeniable. She always had that reassuring look, touch or words that gave me hope! Even after I moved 5 hours from Denver, Kelly spent 45 minutes problem solving the situation with me over the phone. Kelly will be greatly missed by me and countless others!

Karen C.

Client

[Kelly Waugh] is a God-sent woman who has enriched the livelihood of so many people. She knew exactly what she was doing with every twist and stretch. Kelly Waugh, you are truly one of those exquisite and unique gems that lasts forever in my heart. Thank you so much for everything you do. God loves you and so do I.

Anonymous

Client

Kelly has an incredible work ethic and dedication to the clinic and the individuals that visit. I remember working with her for many hours as she researched ways to improve services. When we explored tools for an online patient portal, she met with each vendor, weighed the pros and cons of each and carefully strategized which tool would be best. She did this in all her work, she went above and beyond to find the best possible solution.

Maureen Melonis

BS, MNS, CCC-SLP, Associate Director, CIDE

Kelly always likes to question 'Why?'. Why is the client sitting in a particular posture? Why are they experiencing pain? Why is the posture better in their manual wheelchair than their power wheelchair? Kelly always wanted to determine the reasons interventions worked or did not work as well. This allowed her to take that information and build on her vast knowledge.

John Morris

ATP, Assistive Technology Professional, Action Seating and Mobility

I think the qualities and characteristics that have brought Kelly her success is her willingness to always learn and share the latest information to our scope of practice. Also, her passion and compassion to help those that are most in need of our expertise in positioning and seating to encourage as much independence and quality of life for those that she has served.

Viola Perez

ATP/PT, Assistive Technology Professional & Physical Therapist, Action Seating and Mobility

Kelly is such a joy to work with because she is incredibly knowledgeable and has an outstanding way of communicating her ideas in a detailed and collaborative way. She is also a great listener and she encourages input from all people involved with the evaluations. Her vast knowledge of seating principles and equipment has given her the ability to find solutions to the most complex seating and mobility problems.

Bert Lindholm

ATP, Assistive Technology Professional, FWD Mobility

The reason I came to work at CIDE was Kelly's wheelchair/seating course that I attended at Craig Hospital in November 2015. Her work made such a great impression on me. I was fascinated with what she did for her clients and ended up observing her work for 2 years before I finally came on board in 2017. Kelly is an excellent speaker, inspiring teacher, and outstanding clinician!

Petra Conaway

Scientific Program Manager, Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome

Kelly has an incredible passion for her work and the field of complex rehab and AT. She is so dedicated to her clients and the people she serves. In Kelly's world, there is no such thing as 'good enough.' She will always give 200%, whether advocating for a client, program development, student instruction, or supporting a colleague. Kelly is a bright light in this world and her career has made it a better place for all.

Christina Perkins

MA CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist & Assistive Technology Specialist at CIDE

In Her Own Words

When asked to reflect on her career at CIDE, Kelly said:

“For the past 20 years, CIDE (formerly Assistive Technology Partners) has been my home, my passion, and at times my refuge. The close connections I have made with colleagues at CIDE, my partners in the wheelchair seating/mobility industry, and with my amazing clinic clients, have filled my soul and fueled my passion for discovery and growth. I am forever grateful.”

Thank you

Kelly, we at CIDE wish you all the best. Your legacy of dedication and compassion will continue to inspire and guide us for years to come. Thank you, Kelly, for everything you have done to make the world a better place for individuals with disabilities.

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