Meet our Course Instructors

Jim Mecham, MSIE, OTR/L, CPE

Jim Mecham has dedicated his career to developing rehab programs which focus on returning injured workers back to work as soon as possible. His Bachelors of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy and Masters of Science in Industrial Engineering makes him a perfect fit to teach professionals the latest in industrial rehab and ergonomics. Jim is a Board Certified Professional Ergonomist who has developed multiple functional capacity evaluations with his crown jewel being the FCE within the OccuPro Software. Email Jim at jmecham@occupro.net.

Eric Ahonen, ATC, LAT, CFCE

With his Bachelor's Degree and license to practice as an Athletic Trainer, Eric Ahonen has dedicated his career to restoring human performance. His background in the workers' comp field has given him extensive knowledge in performing and creating FCEs, Functional Progress Notes, Functional Discharge Summaries, and work hardening/work conditioning programs. Eric is a Certified Functional Capacity Evaluator whose experience makes him an asset for anyone looking to build a successful FCE program. Email Eric at eahonen@occupro.net.

Paige Shafer, MS, OTR/L, CFCE, CEAS

Paige Shafer received her Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy from Rush University in Chicago, IL. She has 17 years of clinical experience in hand therapy, industrial rehab, and ergonomics. She has performed hundreds of FCEs, including job specific and baseline for disability claims, and has worked in the clinic developing and implementing work conditioning programs. She is a Certified Functional Capacity Evaluator and a Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist. She has performed ergonomic evaluations in the office and industrial environments, and has worked with employers developing job demands analysis and on-site injury prevention programs. Email Paige at pshafer@occupro.net.

Thomas Rothery, OTR, CFCE

Thomas Rothery received his Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy from Rush University and has focused his practice on industrial rehab, work hardening, and FCEs. He has performed hundreds of functional capacity evaluations including job specific and baseline for disability claims and is a Certified Functional Capacity Evaluator. Mr. Rothery has worked closely with employers providing POETs, fit-for-duties, return-to-work examinations, on-site injury preventions, wellness programs, and job demands analysis.

Carrie Bath-Scheel, EdD, OT/L, CPE

Dr. Carrie Bath-Scheel, EdD, OT/L, CPE, has 30 years of experience in work injury solutions include onsite/clinic work hardening, pre-employment functional testing, ergonomics for office and industry, job safety analyses, and injury prevention services. Carrie has been in academia for 28 years where she has taught students preventative ergonomic strategies as well as post injury workers’ compensation rehabilitation. Carrie received her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from Mounty Mary University, her Masters of Science in Human Kinetics from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, and her Doctor of Education from Cardinal Stritch University. She is a Board-Certified Ergonomist and has been awarded this certification through the Board of Certified Professional Ergonomists and is a lean six sigma green belt. Carrie utilizes her lean six sigma methodologies in her ergonomic consultation.

Kevin Walker, COEE, LDO

Kevin Walker is a Licensed Optician who received his degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing from SUNY New York. Kevin has dual ABOC and NCLEC Certifications from the American Board of Opticianry. Kevin has worked at his own practice with Optometrists, Ophthalmologists and has led, spoken and developed several training programs. Kevin became Certified in Office Ergonomics via Occupro and formed “WorkSight ERGO”, specializing in Vision Ergonomics. He resides in Ohio and enjoys outside activities with his wife and daughter.

Our instructors value all that attend OccuPro trainings, therefore have no conflict of interest.

What People Say About Us

Eric Ahonen was very knowledgeable about the ins and outs of functional capacity evaluations and how they should be performed. He gave great insides and practical knowledge based on his years of experience in this field. He was patient, approachable, and hands-on.

Brian Cupit, DPT
Concentra Health Solutions

I normally struggle doing continuing education via On Demand formats. However, the information and presentation method with OccuPro was engaging and very helpful. Nice job, Jim!

Jeffrey Johnson, MA, ATC
BTE Technologies

If you are thinking about starting an industrial rehabilitation program, the FCE + RTW + WH/WC Certification Course is a great choice. Jim takes you through step-by-step on establishing your program and is there for you afterwards to help you with the challenges. I highly recommend this course.

Scott Rea
Patterson Medical

Eric was great. He was very knowledgeable and engaging. He answered all questions and emphasized essential aspects of the functional capacity evaluation from various view points.

Daniel Godio
Concentra

Great course! Jim presented well, was informed on topic, and provided very detailed personal experiences that aided in the course.

Kyle Kleppinger, ATC, LAT
Industry Health Solutions

Jim Mecham was the course instructor for the On Demand course. He is a very good speaker, very relaxed ,and very knowledgeable. He made a 7-hour video very tolerable.

David Velasco
XOOM/PayPal

The course gave me a good mix of recognized check lists and quantitative tools for documentation and communication with management. This knowledge definitely adds value to my practice and marketability of our programs. I also appreciate Jim's presentation of the material. He kept the class participating and on track, had a good sense of humor, and used practical examples from his own experience.

Kelly Van Kampen, AT
The Center for Physical Rehabilitation

Jim Mecham was very good! He was easy to understand, provided great PT examples, and related the material to rehab practices, which made the course very interesting.

The course exceeded my expectations. I learned a lot of important information to use in the future. Eric did a great job and I would definitely take another class by him!

Justin Taylor, DC
Olympia Chiropractic and Physical Therapy

Eric was engaging, provided quality feedback, answered all questions throughout the day, and encouraged conversation. He was a dynamic speaker!

Elizabeth Veller, PT, DPT
Texas Health Resources

Eric is a regular guy and relates to everyone in a likable manner. It's easy to see why he's successful with OccuPro.

Brian Swartzendruber, PT
Team Rehab

The course material was wonderful. It was the perfect amount of instruction, practical learning, and real-world circumstances from the instructor's professional career.

Matt Copeland, CEOE
Solutions Northwest, Inc.

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