Peer Visitors
Michelle Torkelson
Hello, My name is Michelle, I am 53 years old and have been a BK amputee for 14 years due to trauma caused from a motorcycle accident. I am a certified peer visitor. I have been a Hairdresser for 33 years and enjoy staying physically fit and being outdoors. Yoga, gardening, and biking are a few of my favorite things.
Joesph Horton
Hi, I am 15 years old. I was born in Bulgaria and lived in an orphanage for 8 years… I have Moebius Syndrome and congenital upper body limb loss.
POWLL has been a great opportunity for me. I have been able to surf, kayak, bow shoot, ride cool bikes, participate in mud run, camp and be part of the annual conference. I am also becoming a certified peer visitor.
In my personal life I enjoy watching politics, drumming, and riding horses.
Kevin Cardoza
I electively had my left arm removed above the elbow because I paralyzed it in 2013 in a motorcycle accident that nearly took my life. I believe in positivity, adaptation, and leading others into the same mindset. I am passionate about technology and helping others to learn; I’m also an enthusiastic rock wall climber and am belay certified.
Dave Lien
In 2015, due to a diabetic infection, I had a right below knee amputation. After 30 years in health care as an optician, I retired. I enjoy hiking, biking, the beach, kayaking, fishing and reading a good book! My life is full of activity. Our three teenage grandsons and college-aged granddaughter keep us hopping! I desire and continue to live an adventurous life!
Wally Bowen
I’m Wally Bowen and I’ve been a left leg above the knee amputee, due to a motorcycle accident, since August 1990.
I worked for United Parcel Service in Nevada for 32 years, retiring in 2007.
My wife Lisa and I moved to Junction City, Oregon in December of 2014. We both actively volunteer in our community. I’m also am involved with KOCF radio in Veneta, Oregon as a host of 2 radio shows and music director for the station. We both enjoy music, traveling with our 2 dogs and helping in the community.
I started attending meetings with Power on with Limb Loss in 2017. I’ve talked to a lot of people over the years about issues with limb loss, I became certified as a Peer Visitor in 2019.
Shannon Nill
Born in 1960 and raised in Eugene, Oregon. Married to wife Barbara Nill. Met at OSU during College. We had our Honeymoon in an RV traveling to Vancouver, Island.
I Graduated in 1984 from OSU with a Degree in Speech Communications with an Area of Concentration in Business Administration. Began working in my father’s Car and RV Dealership after College in 1991.
Positions at Guaranty RV Centers and Guaranty Chevrolet: Property Manager, Sales Auto, Sales RV’s, Sales Management Auto, Photographer, Videographer, General Manager of Auto, General Manager RV & Auto, and Owner Guaranty Chevrolet since July 1st, 2000. My Dad and I do our company TV and radio advertising.
Hobbies include flying, boating, hunting, fishing, sight-seeing, cycling and RVing.
Community involvement: Board Member at: Boy Scouts of America, Eugene Airport Advisory Committee and Oregon RV Dealers Association.
Currently a Member of OADA, RVDA, RVIA, Eugene, Springfield, Junction City and Corvallis Chambers of Commerce. In 2010, I was awarded Greeter of the Year from Springfield Chamber in 2010.
Paula Free
Following an accident on a motorcycle, I chose to have my foot amputated. The fear and anxiety about losing my foot was relieved by a peer visitor who challenged me to do any and everything, that I had done before I lost my foot. As a result, I wanted to make sure that every amputee has the experience of having a peer visitor to talk to, ask questions, and be empowered by.