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About NVLAB
Our story started out as a few inspired individuals looking to provide the best standard of prosthetic and orthotic care. We had no idea that our modest beginnings would lead us to becoming a top-notch company in beautiful Las Vegas, NV.
Nevada Limb & Brace was established to bridge superior care and patient’s individual needs.
With over 60 years of combined experience, we’re here to help you realize your true potential and to live your absolute best.
Ruben Gardea- Technical Manager
Hometown, San Pedro, CA
Ruben started working in the field of prosthetics right out of high school in 1992. He was a quick learner and always excelled in a workshop environment. He mastered his craft while working for various offices in Los Angeles and Orange County. He also designed and licensed the BLISS system, a knee unlocking mechanism used for custom knee braces.
He eventually landed at the prestigious Beverly Hills Prosthetics for several years where he provided devices for high profile celebs, rock musicians, and sports figures. He even made props for movies like Armageddon. Ruben always likes a challenge when it comes to prosthetic design. He has pulled numerous processes from different industries and applied them to prosthetics. If you have a wild idea to add to your prosthetic like an image, color, or something one of a kind, he can make it a reality!
Ruben enjoys spending much time with family and the outdoors. He likes exploring all what Las Vegas has to offer such as, hiking, sightseeing, and local travel. He also enjoys touring the national parks of Utah with his family.
Vanis Gardea- Office Manager
Hometown, Los Angeles, CA
Vanis is a Bachelor of Science graduate of Cal State Dominguez Hills, Carson, CA. Her area of study was Accounting with an emphasis on Business Administration. Vanis enjoys the structure of Accounting and how it applies to business. She started working for a prosthetic clinic in Long Beach, CA in 2002 where she began learning the functions of a prosthetic practice. Vanis has always had a passion for helping people and finds this field extremely rewarding.
Vanis likes to stay active by running and hiking. She enjoys time with her family as well as going to travel destinations such as the Grand Canyon, Zion, Brianhead, other states, and other countries. Additionally, she enjoys quality time with friends.
Howard Lee – Orthotist BOC
Howard Lee is a Certified Orthotist, with a Master of Business Administration from University and currently working on DBA (doctor of Business Administration in Healthcare Management and Leadership) from California Intercontinental University.
He recently moved to Henderson, NV from New Mexico. He enjoys driving and exploring the area and loves to window shop. He also enjoys trips to California to spend time with family. He has a true passion for cooking Chinese food (Mapo tofu, chow mien fun, fried pork chop) and making boba tea.
He has taken to different cities in Nevada ( Mesquite, Pahrump) and hopefully one day will take a drive to St. George, Utah or Salt lake City, Utah. He loves road trips and seeing the beautiful mountain and city scenery.
Matt Tapley – Orthotic/Prosthetic Technician
Matt grew up in Connecticut and started his career in orthotics and prosthetics at the Newington Children’s Hospital in 2004. In 2007 he moved to Las Vegas and started fresh. Matt joined Nevada Limb and Brace in December of 2022 after 15 years in the valley, becoming well versed in all types of fabrication. He takes pride in the devices he fabricates for our patients and bringing them a fuller and more satisfying life.
Myrakyl Agas – Front Office Administrator
Myrakyl is a 2022 high school graduate. After high school, Myrakyl went straight into the working field to help her parents financially. She is currently working on getting into the medical field and building experience in patient care. Myrakyl has always had a passion for helping and caring for others. She hopes to obtain more skills to advance in future careers.
Myrakyl was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2018. She loves to spend her free time with her family and friends, along with her 3 dogs. She also loves to travel and make as many memories as possible, surrounded by the people she loves.
Stephanie Martinez – Billing Authorization Specialist
Stephanie was born and raised on the island of Guam. She started her career as an Administrative Assistant with the Department of Education for 13 years and learned many skills to ensure the progression and success in her career. She has always wanted to work in the medical field.
It wasn’t until she relocated to Las Vegas where she began her career in the medical field in 2018.
Stephanie started working for Orthotics and Bracing as a Billing Authorization Specialist in 2019 and has gained much knowledge throughout the years. She is organized and experienced in medical billing and administrative support. She looks forward to succeeding in moving up in the medical field.
Stephanie finds all the joy in spending quality time with my family and enjoys her children and grandchildren when they are in town.
She also enjoys traveling and shopping.