David Dubats, Founder & President

Prior to founding Second Step, David served in the U.S. Air Force. Subsequently, he worked as a software design engineer at NASA, Johnson Space Center, in Houston, Texas. David has served as a Board Member on the Brain Injury Alliance of Oregon, and has been an annual conference presenter.

In the 1980’s, David’s mother developed cancer, which greatly affected her ability to walk. From his personal devotion to his mother, David’s objective became honoring the dignity and independence of each person working with disabling conditions. He began studying wheelchairs, walkers, and other equipment, and concluded there was tremendous room for improvement. More significantly, he discovered that people lacking the ability to use their lower limbs had virtually no technologies available that could inspire hope for walking again.

Under David’s direction, Second Step has invested years of research and development into inventing what is now known as the Gait Harness System (GHS).

The engineering designs were produced by David. He designed the GHS to help people learn to stand and walk again, during over-ground training, over real-world floor and ground surfaces.

Because of David’s personal history and struggle to help a loved one at home be safe to walk again, over the decades what has pleased him most is the transition of Gait Harness System into the home user, real world environment.

David says, “There is no greater success than when I watch someone walk for the first time in months or years. It’s beyond words when I witness them in the Gait Harness System, taking their first steps, with their family there to share the joy.”

You can read more about David’s experience founding Second Step in this interview.

Read more about Second Step at Our History.

Joseph Millen PT MTC, Chief Clinical Advisor

As the Chief Clinical Advisor for Second Step Inc., Mr. Millen brings an impressive wealth of expertise and experience as a seasoned clinician in the field of gait rehabilitation. With 38 years of dedicated practice and over 20 years utilizing the Second Step Gait Harness System, Joe demonstrates an unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of patients and clients through innovative treatment programs.

Joe empowers clinical staff, caregivers, and patients/clients by sharing his extensive knowledge. He is pivotal in integrating the Second Step Gait Harness System into clinical and home environments.

As a true leader in a field that demands expertise and empathy, Joe fosters an environment of trust and support with his exceptional interpersonal skills, inspiring all parties involved. His relentless dedication and innovative ideas drive the life-changing impact that the Second Step Gait Harness System can bring to those who need it the most.