About

WHO WE ARE

The Denver Osteopathic Foundation is a non-profit organization (501)(c)(3) made up of osteopathic physicians and others interested in advancing medicine and promoting health.

WHAT WE DO

Foundation contributors share a common objective – to create futures in osteopathic medicine by raising and administering funds for osteopathic medical education scholarships and by representing the osteopathic profession through charitable work in the community. Contributors commit financially to the Foundation’s programs, which in turn, help osteopathic physicians give their patients the best care possible.

Through contributions, donations and grant funding, the Denver Osteopathic Foundation conducts a variety of elementary school age education programs designed to promote health and prevent injury.

MEET THE TEAM

The Denver Osteopathic Foundation is lead by a dedicated group of osteopathic physicians, business leaders, and the Foundation’s Executive Director.

Dr. Bobby Petro

D.O. President
Dr. Bobby Petro earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences from the University of California Santa Cruz. He went on to complete medical school at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He also earned a Flight Surgeon Certification at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. Bobby also completed a fellowship in sports medicine and has a special interest in musculoskeletal care.
Dr. Petro is married and a proud father of two boys. In his spare time he enjoys a variety of active hobbies including cycling, hiking, and practicing yoga. He also enjoys exploring mountains and towns in Colorado and spending time with his wife, sons, and dogs. He also speaks Spanish.

Julie Collett

Executive Director

Julie is a registered dental hygienist with 15+ years of nonprofit management experience. She brings expertise in program development, community outreach, public relations and event planning. As a strategic planner, Julie implements solutions to increase organization efficiency and productivity. Julie is a skilled relationship builder who prides herself on developing strong and successful partnerships. She is a well-respected leader in the nonprofit community.

Dr. Heather Ferrill

D.O.

Dr. Heather Ferrill is originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in 1989 and then her DO from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2000. In 2010, she earned her Masters in Medical Education and Leadership from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine.
In 2013, Dr. Ferrill joined RVU as a professor and Chair of Osteopathic Principles and Practice Department. In 2019, she assumed the role of Associate Dean of Preclinical Education. Presently she is the Dean at Rocky Vista University.
Dr. Ferrill has been married to her husband Jay, for 20 years and has two sons. She has been practicing yoga for 20 years and loves to travel, being outdoors and running.

Dr. Alexis Michopoulos

D.O

Dr. Alexis Michopoulos is a Colorado Native and loves spending her free time traveling and being outside hiking with her dogs and inside with them cooking and enjoying time with friends. She is currently trying to expand her artistic side by learning hand-lettering and calligraphy and she is completing her certification in Herbal Medicine Education.
Dr. Michopoulos started her medical journey completing her premedical requirements at the University of Denver followed by attending medical school at Rocky Vista University. Alexis recently started her own practice in Denver. She has extensive experience providing quality patient care with an emphasis in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and Hormonal Health.

Gregory Hogle

D.O., ENT Secretary

Dr. Hogle is board certified in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery. He has taken multiple courses in advanced sinus surgery and finds that in-office sinus surgery is really helpful for minimal intraop bleeding, less postop swelling, and shorter recovery time. His office is at Rose Medical Center.

Louis Kasunic

D.O., FACOFP

Dr. Kasunic is a graduate of Denison University (BS Chemistry), Case Western Reserve University (MS Chemistry), and The Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine and is a Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians. He has practiced medicine in our community since 1987, and is currently working out of his private practice in Castle Rock.

Meredith Ware

4th year Medical Student Board Liaison

Meredith considers herself a Texas-California hybrid: she was born in Lubbock, TX and raised in Los Angeles. Meredith returned to Texas for college at the University of Houston, where she earned her bachelors in Biology while playing NCAA Division I volleyball. After graduation, Meredith worked in research for three years in Switzerland and at the University of California, Los Angeles before returning to school to earn her master’s degree. She attended the University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus where she earned her master of science degree in Modern Human Anatomy. Meredith is a second-year osteopathic medical student at Rocky Vista University in Parker, CO

Jill Pitcher

D.O. Treasurer

Currently an Associate Professor of Family Medicine Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Pitcher attended Colorado State University (B.S. in Human Resource Science, Minor in Human Nutrition), Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine), and completed a Family Medicine Internship and Residency St Luke’s Medical Center in Denver, CO.

David Ross

D.O., FACEP Vice President

David Ross is Associate Professor of Specialty Medicine and in the Office of Simulation in Medicine and Surgery, at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He serves as the Director of Rural and Wilderness Medicine Track and the Course Director of the Military Medicine Program. He is an emergency physician and an emergency medical services (EMS) medical director. He is a past president of the Colorado Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians, past board member of the El Paso County Medical Society, current president of the Colorado Society of Osteopathic Medicine and a member of the board of the Denver Osteopathic Foundation. He is a graduate of Western University of the Health Sciences/College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific and a past United States Air Force flight surgeon, serving both on active duty and in the reserves.

Lawrence Varner

D.O., AOBOS

Dr. Varner is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon in Aurora, CO. He received his medical degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. After practicing for 35 years, he retired from doing surgery and now focuses on in-office orthopedics consults, one day a month. Dr. Varner has been on the board of directors of the Foundation since 2014.

Alyssa Inge

3rd year Medical Student Board Liaison

Unlike most, Alyssa took a very non-traditional path to medicine. As an undergrad at CU Boulder, she studied broadcast journalism and was an "Evans Scholar" through the Western Golf Association. Following graduation, Alyssa spent a couple years in sports broadcasting for Altitude Sports, before deciding to pursue a career in healthcare. She completed her nursing degree and ultimately decided to attend medical school. Alyssa is a first year osteopathic medical student at Rocky Vista University.

Dr. Lee Rosacci

D.O.

Dr. Lee Rosacci graduated with honors from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2013. She has had more than 10 years of diverse experiences in medicine since graduating. Presently, Dr. Rosacci works as a hospitalists in an inpatient rehabilitation facility. She also works for Forte/ProHealthOne where she manages a team of physician assistants and NP’s servicing high turn SNF operating as post-surgical rehab unit. Lee also serves as a preceptor for medical students and residents attending Rocky Vista University.
Dr. Rosacci enjoys yoga, snowboarding , hiking with her dog, music, museums and concerts and spending time with her husband and son.

Osteopathy is founded upon, and sustained by,
the laws of Nature.

Our Mission

Elevating the health and well-being of the community, advancing osteopathic medical education , and improving the public’s understanding of osteopathic medicine.