About Us
Who we are
Cadense helps people walk more safely, confidently, and naturally — especially when walking feels difficult or uncertain.
We design adaptive trainers for people who experience challenges like toe drag, instability, hesitation, or fatigue while walking. Our trainers are built to reduce trips and falls and help each step feel smoother and more controlled.
Our mission is simple: help people walk without limits — at home, outside, and everywhere in between.
From the lab to everyday life
Cadense began with research at MIT where founder of Cadense, Dr. Tyler Susko, worked on the MIT Skywalker, a robotic gait rehabilitation system designed to help people walk more rhythmically after neurological injury.
That work revealed a powerful insight: reducing friction during part of the step can make walking feel easier and more natural.
At UCSB, this insight evolved into Variable Friction Technology—the foundation of every Cadense product today.
Built on over a decade of research
Cadense footwear is grounded in more than 12 years of research across MIT, UCSB, and clinical partners.
Our Variable Friction Technology helps: reduce toe catch during the swing phase, support smoother, more natural steps, and improve walking comfort and confidence.
In testing, participants with conditions such as foot drop, stroke recovery, and Multiple Sclerosis reported improvements in walking ease, comfort, and rhythm.
About Dr. Susko
Dr. Susko holds a PhD from MIT in mechanical engineering and a Master of Engineering degree in mechanical engineering from Lehigh University.
He was the creator of the MIT-Skywalker Gamma prototype, a rehabilitation robot specifically designed for people with gait impairment due to neurological injury.
Currently, Professor Susko teaches 9 courses in engineering design at UCSB and is the Founder and CTO of Cadense.
Guided by Clinicians & Researchers
Our work has been informed by collaborations with leading institutions, including the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, where ongoing NIH-funded research is evaluating Cadense footwear alongside traditional AFOs.
Physical therapists, clinicians, and researchers continue to guide the evolution of our designs.
Designed to Support Real Movement
Cadense products are built to support real people, in real environments, every day.
Meet the team
Johannes Sauer
CEO & Co-Founder
Johannes was immediately drawn to Cadense's mission to help people gain more mobility. His cousin lost his lower leg during a tragic motor cycle accident and will be one of the millions of people benefiting from Cadense.
Prior to joining Cadense, Johannes served as CEO for consumer brands and in high-tech companies.
Tyler Susko, PhD
CTO & Co-Founder
Tyler has been working on mobility products for people with disabilities for over a decade. He was drawn to this field by its potential to directly impact the quality of life for people with movement challenges.
Tyler is an active professor of teaching at UC Santa Barbara where he teaches 9 courses in product and machine design. Before his PhD at MIT, he was a design engineer for Ingersoll Rand.
John Greathouse
Executive Chair & Co-Founder
John was struck by the enormity and importance of Dr. Susko's mission to assist those with mobility issues when they first met.
He is humbled by the opportunity to support Cadense's mission of enhancing the lives of millions of people.
Kathy Odell
CBO Healthcare
Kathy was introduced to Cadense in 2020 when Dr. Susko was working on finalizing the first product design. With 20+ years in healthcare and family experience with the impact of mobility devices on quality of life, she was drawn to the mission immediately.
A two-time Medtech founder and CEO, Kathy brings a passion for innovation and broad industry insight to helping Cadense adaptive footwear improve lives.
Dave Burianek
Advisor
Dave was introduced to Cadense in 2025 when he learned of the innovative solution Dr. Susko and team were developing to help improve the lives of those with mobility and balance challenges. With 20+ years in healthcare experience across the health plan and provider spectrum, he is fascinated by the technology and impact it could have in helping reduce falls and all the costs and personal challenges as a result.
As a nationally recognized leader in the Clinical Quality space, Dave is focused on helping Cadense maximize the impact they can have in improving lives.
Elliot Hawkes, PhD
Research & New Products
Elliot loves designing simple and elegant devices that make the world a better place.
He is a professor of mechanical engineering at University of California, Santa Barbara where he leads a research lab working at the intersection of design, materials, and robotics.
Dana Susko, EdD
Customer Service
Dana has seen Cadense’s mission unfold ever since serving as the first subject on the MIT Skywalker in 2013 during Tyler’s doctoral work. She spent late nights in the lab completing her own doctoral work in Education, with the sound of robots in the background.
Dana leads the customer service team with excitement of building the Cadense Community.
Ro Susko
Customer Service
Ro attended the University of Pittsburgh and has spent the majority of her career in Human Resources. Customer service has been a natural progression as assisting our customers' needs are paramount.
Ro's husband has Parkinson's and she knows how appropriate footwear can significantly impact mobility, stability and overall quality to life.
Anushka Larson
Product & Marketing Manager
Anushka joined Cadense while studying Data Science & Statistics at UC Santa Barbara, inspired by her grandfather’s experience with Parkinson’s disease. Now a full-time team member, she supports efforts that span product development, new product testing & research, brand strategy, & ambassador outreach—all aimed at enhancing Cadense’s impact on mobility.
Jim Kinek
Coaches Program Manager
With 30+ years in the pharmaceutical industry, Jim brings a rare mix of strategy, empathy, and relationship-building to his role as Manager of the Coaches Program at Cadense. He helps coaches thrive so they can better support patients to improve mobility—driving impact through connection, care, and purpose.
This mission is personal: Jim has seen firsthand how the Cadense trainer helped his mother-in-law regain mobility after a stroke.
Franco
Team Support
Franco, the ever-dedicated support Yorkie at Cadense, is an essential part of the team. His comforting presence and enthusiastic spirit uplift the office and ensure that every trainer bearing the Cadense name meets the highest standards of comfort and quality.
Just as the rest of the team was drawn to Cadense's mission to enhance mobility, Franco too plays a vital role in helping both the team and community take each step with confidence and joy.
Learn more in our "Ask The Founder" video series
Why Did you start cadense?
How did you start cadense?
What makes the Cadense Trainers Different?
What's next for cadense?
