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Kirk Knestis — Executive Director, WheelCare Health

Kirk Knestis, PhD, is the Executive Director and Founder of WheelCare Health, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to making mobility device maintenance, repair, and access affordable and accessible for individuals who rely on wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and similar assistive equipment in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties, Virginia. With a diverse background that blends education, research, and community service, Kirk leads WheelCare Health’s mission to empower independence and improve quality of life for neighbors with mobility challenges.

Professional Background & Leadership

Dr. Knestis brings decades of experience as a business owner, educator, and social science researcher with a strong focus on STEM education and community impact. His expertise in education and organizational leadership underpins WheelCare Health’s development as a responsive, community-focused nonprofit. Prior to founding WheelCare Health in 2025, Kirk’s work involved research, teaching, and consulting, emphasizing practical solutions to real-world problems — a philosophy that directly informs his approach to mobility service innovation.

Kirk’s commitment to community service and problem solving motivated him to address a significant gap in local mobility support: affordable, accessible maintenance and repair for personal mobility devices like wheelchairs and scooters. What began as a compassionate idea quickly evolved into WheelCare Health — a nonprofit dedicated to serving neighbors who may otherwise struggle to get the support they need.

About WheelCare Health — Mission & Services

WheelCare Health is a registered tax-exempt public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, focused on providing affordable, on-site repair and maintenance services for personal mobility devices. The organization serves residents of Fairfax and Loudoun Counties in northern Virginia — particularly older adults, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and anyone who depends on mobility equipment but lacks easy access to reliable service.

Founded in April 2025, WheelCare Health emerged to fill a vital community need: repair and preventative maintenance for wheelchairs, power scooters, rollators, and similar mobility devices, helping clients maintain independence and quality of life even as equipment ages or experiences wear.

WheelCare Health’s services include:

• Maintenance & Repair of Manual & Power Wheelchairs — addressing common issues such as wheel alignment, brake adjustments, and component wear.

• Mobility Scooter Servicing — ensuring electric scooters remain safe and functional.

• Routine Maintenance Programs — preventative service to increase reliability and longevity of mobility equipment.

• Mobility Device Recycling & Refurbishing — accepting donations of used wheelchairs and scooters, refurbishing reusable equipment, and offering them at low or no cost.

• Community Workshops & Outreach — hosting “Roll In Workshop” events where local mobility device users can access service, tools, and advice.

By focusing on low-cost or even no-cost service options, WheelCare Health strives to remove financial and logistical barriers to essential maintenance — a critical need for individuals who might otherwise be sidelined by equipment failure.

Education & Professional Foundation

While specific academic institutions or degrees are not publicly listed, Kirk’s professional credentials include a PhD and extensive experience in education, research, and community program development. His scholarly background enhances his ability to design programs that are both evidence-based and empathetic to the needs of mobility-dependent residents in his community.

His combined experience in STEM education, research, and nonprofit leadership uniquely positions him to guide the strategic growth of WheelCare Health — from pilot services to expanded community programs.

Community Impact & Value Proposition

WheelCare Health under Kirk Knestis’s leadership stands out for:

✔ Affordable mobility device services — reducing the financial burden of maintenance and repair for individuals and families.
✔ On-site service model — bringing maintenance and repair directly to users through community clinics and mobile workshops.
✔ Mobility device recycling and reuse programs — extending the life of equipment and keeping devices in use rather than in landfill.
✔ Nonprofit mission-driven approach — reinvesting into community impact rather than profit.
✔ Low-barrier assistance for vulnerable populations — serving seniors, people with disabilities, and anyone in need within local communities.

Kirk has applied his research insight and organizational experience to a mission that directly improves people’s mobility and independence — a tangible impact felt by clients who might otherwise struggle to access reliable service.

Future Direction & Expansion

Looking ahead, WheelCare Health plans to expand repair and maintenance programs, scale its “Roll In Workshop” models, improve resale and rehome services for donated devices, and pursue grant funding to further subsidize services. Continued outreach and fundraising aim to extend the organization’s reach and deepen its impact across the region.

Contact & Professional Details

📧 Email: kirk@wheelcare.health
📞 Phone: 336-509-1264
🌐 Website: www.wheelcare.health