Linda Jeffery, manager, Bryan LifePointe Campus, Bryan West Campus outpatient rehabilitation and pediatric rehabilitation
Areas of Expertise: Linda Jeffery, MAA, OTR/L, outpatient expertise include treating neurologic and orthopedic diagnoses, hand therapy including post-operative rehab, and fabrication of custom hand splints.
Education and Experience: Linda received her bachelor's degree in occupational therapy from Creighton University and her master's degree in administration from Doane College. She began working in the Lincoln area in 1992 and joined Bryan Health in 1998. She does not currently see patient, bur rather is the manager for outpatient rehabilitation services on Bryan LifePointe Campus, Bryan West Campus, and inpatient and outpatient pediatric rehabilitation services on Bryan East campus.
Cathryn Breutzmann, occupational therapist
Areas of Expertise: Cathryn Breutzmann, OTD, OTR/L, has experience working with a wide variety of diagnoses including neurological, orthopedic, trauma, mental health and general medical conditions. She is an ergonomic specialist, licensed in physical agent modality use and a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association. Cathryn is certified in LSVT BIG for those with Parkinson's disease.
Education & Experience: Cathryn earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a neuroscience minor from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN. She earned a doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Creighton University in Omaha, NE.
Charlene Green, occupational therapist
Areas of Expertise: Charlene (Charlie) Green, OTD, OTR/L, is Board Certified and has experience working with a wide variety of diagnoses including neurological, orthopedic, general medical conditions and trauma-related injuries. She specializes in stroke rehabilitation, licensed in physical agent modality use and a member of the Nebraska Occupational Therapy Association as well as the American Occupational Therapy Association. Charlie is certified in Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) for stroke survivors.
Education & Experience: Charlie earned her bachelor's degree in Health Sciences with a minor in Psychology from Wayne State College in Wayne, NE. She completed her graduate degree at Creighton University in Omaha, NE, with a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy in 2009. Charlie has worked at Bryan Medical Center since 2010 with experience in Acute Care, Inpatient Rehabilitation, Mental Health and Outpatient Therapy.
Traci Carey, physical therapist
Areas of Expertise: Traci Carey PT, DPT, outpatient expertise include treating spine and orthopedic diagnoses and amputees, manual therapy and Graston Technique trained, functional dry needling, shoulder rehabilitation and gait/running analysis.
Education & Experience: Traci earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a doctorate in physical therapy at University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2004. She has worked in outpatient orthopedics and sports medicine, inpatient acute, skilled nursing, rehabilitation and home health settings.
Laura Corbridge, physical therapist
Areas of Expertise: Laura Corbridge provides comprehensive vestibular balance testing services and pulmonary therapy. She specializes in treating those with neurological disorders including traumatic brain injury, stroke and other progressive neurological disorders. She also treats patients with chronic lung conditions.
Education and Experience: Laura earned her masters degree in physical therapy from the University of Iowa in 1999. Laura has had advanced training in balance and vestibular rehabilitation including Neurocom Balance master integration training and Emory University's certification of vestibular competency.
Hannah Gadeken, speech language pathologist
Areas of Expertise: Hannah Gadeken MA, CCC-SLP, expertise include diagnosis and treatment of swallowing disorders, voice disorders, speech and language disorders and cognitive-communication disorders. Additionally proficient in treatment of neurological disorders.
Education and Experience: Hannah earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of South Dakota in communication sciences and disorders and master’s degree in speech-language pathology. She has experience working in a variety of settings including, adult outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation as well as pediatric outpatient for speech and language disorders.
Daniel Kasparek, speech language pathologist
Area of Expertise: Daniel Kasparek, MA, CCC-SLP, is certified in Vital Stimulation for swallow recovery and LSVT LOUD for those with Parkinson's disease.
Education and Experience: Daniel earned his bachelor's degree at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and master's degrees in both linguistics and speech-language pathology at the University of Kansas. He has worked in both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation settings gaining experience in swallowing disorders, voice disorders, stroke recovery, cognitive-communication disorders and degenerative diseases.
Tyler Klotz, physical therapist
Area of Expertise: Tyler Klotz, PT, DPT, provides treatment for spine and general orthopedic diagnoses, manual therapy, post-op rehabilitation, sports rehabilitation for athletes, and is certified in functional dry needling.
Education and Experience: Tyler earned his bachelor's degree in athletic training from Nebraska Wesleyan University and a doctorate of physical therapy from A.T. Still University in 2017. He has experience in outpatient orthopedics, sports medicine, inpatient acute care, skilled nursing, and inpatient rehabilitation.
Kaitlin Kreifels, physical therapist assistant
Area of Expertise: Kaitlin Kreifels, PTA, outpatient expertise includes assisting with treating orthopedic injuries, post-op rehabilitation, and neurological disorders. Kaitlin has also completed training in Lymphedema Management.
Education and Experience: Kaitlin is a 2013 graduate from Southeast Community College in Lincoln, NE where she earned her Associates of Applied Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant. Kaitlin has experience working in acute care settings, home health, assisted living and skilled nursing facilities.
Heather Wengler, physical therapist
Area of Expertise: Heather Wengler joins Bryan Health with over 20 years of experience in the treatment of acquired or progressive neurological disorders. Areas of experience include working with clients with Traumatic Brain Injury, stroke, complex medical comorbidities, and amputees. She also provides comprehensive vestibular balance testing and assessment services. She is a certified fitter of Bioness, has experience with Saebo adaptive orthoses and is certified in LSVT Big.
Education and Experience: She earned her Master's and Doctoral Degrees in Physical Therapy at UNMC. She serves in an adjunct faculty as the University of Alaska focused on Traumatic and Acquired Brain Injury education to medical provider, patients, and their caregivers. She has been involved in rural outreach projects to identify patients with traumatic brain injury in medically underserved areas in rural AK.
Stacey Anderson, occupational therapist
Area of Expertise: Stacey Anderson, OTR/L, CPST, practices many treatment methods including water therapy, and is a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician specializing in safety restraints for special needs children.
Education and Experience: Stacey earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a master's degree in occupational therapy from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. She has worked with children as on the pediatric unit, the pediatric ICU and the neonatal intensive care unit.
Amanda Austin, speech language pathologist
Areas of Expertise: Amanda Austin, MS, CCC-SLP, works with children with speech and language issues and traumatic brain injury patients.
Education and Experience: Amanda earned bachelor's and master's degrees in speech and language pathology from the University of Nebraska. She has worked with alternative and augmentative communication devices, children with autism and individuals that have sustained traumatic brain injury and stroke. She also has helped those with swallowing and speech difficulties, and memory and cognitive deficits.
Karissa Kirby, speech therapist
Areas of Expertise: Karissa Kirby, MS, CF-SLP, finds such joy working with pediatric patients. She hopes to help children with speech issues by using individual and play-based therapy to improve communication with families and others.
Education and Experience: Karissa received a B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders and her M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Karissa also works for Lincoln Public Schools in their early childhood program.
Brandy Escamilla, physical therapist
Areas of Expertise: Brandy Escamilla, PT, DPT, has spent the majority of her career working with pediatric patients. Her passion is working with children from birth to 18 years old and their families to maximize their function in a fun and meaningful way, no matter what their diagnosis.
Education and Experience: Brandy received a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Nebraska Wesleyan University and her doctorate degree in physical therapy from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Prior to joining the therapy team at Bryan she practiced at a pediatric therapy clinic in Lincoln called Leaps and Bounds, which she co-owned for 7 years prior to its closing. She is excited to have the opportunity to meet your child’s individual needs.
Kindra Fox, occupational therapist
Areas of Expertise: Kindra Fox, OT, OTR/L, has a passion for working with children in a fun and supportive environment and has experience in outpatient pediatric and school based populations.
Education and Experience: Kindra received a bachelor's degree in science with an emphasis in wildlife and fisheries from South Dakota State University before earning her doctorate degree in occupational therapy from Creighton University. She is a trained practitioner of Therapeutic Listening® through Vital Links and is a trained Handwriting Specialist through Handwriting Without Tears. She has also been trained in the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) feeding and Beckman Oral Motor approaches. Kindra received additional training in neurodevelopment treatment for children, sensory integration and hippotherapy.
Amanda Heim, occupational therapist
Areas of Expertise: Amanda Heim, MOT, OTR/L, loves working with pediatric patients. She helps children reach developmental milestones and educates parents to assist their kids.
Education and Experience: Amanda earned a bachelor's in Sociology from Doane College in Crete. She began her work with adults who have developmental disabilities and mental health needs. But, it was her work as a special education para with autistic kids that piqued her interest in occupational therapy. Amanda received her master's in occupational therapy from the College of Saint Mary. Amanda has additional training in Sequential Oral Sensory Approach to Feeding.
Brenda Heinrich, physical therapist
Areas of Expertise: Brenda Heinrich, PT, DPT has worked in pediatrics in outpatient and school-based therapy, as well as treating adults in acute care hospital settings. She loves to bring mobility and independence to each of her patients while prioritizes family goals.
Education and Experience: Brenda received her Bachelors in Health Science from Union Adventist University. Her Doctorate in Physical Therapy was earned from Loma Linda University, and she is currently working on her PhD in Health Science. Along with working at Bryan Health in Pediatrics and Acute care, Brenda teaches at Union Adventist University. She is looking forward to treating/playing playing with her patients!
Linda Hennessey, speech therapist
Areas of Expertise: Linda Hennessey, MA, CCC-SLP, has a passion for pediatric speech development. When speech development is slow, she advocates for using augmentative and alternative communication devices. These devices help promote a child's communication with family, friends and school.
Education and Experience: Linda earned a B.A. in Communication Disorders and an M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Nebraska—Kearney. She has worked for school systems in various roles. They include early childhood education, home therapy and school-based services. She continues to work for the Raymond school district.
Lacey Kettelhake, speech pathologist
Areas of Expertise: Alicia (Lacey) Kettelhake, MS, CCC-SLP, loves working with kids and their families. She wants to create language-rich environments to boost communication. She is passionate about helping infants with feeding.
Education and Experience: Lacey has a bachelor's in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She has a master's in Speech-Language Pathology, both from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She has experience with various populations and diagnoses. These include developmental speech delays, language disorders and dysphagia. As well as, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and autism.
Troy Krien, occupational therapist
Areas of Expertise: Troy Krien, MS, CCC-SLP, enjoys working with children of all ages. He works closely with those who have developmental speech and language issues.
Education and Experience: Troy earned his bachelor's degree in education from Fort Hays State. He has two master's degrees. One is in education from the University of Nebraska-Kearney. The other is in speech-language pathology from Fort Hays State University. Before joining Bryan, he spent 12 years with Lincoln Public Schools.
MacKenzie Kuehmichel, physical therapist
Areas of Expertise: MacKenzie Kuehmichel, PT, DPT, is passionate about using science to better understand kids. She believes they are not "tiny adults." She is eager to help individuals with mobility and strength impairments throughout their lives.
Education and Experience: MacKenzie earned a bachelor's and a master's in Kinesiology and Health from the University of Wyoming. She received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Briana McCloskey, physical therapist
Areas of Expertise:Briana McCloskey, PT, DPT, has a passion and love is for treating pediatric patients. Her areas of experience include working with developmental delays, autism, cerebral palsy and spina bifida in the outpatient, inpatient and aquatic settings.
Education and Experience: Briana received a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and athletic training from Simpson College and her doctorate degree in physical therapy from Des Moines University. Since graduating she has worked with children and adults in the outpatient setting. She is exited to meet all her pediatric patients and help them reach their highest level of function.
Jade Maurer, occupational therapist
Areas of Expertise: Jade Maurer OTD, OTR/L enjoys working with patients of all ages with a strong passion for helping kids meet their milestones through individualized and play based therapy. Jade is excited to assist with your child's needs.
Education and experience: Jade earned her Bachelor degree in Sport Science and Leadership with minors in Biology and Psychology prior to moving onto graduate school at Creighton University where she earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. Jade has worked with individuals across the lifespan in inpatient acute, pediatric inpatient rehabilitation, adult mental health, outpatient adult, outpatient pediatric, and aquatic therapy.
Cathryn Breutzmann, occupational therapist
Areas of Expertise: Cathryn Breutzmann, OTD, OTR/L, has experience working with a wide variety of diagnoses including neurological, orthopedic, trauma, mental health and general medical conditions. She is an ergonomic specialist, licensed in physical agent modality use and a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association. Cathryn is certified in LSVT BIG for those with Parkinson's disease.
Education & Experience: Cathryn earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a neuroscience minor from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN. She earned a doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Creighton University in Omaha, NE.
Justin Hash, physical therapist
Area of Expertise: Justin Hash, PT, MTC, CSCS, has expertise in treating spine pain, orthopedic injuries, hand injuries including creating custom splints, gait analysis and creating custom foot orthotics, work injuries with a focus on returning to work and golf-related injuries.
Education and Experience: Justin earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and earned his physical therapy degree at Mayo School of Health Science in Rochester, Minnesota. He completed his certification in manual therapy from the University of St. Augustine.
Daniel Kasparek, speech language pathologist
Area of Expertise: Daniel Kasparek, MA, CCC-SLP, is certified in Vital Stimulation for swallow recovery and LSVT LOUD for those with Parkinson's disease.
Education and Experience: Daniel earned his bachelor's degree at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and master's degrees in both linguistics and speech-language pathology at the University of Kansas. He has worked in both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation settings gaining experience in swallowing disorders, voice disorders, stroke recovery, cognitive-communication disorders and degenerative diseases.
Jenna Lempka, physical therapist assistant
Area of Expertise: Jennifer (Jenna) Lempka, PTA, outpatient expertise includes assisting with treating orthopedic injuries, post-surgery rehabilitation, neuro rehab, and aquatic therapy.
Education and Experience: Jennifer (Jenna) is a 2004 graduate of Northeast Community College in Norfolk NE, where she earned her Associates of Applied Science degree in Physical Therapy Assistant. As well as her experience treating adult and geriatric population patients, Jenna has also worked with pediatric aquatic patients.
Briana McCloskey, physical therapist
Areas of Expertise:Briana McCloskey, PT, DPT, has a passion and love is for treating pediatric patients. Her areas of experience include working with developmental delays, autism, cerebral palsy and spina bifida in the outpatient, inpatient and aquatic settings.
Education and Experience:Briana received a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and athletic training from Simpson College and her doctorate degree in physical therapy from Des Moines University. Since graduating she has worked with children and adults in the outpatient setting. She is exited to meet all her pediatric patients and help them reach their highest level of function.
Nolan Schmid, physical therapist
Area of Expertise: Nolan Schmid DPT, PT, expertise includes orthopedic injuries, neuro rehab, post surgery rehabilitation and aquatic therapy.
Education and Experience: Nolan earned his bachelor's degree in Nutrition, Exercise and Health Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and earned his doctorate in physical therapy at Creighton University. His experience includes 4 clinical rotations serving rural communities in Nebraska as well as a center for brain and spinal cord injuries.
Provides therapy at: Bryan LifePointe Campus
Betsy Anderson, physical therapist
Area of Expertise: Betsy Anderson, PT, MS, has expertise in treating all types of orthopedic injuries, as well as vestibular, women's health/pelvic floor issues, and athletic injuries, including knee, hip, shoulder and elbow injuries, and injuries related to playing pickleball. I am certified in RockTape (kinesiotaping), and have level 1 FDN certification. I also use cupping and instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization in my practice.
Education and Experience: Betsy earned her Bachelor's of Science degree in Athletic Training from South Dakota State University, and earned her Master's of Science degree in Physical Therapy from University of South Dakota. Betsy has been working in the outpatient setting since graduating from Physical Therapy school in 2001.
Provides therapy at: Bryan LifePointe Campus
Neal Thomsen, physical therapist
Area of Expertise: Neal Thomsen, MPT, ATC, expertise includes sports medicine, orthopedic injuries and post surgeries, manual therapy, aquatic therapy and youth sports injuries.
Education and Experience: Neal earned his bachelor's degree in athletic training from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and earned his physical therapy master's degree at the University of Southern California. His experience includes serving as a Cornhusker State Games medical committee member.
Heather Kalkwarf, manager, Crete Area Medical Center
Area of Expertise: Heather Kalkwarf PT, DPT, specializes in post-operative rehabilitation, orthopedic injuries, spine rehab and acute care medical patients. She is certified in functional dry needling.
Education and Experience: Heather earned her bachelor's degree in exercise science at Nebraska Wesleyan University, and a doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Nebraska Medica Center in 2014. She has worked in both outpatient and acute care settings.
Laura Anderson, occupational therapist
Area of Expertise: Laura Anderson OTD, OTR/L, CLT, specializes in women's pelvic floor therapy with training through Herman Wallace and Creighton University; certification as a lymphedema therapist through the Norton School of Lymphatics and trained in the Vodder method of Complete Decongestive Therapy; trained in myofascial release through John F. Barnes and Active Release Techniques; trained through LSVT-BIG for individuals with Parkinson's disease and certified in Neuro-Development Treatment for stroke survivors.
Education and Experience: Laura received her bachelor's degree in health science from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and a doctorate in occupational therapy from Creighton University. Laura began her career as a traveling therapist near Lake Tahoe with experience in critical access inpatient, outpatient, home health, and skilled nursing.
Emma Killpack, occupational therapist
Area of Expertise: Emma Killpack, OTD, OTR/L, has extensive experience treating a wide range of adult conditions, including neurological disorders, wounds, orthopedic conditions, and upper extremity injuries. Additionally, Emma works with pediatric patients, addressing challenges in areas such as fine and gross motor skills, visual-motor integration, sensory processing, cognitive development, developmental delays, and behavioral issues.
Education and Experience: Emma holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Sciences from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Creighton University.
Brad Howe, physical therapist
Area of Expertise: Brad Howe, MS, PT, specializes in orthopedics, sports medicine, back pain, and vertigo/vestibular rehabilitation. He has also worked in occupational medicine with work injuries and has been trained in Graston techniques.
Education and Experience: Brad earned his bachelor’s degree in biology and natural sciences from Midland University, and a master’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He was a teaching assistant at the Postural Restoration Institute.
Jeff Schultz, physical therapist
Area of Expertise: Jeff Schultz, PT, has experience working with geriatrics, general orthopedics, and acute and skilled medical-surgical patients. Jeff also performs the Frail to Fit program at CAMC, which evaluates patients for deficits in strength, flexibility, and balance and sets up a rehab program involving functional activities to individually address a patient’s concerns.
Education and Experience: Jeff received his bachelor’s degree in physical therapy at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. Jeff has been a member of the CAMC team for over 30 years.
Nicole Leif, physical therapist assistant
Areas of Expertise: Nicole Leif, PTA, specializes in both outpatient and inpatient treatments. Her special interests include post-operative rehabilitation and manual therapy. She is trained in Graston treatment.
Education and Experience: Nicole received her associate’s degree as a physical therapist assistant from NECC-Norfolk. She has worked as part of the CAMC rehab team since 2001. She received the Nebraska Physical Therapy Association PTA Clinical Excellence Award in 2019.
Hannah Gadeken, speech language pathologist
Areas of Expertise: Hannah Gadeken MA, CCC-SLP, expertise include diagnosis and treatment of swallowing disorders, voice disorders, speech and language disorders and cognitive-communication disorders. Additionally proficient in treatment of neurological disorders.
Education and Experience: Hannah earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of South Dakota in communication sciences and disorders and master’s degree in speech-language pathology. She has experience working in a variety of settings including, adult outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation as well as pediatric outpatient for speech and language disorders.
Robb Schnitzler, physical therapist, manager of rehabilitation services
Expertise: Robb Schnitzler, PT, Specializes in various areas including orthopedics, post-operative rehabilitation, sports medicine, geriatrics, back and neck pain and work injuries. He is also certified in Astym soft tissue mobilization and Blood Flow Restriction techniques.
Education and Experience: Robb obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, followed by a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1990. With over 30 years of experience, he has been providing care at Merrick Medical Center, working in both outpatient, acute care, and long -term care environments.
Melissa Gragg, physical therapist
Area of Expertise: Melissa Gragg, MPT, has extensive experience in Nervo-based therapies such as CVA, TBIY, and SCI.
Education and Experience: Melissa earned a bachelor of science degree from the University of Nebraska in Kearney, Nebraska, and a master of arts degree in physical therapy from Rockhurst University. She has worked in many settings, including acute care, acute rehab, outpatient rehab, home health, pediatric clinic, public school and skilled rehab.
Logan Menke, physical therapist
Area of Expertise: Logan Menke, PT, DPT brings a wealth of experience across various modalities in both outpatient and inpatient environments. He has a keen interest in sports medicine and actively contributes to the Merrick Medical Center’s sports medicine team, specializing in high school athletes and sporting events.
Education and Experience: Logan earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. He completed his Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2022. Since, December, 2022, he has been a part of Bryan Merrick Medical Center, contributing to both outpatient and inpatient setting.
Nicole Powell, physical therapist
Area of Expertise: Nicole Powell, DPT is part of the pediatric rehabilitation team at Merrick Medical Center. In addition to her specialization in pediatrics, she brings valuable experience in outpatient therapy, focusing on areas such as geriatrics, fall prevention, low back pain, chronic pain, and orthopedics. She also conducts running assessments and is committed to functional sports training and injury prevention.
Education and Experience: Nicole earned her Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Science from Chadron State College through the Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP). She obtained her Master of Physical Therapy from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in 2003 and later achieved her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in 2005. She has worked in a variety of settings from outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and schools, but her passion continues in the rural health setting.
Maryjo Gallion, physical therapist assistant
Area of Expertise: Maryjo Gallion, PTA, is a certified Clinical Instructor and is also certified in Blood Flow Restriction. She also teaches Tai Chi to enhance balance and wellness in the community as part of a fall prevention program. Her passion lies in working on balance and improving strength to assist patients in returning to a more active lifestyle.
Education and Experience: Maryjo earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Omaha. She then completed her Associate of Science degree as a Physical Therapy Assistant at Clarkson College in 1998. Her professional experience spans outpatient, acute and skilled care settings.
Michele Malousek, occupational therapist
Area of Expertise: Michele Malousek, PTA is certified in several techniques including level 1 Graston manual therapy, Cupping, Blood Flow Restriction, and Basic Life Support.
Education and Experience: Michele obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from Wayne State College and completed the Physical Therapy Assistant program at Northeast Community College in Norfolk in 2002. She has gained experience across various settings, including acute care, outpatient facilities, and skilled rehabilitation.
Christina Flodman, occupational therapist
Area of Expertise: Christina Flodman, OTD,OTR/L is passionate about treating individuals across all age groups, from children to geriatrics. She holds certifications in LSVT BIG, a Parkinson based program. She also specializes in vestibular and vision rehabilitation techniques, which address visual motor and visual perceptual deficits commonly associated with post-concussion syndrome and developmental delays. Additionally, she specializes in primitive reflex integration and dementia care and has experience treating injuries of the wrist, hand, and fingers.
Education and Experience: Christina completed her undergraduate studies in biology at Doane College in Crete, Nebraska and earned her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from Creighton University in Omaha in 2011. Her professional background includes diverse treatment settings, which include acute care, outpatient services, skilled nursing, and home health. She has been a valued member of Merrick Medical Center since 2016.
Megan Holtgrewe, occupational therapist
Area of Expertise: Megan Holtgrewe, OTR/L,CLT specializes in working with both pediatric and geriatric populations. She holds certifications in Lymphedema and LSVT BIG, which enable her to assist patients in achieving their maximum potential.
Education and Experience: Megan earned her Bachelor degree in Health Promotion and Management, along with a degree in Psychology, from Hastings College. She subsequently obtained her Master degree in Occupational Therapy from Nebraska Methodist College in Omaha, NE, in 2021. Her professional experience spans acute care, outpatient services, and skilled nursing rehabilitation settings.
Mindy Roberts, speech language pathologist
Area of Expertise: Mindy Roberts, MS, CCC-SLP is trained and certified in PROMPT, Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (Vital Stim), and the Beckman Oral Motor protocol. Her areas of expertise encompass pediatrics, the diagnosis and treatment of swallowing disorders, speech and language disorders, and cognitive-communication disorders.
Education and Experience: Mindy obtained her Bachelor degree in Communication Disorders in 2005 and her Master degree in Speech- Language Pathology from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, in 2008. She has gained valuable experience in various settings, including both inpatient and outpatient facilities, nursing homes, and pediatric clinics. She has worked with both the geriatric and pediatric populations, but her true passion lies in assisting children and their families. She is experienced with alternative and augmentative communication devices, stroke recovery and working with children with a variety of diagnosis including Autism, Down Syndrome and other conditions.
Natalie Rihanek, athletic trainer
Expertise: Natalie Rihanek, ATC, brings valuable training experience from both high school and clinical environments to improve athlete health and function.
Education and Experience: Natalie holds a Bachelor degree in Health Education and a Master degree in Athletic Training from South Dakota State University. She has gained experience in various high settings across South Dakota and Nebraska. Currently, she collaborates with student athletes to prevent injuries and facilitate recovery, ensuring they can continue to engage in the sports they are passionate about.