Our Story
The Lymphedema Clinic was started with the mission to serve our community members affected with lymphedema to live their lives to the fullest. The Lymphedema Clinic opened in May 2020 with the vision to become a premier lymphedema treatment provider for the greater Lincoln, NE area. The Lymphedema Clinic has since grown to 3 locations with clinics in North Lincoln, South Lincoln, and Papillion, Nebraska. The teams consists of 18 health professionals: 5 occupational therapists, 7 occupational therapy assistants, 3 registered nurses, 1 billing specialist, and an administrative assistant. If you are interested in joining the team at The Lymphedema Clinic please visit our careers page here.
Papillion Office Team
The Lymphedema Clinic opened an office in Papillion, Nebraska in July 2023 to be able to serve more people in the greater Omaha area. This office is located across the street from the old Papillion High school, just south of the Applebee’s restaurant.
Adam Rawson
Occupational Therapist, LANA Board Certified Lymphedema Therapist
I graduated Creighton University with a doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy in 2016, then started working at Lancaster Rehabilitation Center. In March of 2018 I became a certified lymphedema therapist (CLT) through the Norton School of Lymphology, a 135 hour full certification course. Following certification I worked full time to develop a lymphedema treatment program. I have gained invaluable experience in that time while working with many patients with lymphedema and other health care professionals. In August of 2019 I passed the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) board exam to become CLT-LANA certified. The LANA exam is an optional board exam to demonstrate further learning and commitment to working with patients with edema.
I started with the Lymphedema Clinic in May of 2020. In the begining there was just a small office at what is now our North Lincoln location. With a lot of hard work and dedication the clinic has really grown over the years. Now there are 3 clinic locations and over 15 professionals working to serve the clinic mission and vision.
The most rewarding thing for me about being a therapist is that first moment when my patients can see the progress they have made. I also really enjoy seeing the long-term successes. I impact my patient’s lives with less hospital admissions, less wounds, and less overall health related stress.
Emily Franssen
Occupational Therapist, MOT, LSVT
I graduated from Nebraska Methodist College in 2020 with my Master’s in Occupational Therapy with a certification in Parkinson’s Disease.
Growing up I always knew I wanted to do something to make a difference. When my grandpa got sick with end-stage Parkinson’s Disease and began receiving occupational therapy, I noticed how unfamiliar I was with it. After looking into what OT was, I fell in love with it. Being a therapist is more than just helping people, it's being an advocate, a confidant, an ear to listen, a healer, a shoulder to cry on, and a specialized friend. After I lost my grandpa, I knew that OT was where I needed to be and to this day, I help hundreds of people like my grandpa and hope to make a difference.
Lymphedema is becoming such an important diagnosis to treat early and many individuals with lymphedema are being overlooked or wrongfully diagnosed. I feel strongly that watching people walk out of your care with a little more hope and some pep in their step is one of the greatest things a therapist can witness and that is what motivated me to become a lymphedema therapist. I feel very passionate about finding the things in life that seem impossible to treat or turn around and giving someone hope to live another day with less pain, less worry, and more positivity.
I enjoy making connections with different people and being able to share different experiences with each patient I interact with. I look forward to watching my patients thrive through each interaction and slowly begin to recognize their strength and ability to do the things that are most important to them. I love to see my patients smile and truly feel a part of themselves again that maybe they haven’t experienced in a long time. It will never get old to see my patients shine.
Lori Martello
Administrative professional
I became interested in working in health care because I have always looked at it as a chance to care and help someone. You may be the only one that does.
I have a business administration degree from Lincoln School of Commerce.
I am passionate about helping others get better, feel better so they can keep enjoying the things they love doing. Meeting the lymphedema team motivated me, it was apparent that what we do is making a difference and is meaningful.
I studied a short time abroad in London for Fashion Merchandising my dual degree. I had tea with the hat designer of Coco Chanel.
Creating an environment that is positive and patients know they are important, we not only care but we get to know them.
If I could travel anywhere in any season I would choose Florida, for all winter
In the next several years I would like to grow the Omaha Clinic. I would like to learn marketing strategies, and increase my knowledge of Lymphedema.
Kylie Wagner
Occupational Therapist, OTD, OTR/L, CLT
My interest in occupational therapy began at a young age while helping with our school’s resource class. In this class I got to meet school occupational therapists. I then started shadowing, gaining a better appreciation for OT and its ability to impact individuals of all ages. Something about OT that really resonated with me is the holistic approach- understanding that our thoughts, feeling and bodily functions all influence one another, and subsequently how we live our daily lives.
I attended the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at Creighton University, and graduated with honors in May of 2023.Lymphedema is such a unique condition, and one that has impacted my loved ones. I’ve seen firsthand the profound effect it has on people’s lives. While out on clinical rotations I truly realized the prevalence and scale of lymphedema in our community. Seeing people’s reactions to their progress is so rewarding. I knew this would be such a fulfilling way to spend my career and serve a population so close to my heart.
I love Thai food and going on long walks with my husband and dog Moby. October and November are my favorite months, with Husker football, delicious food, and excitement for the holidays!
I have always enjoyed science and spending quality time with people. I love that my job allows me to enjoy both of these things! I absolutely love getting to know a variety of people on such a personal level. Everyone has a unique life story, and it’s a huge honor when people share theirs with me. It’s even more of an honor that I get to help them achieve their goals, and make a positive impact in their lives!
There are so many countries and cities I want to travel to some day! However, if I had to choose a top priority, I would love to visit Vermont in the Fall to see the changing leaves!
In the next 5 years I plan on becoming LANA certified, along with obtaining certifications in wound management and head and neck lymphedema.
Jessica Wilcox
Office Manager, Registered Nurse
I attended Southeast Community College and College of Saint Mary’s and graduated in 2011. I became an RN because I am passionate about helping people get better.
I’m motivated to work with lymphedema because it’s something that is needed in the community, and I wanted to be able to help get the word out about Lymphedema. It goes undiagnosed in so many patients and is something this clinic would like to help get the word out to people!
My favorite part of this job is watching patients’ excitement about getting their swelling taken care of. It amazes me how far people come in the journey and how quickly they get better.
Kayla Cochran
Registered Nurse
I graduated from Southeast Community College with my LPN in 2011 and RN in 2014. I have wanted to work as a nurse since grade school as I enjoy helping others.
I have enjoyed watching The Lymphedema Clinic grow over the past 2+ years with the increased awareness of the need for this specialty therapy.
My favorite part about my job is the collaboration with my coworkers throughout each patient’s treatment plan and watching the improvements in the quality of life provided throughout the duration of patient care.
Lisa Gallant
Registered Nurse, Certified Wound Therapist
I graduated from Becker College in 1986 and have been an RN since. I became an RN because I enjoy helping people. I decided to work with lymphedema because I love seeing the results this therapy provides.
My favorite parts about my job are interacting with coworkers and patients and seeing the patients’ progress.
Kaitlyn Breashears
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, Certified Wound Therapist
I graduated in May 2021 from Union College in Lincoln, NE. The program was brand new and I was a part of the first group of 12 to go through the program and graduate!
When I graduated, I knew that I wanted to be in a specialty field, but I was unsure of what was out there. When I noticed that this was a specialty in my area, I wanted to push myself and do something challenging. When I started working with individuals who had lymphedema and swelling, I knew that this was a specialty I could really focus on helping people and making a difference.
I became interested in occupational therapy from a very early age because it’s what helped my brother. My brother was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and he’s had OT around him, helping him, even since he was little. When I began to think about what my future should look like, and what kind of career I wanted to have, I knew it had to be something in health care. The one thing that came to mind was occupational therapy. I knew that this was a fulfilling job that would give me the satisfaction of being able to help others in need.
My favorite part about my job is helping people get back to living their life to the fullest and helping them manage their lymphedema. I love being my patient's cheerleader and encouraging them! One bonus about my job is having the support I need to do my job around great co-workers.
Keila Santos
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
I attended Central Community College in Grand Island and graduated in May of 2020.
Lymphedema was very new for me. I remember having one lecture about it in school from a guest speaker, but it still didn't click for me at that time. My best friend, who is a nurse practitioner, was the one that told me about The Lymphedema Clinic and how much she thought I would love this job. She was right about that. Interacting with patients and their families is my favorite part of this job.
My story on how I got into the healthcare field… When I was 15, my uncle had a brain tumor removed and was sadly given only three years to live after surgery. While staying at my grandmother's house, I had the opportunity to witness the kind of care and the struggles he and my family encountered while taking care of him. I fell in love with the healthcare field and while there was not a rehabilitation center for my uncle, the seed for helping others was planted in me. At that time, I had never heard of a profession called occupational therapy, but fast forward a few years, and I enrolled at a physical therapy college back home in Brazil for a year before moving to the States. I have always wanted to pursue a profession in which I could help people, and I thought physical therapy would best complement my natural abilities. That was until I realized occupational therapy was my passion. And every day, I love this profession more and love how we are able to help our patients achieve their goals.
Kristal Ikpeama
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
I graduated from Union College in May 2022. I was interested in becoming a COTA because I love the creativity, flexibility, growth, and the fact that I get to help others.
I was motivated to work with lymphedema because I didn't know much about it and was excited by the opportunity to learn and grow in the field. I also saw that it was really making a difference in the lives of others, and wanted to be a part of that. My favorite part of my job is providing people with the tools to live better lives.
AJ Solis
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
I graduated from CCC in Grand Island in May of 2018.
Lymphedema is an area of practice that is still very new, therefore there is a lot of opportunity and growth. I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to work with The Lymphedema Clinic to grow as a professional. Knowledge for me is king and I love to learn. Even better, it allows me to better serve patients.
I became interested in becoming an occupational therapy assistant when I first met an extremely passionate occupational therapist. It was obvious how much she cared about her career and helping her patients and it was so inspiring. Even more inspiring to see the progress that patients had made over the course of their rehab with skilled occupational therapy. After injury/illness, there are things that you realize you’ve taken for granted. This field has brought an amazing amount of joy in being able to do those things again. Occupational therapy has allowed me to be selfless and creative, therapeutically, to help people get back to what they love. Not to mention, there were so many areas of practice that I could choose from. I found my calling.
My favorite part of this job is getting to know the patients and their families, finding out their goals, and helping them reach their goals. Most often, I hear that they would have never expected such progress. It’s rewarding for both of us.
Logan Beck
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Logan Beck joined The Lymphedema Clinic is March 2023. Logan is passionate about making a difference and helping others to live to their full potential.
I was interested in becoming an OTA because I saw what a difference OT made in my own family members. I wanted to give back and make an impact on other peoples’ lives in the same sort of way. I graduated from Union college in 2022. I was motivated to work with lymphedema because my classmates told me about the difference they were making while working at The Lymphedema Clinic and I wanted to be a part of that. My favorite part of working as a lymphedema therapist is seeing the results people have after treatment and seeing their spirits lifted.
If I could visit anywhere in the world, I would travel to Japan in the spring to see the cherry blossom season.
Something interesting about me is that I won the calf roping contest in the South Dakota rodeo.
I am interested in learning more about Parkinson’s Disease, hand and upper extremity deficits, and school based OT interventions.
Bailey Sieh
Occupational Therapist, MOT, OTR/L
I attended College of Saint Mary and graduated with my Master’s in 2021.
I became interested in OT when I shadowed a pediatric OT at Children’s Hospital here in Omaha. I saw how creativity and science were both used during sessions and fell in love with it!
I experienced working with lymphedema during one of my fieldwork rotations for school. It was intriguing to me how there is so much to learn regarding lymphedema, wounds, and adapting the compression bandaging when necessary.
Something you may find interesting about me, is that I danced on pointe shoes for three years.
My favorite part about my job is seeing how much progress can be seen even just after one session and sharing that excitement and empowerment with my patients.
If I could go anywhere in any season: I enjoy anywhere with a beach. My favorite vacation spot so far is Anna Maria Island. I hope to get to Jamaica for a delayed honeymoon in the winter.
I hope to get certified in lymphedema and wounds in the next five years!
Kelli Waage
Billing Specialist
Kelli is a graduate of Metropolitan Community College where she studied information technology, medical billing and coding. Kelli works to provide billing support to our team. Kelli is knowledgeable to billing codes as well insurance companies that operate in the Nebraska area.