Our Story
The Lymphedema Clinic was started with the mission to serve our community members to help those 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 Lincoln, NE area. The clinic has grown to 3 therapists and a part time receptionist. If you are interested in joining the team at The Lymphedema Clinic please visit our careers page here.
Adam Rawson
Owner, 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 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. In June of 2019 I formed Lincoln Lymphedema and Occupational Therapy, LLC, the organization this page and business is all about at The Lymphedema Clinic. In May of 2020 I launched The Lymphedema Clinic with the help and support of family and friends. Since that time I have worked tirelessly to serve our patients and build a team so we can increasingly reach and help more people every year.
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.
Kayla Stegemann
Registered Nurse
Kayla joined the team at The Lymphedema Clinic in September of 2020. Kayla is a registered nurse (RN) with many years of experience working in a skilled nursing facility. Kayla uses her skills in communication, organization, and friendly demeanor to help the clinic operate smoothly, she truly is has become the glue that holds the clinic operations together.
Angela Brown
COTA/L, CLT
Why were you interested in becoming an OT?
I have a heart for the hurting. One of my dearest friends became paralyzed in a fall accident. I was her volunteer therapist for her for approximately ten years. Every Monday I would put her in a mountain climbing harness and lift her over a treadmill with a Lite Gate and help her “walk”. She maintained her muscle tone, posture, metabolism and quality of life. She inspired me to pursue my passion for helping others as a career!
What OT program did you attend and when did you graduate?
I graduated during the Covid-19 pandemic from Central Community College, Grand Island, Nebraska in May 2020 with a high GPA and as the oldest graduate of the OTA program ever. I was not able to complete my Lymphedema Therapist Certification until February of 2021 due to the pandemic and the 90-hour hands on training being cancelled due to Covid.
What motivated you to work with lymphedema?
I have a calling to the geriatric population. They are some of the most underserved populaces in our nation. I attended a special presentation by a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and OT during my Orthotics course in college. I was intrigued by the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system and the way it can be holistically treated. I continued to research and learn more about this incurable condition. I did my OTA Program Capstone on Lymphedema as the Future of Rehabilitation. It is a passion and a calling to help my patients manage their swelling and improve their quality of life.
Tell me something interesting about yourself, that maybe a lot of people don’t know.
I am a survivor of a Level III ATV accident that left me with hearing loss and double vision. After four reconstructive surgeries on my face, I was left debilitated. I sought out Vision Therapy with an occupational therapist. This therapy was life changing. I improved my ability to read and maintain single vision in a functional gaze so that I could read and enroll in my OTA program and succeed with accommodations.
What is your favorite part about your job?
My patients! I relish my privilege to care like crazy and hear their life stories. I embrace the opportunity to make a difference in their lives through holistic therapy. I have much satisfaction when I hear my patients say their bodies have not looked so good in a long time.
If you could visit anywhere in the world in any season, where would it be and which season?
I would love to have the time, health, and resources to be able to explore everywhere in the world! I would choose tropical destinations like Bali, Caribbean or Bahamas to escape the cold Nebraska winters. I would travel to moderate climates when Nebraska hot and humid summers have me seeking relief. I will never stop learning about this big ball in the sky called earth.
What are your top 2 or 3 professional goals or CEUs you want to complete in the next 5 years?
I will be seeking my LANA certification very soon. This is validation of my training and expertise as a Lymphedema Therapist.
I am very motivated to learn more about wound care. I see the need for as much knowledge in wound care as I can have to be competent in my career as a Lymphedema Therapist.
I would love to have more in-depth training in hand therapy. The geriatric population loses much functionality due to loss of hand and upper extremity function. This can also be a source of great debilitating pain. I would love to be able to help my patients regain and manage their deficits.