2026 NLN Summit - Whole Body Healthcare

John C. Bruno, AT/R. He possesses extensive clinical and practical experience rehabilitating many orthopedic and sports medicine conditions and injuries. Professional experience includes working as an athletic trainer at the college, professional and clinic levels, including: the New Jersey Nets, NY Cosmos, NY Giants, Fitness Institute, and Ramapo College. In 1982, he was the assistant athletic trainer for the East All-Stars at the NBA all-star game. John has worked in sales for capital equipment and medical device companies in the rehab industry for over 40 years. Clinical Director for Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Multi Radiance Medical. Responsibilities include training and lecturing on the science, and clinical application of Laser Therapy to rehabilitation professionals as part of the multi-modal approach to care

Melissa Buss graduated from the University of Pittsburgh (2007) with a BS in Psychology and a BS in Rehabilitation Sciences. She then attended the University of Pittsburgh’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy program (2010), and completed her Women’s Health Residency at UPMC Center for Rehabilitation Services in Pittsburgh, PA (2012). At this time, she completed coursework to become Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) and passed the examination to become a Women’s Health Clinical Specialist (WCS). In 2013, she moved to Tucson, AZ and joined BodyCentral Physical Therapy, an outpatient private practice. With BodyCentral she has created and oversees 3 Physical Therapy Residency programs and 2 fellowship programs. When BodyCentral Physical Therapy joined with Therapy Partners Group in 2020, her role expanded to include residencies in multiple states and with several brand partners. She currently serves as the Senior Director of Residencies, Fellowships, and Clinical Education, developing and overseeing educational programming for clinicians and maintaining a clinical practice, treating patients of all ages and genders with a wide variety of diagnoses in pelvic health, oncology and lymphatic dysfunction.

Karen Ashforth, MS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA has practiced as an occupational therapist for over 45 years and has specialized full time in lymphedema and lipedema treatment for over 23 years. Karen is considered an international expert in treating complex lymphedema and lipedema cases, addressing underlying fibrosis and inflammation. She has pioneered and participated in development of numerous innovative compression garments and pneumatic compression appliances. Karen speaks frequently in academic, clinical, and professional settings, and performs clinical research which she publishes and presents nationally and internationally. Karen currently works as an educator for lymphedema and lipedema-related topics and has telehealth consultation practice for lymphedema and lipedema: www.karenashforth.com.

Andrea Brennan, OTD, OTR/L, CLT-LANA, CI-CS, WCC, is a nationally and internationally recognized occupational therapist, educator, and thought leader in lymphedema and chronic edema management. With more than four decades of clinical experience, she brings a rare depth of insight shaped by work across acute care, rehabilitation, skilled nursing, home health, and outpatient settings throughout Arizona. Andrea’s passion for lymphatic health was ignited in 1996 through her patients—many of whom struggled to find knowledgeable care. Their experiences fueled her mission to elevate both awareness and clinical excellence. She became certified in the Casley-Smith International Lymphoedema Treatment Method in 2000 and earned LANA certification, later completing her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy with a focus on program development and health systems innovation. Selected as a certified instructor in the Casley-Smith method, Andrea trained at the University of Glasgow, UK, and went on to found the Brennan School of Innovative Lymphatic Studies. Through this work, she has expanded access to high-quality education in lymphedema, lipedema, venous insufficiency, and chronic swelling—impacting clinicians and patients worldwide. Her global contributions include launching the first lymphedema training program in the Philippines and training physicians and therapists in China in collaboration with the University of Southern California. Andrea continues her service through annual medical missions with the Fara Foundation, providing care focused on chronic edema and wound management. A dynamic and engaging speaker, she is known for translating complex science into practical, patient-centered strategies that clinicians can immediately apply.

Cindy Beers, MS, E-RYT500, is a yoga teacher/therapist, author, and researcher specializing in quality-of-life interventions for individuals living with lipedema and/or lymphedema. She developed and lead a mind-body citizen science project with Lipedema Simplified, evaluating the effects of gentle chair-based yoga, breathing practice, and guided meditation on self-reported pain, sleep disturbance, mobility limitations, and psychological distress. With over 10,000 teaching and training hours, Masters Degree in leadership and philosophy, and certifications in clinical hypnotherapy and applied neuroscience, Cindy integrates neurophysiology-informed practices into scalable, community-based models designed to complement comprehensive lipedema care.

Wei F. Chen, MD, FACS, is a distinguished full professor of surgery at the Cleveland Clinic and a globally recognized leader in reconstructive microsurgery and supermicrosurgery. Renowned for pioneering novel techniques in lymphedema surgery now adopted worldwide, Dr. Chen has also advanced the understanding of neurologic disease through his research linking Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s to “lymphedema of the brain.” His pursuit of continual refinement has led to the development of robotic supermicrosurgery – an innovation poised to expand the boundaries of what is surgically possible, including future extracranial and intracranial lymphatic interventions. With over 300 invited lectures and live surgical demonstrations globally, Dr. Chen remains at the forefront of lymphatic science and surgical innovation.

Dr. Kerry D’Ambrogio, DOM, AP, PT, DO-MTP is an internationally recognized lecturer, physical therapist, osteopath, and acupuncture physician with over 35 years of clinical experience. He is the founder of the D’Ambrogio Institute, where he teaches healthcare professionals integrative approaches to orthopedic and energetic manual therapy. Dr. D’Ambrogio has lectured in over 20 countries and is the author of Positional Release Therapy (Mosby). His work focuses on helping clinicians improve clinical decision-making and treatment outcomes through advanced evaluation and manual therapy techniques.

Dr. David Doubblestein is an Associate Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at A.T. Still University, Mesa, Arizona. He received his Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Grand Valley State University and his Doctorate in Philosophy in Physical Therapy from the University of Michigan-Flint. He has predominantly worked in outpatient clinical settings, including his private practice. Dr. Doubblestein is a LANA-Credentialed Certified Lymphedema Therapist, a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, and a Certified McKenzie Therapist. Dr. Doubblestein has taught CLT coursework from 2005 – 2022 through Chikly Health Institute/Upledger Institute and the Academy of Lymphatic Studies. David is the vice president of the Lymphology Association of North America. He is passionate about lymphology as it extends across all disciplines of physical therapy and fields of medicine. He is the author of the book Manual Lymphatic Techniques for the Orthopedic Manual Therapist. His research interests are in lymphology, lymphatic disorders, and orthopedics. Dr. Doubblestein’s research interests have focused on lymphology education and cancer-related lymphedema. He has published several articles related to this topic and continues progressing toward knowledge translation of his recent findings. He is also spanning his research interest in lymphology into orthopedics and pediatrics, where he is investigating the efficacy of manual lymphatic drainage and multilayer compression, and the neuromuscular effects of chronic edema.

Accomplished and certified Speech Language pathologist with specialization in head and neck lymphedema during a 25 year private practice. Teaching and training and presenting in lymphatic techniques has been an important aspect of her professional mission. She has extensive therapy experience in schools, clinic settings and private practice. She is a skilled practitioner for head/neck cancer/lymphedema patients and patients with oral-motor dysfunction, dysphagia, autism, developmental delays, as well as, geriatric and school aged populations.

Heather Gavric, MS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA, is an occupational therapist with a strong background in neuro and oncology rehabilitation, having trained and worked in leading rehabilitation facilities across the Bay Area. During her tenure at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, she developed and launched the hospital’s Breast Oncology Rehabilitation Program, advancing specialized care for patients navigating cancer recovery.

Building on this foundation, Heather founded her own private practice dedicated to post-surgical aftercare, with a unique focus on overnight recovery and hospital-standard outpatient lymphatic support. Her work blends clinical expertise with a deep commitment to helping patients heal comfortably, safely, and with confidence in their results.

Outside of her professional life, Heather enjoys traveling, exploring new music, and spending time with her family.

Raymond J. Hruby, DO, MS FAAO (Dist), graduated from the College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery in Des Moines, Iowa. He interned at the Osteopathic Hospital of Maine in Portland, Maine. He was professor and Chair of the Department of Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (NMM/OMM) at the Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pomona, California from 1999 to 2009. He “retired” from this position but continues his work at Western University as a professor and consultant to the Department of NMM/OMM. In this capacity he is involved with teaching, research, curriculum analysis and development, and mentoring of new faculty and Predoctoral OMM Fellows.

Linda-Anne Kahn, CLT-LANA, NCBTMB Integrative Health Visionary | Lymphatic Therapy Expert | Champion of Aging Vibrantly With over 35 years of experience in integrative wellness, Linda-Anne Kahn is a board-certified clinical aromatherapist, nationally certified massage therapist, and internationally recognized lymphatic therapist devoted to helping individuals restore balance, reduce inflammation, and feel at home in their bodies again. As the founder of Beauty Kliniek Aromatherapy Day Spa and Lymphatic Therapy Services in San Diego, Linda-Anne is known for her unique ability to blend science with soul—bringing together clinical expertise, compassionate care, and intuitive understanding. Her work focuses on supporting those living with lipedema, lymphedema, and Dercum’s disease, offering both practical solutions and deep validation for the challenges they face. A passionate educator and advocate, she empowers both patients and professionals through personalized treatment approaches, gentle therapeutic techniques, and evidence-informed strategies that support long-term healing. She is a founding member of the World Lipedema Alliance, a co-author of the Lymphedema and Lipedema Nutrition Guide, and a contributor to the United States Standard of Care for Lipedema. Through her teaching and clinical work, she continues to lead the conversation on the essential role of fascia, lymphatic flow, and lifestyle medicine in whole-body healing. Her mission is simple yet profound: to help others think well, live well, and age with vitality, grace, and confidence—naturally. Short Version Linda-Anne Kahn, CLT-LANA, NCBTMB, is an internationally recognized lymphatic therapist and integrative health practitioner with over 35 years of experience. As the founder of Beauty Kliniek Aromatherapy Day Spa and Lymphatic Therapy Services in San Diego, she blends clinical expertise with compassionate care to support individuals living with lipedema, lymphedema, and Dercum’s disease. A founding member of the World Lipedema Alliance, co-author of the Lymphedema and Lipedema Nutrition Guide, and contributor to the U.S. Standard of Care for Lipedema, Linda-Anne is dedicated to advancing education around fascia, lymphatic health, and sustainable healing. Her work empowers patients with practical, gentle strategies to reduce inflammation, restore flow, and improve quality of life.

Leslyn Keith, OTD, CLT, is a certified lymphedema therapist with a Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, specializing in lymphedema and obesity. With over 25 years of experience treating lymphatic and fat disorders, she now focuses on research, consulting, and lecturing on lymphedema, lipedema, and obesity both nationally and internationally. Dr. Keith is an accomplished author of two books and multiple peer-reviewed publications, with a particular focus on the efficacy of ketogenic nutrition for lymphedema and lipedema. She also served as an editor for the textbook Lipedema: Principles and Practice of Diagnosis and Treatment. In addition to her academic and clinical work, Dr. Keith consults for Lipedema Simplified and the Lipedema Project, teaches the lymphedema therapy certification course for Klose Training, and leads the Lymphatic Lifestyle Solutions program. Her work integrates holistic care with cutting-edge science to empower patients and improve outcomes.

Cristina Kline-Quiroz, DO is an Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Dr. Kline-Quiroz holds Board Certification in Cancer Rehabilitation. She completed her residency in PM&R at Rutgers – New Jersey Medical School/Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation where she served as Academic Chief Resident followed by a fellowship in Cancer Rehabilitation at MedStar Georgetown University/ National Rehabilitation Hospital.

Dr. Kline-Quiroz is the only fellowship trained cancer rehabilitation physiatrist in the state of Tennessee. She is originally from Indiana and earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame prior to attending medical school at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She enjoys collaborating in the interdisciplinary care of cancer survivors throughout the continuum of their care from time of diagnosis and throughout their survivorship. She has a broad range of clinical interests in optimizing the function and quality of life of cancer survivors.

Dr. Melchiorra Mangiaracina is board certified in family medicine and neuromusculoskeletal medicine. Her passion is osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM); she has completed over 5,800 hours in continued osteopathic medical education. She is an Assistant Professor at ATSU-SOMA. Dr. Mangiaracina is a graduate of Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her internship and residency at Florida Hospital, East Orlando, followed by an osteopathic manipulative medicine and neuromusculoskeletal medicine fellowship at St. Barnabas Hospital in Bronx, New York. Originally from New York, Dr. Mangiaracina finished her medical training and moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, in 2012 where she avidly enjoys the desert and all it offers.

Kim Marshall, DPT, CLT has more than 39 years of experience as a physical therapist focusing on orthopedic, lymphedema management and oncology rehabilitation. She received her physical therapy degree from California State University, Long Beach, her master’s degree in bio kinesiology from the University of Southern California, and her doctorate from Western University. She became a certified lymphedema therapist in 2005 through Klose Training Lymphedema Certification. Over the past 19 years, Kim has focused her continuing education and outpatient practice towards the rehabilitation of the side effects of cancer and lymphedema management. In addition to certification in the treatment of lymphedema, Kim completed the STAR certification training as well as attending an additional continuing education course in head and neck lymphedema management. Kim is a member of the APTA Oncology Section, the National Lymphedema Network, Lymphatic Education and Research Network (LE&RN) and Support for People with Head and Neck Cancer (SPONC). She has spoken at numerous conferences including the American Venous and Lymphatic Society and the Annual USC Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Lymphedema and Related Disorders Symposium. She has benefitted from attending the NLN conferences in the past and is proud to contribute to the high standard of patient care and evidence-based treatment promoted by conference.

Kathy McGinty, PTA, CLT, STARc, has been a physical therapist assistant for 17 years. After earning her degree at Carroll Community College, she has worked at Johns Hopkins Outpatient clinic treating lymphedema and other complex diagnoses. In addition to working as a clinical PTA, Kathy has worked in Physical Therapist Assistant programs for the past 8 years. She has also educated CLTs throughout the United States about the effectiveness of using negative pressure in lymphedema treatment. As a practiced clinician and long learner, Kathy discovered a tight tissue that often interferes with Complete Decongestive Therapy and patient progress; she then took the initiative to learn more. She has done extensive independent exploration into superficial soft tissue and Axillary Web Syndrome. She also completed several continuing education series to better understand the myofascial restrictions impeding patient improvement. She has completed coursework from the Johns Barnes Myofascial Release Approach, Anatomy Trains, and the Stecco Institute. These techniques Kathy learned, shaped how she approaches lymphedema treatments, and she is eager to share her experiences and discuss the interrelated nature of fascial restrictions and lymphedema with a larger community.

Brandy McKeown is a occupational therapists with 25years of hands on experience as a lymphedema practitioner. She is director/owner of outpatient clinics in South Georgia that specialize in lymphedema therapy and wound healing. Brandy is also the CEO of International Lymphedema and Wound Training Institute. She is nationally recognized as an expert in the field of lymphedema, leader and board member of industry related organizations, and regularly requested to speak at regional and national conventions. In addition to treating patients, she has a wealth of knowledge and track record building successful lymphedema clinics and works to consult OT/PTs and vein/wound clinics to start up lymphedema programs and expand their practices profitably.

Lauren Meffen is a speech language pathologist with a passion for working with voice and swallow disorders. She has remained local to Gainesville after receiving her schooling with Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Florida. Lauren has worked in a variety of settings including hospital, skilled nursing, home health and has now found her heart belongs in the outpatient setting. Here she can provide a high level of individualized and quality care for each patient and family. Over the years, she has developed a love and specialization in working with the oncology population. She has advanced training in management of lymphedema of the head and neck, trismus therapy, muscle tension dysphonia, and myofascial release techniques. She strongly champions a comprehensive approach toward treating the whole patient, with the involvement of a skilled, multi-disciplinary team.

Dr. Tammy Mondry has been a licensed Physical Therapist since 1989. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, followed by a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. She later completed her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the MGH Institute of Health Professions. Dr. Mondry is a Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist through the University of Northern Colorado Cancer Rehabilitation Institute and a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, holding board certification from the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) since 2013. She completed her lymphedema therapy certification in 1997 under Guenter Klose and currently serves as an instructor with Klose Training and Consulting. Dr. Mondry has contributed as a content expert for UpToDate on lymphedema management and continues to provide expert medical reviews of lymphedema cases worldwide for Teladoc. She has also served on the Medical Advisory Committee for the National Lymphedema Network (NLN). Dr. Mondry began her lymphedema career at the Naval Medical Center San Diego in 1997. In 2004, she opened her first private practice and has remained self‑employed since. She currently owns and operates Coastal Edema Care, a specialized lymphedema outpatient practice in Encinitas, California.

Dr. Murphy is a medical oncologist who specializes in head and neck cancer as well as in pain and symptom management. She has extensive experience in the development, implementation and management of clinical trials, supportive care studies and grants. She has developed a wide-ranging program of research and a dedicated team of co-investigators examining symptom control issues in head and neck cancer patients. Through this collaborative effort, the following symptom control issues for head and neck cancer patients have been investigated: 1) measurement of symptom burden associated with cancer therapy, 2) swallowing, nutritional and metabolic changes in head and neck cancer patients undergoing chemoradiation, 3) neuropsychiatric issues associated with treatment, 4) lymphedema and fibrosis: measurement and impact, 5) musculoskeletal impairment: impact on function, 6) oral complications of radiation therapy, 8) the late systemic effects of cancer and its therapy, 8) sociobehavioral issues, and 9) pain. Most recently, she has worked with collaborators on two sequential R0-1s investigating lymphedema and fibrosis in the head and neck population. This has been seminal work. In addition, over the past five years she has spearheaded and/or facilitated the completion of five randomized intervention trials in head and neck cancer patients including: 1) yoga intervention for head and neck cancer survivors; 2) dynasplint for prevention of trismus during chemoradiation in head and neck cancer patients, 3) gabapentin as prevention of symptoms in head and neck cancer patients undergoing chemoradiation; 4) pilot trial of the tactile device for treatment of lymphedema in head and neck cancer survivors; and 5) testing a program of self-care for HNC patients with lymphedema who have completed therapist guided lymphedema therapy.

Dr. Nelson has spent over 25 years in clinical practice treating people with pelvic and lymphatic conditions. She owns and operates a private integrative rehabilitation clinic in Richland, Washington, since 1999. She is a certified lymphedema therapist through the Dr. Vodder School International since 1998 and later through LANA. As part of her transitional doctor of physical therapy degree, she validated her class, Managing the Difficult Patient and the Conscious Clinician, looking at how to address the complexities of patient’s dealing with lymphatic conditions. She originally presented on abdomino-pelvic congestion with a poster presentation for the NLN in 2014. She has been board certified in pelvic health through the APTA since 2009. She has taught medical theory for DVSI since 2014 and presented nationally and internationally on topics related to lymphology and clinical practice. She [is now an instructor for the practical portion of the original Dr. Vodder method Level 1 class through DVSI]. She is stepping up to share what she has found in clinical practice and pass it to the next generation.

Alaina Newell serves as director of education for ReVital, Select Medical’s national cancer rehabilitation program. She is responsible for developing and coordinating clinician, patient and provider education for Select clinicians throughout the U.S. Prior to joining the ReVital team, Alaina served as the operations director of the Physiological Oncological Rehabilitation Institute (PORi) and clinical specialist in pelvic, gastrointestinal and sarcoma cancers at Oncology Rehab in Denver, CO. Alaina is a board certified clinical specialist in pelvic and women’s health and oncologic physical therapy by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) and a certified lymphedema therapist. Alaina is the chair of ABPTS oncology specialty panel as well as an adjunct professor of physical therapy at South College and Andrews University. Alaina graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with her doctorate of physical therapy and continued her education with a residency in women’s health physical therapy at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Carmen Recupero, MBA, CLT-LANA, LMT is the founder and director of Monarch Continuing Education, a nationally recognized provider of advanced continuing education for lymphatic and rehabilitation professionals. With more than 25 years of experience in healthcare leadership, clinical practice, and medical education, she specializes in developing advanced training programs focused on lymphatic therapy, neuro-lymphatic research, and complex patient populations. Through Monarch Continuing Education, Carmen designs and teaches courses for physical therapists, occupational therapists, massage therapists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals across the United States. Her programs emphasize integrating emerging research with practical clinical techniques in areas such as advanced lymphedema management, wound care, post-surgical recovery, and neuro-lymphatic approaches. Carmen has worked with clinicians and healthcare organizations throughout the U.S. and internationally, and she frequently collaborates with physicians, researchers, and medical device innovators exploring lymphatic imaging, neuroimmunology, and emerging technologies relevant to lymphatic care. She holds an Executive MBA from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management. In addition to her educational work, Carmen serves as an advisor and educator to clinicians seeking to expand their expertise in lymphatic therapy and complex rehabilitation. Through Monarch Continuing Education, her goal is to help practitioners translate evolving lymphatic science into practical, evidence-informed clinical care.

Martha Richards is the founder of Body Truth Healing in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she focuses on reflexology to support lymphatic flow, reduce swelling, and help people better understand the signals their bodies are sending. Her work emphasizes approaches that complement medical care and empower people to participate in their own healing. Dr. Richards brings a background in conventional medicine to this work and is particularly interested in simple techniques that can support lymphatic health and overall well-being. She also develop trainings and educational resources for practitioners who want to incorporate reflexology and body awareness into their work.

Dr. Ridner has continuously conducted funded lymphatic research for over 2 decades during her time as Professor at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. She is an internationally recognized researcher who has received numerous awards for her work. She has also donated many hours of service to lymphedema-related non-profit organizations including NLN and LE&RN.

Holly Davis Rodriguez, PT, MPT, CLT-LANA, has been a physical therapist for 21 years. She practices in an outpatient clinic at Kaiser Permanente in Vacaville, California. In 2008, Holly became a Certified Lymphedema Therapist through the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy and received her LANA certification in 2013. In 2018, she became a Certified Oncology Rehabilitation Specialist through the Physiological Oncology Rehabilitation Institute (PORi) and in 2022, became Board-Certified in Oncologic Physical Therapy through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.

As a clinical specialist in lymphedema and oncology rehabilitation, she is a Kaiser Permanente leader among her peers. Holly has developed regional programs and sits on several Kaiser Permanente regional and local service area committees and is a nonphysician lead for the National Accreditation of Breast Programs for the Napa-Solano service area. She additionally teaches an annual introductory lymphedema course at her alma mater, Samuel Merritt University and enjoys mentoring.

Holly has been a multiple conference presenter for the National Lymphedema Network (NLN). In 2020, she presented, “Overview of Abdominal Lymphedema” and “Panniculus: Core Treatment Strategies” and in 2023, “Managing the Foot with Lymphedema “ and this year, 2025, she is presenting on “Axillary Cording”. She also leads the Compression Clinical Focus Groups for the NLN.

Outside of work, Holly loves to travel, dance, and is on the board of directors for her Luna Vista Rotary and nonprofit organization, Thriving Pink, helping all impacted by breast cancer thrive.

Linda took her initial lymphedema therapy training in 1998 and since then, has amassed additional hours of specialty training in lymphatic disorders. Throughout her career, Linda has focused on patient treatment and educating the medical community on lymphatic disorders and patient treatments. In 1998, she worked at Sherman Hospital for 10 years with an emphasis in lymphedema and wound care. In 2008, she joined Presence St. Joseph Hospital to develop the oncology rehabilitation program with special attention on lymphedema. In 2019 Linda joined HCA StoneCrest Medical Center’s lymphedema and oncology rehabilitation team to evolve a center of excellence, where she focuses on standards of care for oncology rehabilitation and lymphedema treatments.

Linda joined Klose Norton Training & Consulting, LLC in 2000 as an Associate Instructor for Lymphedema Therapy Certification courses and taught for three years. In 2005, she rejoined Klose Training and continues to teach nationally and internationally.

Linda earned her CLT credentials in May 2001. She was elected to the Lymphology Association of North America’s Board of Directors in 2000, acted as Vice President of LANA from 2002–2005, and served as Secretary from 2010-2014.

Linda lectures nationally and internationally on lymphedema and oncology rehabilitation. She is an important resource to many therapists who are setting up lymphedema programs or needing assistance with difficult-to-treat patients.

Brad Smith has been a speech pathologist for 39 years, specializing in rehabilitation of patients with head and cancer since 2003. He has been a lymphedema therapist, focused on head and neck lymphedma for the past 20 years. He was the specialist instructor for head and neck lymphedema for the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy from 2009 to 2024 and currently is an instructor for Head and Neck Rehab, LLC. He is a senior speech pathologist and certified lymphedema therapist at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. He has presented nationally and internationally, published chapters in 3 textbooks, and co-authored several publications on head and neck lymphedema.

Sandra Heald Sublett, PT, DPT, OCS, CLT has practiced physical therapy in a variety of settings in 3 states since 1986 and is the owner of a specialty private practice PT & OT clinic in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She is a member of the APTA, Association of Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgeons (allied health member), and VEDA (Vestibular Disorders Association), and NLN. Sandy’s special interests range from lower extremity biomechanics to balance and vestibular rehabilitation, but intertwined with these and everything between is a strong reliance on edema management to optimize outcomes. As an endorsed instructor of Manual Edema Mobilization, she has presented the full MEM course and topics related to edema management to professionals across the United States and internationally. Dr. Sublett looks forward to sharing treatment techniques that will change how clinicians view their abilities to enhance healing and recovery as well as maximize outcomes by reducing swelling. She is passionate about creating a paradigm shift in swelling management!

With over two decades of experience as a physical therapist and certification as a Lymphedema Therapist since 2008, Lisa Berman Sylvestri, MSPT, CLT-LANA, has dedicated her career to advancing care for patients with lymphedema and oncology-related swelling disorders. Lisa’s passion for lymphedema care began early in her career when a family friend developed lymphedema following breast cancer treatment. Recognizing the lack of specialized professionals in her area, she transitioned from outpatient orthopedics to focus on lymphedema management. This shift was reinforced when one of her first patients expressed that Lisa was the only provider who had helped her feel relief during her cancer journey. By 2010, Lisa had completed her second lymphedema specialist certification to refine her clinical expertise further. Lisa’s clinical focus is on supporting patients with lymphedema, breast cancer, and oncology-related conditions, as well as individuals with chronic and complex swelling issues. Her deep commitment to patient recovery has led to the establishment of Oasis Physical Therapy and Wellness, where she continues to enhance treatment strategies and patient outcomes. In addition to her clinical practice, Lisa launched the YouTube channel LymphSmart (@lymphsmart) to provide accessible, research-based insights on lymphedema and lymphatic health for both patients and clinicians.

Jodi Winicour, PT, CMT, CLT-LANA, is a licensed physical therapist, certified massage therapist, and nationally certified lymphatic therapist with over 30 years of clinical experience. As faculty with Klose Training, she has educated thousands of physical, occupational, and massage therapists across the United States and internationally in the care of individuals with breast cancer and lymphedema. Jodi currently provides full-time oncology rehabilitation care with UCHealth in Longmont, Colorado, where she works closely with individuals navigating treatment and recovery. In 2026, she founded BrCAcademy to bridge the gap between breast cancer survivorship and oncology rehabilitation—offering free, physical therapy–based education grounded in the neuroscience of pain and emotional health for both those affected by breast cancer and the clinicians who care for them.

Dr. Marlys H Witte, a pioneering force in lymphatic research, education, and advocacy. As Secretary-General of the International Society of Lymphology and a long-standing faculty member at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, Dr. Witte has shaped the global conversation around lymphatic science for over five decades. Her groundbreaking work has elevated awareness of the systemic impact of lymphatic dysfunction, championed interdisciplinary education and discovery, and inspired generations of clinicians and researchers to think beyond conventional boundaries.

Linda Hodgkins is the Lymphedema Program Manager at Hartford HealthCare Rehabilitation Network in Connecticut, where she leads a nationally recognized program designated as a Center of Excellence for Conservative Care by LE&RN. An Occupational Therapist and Certified Lymphedema Therapist since 1997, she is passionate about advancing evidence-based care for patients with lymphedema and edema. She has presented internationally, including at the Földi Days Conference in Germany, the Power Lymphatics Conference, and the AVLS Congress. Linda is also a faculty member with Klose Training.

Elise Kemp is a sophomore undergraduate student at the University of Michigan conducting research with the Center for Lymphedema Research and Reconstruction at the Cleveland Clinic under the mentorship of Dr. Wei F. Chen

I am a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Lymphedema Research and Reconstruction, working in supermicrosurgery and lymphatic reconstruction. My research operates at the scale of sub-millimeter vessels, refining reconstructive technique to extend what is treatable in patients with lymphatic disease.

Lulianna Taritsa is currently a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery resident with a special interest in microsurgery and oncologic reconstruction. She graduated Cum Laude from Harvard University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, and subsequently got her Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University. During her surgical training, Iulianna has worked under Dr Wei Chen, studying his techniques in supermicrosurgery for lymphedema and lipedema