Faculty and Staff

Guenter Klose is the Founder of Klose Training & Consulting, LLC located in Lafayette, Colorado. Guenter received his initial Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) and Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) training in 1984 at the Foeldi Clinic in Hinterzarten, Germany. Specializing in the treatment of Lymphedema, he became certified in 1987 as an instructor for MLD/CDT by the German Massage Therapy and Physical Therapy Association and continued working as instructor at the Foeldi Schools in Freiburg and Munich, Germany.

In 1990, Guenter came to the United States to assist Dr. Robert Lerner in establishing the first CDT treatment center for lymphedema patients located in New York City. Guenter’s work was instrumental in establishing the field of lymphedema therapy and training in the U.S. He assisted in opening numerous lymphedema treatment centers on the East Coast.

In 2003, Guenter established his own lymphedema training and consulting company, an organization dedicated to providing the highest quality lymphedema therapy training available. Guenter has facilitated the training of hundreds of lymphedema therapists from across the country and abroad.

Guenter has lectured extensively in the United States, Europe, and South America. His activities include presentations at the National Lymphedema Network Conferences, lecturing at physicians’ meetings in a large number of hospitals, as well as numerous lymphedema support groups across the country. He is the Program Director of the biannual Klose Training & Consulting Lymphedema Conference. Here in the U.S., Guenter actively treats lymphedema patients and teaches classes for MLD/CDT several times a year.

Professional Memberships:

• National Lymphedema Network (NLN)
• International Society of Lymphology (ISL)
• Honorary Member Colegio Argentino de Cirugîa Venosa y Linfâtica

Dr. Kathleen Francis is the Medical Director and a Course Instructor for Klose Training & Consulting, LLC in Lafayette, Colorado. She graduated from the University of Medicine and Dentistry-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ in 1989.

Dr. Francis retired from Lymphedema Physician Services, her private practice specializing in lymphedema, in September, 2018, but beginning in January, 2019, she will serve as the Lymphedema Specialist in the Center for Breast Health and Disease Management at the St. Barnabas Ambulatory Care Center. There, she will see patients with, or at risk for, breast cancer-related lymphedema.

Dr. Francis’ past clinical positions include Director of Outreach Services, Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, 1996–2004; Clinical Director, Kessler-Lerner Lymphedema Services, 1997–2004; Clinical Director, ALS Clinic Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, 1994–2004; Clinical Director, Lymphedema Treatment Center, St. Barnabas Ambulatory Care Center, 2004 – 2008.

Dr. Francis is a member of the St. Barnabas Breast Program Leadership Committee and the Cancer Committee. Until 2016, she was a member of the Medical Advisory Committee of the National Lymphedema Network.

Dr. Francis draws from many years’ experience treating patients with lymphedema. Among her numerous awards and honors, she was selected for “Best Doctors of New York”, New York magazine, “New Jersey’s Best Doctors” NJ Monthly magazine, Castle Connolly New York Metro Area Top Doctors, Inside New Jersey magazine Top Doctors, and Best Doctors in America database. She was named by U.S. News & World Report as among the top 1% of physicians in her specialty.

Dr. Francis has lectured extensively in numerous clinical and academic settings across the nation, including at hospitals, patient seminars, webinars, and numerous medical conferences including the biennial National Lymphedema Network conferences.

Dr. Francis is a member of the International Society of Lymphology, the American Lymphedema Framework Project, the American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and the American Medical Association. She is also a Fellow with the American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine.

Professional Memberships:

• American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
• Association of Academic Physiatrists
• New Jersey Society of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
• Fellow, American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine
• Member of the Medical Advisory Committee of the National Lymphedema Network (NLN)
• National Lymphedema Network Advisory Member

Contact:
Kathleen Francis, MD
Lymphedema Physician Services
St. Barnabas Ambulatory Care Center
200 South Orange Avenue
Livingston, NJ 07039
Phone: 973-322-7366

Lisa Konruff has served as the Director of Operations for Klose Training since 2007. Along with managing the logistics of scheduling, marketing and supporting all of the courses, she agrees that the best part of her job is communicating with therapists new to lymphedema, our graduates, and our faculty.

Lisa accompanied Guenter Klose to the Foeldi Clinic in 2009 to meet Professors Michael and Ethel Foeldi and sit in on lectures in our Advanced & Review class given by Foeldi Clinic physicians and senior therapists. When she’s not at the Klose Training office, she’s volunteering for the American Camp Association and the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, hosting a party, or out on a hike in the mountains with her dogs.

E-mail: lisa@klosetraining.com

George Abdemalek earned his physiotherapy degree in 2005 from Cairo University. After graduating from the Police Academy in 2007, he started practicing as a physiotherapist at the Police Authority Hospitals, working under Dr. Mohamad Salah, a lymphedema therapist. From 2008 till 2010, George was trained in lymphedema therapy under the supervision of Prof. Franz J. Schingale, first as a junior lymphedema therapist and later as a senior lymphedema therapist. George then earned his CLT certification with Klose Training in 2010 at the Foeldi Clinic in Germany.

At the end of 2010, George started a lymphedema unit at Women and Fetal Imaging (WAFI), a women’s health clinic located by the beautiful Nile River. The unit provided effective care and high-quality patient service to over 1000 patients. Its excellent reputation empowered WAFI to offer services to patients beyond the borders of Egypt to the Middle East.

In 2013, George earned his Master of Science Degree in Physiotherapy from Cairo University and began volunteering at the Department of Plastic Surgery at El Kasr El Aini Teaching Hospital.

In 2015, George established a new physiotherapy clinic, Raphael Clinic, at Shaalan Medical Center. Due to the increasing demand for qualified lymphedema therapists, George began to train other physiotherapists in lymphedema therapy. He lectured at the Egyptian Vascular Congress and delivered workshops on lymphedema treatment.

At the end of 2017, George was appointed head of the newly-established lymphedema treatment unit at Eden HealthCare, one of the biggest hospitals in Egypt and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. George started offering courses to physiotherapists from Egypt and the Middle East, sponsored by the Middle East division of BSN-JOBST.

In 2018, George traveled to the United States to complete training as a lymphedema instructor for Klose Training. He also earned his Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) certification. George is now a dedicated Klose Training instructor for the Middle East and Africa, the first for these regions.

Professional Memberships:

• Lymphology Association of North America (LANA)
• Egyptian National Board of Physiotherapists

Brianna Couture earned her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from New England Institute of Technology. She began her career in Connecticut working in subacute rehabilitation. She completed her CLT certification through Klose Training in 2018 and immediately developed a passion for delivery excellence in lymphedema management. Brianna worked under the tutelage of Linda Hodgkins at Hartford Healthcare where she continued to practice solely on providing quality edema management services to a variety of swelling presentations and medical complexities. She actively engaged in the Connecticut Consortium of Lymphedema Providers, a group of care providers that collaborated through quarterly meetings to enhance regional quality service delivery for lymphedema patients.

Brianna’s other professional interests include her participation in Brylan’s Feat Foundation and Camp Watchme, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support for the comprehensive care of pediatric patients across the world. She volunteers and supports operations at Camp Watchme, an annual camp for children with lymphedema held in Colorado each summer.

In 2023, Brianna joined Naples Comprehensive Health in SW Florida where she developed a comprehensive edema management program that serves a diverse population of edema patients throughout the region. Outside of clinical care, Brianna has also developed a system wide mentorship program and is a member of her organization’s Patient Experience Council. She energetically dedicates her career to advocating for the delivery of quality CDT, providing individualized care to patients, and thorough education to students, providers, and colleagues alike.

Professional Memberships:

• National Board Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
• Lymphology Association of North America (LANA)

Elissa Fiorito is an Occupational Therapist, graduating from Quinnipiac College in 1997 with a Bachelors of Science in Occupational Therapy.

She has worked in acute care, acute rehabilitation, subacute rehabilitation and outpatient hospital based treatment centers in her 26 years as an OT.

Elissa received her Lymphedema Certification through Klose Norton Training and Consulting in 2001 and has been working in the field of lymphology ever since.

She is currently working at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold, NJ where she has been since 2009 treating lymphedema patients of all ages and presentations and helping to lead a team of 9 dynamic lymphedema therapists.

She has volunteered with the National Lymphedema Network, in charge of the Garment Program since its inception. It brings her great joy to be able to provide garments for so many people in need.

When not working, Elissa enjoys spending time with her family, including her 3 children and husband since 1999, playing golf and traveling. She is excited to be joining the Klose Training family this year!

Professional Memberships:

• National Lymphedema Network (NLN)
• American Occupational Association (AOTA)
• National Board Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
• Lymphology Association of North America (LANA)

Hannah Gaba earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Maryland, Baltimore in 2008. She began her career at Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital of Maryland where she started with a focus on neurological rehab. However, after observing lymphedema treatment, she quickly became captivated by the lymphedema patient population. With guidance from her close colleague and Klose Training instructor, Vicki Ralph, MPPA, OTR/L, CLT, Hannah became certified in lymphedema therapy through Klose Training in 2009 and then earned her LANA certification in 2011. While at Adventist Hospital, Hannah strived to provide the best possible treatment for successful, life-long management of lymphedema.

In 2012, Hannah relocated to the Seattle area where she pursued her passion for oncology rehab at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. There, she treats patients with a wide range of cancer diagnoses.

Over the course of her career, Hannah has always been devoted to individual patient education. She has also conducted multiple classes that educated patients and physicians about the lymphatic system and the benefits of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT).

Hannah resides in Brier, Washington with her husband and two children.

Professional Memberships:

• Lymphology Association of North America (LANA)

Tracy Gardikiotis graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy. She has completed extensive post-graduate training in oncology rehabilitation and lymphedema management. In 2011, Tracy earned her Upper Extremity Lymphedema Therapy Certification through Klose Training. In 2017, she completed her Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) training and became certified by the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA).

Tracy currently works at the Pasqua Hospital in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada as the senior therapist in the lymphedema service department where she specializes in cancer rehabilitation and cancer-related lymphedema, but treats all other types of lymphedema as well.

Tracy regularly lectures on cancer rehabilitation and lymphedema to patients, health care professionals and community groups. She has worked with the Allan Blair Cancer Centre in the Transitions To Wellness sessions.

Tracy has served as a board committee member of the Lymphedema Association of Saskatchewan Inc. for the past 8 years and has recently joined the Canadian Lymphedema Framework committee as a board member.

Tracy is dedicated to supporting and advocating for lymphedema patients and increasing awareness and access to rehabilitation services. She was awarded the YWCA 2012 Women of Distinction Award in Wellness, Recreation and Healthy Living and the 2014 Saskatchewan Health Care Excellence Award in Health of a Population for her work with lymphedema patients.

Professional Memberships:

• Lymphology Association of North America (LANA)

Linda Hodgkins earned her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Springfield College (Massachusetts) in 1996. She was trained in lymphedema therapy by Leduc in 1998 and then completed her CLT certification through the Norton School in 2004. In 2006, Linda became certified with the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA).

In 1998, Linda began practicing as a lymphedema therapist at Gaylord Rehabilitation Hospital in Wallingford, Connecticut. In 2004, prompted by the desire to provide patients with a more comprehensive version of CDT in a relaxed setting devoted exclusively to lymphedema management, Linda opened a private practice, Therapeia Lymphedema Center. Over the next eleven years, Therapeia grew by word of mouth to a practice of over 1000 patients by gaining a reputation for effective care in the greater New Haven, CT area. During this time, Linda also co-founded the Connecticut Consortium of Lymphedema Providers. The consortium is devoted to promoting excellence in the field amongst over 140 Connecticut-based lymphedema care provider-members through quarterly meetings, peer-support, guest lectures, and vendor presentations.

Hartford HealthCare acquired Therapeia in 2016, at which time Linda became employed at the company as both practicing therapist and Lymphedema Program Director. Linda has since been promoted to Lymphedema Clinical Program Manager, charged with standardizing all of Hartford HealthCare’s lymphedema services statewide to the standard of care for complete decongestive therapy.

Linda’s other professional activities have included serving as adjunct professor for the Quinnipiac University Occupational Therapy Department and serving on the Boards of Directors for Solaris (L&R), the Circle of Hope Lymphedema Foundation, and the Brace for L.I.F.E. Foundation.

Linda has interest in research and has presented at the National Lymphedema Network (NLN) Conference. In 2012, Linda was selected to present the findings of a pilot study that she participated in with Quinnipiac University regarding the effectiveness of using SpiderTech Kinesiotape during the self-care phase of lymphedema management. In 2014, she presented the results of her survey of the lymphedema programs offered by the top cancer centers in the United States. Most recently, Linda was honored to contribute a G-Code calculator to compliment the Lymphedema Life Impact Scale (LLIS) developed and published by Jan Weiss, DPT.

Professional Memberships:

• National Board Certification Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
• Lymphology Association of North America (LANA)

John Jordi received training as a Physical Therapist Assistant from St. Catherine University, Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1993. In 2007, he earned a B.S. in Business Administration (summa cum laude) from Bryan College, Dayton, Tennessee.

John has been a therapist for over 30 years. His early background includes treatment of strokes, brain injuries, and wound care. Since 1999 he has specialized in lymphedema treatment and research in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Most recently he served as Clinic Director of a physical therapy clinic specializing in lymphedema, venous disease, and custom garment fittings. Currently he is the Clinical Manager for Juzo USA, in addition to treating lymphedema and CVI at The Vein Institute in Chattanooga. Additionally, he is the owner of Compression Consultants as an expert fitter for upper and lower extremity compression and custom compression garments.

John is now an instructor for Klose Training. He is also an adjunct instructor for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where he teaches the lymphedema portion of the doctorate program. He was a senior instructor for Academy of Lymphatic Studies (ACOLS) for 16 years. John has been a speaker at Juzo Power Symposium, Klose training, NLN and AVLS. John recently received his Expert Clinician certification from the National Lymphedema Network.

John has been published 4 times and provides the clinical expertise for the research publications with Vanderbilt University and Western Carolina University. These articles have appeared in Radiology, Journal of Lymphoedema, and Lymphatic Research and Biology. John also consults with other universities and businesses in continued research related to lymphedema. John also offers no-charge seminars to therapists in his area on topics such as: difficult garment fittings, billing issues and wrapping techniques for therapists.

While John managed the Siskin Hospital lymphedema program, the facility was noted in two journals: MD News, for its inpatient and outpatient program, and Rehab Management Journal, for providing one of only two inpatient programs for Stage 3 lymphedema patients which he initiated. He also managed a free fitting clinic twice a month to any lymphedema patients who had need, he initiated a patient endowment fund at Siskin Hospital to assist patients with the cost of compression garments and he organized a support group for those with lymphedema.

Professional Memberships:

• Lymphology Association of North America (LANA)
• National Lymphedema Network

Leslyn Keith completed her Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy in 2015 with an emphasis on lymphedema and obesity. Previously, she received a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from San Jose State University in 1998 and began studying lymphedema the same year. She was certified as a Lymphedema Therapist under Klose Norton Training & Consulting in 2000 and became LANA-certified in 2001.

Leslyn has started four lymphedema therapy programs in California including two in private practice. In addition to treating lymphedema, she currently researches, consults, and lectures on lymphedema, obesity, and private-practice issues nationally. Leslyn is also a certified mastectomy fitter.

Leslyn is a founder of the Central Coast SurviveOars, a dragon-boat team for women cancer survivors, and has coached the team since 2007.

Professional Memberships:

• Occupational Therapy Association of California (OTAC)
• American Occupational Association (AOTA)
• National Lymphedema Network (NLN)
• Lymphology Association of North America (LANA)
• Obesity Medicine Association (OMA)
• International Society of Lymphology (ISL)

Kimberly Koschineg earned her Master’s of Occupational Therapy from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia in 2001. She was trained in lymphedema therapy in 2003 by Klose Norton. In July of 2005 Kimberly received advanced lymphedema training while studying at the world-renowned Foeldi Clinic in Hinterzarten, Germany.

Kimberly began practicing as a lymphedema therapist at St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne, PA, initiating the first program in Bucks County. (This was one of several programs in Bucks County that she started). Studying at the Foeldi Clinic inspired her to change her style of treatment in order to model the mission and practice of the Foeldi Clinic. Kimberly opened up a private practice, Advanced Lymphedema Therapy Services, LLC in 2005. She focuses on lymphedema treatment, management, prevention, and breast cancer recovery.

Kimberly has given presentations at AOTA and has lectured extensively at universities, hospitals and support groups on lymphedema management and prevention. She has been highlighted on Philadelphia’s Channel 6 Action News, NBC News 10 and Philadelphia’s Fox 29 to speak about lymphedema and breast cancer recovery. In 2019 Kimberly was the special guest on Women to Watch Media, a local and national radio show. She was the first occupational therapist and lymphedema specialist to have had this honor. She highlighted the importance of lymphedema awareness and education.

Professional Memberships:

• American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
• National Board Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
• Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association (POTA)
• National Lymphedema Network (NLN)

Michelle Laura graduated from Grand Valley State University in Michigan with a BS in Health Science in 1994 and then received her PTA degree from Baker College in 1995.

Michelle started practicing in an orthopedic outpatient clinic that had an established lymphedema program. This is where her initial passion for treating patients with lymphedema was born. She moved to Troy, Michigan in 1997 and started working for Beaumont Health and Wellness where she has helped establish and grow their lymphedema program for the past 21 years, focusing on a wide range of diagnoses.

Michelle’s other professional activities include being an instructor for Baker College’s PTA program and serving on their Academic Advisory Board. She has also worked in a home health care setting assisting to establish and grow the provider’s lymphedema program.

Michelle was certified as a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) by Klose Training in 2012 and received her LANA in 2015. She joined Klose Training as an Assistant Instructor in 2013.

Professional Memberships:

• Lymphology Association of North America (LANA)
• National Lymphedema Network (NLN)

Joy Macheel earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the Mayo School of Health Sciences in 2011 and is currently pursuing a PhD in Medical and Health Professions Education at Eastern Virginia Medical School. In March 2014, she became a Certified Lymphedema Therapist through Klose Training and also attended Klose Training’s Lymphedema Advanced & Review class at the Foeldi Clinic in Hinterzarten, Germany in 2016.

Joy serves as an associate faculty member in the Program in Physical Therapy at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Rochester, MN, where she instructs on integumentary conditions and documentation. She holds certifications as a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Oncology Physical Therapy, a Certified Wound Specialist, and a Certified Lymphedema Therapist.

Currently based at Mayo Clinic Health System – Mankato in the outpatient setting, Joy’s clinical focus includes lymphedema/chronic edema, oncology, wound care, and pelvic floor physical therapy. She leads the clinic’s oncology rehabilitation team and collaborates closely with the local cancer center, specializing in a comprehensive range of oncology rehabilitation services, prospective surveillance programs for breast cancer, and pre- and post-operative assessments for breast and head & neck cancer diagnoses. Joy has presented at national conferences and has research interests in health professions education.

Professional Memberships:

• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) – Oncology
• Lymphology Association of North America (LANA)
• National Lymphedema Network (NLN)
• American Board of Wound Management

Joanne McGillicuddy graduated from The University of Maryland, Eastern Shore’s Physical Therapy program in 1989 and received her Master’s degree in Adulthood and Aging with an emphasis on Health Care Administration from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland in 1999. She earned her initial lymphedema certification with the Vodder School of North America in 1995 and has been working with patients with lymphedema since that time. Joanne was instrumental in establishing the Mid-Atlantic Lymphedema Center in Maryland. The program grew to nine individual centers throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey with Joanne acting as the Regional Program Director.

Joanne has presented on lymphedema management at many National Lymphedema Network Conferences (1998, 2000, 2002, and 2004), the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Conferences (2001, 2005), the North American Vodder Association of Lymphedema Therapist (NAVALT) conference (2001) and the American Society of Lymphology conference (2001) as well as numerous support-group presentations. Joanne served on National Lymphedema Network conference planning committee for the 2000, 2002 and 2004 conferences. In 2001, she became certified by the Lymphology Association of North America. In 2004, She established McGillicuddy Physical Therapy, LLC, her own private practice specializing in the treatment of patients with lymphatic disorders.

In 2003, Joanne joined the faculty of Klose Training where she teaches the Lymphedema Therapy Certification course several times a year.

Terry McKeon graduated from Queen’s University of Kingston, Ontario, Canada in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy.

In 1995, he relocated to the U.S. and received his initial lymphedema training from the Academy of Lymphatic Studies (ACOLS). As part of a multidisciplinary team, Terry started a lymphedema program at St. Lawrence Hospital in Lansing Michigan.

In 1996 he began working for Lerner Lymphedema Services in Boston, MA, where he worked closely with Guenter Klose. Terry became a lymphedema therapy instructor under Dr. Robert Lerner and subsequently worked with Dr. Kathleen Francis from 2000 to 2003. During this time he educated and certified over 200 therapists in MLD/CDT.

Terry has been a faculty member at numerous NLN conferences between 1998 – 2004, and has been a guest speaker at other national skill building workshops.

In 2003, he moved to Western Massachusetts to work in an outpatient orthopedic and lymphedema clinic at Baystate Franklin Medical Center.

Terry earned his Manual Therapy Certification (MTC) in 2010, and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) in 2014, both from the University of St. Augustine, Florida.
In 2020, he received an MLD certification from the International Lymphedema Wound Training Institute (ILWTI) and in 2021, earned his Orthopedic Certification Specialty (OCS) from the APTA.

For the past 11 years, Terry has worked at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, an affiliate of Mass General Brigham of Massachusetts, where he continues to treat lymphedema and orthopedic patients and enjoys the integration of his knowledge and experience between these two realms.

Terry is excited to dedicate more of his time returning to the teaching world. Aside from his busy work life and spending time with his family, he enjoys triathlons, and playing guitar and performing at local venues.

In 2021, he joined the Klose Training team and will be teaching several lymphedema therapy certification courses per year.

Tammy Mondry has been a licensed Physical Therapist since 1989, obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. She obtained her Master of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from MGH Institute of Health Professions. Tammy is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and has been board certified by the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) since 2001. Tammy is also a Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist, obtaining her training through the University of Northern Colorado Rocky Mountain Cancer Rehabilitation Institute.

Tammy was trained by Guenter Klose and received her lymphedema certification from the Lerner Lymphedema Services Academy of Lymphatic Studies in 1997. She began her career in lymphedema at the Naval Medical Center San Diego by developing their lymphedema and cancer rehabilitation programs. She then went on to open her first private practice in San Diego, New Horizons Physical Therapy, in 2004. She and her husband now own and operate Cancer Therapy Specialists, an oncology rehabilitation practice providing individualized prescriptive exercise therapy and advanced lymphedema care to those who have been diagnosed with cancer and / or lymphedema.

Tammy has taught professional continuing education courses, lectured at universities, presented at professional conferences, and has multiple publications in peer-reviewed journals regarding the evaluation and treatment of lymphedema. She previously served as a content expert for UpToDate regarding the treatment of lymphedema and continues to provide expert medical reviews of challenging lymphedema cases world-wide for Teladoc Health, Inc.

Professional Memberships:

• National Lymphedema Network (NLN)
• Lymphology Association of North America (LANA)
• International Society of Lymphology (ISL)

Vicki Ralph holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy Administration/Healthcare Management from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

Vicki has been an Occupational Therapist since 1982 and has a wealth of experience working in acute care hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient settings in Wisconsin, Washington D.C., Maryland, and Colorado.

Vicki received certification in Lymphedema Management in 2005, and in 2007, she successfully completed certification through the Lymphedema Association of North America (LANA). In 2011, Vicki attended an advanced lymphedema course at the world-renowned Foeldi Clinic in Germany.

Vicki relocated to Denver in 2013 and established an outpatient clinic called Edema Rehab to address lower extremity swelling challenges secondary to oncology, trauma, hereditary, and orthopedic conditions. Previously, she worked at the Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital of Maryland for over 9 years. During that time, she established and built an inpatient and outpatient lymphedema program within two hospital and outpatient clinic locations. That program has grown to employ 8 lymphedema therapists. In April 2016, Vicki joined UCHealth as a senior OT and has a goal to establish the University of Colorado Health System as a Center for Lymphatic Excellence.

Vicki has served as a course instructor for Klose Training and Consulting since 2010. She teaches both the Lymphedema Therapy Certification and Orthopedic Swelling Solutions courses all over the USA. In addition, Vicki has also traveled to Malaysia to teach both basic and advanced lymphedema therapy to health professionals in that country.

Vicki is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with patients, family members, and healthcare professionals. Her primary focus is geared toward teaching patients to become independent in managing swelling associated with lymphedema, surgery, trauma, and/or obesity. By decreasing swelling, patients benefit from decreased pain and improved range of motion, ADLs and mobility.

Linda Roherty is a 1989 graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Physical Therapy.

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. Linda returned to Advocate Sherman Hospital from 2017-2019, where she focused on standards of care for oncology rehabilitiaon and lymphedema treatment. In 2019 Linda joined HCA StoneCrest Medical Center’s team of lymphedema and oncology rehabilitation therapists to evolve a center of excellence.

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.

Professional Memberships:

• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) – 1984 to present
• Acute Care & Oncology Section of the APTA
• National Lymphedema Network (NLN)

Stacy Tylka earned her Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from Saint Louis University and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Washington University. She certified in Lymphedema Therapy through Klose Training & the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA). She is also a board-certified Women’s Health Clinical Specialist through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. Stacy joined the Klose Training faculty in 2012.

Stacy has treated individuals with lymphedema of the head & neck, extremities, and trunk since 2003. She currently practices and teaches physical therapy at Washington University’s Program in Physical Therapy in St. Louis, MO, where she is an Associate Professor. Her clinic partners with Siteman Cancer Center of Barnes-Jewish Hospital to promote a thorough, pro-active continuum of care for cancer survivors. Stacy is also a mentor for Washington University’s Clinical Residency in Women’s Health.

Stacy is a member and Committee Content Expert (CCE) of the Specialization Academy of Content Experts (SACE), an organization within the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). She is a case reviewer and writes questions for the Women’s Health Specialist Certification (WCS) examination.

Professional Memberships:

• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) – Oncology and Women’s Health
• American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) – SACE
• International Pelvic Pain Society (IPPS)
• Lymphology Association of North America (LANA)

Jan Weiss is a 1977 graduate of Indiana University and completed her Doctor of Health Science degree from the University of Indianapolis in 2010. She has worked as a physical therapist at numerous locations in the United States and Germany, as she and her family often moved during the years her husband served in the military.

Jan moved to Springfield, Missouri in 1994 to continue her career in physical therapy in Outpatient Rehabilitation at CoxHealth. After receiving her MLD/CDT certification in 1996, she established the Lymphedema Clinic at Cox and until her retirement in 2019, served as the Lymphedema Resource Therapist for her hospital, while treating a variety of patients with edema and lymphedema.

Her professional interests include clinical research and teaching. She has presented studies at national and international lymphedema conferences, has taught for Klose Training since 2000, and is on the physical therapy faculty at Missouri State University. Professional accomplishments include developing the Lymphedema Life Impact Scale (LLIS), a validated quality-of-life outcome measure used in clinics across the country. Additionally, she has authored and co-authored numerous research articles in the field of lymphedema.

Jan received her CLT certification in October 2001 and served on the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) Board of Directors from 2003-2009.

Professional Memberships:

• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
• National Lymphedema Network (NLN)
• International Society of Lymphology (ISL)
• Lymphology Association of North America (LANA)

Jodi Winicour graduated from Indiana University’s Physical Therapy program in 1993 and received her massage therapy certification in 1997 from Michigan’s Health Enrichment Center. Initially practicing general orthopedic physical therapy at Community Hospital East’s Outpatient Physical Therapy Department in Indianapolis, Indiana, she began specializing in the treatment of cancer patients in 1998 and lectured for the Physical Therapy Department of Indiana University.

Jodi was certified as an MLD/CDT Therapist by Klose Norton Training & Consulting in 1998. She received her CLT-LANA Certification in October, 2001.

In 2000, Jodi joined Cedars Sinai Medical Center where she worked to develop and expand the oncology and lymphedema program in Los Angeles for seven years. Since 2007, she has treated patients with lymphedema, cancer-related dysfunction, and orthopedic issues in Longmont, Colorado.

In addition to her work as a full-time clinician, Jodi has served as a class instructor for Klose Training & Consulting’s Lymphedema Therapy Certification course since 2000. She is also the author and instructor for one of Klose Training’s most successful continuing education courses, “Breast Cancer Rehabilitation.”

Jodi has taught and presented at courses and conferences across the United States and in Europe on the topics of lymphedema and breast cancer rehabilitation.

Yvonne Ferguson is a registered physiotherapist and Certified Lymphedema Therapist in her native country of New Zealand. She has worked for many years for the Nelson-Marlborough District Health Board, specializing in women’s health since 1995.

After completing a Level 1 Management and Treatment of Lymphoedema course in 2003, Yvonne commenced running a lymphoedema clinic for her region. She completed her Level 2 training in 2006, then travelled to the U.S. to receive training to teach the Klose Training curriculum to therapists in New Zealand. Yvonne has over fifteen years’ experience in all aspects of lymphedema management.

Yvonne is passionate about offering courses in New Zealand in lymphedema treatment and management so that every region of her country is able to provide highly-effective treatment to patients with lymphedema. Prior to becoming an Australasian Lymphology Association (ALA)-approved course provider and offering courses herself, she coordinated three lymphedema training courses taught by guest instructors from Australia.

Yvonne is a member of the ALA and the National Lymphedema Network (NLN) and has been part of the National Lymphology Practitioners Register (NLPR) since its inception.

Heidi Miranda-Walsh is a graduate of Towson University in Maryland with more than 20 years experience as an occupational therapist. She acquired her hand-therapy specialty certification in 1991 and was trained as a lymphedema therapist at the former Lerner Lymphedema Services Academy of Lymphatic Studies in 1997.

Heidi balances her therapy practice between two specialties developing hand therapy and lymphedema therapy programs. She has developed a special expertise in treating head and neck oncology patients and has lectured extensively on the subject of Lymphedema of the Head & Neck at conferences for patients, therapists and doctors across the U.S.

Heidi serves as an instructor with Klose Training & Consulting sharing her special interest, skills and experience in working with patients with lymphedema of the head and neck.

Erin Maranjian graduated from the Healing Arts Institute (Fort Collins, CO) in 1999. She earned certifications in Medical Massage from the Institute of Structural and Integrative Somatics in Fort Collins and Manual Lymph Drainage and Combined Decongestive Therapy from the Dr. Vodder School of North America in Victoria, British Columbia in 2000. She was certified as a Lymphedema Therapist by Klose Training in 2006 and received advanced training in lymphedema therapy at the Foeldi Clinic in Hinterzarten, Germany, in 2014.

Since 1999, Erin has maintained a private practice for massage and lymphedema treatment in Fort Collins, Colorado. In 2002, she joined the staff at Longmont United Hospital as an oncology massage and manual lymph drainage and lymphedema therapist. Erin specializes in working with oncology patients and those with chronic disabilities and edema issues.

Erin’s passions include helping seniors and others with mobility issues find the joy in movement and dance through Silver Sneakers, Zumba Gold, and other specialized exercise programs.

Professional Memberships:

• Lymphology Association of North America (LANA)
• National Lymphedema Network (NLN)
• National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)
• American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA)

Nicola McGill has over 25 years of experience in the field of massage and bodywork both in the U.S. and the United Kingdom. She is a graduate of the London School of Aromatherapy and received diplomas in Reflex Touch and Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Professional Practice at Anglia Polytechnic University, U.K.

Upon relocating to the U.S., Nicola received extensive training in the field of oncology massage – including scar tissue release for post-mastectomy patients – under the instruction of Gayle MacDonald, MS, LMT and Sandy Canzone, DOM. In 2010, Nicola received her Lymphedema Therapy Certification through Klose Training and Consulting. She also completed the Breast Cancer Rehabilitation, Head and Neck Lymphedema Management, and refresher MLD classes with Klose Training.

In her clinical practice, Nicola utilizes her bodywork skills as an aromatherapist, massage therapist, and MLD practitioner to treat a wide range of medical conditions, both chronic and acute, including conditions related to the respiratory, digestive, muscular-skeletal, nervous, and reproductive systems. She also provides individual aromatherapy consultations for clients requiring customized blends for skin care and general health-promoting practices.

Since May 2008, Nicola has been on staff at Boulder Community Hospital (BCH) as an Oncology Massage and Lymphedema Therapist. She promotes education and lymphedema risk-reduction practices at cancer support groups and individual treatment sessions while working alongside the Rocky Mountain Compassionate Communication Center (RMCCC) and the BCH team of healthcare providers. She has also provided presentations at numerous conferences, on the subject of MLD, for AMTA and the Society for Oncology Massage.

Professional Memberships:

• National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB)
• Associate Bodywork & Massage Professionals (Certified Member)
• National Lymphedema Network (NLN)
• Society for Oncology Massage
• International Federation of Aromatherapists
• Lymphology Association of North America (LANA)

Dr. Tobias Bertsch has been a senior consultant at the Foeldi Clinic in Hinterzarten, Germany since 2005, specializing in lymphology and bariatric medicine. He also serves as Secretary General of the German Society of Lymphology.

In 2008, Dr. Bertsch developed a unique, multi-disciplinary therapy program for patients with morbid obesity, obesity-associated lymphedema, and lipedema. This very successful program includes bariatric and plastic surgery – when indicated – in addition to conservative treatment with Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT).

Dr. Bertsch is one of only two physicians in Germany who consults in an outpatient setting approved by the health insurance commission with patients who have lymphedema and lipedema. Dr. Bertsch and his team consult with approximately 4000 patients per year.

In 2012, Dr. Bertsch earned Specialist Certification of Obesity Professional Education (SCOPE), the only internationally-recognized certification in obesity management for health care professionals. SCOPE was an outcome of the 2002 European Union Obesity Summit that highlighted the need to improve clinical management of obesity.

Dr. Bertsch is an Associate Professor at the University of Freiburg, School of Medicine, where he frequently lectures on obesity and the impact of obesity on health policy in Germany. He also lectures extensively throughout Germany and has presented lectures in the Netherlands, Switzerland, Poland, Ireland, and the United States.

Prior to his work at the Foeldi Clinic, Dr. Bertsch served six years as an emergency medical physician. After attending medical school, he completed residencies in Germany and South Africa before receiving specialty accreditation in internal medicine in Germany.

Prior to attending medical school, Dr. Bertsch earned an undergraduate degree in social education in Emden, Germany.

Ruth Coopee received her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 1983 from Texas Woman’s University. Since graduation she has worked with patients across the lifespan–children in the school system to long-term care geriatrics–in a variety of settings from acute-care hospital burn, neuro and orthopedic units, subacute rehab to skilled nursing facilities and HMO clinics. Specializing in Hand Therapy she developed a number of outpatient Hand Therapy programs and achieved Hand Therapy Certification in 1991.

She has lectured on national, international, local and college levels addressing various topics involving rehabilitation of the Hand/Upper Extremity and Lymphedema. Ruth served as an adjunct professor at Worcester State College where she developed a Hand Therapy course for both undergraduates & postgraduates. Later she served as an associate professor in the OTA program at Greenfield Community College in Massachusetts.

Her special interest lies in the biomechanics of posture and its relationship to fascial and structural dysfunction. Since 1989 she has been studying and incorporating “Indirect” Myofascial Release, Muscle Energy, Feldendrais, Strain/Counterstrain, Craniosacral Techniques, and Zero Balancing into her treatment. Her focus on fascia and the “Whole-body approach” led to Certification in 1997 for Dr. Vodder’s Manual Lymph Drainage and Combined Degongestive Therapy.

Ruth has been using Kinesio Taping since its arrival to the USA from Japan in 1995 and teaching on the topic since 1996. She is a Ceritied Kinesio Taping Instructor and serves as the Occupational Therapy consultant to the Kinesio Taping Association. She was awarded “Instructor of the Year 2004” at the first Kinesio Taping Conference held in the USA, recognized for research on the use of Kinesio Taping for Lymphedema, and was a guest speaker at the 15th Annual Kinesio Taping International Symposium held in Tokyo Japan, November 1999.

Kathryn (Katie) Schmitz is a professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine. She is an exercise interventionist who has led multiple trials, including a large randomized controlled trial, the Physical Activity and Lymphedema Trial (PAL), to assess the safety of upper body exercise among 295 breast cancer survivors with and without lymphedema. In Spring 2011, her research group began work to translate the PAL intervention to become more broadly disseminable through oncology clinics and physical therapists (R21-CA152451). Katie’s research extends from the role of physical activity in the prevention and etiology of obesity related cancers, to the usefulness of activity for rehabilitation and health promotion in cancer survivors of all cancers. Her meta-analyses on the topic of exercise interventions in cancer patients and survivors, published in 2005 and 2010, provide a starting point for clinicians to understand the effects of exercise among cancer survivors.

Katie has published over 160 peer reviewed scientific papers (scopus h-index of 39) and has had continuous NIH funding for her research since 2001, including three R01s, two R21s and a TREC Center (Transdisciplinary Research on Energetics and Cancer). She has also received research support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality.

Katie has served on the expert panel for the YMCA/Lance Armstrong Foundation Cancer Survivorship Collaborative, wrote the cancer survivorship section of the recently published U.S. DHHS report of the Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee, served on the ad hoc committee that developed the ACSM Cancer Exercise Trainer certification, and is the lead author of the ACSM Roundtable on Exercise for Cancer Survivors, which published guidance for exercise testing and prescription for cancer survivors in July 2010.

In 2010, the National Lymphedema Network awarded Katie the Catalyst Award, which recognizes a researcher whose work has stimulated thought, discussion, and debate that leads to improvement in patient care for those with lymphedema. Katie’s long-term professional goal is to see that all oncologists, fitness trainers, and cancer patients will eventually be as cognizant of the usefulness of exercise for cancer control as they are in its role in controlling heart disease.

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