ABOUT US

Nancy Berg (she/her) is a disability advocate in Omaha, NE.  During her free time, she is the content creator for the Instagram account @Accessible402 where she writes about her life after sustaining a spinal cord injury.  Through this platform, she learned about United Spinal Assocation and decided to start a chapter in Nebraska.  She is excited to bring those with SCI/D in her state together and to build a community that she did not have when she was first injured. She also serves on the board for Imagine Inclusion, Inc.  This organization is working on building an all-inclusive playground at Lake Zorinsky.  She lives with her husband Matt and daughter Makenzie.

​Diane Ulmer (she/her) is an Occupational Therapist who has been treating individuals with SCI for over 20 years.  She currently serves as the Spinal Cord Injury Program Manager for Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals.  She is also a member of the Nebraska AgrAbility Advisory Council and serves on a committee for the International Pediatric Rehabilitation Collaborative (IPRC).  She facilitates a support group as well as provides education on SCI for other healthcare organizations throughout the region.

Sam Troia (he/him), OTD, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist and Assistant Professor in the Master of Occupational Therapy program at Nebraska Methodist College. His work centers on helping people rebuild meaningful, independent lives after injury or illness. Early in his career, he worked with individuals recovering from spinal cord injuries at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital, an experience that continues to shape his commitment to supporting people as they reconnect with the roles and activities that give life purpose.

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Madison Walton (she/her) is currently a physical therapist at Madonna Rehabilitation hospital and has worked with a number of people with SCI/D over the years from the ICU to post acute rehabilitation.  She is excited to be apart of bringing the Nebraska SCI/D community together. She lives in Omaha with her wife Kaitlyn and their two dogs.

Karma LiLoLa (she/her) is a performance artist and community engagement coordinator in Omaha, NE. She has a C4 incomplete sci and uses a power wheelchair. She holds theater degrees from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Yale University. Through her own recovery, she found arts therapy and began to believe deeply in the power of art to heal, connect, and transform pain into something audiences can witness and share. She is a patient representative connected to Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals, CHI Health Rehabilitation Institute, and Nebraska Medicine Physiatry, and a participant in the mentorship program. She is excited to bring her artistic and advocacy work into United Spinal Nebraska, helping show that we are alive and thriving. "My heart stopped six times," she says. "I told them not to turn me onto my side."

Robert (he/him) is a passionate advocate, animal rights activist, and a beacon of resilience hailing from Lincoln, Nebraska. A C5 quadriplegic since 1996, he has transformed personal tragedy into a mission of empathy, service, and advocacy. Beyond his dedication to animal rights and social justice, Robert exemplifies the power of attitude in overcoming life’s challenges.

Nicole (she/her) lives in Lincoln, Nebraska.  In January 2020, she became a C4/C5 incomplete quadriplegic due to a fall.  She mentors new residents that have sustained a spinal cord injury at QLI Rehabilitation Center in Omaha.  During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family and going to sporting events and concerts.