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2026 OrthoNebraska Symposium

Friday, Jul 17, 2026 at 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM CDT

Scott Conference Center, 6450 Pine Street, Omaha, NE, 68106, United States

1. Select Seats

2. Review and Proceed

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Event Information

Friday, Jul 17, 2026 at 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM CDT

Scott Conference Center, 6450 Pine Street, Omaha, NE, 68106, United States.

The OrthoNebraska Symposium strives to provide the most relevant and up-to-date education on current research, patient cases, surgical & rehabilitation techniques in the orthopedic and sports medicine fields. Supported by a faculty of fellowship-trained orthopedic and sports medicine providers, we aim to provide regional athletic trainers, nurses, and physical therapists with quality educational opportunities.

PLEASE NOTE: All times are CENTRAL

Target Audience

Athletic trainers, nurses and physical therapists

Learning Objectives

  • Describe current and emerging orthopedic surgical and non-surgical treatment options and their implications for rehabilitation.
  • Identify rehabilitation considerations associated with common orthopedic conditions and procedures discussed during the symposium.
  • Analyze factors that influence functional recovery and return to activity, including physical, psychosocial, and patient-specific variables.
  • Apply evidence-informed assessment and treatment strategies to optimize patient outcomes across the orthopedic continuum of care.

Continuing Education


BOC: OrthoNebraska (BOC AP#: P8593) is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education for Certified Athletic Trainers. This program is approved for 6.25 Category A hours/CEUs.

PT: 6.25 continuing education units for physical therapists by the Nebraska Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association. #CEUL179253

Nursing: 6.5 Continuing Education Contact Hours awarded by Iowa Western Community College, Iowa Board of Nursing Provider #6.

Faculty and Planner Disclosures

None


Registration Fee

In Person: $120/person
Live Stream: $120/person (survey and certificate will be to the registrant only)

Cancellation policy

Cancellation Policy

The last day to cancel or change your reservation is July 9, 2026, less $10 fee. Requests received after this date are subject to review by the Symposium Committee. If you need to cancel please contact us at Symposium@OrthoNebraska.com

Terms for Use of Attendee Photos or Likeness

By registering, attendees grant OrthoNebraska and its agents the right to take photographs or videos of them during OrthoNebraska Symposium activities. Attendees grant Orthonebraska the worldwide right to use, copy, distribute, exhibit, broadcast, transmit, perform, publish and display the photos/vidoes of attnedees, with or without names and biographic material, in any media, including print and electronic media. OrthoNebraska may use the photos/videos for any lawful purpose, including, but not limited to, publicity, marketing, and advertsing. OrthoNebraska is under no obligation to compensate attendees. Attendees agree that OrthoNebraska is the exclusive copyright owner of the photographs/videos. Attendees further understand that content posted to social networks will be subject to the social network's applicable terms and privacy policy.

Event Location

About Organizer

OrthoNebraska Organizer name

http://www.orthonebraska.com

OrthoNebraska, is the area’s largest, leading provider of orthopedics. We offer comprehensive care that includes both surgical and non-surgical intervention, and is supported by a range of sub-specialized providers. Through a dynamic network of clinics, emergency and orthopedic urgent care services, and outreach, we continue to make world-class orthopedic care more accessible and more personalized. If you have questions, please reach out to us at: symposium@orthonebraska.com

Contact the Organizer

Speakers

About Ashley Hannafious, RN
Masters of Nursing Student
Methodist College
No Sessions Available
About Heather Nelson, RN
Masters of Nursing Student
Methodist College
No Sessions Available
About Hope Hayes, RN
Masters of Nursing Student
Methodist College
No Sessions Available
About Aidan Voster
Occupational Therapy Student
Methodist College
No Sessions Available
About Allison Falt
Occupational Therapy Student
Methodist College
No Sessions Available
About Reagan Geary
Occupational Therapy Student
Methodist College
No Sessions Available

https://orthonebraska.com/doctor/matthew-tingle/
About Matthew Tingle, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon
OrthoNebraska
Jul 17, 2026
08:30 AM

"The BEAR Essentials"

08:30 AM - 09:00 AM

https://orthonebraska.com/doctor/zach-specht/
About Zachary Specht, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
OrthoNebraska
Jul 17, 2026
09:00 AM

From Injury to Strength: The Role of Bridge-Enhanced ACL Repair (BEAR) Rehab

09:00 AM - 09:30 AM

Dr. Brett Vessell is a foot and ankle specialist dedicated to improving movement and function. He earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Midwestern University and completed surgical training at the University of Louisville Hospital System. His practice includes both routine and complex conditions, with a strong emphasis on individualized care.

https://orthonebraska.com/doctor/brett-vessell/
About Brett Vessell, DPM, FACFAS
Podiatrist
OrthoNebraska
Jul 17, 2026
09:30 AM

Biologic Therapies for Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

09:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Dr. Matthew Miller is a board-certified neurosurgeon specializing in spine care. He earned his medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and completed his residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin. With over 20 years of experience, he focuses on minimally invasive approaches to treating back and neck conditions.

https://orthonebraska.com/doctor/matthew-miller/
About Matthew Miller, MD
Neurosurgeon
OrthoNebraska
Jul 17, 2026
10:10 AM

Endoscopic Spine Surgery: What Patients and Care Teams Need to Know

10:10 AM - 10:40 AM

https://orthonebraska.com/doctor/michael-stojanovic/
About Michael Stojanovic, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon
OrthoNebraska
Jul 17, 2026
10:40 AM

Muscle Sparing TKA: Beyond the Traditional Knee Replacement

10:40 AM - 11:10 AM

Beth Gard MSN, RN, ONC is the Chief Nursing Officer at OrthoNebraska. She graduated with her BSN from Creighton University and MSN from Methodist College. She has been an orthopedic nurse for 15+ years and holds a subspecialty certification in orthopaedics (ONC). She is an active member of the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses (NAON) and Orthopaedic Nursing Certification Board (ONCB). She serves on the Creighton University School of Nursing Alumni Board, Nebraska Arthritis Foundation Board, Leadership Omaha Alumni Group and other local non-profits. She presents both locally and nationally on her love of orthopedics.

https://sequelortho.com/portfolio-item/beth-gard/
About Beth Gard, MSN, RN, ONC
Chief Nursing Officer
OrthoNebraska
Jul 17, 2026
11:10 AM

Empowering Patients for Surgical Success

11:10 AM - 11:55 AM

About Katie Hagedorn, DNP, RN
Assistant Manager, Inpatient Services
OrthoNebraska
Jul 17, 2026
11:10 AM

Empowering Patients for Surgical Success

11:10 AM - 11:55 AM

Amber Liberty is a Registered Nurse with over 25 years of nursing experience, including 22 years specializing in orthopedic care.  I have proudly served with OrthoNebraska for more than 11 years and hold my Orthopedic Nurse Certification (ONC).  Throughout my career, I have remained committed to clinical excellence, patient advocacy, and the advancement of orthopedic nursing practices. 

About Amber Liberty, RN, ONC
Registered Nurse
OrthoNebraska
Jul 17, 2026
11:10 AM

Empowering Patients for Surgical Success

11:10 AM - 11:55 AM

Brenda Riessland BSN, RN is an Orthopedic Certified nurse with 20 years of nursing experience.  The last 10 specializing in Orthopedic care at Orthonebraska. She transitioned from hospital bedside care to clinical spine nurse navigation, where she remains committed to excellence in patient advocacy, education, and the journey from pre-to-post-op recovery for our spine population.

About Brenda Riessland, BSN, RN, ONC
Nurse Navigator
OrthoNebraska
Jul 17, 2026
11:10 AM

Empowering Patients for Surgical Success

11:10 AM - 11:55 AM
About Erin Sillman, MSN, RN
Assistant Manager, Pre/Post Operative
OrthoNebraska
Jul 17, 2026
11:10 AM

Empowering Patients for Surgical Success

11:10 AM - 11:55 AM

Dr. Abcejo is a fellowship-trained physician in non-surgical orthopedics and sports medicine who joined OrthoNebraska in 2020. He provides personalized and compassionate treatment for sports and orthopedic injuries, with special interests in performing artists and precision athletes, concussions, injury prevention and musculoskeletal education across all activity and exercise levels.

https://orthonebraska.com/doctor/amard-abcejo/
About AJ Abcejo, DO
Non-Operative Sports Medicine Physician
OrthoNebraska
Jul 17, 2026
01:00 PM

Dynamic Ultrasonography of the Shoulder (with Live Demonstration)

01:00 PM - 02:00 PM

Dr. Matthew Dilisio is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder and sports medicine. He earned his medical degree from Saint Louis University and completed advanced fellowship training at Harvard Medical School. He is also actively involved in research and education within orthopedic surgery.

https://orthonebraska.com/doctor/matthew-dilisio/
About Matthew Dilisio, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon
OrthoNebraska
Jul 17, 2026
02:10 PM

The Irreparable Rotator Cuff: State of the Art 2026

02:10 PM - 02:40 PM

https://orthonebraska.com/doctor/travis-manners/
About Travis Manners, PT
Physical Therapist
OrthoNebraska
Jul 17, 2026
02:40 PM

Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears - Conservative Rehab Considerations

02:40 PM - 03:10 PM

Corey Smith, PsyD, CMPC is a licensed clinical psychologist with more than 20 years of experience supporting individuals, athletes, and healthcare professionals. He earned his Doctor of Psychology degree from Spalding University and is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant, with additional training in evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. Dr. Smith specializes in helping patients build mental resilience, manage stress, and enhance performance in both clinical and high-performance settings.

https://compassionatemindstherapy.com/team/corey-smith/
About Corey Smith, PsyD, CMPC
Certified Mental Performance Consultant
Compassionate Minds Therapy
Jul 17, 2026
03:20 PM

Sports Injury Related Growth; "This is my sport now."

03:20 PM - 03:50 PM
About Tomohiro Ide, MA, ATC
Athletic Trainer
University of Nebraska Omaha
Jul 17, 2026
12:15 PM

Poster Presentations

12:15 PM - 01:00 PM
About Jayden Akers
Physical Therapy Student
Creighton University
Jul 17, 2026
12:15 PM

Poster Presentations

12:15 PM - 01:00 PM
About Luke Alfonso
Physical Therapy Student
Creighton University
Jul 17, 2026
12:15 PM

Poster Presentations

12:15 PM - 01:00 PM
About Paden Collard, BS
Master's Student
University of Nebraska Omaha
Jul 17, 2026
12:15 PM

Poster Presentations

12:15 PM - 01:00 PM
About Kyle Cottone
Master's Student
University of Nebraska Omaha
Jul 17, 2026
12:15 PM

Poster Presentations

12:15 PM - 01:00 PM
About Jake Decker, ATC
Athletic Trainer
University of Nebraska Omaha
Jul 17, 2026
12:15 PM

Poster Presentations

12:15 PM - 01:00 PM
About Cameron Jensen
Doctoral Student
University of Nebraska Omaha
Jul 17, 2026
12:15 PM

Poster Presentations

12:15 PM - 01:00 PM
About Katelyn Landolt
Physical Therapy Student
Creighton University
Jul 17, 2026
12:15 PM

Poster Presentations

12:15 PM - 01:00 PM
About Jack Paradis
Medical Student
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Jul 17, 2026
12:15 PM

Poster Presentations

12:15 PM - 01:00 PM
About Jared Wilson
Physical Therapy Student
Creighton University
Jul 17, 2026
12:15 PM

Poster Presentations

12:15 PM - 01:00 PM
About Sarah Woelfel, MA, ATC
Athletic Trainer
University of Nebraska Omaha
Jul 17, 2026
12:15 PM

Poster Presentations

12:15 PM - 01:00 PM

Event Schedule

Session Date
Clear all ×

Sessions on Jul 17, 2026

07:30 AM

Registration & Breakfast

07:30 AM - 08:20 AM
08:20 AM

Opening Remarks

08:20 AM - 08:30 AM
08:30 AM

"The BEAR Essentials"

08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
    speaker

    Matthew Tingle, MD

    Orthopedic SurgeonOrthoNebraska

    SocialLink
    09:00 AM
      speaker

      Zachary Specht, PT, DPT

      Physical TherapistOrthoNebraska

      SocialLink
      09:30 AM
        speaker

        Brett Vessell, DPM, FACFAS

        PodiatristOrthoNebraska

        Dr. Brett Vessell is a foot and ankle specialist dedicated to improving movement and function. He earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Midwestern University and completed surgical training at the University of Louisville Hospital System. His practice includes both routine and complex conditions, with a strong emphasis on individualized care.

        SocialLink
        10:00 AM

        Break

        10:00 AM - 10:10 AM
        10:10 AM
          speaker

          Matthew Miller, MD

          NeurosurgeonOrthoNebraska

          Dr. Matthew Miller is a board-certified neurosurgeon specializing in spine care. He earned his medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and completed his residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin. With over 20 years of experience, he focuses on minimally invasive approaches to treating back and neck conditions.

          SocialLink
          10:40 AM
            speaker

            Michael Stojanovic, MD

            Orthopedic SurgeonOrthoNebraska

            SocialLink
            11:10 AM
              speaker

              Beth Gard, MSN, RN, ONC

              Chief Nursing OfficerOrthoNebraska

              Beth Gard MSN, RN, ONC is the Chief Nursing Officer at OrthoNebraska. She graduated with her BSN from Creighton University and MSN from Methodist College. She has been an orthopedic nurse for 15+ years and holds a subspecialty certification in orthopaedics (ONC). She is an active member of the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses (NAON) and Orthopaedic Nursing Certification Board (ONCB). She serves on the Creighton University School of Nursing Alumni Board, Nebraska Arthritis Foundation Board, Leadership Omaha Alumni Group and other local non-profits. She presents both locally and nationally on her love of orthopedics.

              SocialLink
              speaker

              Katie Hagedorn, DNP, RN

              Assistant Manager, Inpatient ServicesOrthoNebraska

              SocialLink
              speaker

              Amber Liberty, RN, ONC

              Registered NurseOrthoNebraska

              Amber Liberty is a Registered Nurse with over 25 years of nursing experience, including 22 years specializing in orthopedic care.  I have proudly served with OrthoNebraska for more than 11 years and hold my Orthopedic Nurse Certification (ONC).  Throughout my career, I have remained committed to clinical excellence, patient advocacy, and the advancement of orthopedic nursing practices. 

              SocialLink
              speaker

              Brenda Riessland, BSN, RN, ONC

              Nurse NavigatorOrthoNebraska

              Brenda Riessland BSN, RN is an Orthopedic Certified nurse with 20 years of nursing experience.  The last 10 specializing in Orthopedic care at Orthonebraska. She transitioned from hospital bedside care to clinical spine nurse navigation, where she remains committed to excellence in patient advocacy, education, and the journey from pre-to-post-op recovery for our spine population.

              SocialLink
              speaker

              Erin Sillman, MSN, RN

              Assistant Manager, Pre/Post OperativeOrthoNebraska
              SocialLink
              11:55 AM

              Lunch

              11:55 AM - 12:15 PM
              12:15 PM

              Poster Presentations

              12:15 PM - 01:00 PM
                speaker

                Tomohiro Ide, MA, ATC

                Athletic TrainerUniversity of Nebraska Omaha
                SocialLink
                speaker

                Jayden Akers

                Physical Therapy StudentCreighton University
                SocialLink
                speaker

                Luke Alfonso

                Physical Therapy StudentCreighton University
                SocialLink
                speaker

                Paden Collard, BS

                Master's StudentUniversity of Nebraska Omaha
                SocialLink
                speaker

                Kyle Cottone

                Master's StudentUniversity of Nebraska Omaha
                SocialLink
                speaker

                Jake Decker, ATC

                Athletic TrainerUniversity of Nebraska Omaha
                SocialLink
                speaker

                Cameron Jensen

                Doctoral StudentUniversity of Nebraska Omaha
                SocialLink
                speaker

                Katelyn Landolt

                Physical Therapy StudentCreighton University
                SocialLink
                speaker

                Jack Paradis

                Medical StudentUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center
                SocialLink
                speaker

                Jared Wilson

                Physical Therapy StudentCreighton University
                SocialLink
                speaker

                Sarah Woelfel, MA, ATC

                Athletic TrainerUniversity of Nebraska Omaha
                SocialLink
                01:00 PM
                  speaker

                  AJ Abcejo, DO

                  Non-Operative Sports Medicine PhysicianOrthoNebraska

                  Dr. Abcejo is a fellowship-trained physician in non-surgical orthopedics and sports medicine who joined OrthoNebraska in 2020. He provides personalized and compassionate treatment for sports and orthopedic injuries, with special interests in performing artists and precision athletes, concussions, injury prevention and musculoskeletal education across all activity and exercise levels.

                  SocialLink
                  02:00 PM

                  Break

                  02:00 PM - 02:00 PM
                  02:10 PM
                    speaker

                    Matthew Dilisio, MD

                    Orthopedic SurgeonOrthoNebraska

                    Dr. Matthew Dilisio is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder and sports medicine. He earned his medical degree from Saint Louis University and completed advanced fellowship training at Harvard Medical School. He is also actively involved in research and education within orthopedic surgery.

                    SocialLink
                    02:40 PM
                      speaker

                      Travis Manners, PT

                      Physical TherapistOrthoNebraska

                      SocialLink
                      03:10 PM

                      Break

                      03:10 PM - 03:20 AM
                      03:20 PM
                        speaker

                        Corey Smith, PsyD, CMPC

                        Certified Mental Performance ConsultantCompassionate Minds Therapy

                        Corey Smith, PsyD, CMPC is a licensed clinical psychologist with more than 20 years of experience supporting individuals, athletes, and healthcare professionals. He earned his Doctor of Psychology degree from Spalding University and is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant, with additional training in evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. Dr. Smith specializes in helping patients build mental resilience, manage stress, and enhance performance in both clinical and high-performance settings.

                        SocialLink
                        03:50 PM

                        Closing Remarks

                        03:50 PM - 04:00 PM