Therapies

Ashley Kreikemeier, PTA

Ashley Kreikemeier is a native of Scotia, NE and graduated from North Loup Scotia High School in 2006.  She attended Southeast Community College earning an Associate of Science, Physical Therapist Assistant degree.  Her career began in an outpatient setting, and has continued on to include home health, skilled nursing, inpatient and long term acute care. Ashley holds certification in the Graston Technique.

 

Rebekah Roh, M.S., CF-SLP

Becky is a native of Abie, NE. She graduated from Aquinas High School in David City in 2018.  In 2022, she received her Bachelor’s in Communication Disorders from University of Nebraska-Kearney.  She graduated with her Master’s of Science in Speech-Language Pathology in 2024 from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.

Jillian Lonowski, PT, DPT

Jillian is a native of Howells, NE and graduated from Howells-Dodge Consolidated in 2014.  She earned her Bachelors of Science Degree in Exercise Science and Psychology from University of Nebraska in Kearney in 2018.  In 2021, she received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.  Jillian’s clinical experience includes outpatient pediatrics, early intervention, school-based, outpatient orthopedics and acute care.

Hannah Wurl, OTD, OTR/L

Hannah Wurl is a native of Brainard, NE, graduating from East Butler High School. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Doane College. In 2013, Hannah received her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Creighton University.  Hannah’s clinical experience includes skilled nursing management and patient care, program development for dementia care, neurorehabilitation, Parkinons’ disease movement training and lymphedema therapy. Hannah holds certification in the Parkinson’s disease wellness and recovery programs titled LSVT BIG and PWR!

Staci Worm, MOT, OTR/L

Staci Worm is a native of David City, NE, graduating from David City High School. She received her Bachelors of Rehabilitative Studies in 2014.  In 2015, Staci received her Masters in Occupational Therapy from the College of Saint Mary. Staci has field work and a special interest in pediatrics. Staci is trained in Handwriting Without Tears (HWT) and Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Feeding. She has also received specialized training in Sensory Integration, Sensory Modulation, Pediatric Vision Rehabilitation Pediatric Development, Therapeutic Listening and Astronaut Training.

Andy Valenti, PTA

Andy Valenti is a native of Brainard, NE, graduating from East Butler High School in 2004. He began his journey studying Exercise Science at the University of Nebraska in Omaha before his acceptance into Clarkson College. In 2013, he graduated Magna Cum Laude from Clarkson College earning his Associate of Science, Physical Therapist Assistant degree.  He has special interest in Parkinson’s disease, post-operative rehabilitation, geriatric care, temporomandibular disorder, and other orthopedic conditions.

Melissa Truska, PT, DPT

Melissa Truksa is a native of Yutan, NE, graduating from Yutan High School. She attended Doane College for her undergraduate degree for physical education with an emphasis in athletic training. She attended the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where she received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2007. Her career began in an outpatient setting, where she was exposed to patients with complicated chronic lower back pain and SI joint Dysfunction. Melissa joined BCH in August of 2021 and specializes in Postural Restoration.

Kristine Polacek, PT, DPT

Kristine Polacek is a native of David City, NE, graduating from Aquinas High School. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutrition, Exercise, and Health Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2015.  In 2018, she received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy Degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Kristine’s clinical experience includes outpatient pediatrics, outpatient orthopedics, and acute rehabilitation.

Kyle Eller, PT, DPT

Kyle Eller is a native of David City, NE, graduating from Aquinas High School. He received his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 2010. In 2013, he received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from UNMC where he was awarded The Student Professionalism Award. Kyle has practiced in a wide range of areas including inpatient, outpatient and school settings. He has a particular interest in post-operative rehabilitation and sports medicine, as well as treating other orthopedic conditions.

Laini Eddy, M.S., CCC-SLP

Laini Eddy is a native of Burwell, NE, graduating in 2014. In 2018, she received her Bachelor’s of Science in Communication Disorders. In 2020, she graduated with her Master’s of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. Her undergraduate and graduate research experience has a focus on sustained silent reading and speech and gesture differences in individuals based on levels of task difficulty. Laini’s post-graduate research experience involves working as a research assistant in a project focusing on personality, temperament, and sociability in individuals impacted by the Covid-19 Pandemic.

The Parkinson's Empowerment Group at Butler County Health targets so many aspects and symptoms of Parkinson’s. It improves a person’s posture, mobility, balance, and coordination, as well as cognition and ability to multi-task. I also like the flexibility of the program and being able to adjust exercises from each position to fit the need of each individual patient.  

Andy Valenti, Physical Therapist Assistant

My strategy in nutrition coaching is to focus on the positive – what things could we add to increase the variety of healthy foods in your routine?  By focusing on adding more healthy choices, you will not feel deprived as you gradually leave out less nutritious choices.  My goal is to help you get a personalized approach to wellness that you can achieve and maintain with your current lifestyle.

Sandra Burwell, Registered Dietitian

Butler County Health has felt like home to me from the beginning of my employment.  I have spent more than 5 years working in an environment that has challenged me to pursue my nursing skills in many different areas such as the Emergency Department, Obstetrics, Inpatient Care, Outpatient Care and as Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Coordinator.

Tara Palensky, RN

BCH Roots to Shoots Pediatric Therapy Clinic eliminates the need for long commutes to distant facilities like Madonna, allowing Aria to maximize her therapy sessions and educational opportunities.  It is significant for Aria’s overall well-being as it reduces the stress and agitation she had from extended travel.  The staff is like our family to us.

Jennifer Prothman

The communication between us and Leia’s Roots to Shoots therapists is excellent.  We are given the tools and resources to practice techniques at home for ongoing progress and development so she can continue to thrive.  The entire staff at Roots to Shoots goes above and beyond what needs to be done; from teaching her to wear something as simple as a mask, to helping her feel comfortable riding in another vehicle like a school bus.  They are our angels.

Stacey Bykerk

I feel having a 3D mammogram was a blessing for me since it detected my Stage 1 cancer.  The technicians were very helpful as they explained how the machine worked compared to the 2D method.  A big difference is that the 3D machines moves above your head from one size to another and gives a more complete image of the breast.  The testing time also seemed shorter than the standard mammogram.

Judy Dubs

I had a bunion on my foot and I wanted it removed,  but I really didn't want to travel too far to have the procedure done.  So when Butler County Health started providing Podiatry Services, I made an appointment right away.  Dr. Carlston is professional and personable.  He took the time to explain what happens during the procedure and afterwards.

Jill Pokorny

Being able to have my blood drawn at Butler County Health saves me a weekly trip to Omaha.  It is simple to schedule an appointment that works with my schedule and the staff is quick and efficient at drawing my blood samples.

Tanner Zeilinger