Elkhorn, NE May 2025 by City Lifestyle

VIRGINIA

This One's for the Girls...

May is all about the ladies! I love any opportunity to recognize the women in my life who make it more rich and beautiful. The past year has given me the opportunity to meet and connect with so many amazing women who are building brands, raising families and enriching our community in ways only women can.

And of course with Mother’s Day this month, all eyes are on moms… But it’s not just the biological mothers but the mother figures in our lives who have made an indelible impact on us. It’s the family members, teachers, friends and neighbors doing awesome things in our communities, pouring into our lives - making themselves unforgettable and irreplaceable.

These pages in our Ladies Issue shine light on amazing brands, some generational, and some just getting started, but all of them, making a difference for themselves, their families and our community through the work they do each day.

While it’s always important to shop local and support our area businesses, this month is the perfect time to patronize businesses owned by women in our communities. That’s one of my favorite parts of this role - connecting with and championing the best of the best when it comes to the women of Elkhorn and West Omaha.

They are movers and shakers, builders and makers. They are both seen and unseen. Their silent service blesses those who are under their care. Their attention to detail shows us something about beauty that can’t be seen or understood any other way.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to send a text, make a phone call or get your kids on a video call with the women in your life who deserve recognition. It only takes a minute to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much they mean to you.

Cheers ladies!

STEPHANIE LEWIS, PUBLISHER @ELKHORNCITYLIFESTYLE

May 2025

PUBLISHER

Stephanie Lewis stephanie.m.lewis@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Nichole Peringer

nichole.peringer@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Nichole Peringer, Christina Koch, Mande Saitta

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jennifer Studanski, Nicholas Fisher, Torie Egger, Rachel Blankenship

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

inside the issue

city scene

1: Bankers Trust celebrates the grand opening of its first full-service location in Elkhorn. 2: Megan Hale, founder of Dream Money, speaks at the Dream Bigger Summit. 3: Attendees gather to learn and network with other women at the Dream Bigger Summit. 4: Dream Bigger Summit emcee Rachel D. Fox poses with attendees. 5: Ribbon-cutting ceremony at Forsman's Finest's new Elkhorn office. 6: The team at Forsman's Finest poses at their ribbon-cutting ceremony. 7: aro Real Estate Group client appreciation event with Grapes + Gouda charcuterie.

SUSI

SUSI FRANCO

Fourth annual Core Bank Cares Golf Tournament

Join Core Bank for a day of golf at the fourth annual Core Bank Cares Golf Tournament on June 23 at Champions Run, a fundraising event benefiting Nebraska Diaper Bank. This four-person team event includes lunch, dinner, pin prizes, raffles and more! Visit corebank.com/golf-tournament for more information.

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Photography by Beyond the Vine

COMING Home

HOW BRITTNEY MCALLISTER BUILT A REAL ESTATE LEGACY ON FAMILY AND HEART

ARTICLE BY NICHOLE PERINGER PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER STUDANSKI

A home is made up of many elements. The small details— decorations, fixtures and lighting—make it a place to treasure and savor. But it’s the foundation, the concrete and rebar beneath it, that ensure it stands the test of time. For Brittney McAllister of aro Real Estate Group at Realty ONE Group Sterling, it’s the strong foundation of family and relationships that has enabled her to build a remarkable business in the Omaha metro area.

McAllister’s unique perspective comes from growing up immersed in the world of real estate. She was eager to follow in her mother’s footsteps as an agent, learning the ropes long before launching her own career. McAllister recalls: “I remember my mom studying for her test and helping her with flashcards. It was really since she got her license when I was 11 that I wanted to pursue the same career she had. That’s what I’m going to be when I grow up.”

Her passion for real estate was so strong that in high school, she deliberately answered career aptitude tests in a way that would steer the results toward a promising future in the field. “All through school, I was trying to rig the tests so they would tell me to be a real estate agent. That’s all I ever wanted to do.”

However, McAllister’s path took an unexpected turn her senior year of high school when she received a substantial academic and athletic scholarship to Quinnipiac University in

Brittney with her husband, Cole, and children, Morgan and Collin

Connecticut. A talented tumbler, McAllister accepted an acrobatics and tumbling scholarship and chose to pursue a degree in marketing. Despite the success she found there, a series of injuries and an unrelenting pull toward her original career led her to return to Nebraska in 2015. She enrolled at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, completed her degree, and began working toward obtaining her real estate license.

McAllister reflects on this period with a smile: “I told my professors I was getting started in real estate, so if my phone rang, I had to leave class to answer it. Of course, it never did, but it’s funny how determined I was. I was going to win the National Association of Realtors’ 30 Under 30.”

At 21, McAllister earned her real estate license and began her career, encouraged and mentored by her mother, a successful agent. McAllister joined her mother’s real estate team, and they began working together.

“I’m thankful my mother partnered with me,” McAllister says. “I excelled quickly because I could ask her questions and receive wise, experienced answers.” Reflecting on her early days, McAllister credits much of her success to the lessons she learned from her mother. “My mom typed up a sheet with six basic steps— the essentials,” McAllister says. “I printed 20 copies, stapled them to manila envelopes, and that became the first version of my process. Now, of course, I have an assistant who is my ‘manila envelope,’ but we still use that foundational outline at aro.”

In 2017, McAllister decided to branch out on her own. After a few years as an individual agent with little to no support, McAllister knew that in order to scale her business and help more people, she would need to surround herself with talented people. In 2020, with the knowledge she had gained and the motivation to be the best for her clients, she launched aro Real Estate Group. “I wanted to build a team that wasn’t just about me—I wanted a team known for serving its clients,” she says. “aro stands for authentic relationships, real estate experts and outstanding experiences. It’s all about the client experience.”

From 2020 to 2023, aro Real Estate Group made a significant impact on the Omaha area. McAllister’s team sold a record number of homes, and she began to draw national attention. For two years, she was the top-selling agent in Omaha, and in 2023, her dream of being named to the 30 Under 30 list became a reality.

Married in 2018 to her husband, Cole, McAllister was at the pinnacle of her career when her life took another unexpected turn. “I was married, at the top of my career, hustling and selling so many houses. I was pregnant. And then, it all came to a halt when Morgan was born three months premature.”

Weighing just 1 pound, 3 ounces, their daughter, Morgan, entered the world fighting for survival. Born with underdeveloped lungs, Morgan required constant care in the NICU. For nine months, McAllister and her husband took turns sitting by her side. “It was such a unique time,” McAllister recalled. “For the

Brittney McAllister celebrates 10 successful years in real estate

entire nine months, I worked. Real estate was the only thing I could control in a season where everything felt out of control—and we ended up having one of our best years at aro. I didn’t take maternity leave.”

Unexpectedly, McAllister and her husband found themselves expecting again, shortly after Morgan’s birth. “I FaceTimed him from the hospital after taking a pregnancy test, freaking out,” she said. “Of course, he immediately asked if Morgan was okay, and I was like, ‘Yes, she’s okay—but I’m pregnant!’”

This new chapter led McAllister to refocus her priorities. “Once Collin was born and we brought Morgan home, I really needed to focus on what was important,” she said. “I didn’t have the time to be all things to all people anymore.” Over the next few years, McAllister’s team evolved, and so did her availability, but she remained committed to providing the same level of service to her clients.

“I have to be home at 4 p.m. every night,” McAllister explains. “So we’ve all learned to work around that.”

The balance of family and career became even more crucial as motherhood gave her new perspectives.

“Motherhood gave me relatability,” she says. “Now, I understand what it’s like to be tired. Now, I get why people need coffee at 4 p.m.”

McAllister’s experience also helped her build stronger connections with her clients. “I love creating a community and watching them get married, have babies and then need a new home,” she said. “We

“I wanted to build a team that wasn’t just about me—I wanted a team known for serving its clients.”

have this entire community of past clients at aro who are going through these life events and it’s amazing to be invited along.

As McAllister celebrates her 10th anniversary in real estate, she is most proud of the referrals that continue to pour in. McAllister has helped first-time homebuyers, military clients, families looking for more space and many others through various life transitions. “I genuinely fall in love with the process each time we help a new client because no transaction is the same,” McAllister said.

For McAllister, it’s no surprise that her clients continue to return to her, trusting her with one of the most important decisions of their lives. Anyone who spends time with her can see she deeply understands the true value of home and the people who help make it.

To find out more about Brittney McAllister and aro Real Estate Group, visit aro-re.com.

BRITTNEY MCALLISTER

Licensed in Nebraska, Brittney McAllister specializes in helping clients in all stages of life, from first time home buyers, to those seeking new construction and those transitioning to an empty nest. If you need help finding your next home or are interested in what your home might be worth, reach out to Brittney at 402-618-5036 or brittney@aro-re.com.

Designing

ARTICLE

NICHOLE PERINGER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICHOLAS FISHER

How the All-Women Team at Interiors Joan and Associates

Redefines Homes

Powerhouses

Kris Patton, ASID, the third-generation owner of Interiors Joan and Associates, leads a team of 23 employees, including 15 designers, transforming homes across Omaha and Lincoln. The firm, founded more than 60 years ago by her grandmother Joan—a pioneer in the industry—started with wallpaper, carpet and draperies. Patton fondly recalls asking to “schedule appointments” with her grandmother to mix fabrics, a childhood curiosity that sparked her passion for design. Today, that legacy drives a supportive, all-women team dedicated to creating custom spaces.

Kris Patton, third-generation owner of Interiors Joan and Associates

“Our designers can take a project from start to finish,” Patton said. “We’re more than just putting pretty colors together—we’re figuring out how a home functions visually and practically.” From their Omaha and Lincoln studios, the team offers custom cabinetry, furniture, draperies and handpicked artwork, tailoring each design to clients’ lifestyles. “I start by asking, ‘Do you have kids or dogs? Where do you spend your time?’” Patton explained.

The team’s strength lies in its diverse expertise—seasoned designers, emerging assistants and even a cabinet expert—all supported by a dedicated administrative staff. This makes the team at Interiors Joan and Associates truly special.

At the forefront are the experienced interior designers—professionals who manage everything from new builds to remodels with a strong focus on both function and aesthetics. Among them is a specialized cabinet designer, a fully trained interior designer with advanced expertise in custom cabinetry. With access to a wide range of finishes, paints and stains, the in-house cabinet designer tailors each design to meet clients’ needs—whether creating durable storage for busy families or providing elegant upgrades for aging in place.

Supporting the designers are design assistants—emerging professionals who, like Patton once did, are learning the craft under experienced mentors. These assistants bring fresh ideas and energy to the firm while gaining hands-on experience. Patton values their contributions, noting they “bring a lot of new aspects to our firm” through their innovative perspectives.

The team’s extensive product knowledge— spanning more than 30 direct-buy companies for furniture, fabrics and accessories—enables them to deliver tailored solutions efficiently. Whether selecting the right sofa cushioning or sourcing unique artwork from biannual market trips, the designers and assistants streamline the process for clients.

The showroom, open to the public, is adorned with stunning furniture and decor

“AT THE END OF THE DAY, WHEN CLIENTS MOVE IN, YOU HAVE TO UNDERSTAND WHAT DRIVES THEM—WHAT MATTERS MOST IN THEIR HOME. YOUR GOAL IS TO ENSURE THAT WHEN THE PROJECT IS FINISHED, THEY FEEL LIKE THEY GOT EXACTLY WHAT THEY WANTED.”

Behind the scenes, the skilled administrative team keeps operations running smoothly, allowing designers to focus on creativity rather than logistics. Their attention to detail and teamwork ensure every project stays on schedule.

This collaborative structure allows Interiors Joan and Associates to tackle projects of any scale—from quick guest bathroom refreshes to sprawling residences—delivering thoughtful, client-driven results. As Patton puts it, “Without them, this isn’t a thing,” underscoring the team’s collective strength as the foundation of the firm’s success.

Versatility defines the team’s approach, whether working on a new build or a simple refresh. “We can jump in wherever they are,” Patton said. “For a kitchen remodel, I’d visit their home, see what’s not working, and plan—new cabinets, a facelift or structural changes.” The team also collaborates closely with builders, refining blueprints for both function and beauty. “No project is too big or small,” she added.

Reflecting on each client’s journey, Patton says, “Everybody has a different vision for how they want their home to look, and it’s our job to understand

The all-woman team, led by Kris Patton, tackles projects from new construction to whole home remodels to simple room refreshes

the psychology behind that and bring it to life visually.” She emphasizes the importance of delivering results that align with each client’s desires. “At the end of the day, when clients move in, you have to understand what drives them—what matters most in their home. Your goal is to ensure that when the project is finished, they feel like they got exactly what they wanted.”

In addition to the incredible custom services Interiors Joan and Associates provides, the showroom—open to the public—is a stunning display of artwork, sofas, furniture and more. This allows clients to see and experience the pieces firsthand.

No matter the budget, Patton is clear that the team is ready to take on any project. “We work with all price ranges—sometimes it’s a plan: ‘This year, this; next year, that,’” she says.

Patton keeps the focus on her team. Veterans with more than 30 years of experience mentor fresh talent. “They work early mornings, late nights, even from home,” she says. While her early days with her grandmother sparked her drive, she credits the team’s dedication with sustaining the firm’s success.

From Joan’s pioneering vision to today’s full-service offerings, Interiors Joan and Associates blends history with innovation, supported by a dedicated team. “When you plan, it really does work the best,” Patton says—a sentiment reflected in the thoughtful care each team member brings to every project.

Whether it’s the experienced designers crafting custom cabinetry, design assistants infusing fresh ideas or the administrative team ensuring seamless execution, their collaborative approach transforms careful planning into standout spaces across Omaha and Lincoln.

To learn more or get started on your home project, visit interiorsbyjoan.com

Elite Ae sthetic s

Medical Spa & Skin Care Clinic

NELSON PRODUCE FARM

ARTICLE BY CHRISTINA KOCH PHOTOGRAPHY BY TORIE EGGER AND NELSON FARM

Connecting people to God, the land and each other is the mission of Nelson Produce Farm. Founded by Pam and Tyler Nelson in Valley, Nebraska, after their marriage in 2007, the farm has grown beyond their original dreams.

In the beginning, the Nelsons planned to sell their produce wholesale while continuing sales at their roadside stand at 120th and I streets—the same location where Tyler’s grandparents began selling produce in 1983. At just 12 years old, Tyler sold cucumbers he grew himself at the stand. Today, the Nelsons still rent the space and operate a second stand at 204th and Wirt streets in Elkhorn. Both locations are open from Memorial Day weekend through Oct. 30.

Pam’s natural creativity made the farm stands both aesthetically appealing and enjoyable for shoppers. Her love of hosting, combined with a few challenging years in wholesale, ultimately led the Nelsons to expand their direct interactions with the public. In 2019, Pam and Tyler opened their 500-acre farm to visitors daily from June through October. A variety of farm-focused activities and events help them fulfill their mission.

“When I was growing up on a dairy farm in South Dakota in the 1980s and ’90s, nearly everyone had a connection to farming—whether through an uncle, grandparents or other relatives,” Nelson recalls. “The world is changing, and that connection is no longer as common, so we wanted to help people reconnect with where their food comes from.”

CONSCIOUS CHOICES

The Nelsons initially opened their farm by inviting visitors to pick their own strawberries. Today, they host a strawberry festival each June. Following the growing seasons, they also hold a sweet corn festival in July, a watermelon festival in August, a sunflower festival in September and a pumpkin festival in October. Visitors can also pick a wide variety of produce from the Nelsons’ U-pick garden during any visit. In addition, the farm offers a variety of activities for kids, including a corn pit, hay bale slides, pedal bikes, a barrel train and the opportunity to engage with barnyard animals.

This April, they hosted their first tulip festival, featuring more than 400,000 tulips in 35 varieties, planted in the shape of a hummingbird across four acres. Tulips sprawled across the farm, welcoming visitors with the colors and sounds of spring.

The Nelsons’ passion for connecting people to their food goes beyond their farming backgrounds. In 2017, Pam was diagnosed with melanoma, which made her more mindful of what she eats.

“I still enjoy an ice cream cone and the occasional French fry, but I work hard to make choices that are good for my body— just as we make intentional, informed decisions about what we put into the soil to grow our produce,” Nelson says. “We follow many natural practices, such as using fish fertilizer and composting

“WE LOVE HAVING OUR customers visit THE FARM TO SEE WHERE THEIR produce COMES FROM. IT’S AN HONOR to run THIS BUSINESS AND MEET PEOPLE IN OUR community BY INVITING THEM INTO our home .”

extensively. We also prioritize working with like-minded companies and farms.”

Ingredients from these like-minded businesses are used in the farm’s full kitchen, where they make homemade ice cream, pizza, strawberry slushies and fresh doughnuts. Last year, the Nelsons added a coffee bar to the farm, partnering with local roaster Hardy Coffee.

In addition, Nelson Produce Farm’s farm-to-table dinners showcase local chefs, the Nelsons’ own produce and ingredients from other local farmers for a well-rounded meal. Each 21-andover dinner follows a theme—down to the napkins—with the Nelsons dressing up to match. Live music and a photographer add to the experience. During the dinners, the Nelsons not only enjoy connecting with guests but also provide food education.

Fields of sunflowers cover the farm during the annual Sunflower Festival

“We share simple tips, like not refrigerating tomatoes, and explain that the fresher your produce is, the more nutrients it contains,” Pam says. “For example, when we pick strawberries for wholesale, we harvest them differently than when we pick them for our roadside markets. For our stands, we pick produce at peak ripeness—when it has the highest nutrient content and sugar. This makes a big difference in flavor, especially with watermelons and strawberries.”

Unlike row-crop farming, nearly everything on the Nelsons’ farm is hand-planted and hand-picked, except for sweet corn. The labor-intensive process reflects the couple’s passion for their work. Seasonal workers help with all aspects of the farm, farm stands and events.

Pam and Tyler feel blessed to support their family through their passion for farming and plan to continue connecting the local community with their farm during each growing season.

“We get so much pleasure from growing a product and literally handing it to someone who will share it at a family reunion or enjoy it on their deck,” Nelson said. “We love having our customers visit the farm to see where their produce comes from. It’s an honor to run this business and meet people in our community by inviting them into our home.”

Follow Nelson Produce Farm on social media to learn more about events, or sign up for the farm’s newsletter at nelsonproducefarm.com

The farm market is open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the regular season

“I GET SO MUCH JOY FROM talking to kids ABOUT FARMING, watching THEM JUMP BALES AND DO THINGS I GREW UP DOING,” PAM SAYS. “We want KIDS to see THAT EVEN IF THEY DIDN’T COME FROM A FARM, THEY CAN STILL BE A farmer.”

FUN ON THE FARM

Pam and Tyler Nelson have four daughters: Naomi, 15; Tessa, 13; Jadyn, 10; and Callie, 8. The couple enjoys seeing their girls have the same experiences they had growing up on farms and wanted to create similar memories for other kids by inviting them to their farm.

Farm Camp, for children ages 5 to 10, runs through June. The four-day camps offer hands-on experiences with farm life, including gardening and caring for animals, along with fun activities to keep children engaged. Nelson Produce Farm also hosts school and day care field trips in the fall.

Each Tuesday at 10 a.m., from June through October, Nelson Produce Farm hosts Farm Tales, a children’s story

time featuring local authors and storytellers who connect their stories to farm life. Farm Tales is interactive, with activities such as petting animals or crafting projects related to the stories.

“I get so much joy from talking to children about farming, watching them jump bales and do things I grew up doing,” Pam said. “We want children to see that even if they didn’t come from a farm, they can still be a farmer.”

Nelson Produce Farm is located at 10505 234th St., Valley, Neb. Farm hours (June through October):

Monday through Thursday and Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Pizza night, 5 to 9 p.m. every Friday and Saturday)

The Nelson family poses in front of their U-pick garden

FROM Ashes TO Abundant LIFE

Broekemeier Showcase, founded by Robinson’s grandparents, became the place where she grew her love for design, consulting and all things home

Ashley Robinson’s life flipped—divorce, single motherhood, her mother’s passing—yet she built Abundant Life Consulting from the rubble.

Raised in West Point, Nebraska, in a family with a 50-year legacy of building custom homes from start to finish, Robinson honed her design skills in her grandparents’ and parents’ shop. Now, she channels that expertise into helping clients create effortless homes.

“I love coming into people’s homes to help them simplify whatever they need done,” Robinson said. “Many of my clients just want help making decisions, whether it’s selecting finishes for a new build or finding new furniture for their existing home.”

Robinson also consults on remodels and new builds and is currently overseeing two custom home projects and a full renovation. “I look at their family situation and think, ‘Okay, you have four little kids,’” she said, suggesting changes to make a family home function as practically as possible. As a client-builder liaison, Robinson refines designs.

“Can we move this wall? What if the pantry goes here instead?” she asks architects, ensuring homes fit real lives.

Robinson seamlessly blends function and style. As a functional nutritionist, she offers extensive expertise in kitchen swaps, helping clients declutter and organize both their homes and their health. She replaces unhealthy foods with easy-to-grab,

Ashley Robinson’s Journey of Grief, Grace and Home Transformation

ARTICLE BY NICHOLE PERINGER PHOTOGRAPHY BY RACHEL BLANKENSHIP

nutritious options and stores them in functional, attractive containers.

As a mother, Robinson understands the importance of toxin-free living and provides real-world solutions that truly work.

Abundant Life Consulting sprang from necessity. A single mother post-divorce, with children ages 2 and 5. Robinson needed flexibility. “I have to do something that still prioritizes them,” she said, rooting her work in her children’s stability and simplifying her home.

Friends’ requests for help with remodeling and organizing quickly increased after one asked her to design a mudroom and organize their home. Things were falling into place, but her excitement was soon overshadowed by her mother’s sudden passing.

The resilience she clung to while grieving—and building her new business—now fuels her craft. “As the architect in the family business, my mom taught me how important it is to pay attention to the details of what makes a family home function,” Robinson says.

For single mothers in chaos, Robinson offers hope. “There was so much grace in the delay,” she said of her divorce. “If I had rushed it, it wouldn’t have happened the way it did.”

Her advice? Focus on chasing joy every day.

“I could only focus on that moment and that day. What’s going to bring joy to my kids? A dance party in the kitchen? OK, then that’s what we’re doing. We’re dancing,” she recalled.

Looking back, she added, “I’m so thankful that I pressed through it all because I’m a better person now. I’m a better mom.”

Abundant Life Consulting is redemption. “I love walking away from a job knowing that just by being there to help — being their extra pair of hands — I’m making their lives more abundant. It’s what I needed most when I felt overwhelmed, and now I get to be that support for other families.”

Abundant Life Consulting serves areas from Robinson’s hometown of West Point to Omaha, offering organization, decoration, consultation and personalization — all with the thoughtful and caring touch of a mom who gets it.

To book a consultation with Robinson or learn more about her business, connect with her at @abundantlife_co on Instagram or give her a call at 402-290-998 1.

Robinson fell in love with design while growing up in the store where her grandparents ran their homebuilding business. Her parents later took over the store and company, further cultivating her love for all things home. Abundant Life Consulting is Robinson’s part of the family legacy.

Work with the Leading Upper Cervical Chiropractic Practice

NUCCA Chiropractic is a gentle, specific correction in the upper neck that takes the pressure off the brainstem so that it and the entire nervous system can function properly. Upper cervical chiropractors specialize in detecting and correcting misalignments of the top two bones in the neck. For many, this has provided natural relief for neck pain, chronic pain, dizziness, ear infections, asthma, allergies, headaches and migraines. Unity Wellness is about working together to restore movement, function and life.

Dr Danielle providing full body health through NUCCA Chiropractic and Functional Medicine.

Call to schedule your complementary consultation today.

Heal and Thrive

Via Medical Massage, Coupling Massage and Advanced Techniques to Promote Healing

A visit to the Via Medical Massage website reveals a clear theme. The words that stand out all point to serenity: tranquility, peace, relaxation, soothing, warmth and ease.

That’s no accident. In the world of pain management and therapy, it’s clear Via Medical Massage aims to create supportive and holistic surroundings. By blending medical expertise with spa-like comfort, founder Debbie Dugan said, “The unique advantage we have is we can relieve pain in this very high-comfort environment.”

Originally from California, Dugan put down roots in Nebraska. With more than 20 years experience in medical massage, she has earned a range of credentials, starting as a licensed massage therapist, then obtaining a lymphedema therapist certification, and later returning to school to become a physical therapist assistant. Via Medical Massage was founded in 2019 when Dugan recognized the potential impact of combining her considerable skill sets.

Via Medical Massage offers more than traditional massage. They treat patients through life events, including cancer treatments, post-surgery (such as breast augmentation and reconstruction, c-sections, or orthopedic surgery), and help patients prepare for and recover from childbirth. They also treat swollen legs, mastitis and abdominal swelling through manual lymphatic drainage. They also specialize in treating chronic pain

through a combination of visceral and lymphatic massage as well as trigger point release therapy.

Via Medical Massage cares for clients at three locations in Elkhorn and Lincoln. Dugan oversees a staff of eight, all holding various credentials in their massage specialties. Her all-female team is near and dear to her heart, as is continuous training. “Everyone has a voracious appetite for learning. We’re all trained as massage therapists first, and then we’ve added supplemental education. Anything I can provide them in terms of education, they love it.”

The diversity of their services is astounding. Dugan and her staff strive to provide care for almost everyone. They firmly believe in the benefits of medical massage for all. To that end, Dugan works to make their services financially accessible. Referrals from doctors are not required, nor is private insurance. She accepts HSA and FSA and keeps services at a straightforward flat rate.

ARTICLE BY MANDE SAITTA PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER STUDANSKI

Dugan leads Via Medical Massage, providing expert care that aligns with complex medical treatments

Transparency and trust are paramount at Via Medical Massage.

“My top core value for everyone is trust. My staff must not only build an incredible rapport with someone when we meet them, but they must also trust us enough to help them when they’re in a delicate situation. I really emphasize trust, soothing and comfort,” Dugan stressed.

Building partnerships with other medical professionals in the community is also important. Dugan is drawn to using massage to complement

other therapies and treatments, helping her clients achieve better results in recovery and beyond. Above all, the goal is clear: be a vital member of her clients’ healthcare team to help them heal and thrive.

What’s next for Via Medical Massage? Dugan said, “Having a massive impact on the massage industry. Making sure patients know this is a safe and effective option with highly skilled teams. Keeping my promise to the community to have highly skilled therapists motivates me. We want to be known as the best in Nebraska.”

They’re well on their way.

If you’re seeking assistance with medical massage therapy, visit viamedmassage.com to get started.

The team at Via Medical Massage builds trust and comfort in every therapeutic session

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

WEEKLY ON WEDNESDAYS

Whiskey Winesdays at Bottles & Barrels

Bottles & Barrels, 5331 S. 204th Ave., Elkhorn

Stop by Bottles & Barrels each Wednesday for their Whiskey and Winesday specials. Enjoy 20% off all spirit pours and 30% off all wine pours.

WEEKLY ON SUNDAYS

Acoustic Sundays at Bottles & Barrels

Bottles & Barrels, 5331 S. 204th Ave., Elkhorn

Enjoy live acoustic performances by local artists every week at Bottles & Barrels from 2 to 5 p.m. Sample your favorite beer, wine or liquor, and order food or enjoy their in-house charcuterie. For more information, visit bottlesandbarrels.com

MAY 2ND - 4TH

Junkstock

Sycamore Farms, 1150 River Road Drive., Waterloo

Head to Junkstock for vintage finds, unique antiques, handmade food and one-of-a-kind repurposed relics. Shop vendors and artisans, enjoy live music, sample food trucks and explore offerings from across the region. For early bird access and ticket information, visit junkstock.com.

MAY 3RD

Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholder Meeting

CHI Health Center 455 N 10th St., Omaha | 7:00 AM

Visitors from around the world will arrive in Omaha for Berkshire Weekend and this highly anticipated event. This annual gathering gives Berkshire Hathaway shareholders the opportunity to hear Chairman and CEO Warren Buffett answer questions in multiple sessions and connect with fellow shareholders. The meeting agenda is available at berkshirehathaway.com/ sharehold.html

MAY 5TH

The Itus food truck at Bottles & Barrels

Bottles & Barrels, 5331 S 204th Ave., Elkhorn | 4:00 PM

Stop by Bottles & Barrels to sample wine, beer and other spirits while enjoying a bite from the Itus food truck.

MAY 9TH - 11TH

Cinco de Mayo

Omaha Festival

5424 S 24th St., Omaha

Omaha’s largest Cinco de Mayo festival will take place along historic South 24th Street, featuring live music, entertainment, carnival rides, a parade, food, games and more. Bring the whole family to celebrate Mother’s Day weekend. The parade begins Saturday at 9:30 a.m. A shuttle will run from the Metropolitan Community College South Omaha Campus parking lot. Learn more at cdmomaha.com.

events

CONTINUED

MAY 16TH - 18TH

Omaha Home & Lifestyle Show

Mid-America Center, 1 Arena Way, Council Bluffs, Iowa

The Omaha Home & Lifestyle Show returns for three days of exhibits, demonstrations, shopping and more. Meet local vendors, including Elkhorn City Lifestyle partners, enjoy free samples and giveaways, shop home goods and find savings on home and lifestyle projects! Visit omahahomeexpo.com to learn more.

MAY 17TH

Wined Up for Summer Wine Event at Bottles & Barrels

Bottles & Barrels, 5331 S 204th Ave., Elkhorn | 3:00 PM

Grab a friend and head to Bottles & Barrels to sample new wines and enjoy discounts during the Wined Up for Summer Wine Event.

MAY 21ST

Cigars Under the Stars with Torch & Cutter Cigar Lounge

Bottles & Barrels, 5331 S 204th Ave., Elkhorn | 5:00 PM

Join Torch & Cutter and their mobile cigar lounge at Bottles & Barrels for a night of cigars and drinks. Bring a friend or two and make it a night to remember!

Mentor Omaha

Join us at Clothes Mentor Omaha on Thursday May 15, from 5 - 7 p.m. for Ladies Night hosted by Elkhorn City Lifestyle! Grab your girlfriends and head out for a night of shopping, champagne, and deals on Jeuveau tox treatments, wellness injections and IV Infusions by Elite Aesthetics by Jackie. Ladies Night at Clothes