ABOUT US
United Spinal Association of Nebraska is a Chapter of the United Spinal Assocation.
Our Vision:
A world where people with SCI/D and all wheelchair users can realize their full potential and live life at its fullest.
Our Mission:
Empower and advocate for people with SCI/D and all wheelchair users to achieve their highest quality of life.
Our Values:
Compassion, Inclusion, Passion, Integrity, Innovation, Accountability
Charitable Organization Status:
United Spinal Assocation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.
EIN: 92-3154839
MEET OUR BOARD
NANCY BERG
President
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
Vice President
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.
MADISON WALTON
Secretary
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.
MIKE LAMBERT
Treasurer
Mike Lambert (he/him) is a husband and father of 3. He was diagnosed in 2013 with a rare spinal cord cancer called Ependymoma. He has been a full-time wheelchair user since 2016. He works as an IT Systems Engineer and spends his free time doing DIY home automation projects.
CHAD ARNOLD
Member at Large
Chad Arnold (he/him) has been living with SCI/D ever since 2017 when he was a victim of gun violence. Similar to most, Chad encountered numerous mental, emotional, and physical health challenges following his injury. Finding practices, processes, and community to help him live life with SCI/D, Chad is now actively passionate and involved in helping others do the same.
Currently Chad works at QLI as a Life Path assistant where he assists others in navigating life post injury. In his free time Chad enjoys nature, writing, learning, cultivating his mindfulness and breathing practices, and any opportunity he gets to share time and space with his adult son.
JOSHUA SWELEY
Chapter Advocacy Coordinator
Joshua Sweley (he/him) is excited to serve by educating the community on proposed policy and advocating for Nebraska decision-makers to introduce and champion legislation that can meaningfully improve the dignity of and quality of life for the SCI/D and wheelchair community.
Prior to sustaining a spinal cord injury, Joshua worked as a Civil Engineer in the Electrical Utility industry, most notably at nuclear power plants, which required the understanding of and compliance with complex regulatory statutes. Joshua understands that even small changes in legislation could result in large, meaningful societal improvements. Joshua both welcomes your input and will provide our members with “call to action" opportunities, when necessary, to help support our cause.
NICOLE HAUSMANN
Peer Mentor Lead
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.