Lisa Bader – Class of 1991
Lisa Chiburis Bader was born and raised in Omaha, NE. She attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for two years before entering the Occupational Therapy program at Creighton University where she graduated Summa cum laude with her BSOT in 1996. Lisa has worked at the same hospital (CUMC-Bergan Mercy Hospital) her entire 31 year career. She has primarily worked only in the Neonatal ICU for the past 20 years and is passionate about therapy services with this most fragile of populations.
Lisa has exceptional accomplishments in her chosen field of Occupational and Neonatal Therapy as well as being a leader, mentor, and innovator. Lisa is a published scholar, writing two manuals and eight journal articles. She is a sought after national speaker and consultant to developing Neonatal ICU’s wanting to implement neonatal therapy. Her commitment to advancing occupational therapy and dedication to scholarship and dissemination of best practices underscore her work. Perhaps one of Lisa’s most compelling attributes is her entrepreneurial spirit and innovative drive. She would state, “I was just an OT trying to solve a problem”, but it is much greater than that. She is a proactive force, spearheading innovative techniques and identifying a significant gap in tools available to assist with the correction of head shape deformities acquired in the NICU. Rather than simply observing this need, Lisa channeled her ingenuity and expertise to invent and patent The Shape Right System. This highly successful invention that corrects head shape deformities (versus needing a costly and uncomfortable helmet for the infant) is a testament to her profound understanding of both clinical need and practical solutions. She also created the Shape Right Craniometer so that clinicians can accurately and objectively measure these head shape deformities.
Lisa was valedictorian of her 1991 Burke High class, a member of many committees and clubs, and an all state soccer player for Burke. She coached select soccer in Papillion for several years, engages in Burke Alumni events, is active in supporting the March of Dimes for premature infants, and has mentored dozens of clinicians over her 31 years of practice. She is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), the Nebraska Occupational Therapy Association (NOTA), the National Association of Neonatal Therapists (NANT), a board member of the Foundation for Premature Infants, and is a Certified Educator of Infant Massage, Reiki trained, and a Certified Neonatal Therapist. Lisa’s exceptional contributions are multifaceted: superb clinical skills, a gifted mentor, a published scholar, and an innovator. Her unwavering dedication to excellence, compassion for her patients and families, and tireless pursuit of improved outcomes for the most fragile of patients continues to this day.
Lisa credits her “foundation of learning” to Burke High School and the many teachers and coaches who helped her thrive. Notably, coach and counselor, Rod Brakke, Principal, Dr. Klima, Mike Young (history), Ms. Haverkamp (English), and all of the honors teachers who paved the way for a successful and well-prepared for college career.
One of Lisa’s proudest accomplishments is her family. She celebrated her 25th wedding Anniversary with husband, Rich, in February. She credits Rich for pushing her to pursue her entrepreneurial spirit and bring her ideas to the world. Rich and Lisa are the proud parents of two sons, Kyle (24) and Cole (22). She treasures spending time with family and friends, making memories together, especially through travel and new adventures. In her free time, Lisa also enjoys golf, Pilates, and, most of all, having fun with the people she loves.
