Neil has been a Vice-Chair and Board Member of the International Lymphoedema Framework and the International Society for Lymphology. He is a board member of the International Compression club and the Australasian College of Phebology, He is Clinical Sciences Editor: Journal of Lymphoedema, Australasian Editor: Lymphatic Research/Biology and Editorial Board member of Lymphology and is a reviewer for a range of other journals. Neil is Director of the Lymphoedema Clinical Research Unit at Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer. He supervises PhD/MD and Speech Pathology students in areas including primary lymphoedemas, rural/remote patient needs, tools to improve classification/staging of lymphoedemas, negative pressure treatment and identification of head and neck lymphoedemas and associated problems. Presently Neil and other members of the Unit Team lead by Michelle Parsons, are involved in the conduct of a large scale clinical study of the genes involved in lipoedemas and their links to phenotypes with Prof Natasha Harvey and Hamish Scott of SAMHRI. Neil is patron of the National Lipoedema Support Group and the South Australian Lymphoedema Support group. Neil has had editorial roles in books most recently including a Member of the Editorial committee and chapter contributor to ”Manual of venous and lymphatic diseases” CRC Press 2018., which is a great book for therapists. Neil was Scientific Committee Chair for the 2019 ILF meeting in Chicago and is the Scientific Committee Chair of the Forthcoming Australasian Lymphology Association Conference in Tasmania in 2020 and Lymphatics coordinator for the forthcoming Australasian College of Phlebology 2020 meeting in Auckland. He is a current member of the Australasian Lymphoedema Association Research Committee. Recent articles in which Neil has contributed include “Strategies for Avoiding Benzo-pyrone Hepatotoxicity in Lymphedema Management-The Role of Pharmacogenetics, Metabolic Enzyme Gene Identification, and Patient Selection” in Lymphatic Research and Biology. “Guidelines for teaching yoga to women with breast cancer related Lymphoedema: An evidence based approach” in the International Journal Yoga Therapy, “Concordance and acceptability of electric stimulation therapy: a randomised controlled trial” in the Journal Wound Care, “A high resolution tape sensor improves the accuracy of applied pressure profiles during lower leg bandaging using a fibre-optic sensing tape” in the International Wound Journal, and has written recent editorials on the relationship between diet, the microbiome, gut health, lymphatics, the brain and MLD, and Pressure, are we getting it right? in the Journal of Lymphoedema. Neil is committed to improving the outcomes for lymphoedema patients by ensuring treatment strategies are targeted/sequenced. Most important are the strategies to improve outcomes by helping therapists deliver what is optimal and meets patient functional and personal needs.
Anna Towers is a family physician by background who in 1993 re-oriented her career to palliative care. She served for 10 years as Academic Director of the Division of Palliative Care and is Associate Professor in the Department of Oncology, McGill University. Dr. Towers trained in lymphedema management in Australia under Drs. John and Judith Casley-Smith and since 1995 has run a lymphedema clinic at the MUHC. She is Co-Chair of the Canadian Lymphedema Framework, an organization that is working to improve the standards of care for lymphedema patients in Canada. She has been associated with the Lymphedema Association of Quebec (LAQ) since its inception in 1999. In collaboration with the LAQ she is involved in the development and evaluation of a model multidisciplinary program at the MUHC. She continues to provide support in dealings with the Ministry of Health, to try to have lymphedema treatments covered by Medicare (as they presently are not). Dr. Towers is coordinator of the McGill Lymphedema Research Program. Current research studies are investigating the incidence, risk factors and psychosocial effects of complications of cancer therapies. She is an international presenter and the author of several book chapters and a number of articles on lymphedema management.
Sara Nelson is a doctor of physical therapy and owner of Therapy Solutions in Richland, Washington. The multi-disciplinary clinic is a culmination of a vision to provide wholistic care to people with physical limitations in her community. Sara has over 15 years of experience applying MLD and CDT to orthopedic, pelvic and pain conditions as well as lymphedema and oncology. She holds a Transitional Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, a Masters in Orthopedic Manual Therapy from the Grimsby Institute, in San Diego, California and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Utah. She is currently board certified in Women's Health through the American Physical Therapy Association and in lymphedema management through the Lymphology Association of North America and the Dr. Vodder School-International. She has extensive clinical experience from working in the field of Physical Therapy for over 20 years and has advanced training in several fascial release techniques. She has developed classes in advanced clinical decision making and behavioral management for the lymphedema patient, and understanding the universal principles of fascial release for pain management. She has taught these original courses nationally and in Canada.
Dr. Larysa Bondalevich graduated from the Belarusian State Medical University and has specialized in pediatrics and respirology. Her clinical interests include sarcoidosis and pulmonary diseases. She has conducted research and taught in post graduate education at the Belarusian Medical Academy. In 2004, Dr. Bondalevich relocated to Canada and has completed her full certification with the Dr. Vodder School – International. Dr. Bondalevich is also a theory instructor in Therapy II and III.
Marie-Eve Letellier, PhD, obtained her bachelor and master’s degree in kinesiology from Sherbrooke University, Quebec, Canada. After graduating, she completed her training in combined decongestive therapy at the Dr. Vodder School-International in 2005. She also completed a course in aqua-lymphatic therapy (Tidhar method). In 2016, Marie-Eve advanced her knowledge in clinical and research work by completing her doctoral studies in rehabilitation sciences at McGill University. Her thesis was on arm dysfunction after breast cancer and its impact on quality of life. Marie-Eve has been managing the “Kinesiology clinic” at the Breast Clinic - Royal Victoria Hospital (McGill University Health Center – MUHC) since 2008. Here she combines research and clinical work with the goal to reduce the risk and treatment of arm dysfunctions after breast cancer. In addition, she works at the MUHC Lymphedema clinic and in a private clinic.
Grace Dedinsky – Rutherford, BSc, RMT graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology; after which she attended West Coast College of Massage Therapy. She has been in practice since 1992. In addition to enjoying a thriving client base in North Vancouver, BC.; she has also maintained an active role in the profession by serving as a board member of the Massage Therapist’s Association and teaching various classes for West Coast College of Massage Therapy and the Barral Institute. Grace is a Certified Vodder Therapist since 2000 and she opened North Shore Lymphedema clinic in 2006. Grace was the president of NAVALT – North American Vodder Association of Lymphatic Therapy. In the process of expanding her quest for excellence in the Dr Vodder method of MLD as well as Lymphedema treatment and care, she is now the Director of Dr. Vodder School-International.
Robert was the founder and director of the Dr. Vodder School-International as well as a director of the Dr. Vodder Academy-International. He has taught all levels of the training program and advanced courses for certified therapists. He became the first North American certified instructor in 1986 and has introduced the Dr. Vodder method of MLD to many other countries including Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan and Korea. He has authored and presented many papers and articles internationally. With over 40 years of clinical experience, teaching and research on the Dr. Vodder method of MLD and CDT, Robert conveys a passion and dedication for this work. His patient, empathic approach has encouraged many thousands of students to find the best way to engage their innate skills as therapists.
From 1990 to present, Koby has maintained a private clinical practice, as a Registered Massage Therapist. Since 1992, the focus has been primarily with lymphatic pathologies, including lymphoedemas, post surgical interventions, traumas and wound care. Koby was first certified as a Dr. Vodder School Teacher in 1995. Having worked with students of diverse disciplines (massage therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, and doctors). Koby has enjoyed the privilege of teaching internationally on several continents. She has presented at many conferences: lymphedema, wound care, world conference on breast cancer, and scientific aesthetician. She has participated at the board level of several organizations, and is currently on the Education Working Group of the Canadian Lymphedema Framework. Koby has been a member in good standing with the International Society of Lymphology (ISL) since 2001, a member of the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) since 2002. She is passionate about the Dr. Vodder method of Manual Lymph Drainage, and enjoys seeing the benefit it brings to patients. “It feels like teaching is a natural extension of my clinical practice. Plus it has a wonderful exponential advantage. Sharing knowledge with therapists means more patients will benefit.”
Kathy Fleming graduated from the University of Connecticut, 1977, with a BS in Physical Therapy. She has worked in rehabilitation and community hospitals with in- and out-patients, nursing homes, state and private institutions for the mentally and physically handicapped, school pediatric programs, private practices, Visiting Nurses Home Care PT. Kathy has attended many continuing education classes, including certification as a Lebed Method-Focus on Healing Instructor. She was the first PT in Massachusetts to become Dr. Vodder School MLD/CDT certified (in Austria in 1994) and has been actively doing this work since then. Kathy also certified in MLD/CDT at the Foeldi College in Germany in 1999. She committed to carrying on with the BEST by becoming certified as a Dr. Vodder Basic teacher in 2005, Dr. Vodder Therapy I teacher in 2011, a Dr. Vodder Therapy II & III teacher in 2016 and Review instructor in 2018. Kathy states: “I love this work and the positive impact it has upon the quality of life of those to whom we bring it!!”
Julie graduated from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada in 1998 with a BSc in Microbiology and Genetics. After an injury she was inspired to become a registered massage therapist in 2001 where she could help others recover and maintain their health. She further developed her knowledge of the body by studying and teaching a variety of martial arts and fitness programs. Always interested in expanding her knowledge and treatment skills, she became a certified Dr Vodder therapist in 2015. Through certification as a Basic Course teacher in 2018, Julie is excited to be able to provide the opportunity for more therapists to apply the Vodder method to help their patients.
Jan has studied and practiced manual therapies since 1987 with qualifications in remedial massage and aromatherapy and has developed and delivered several health science subjects for students of massage therapy, occupational therapy and naturopathy. After becoming a Dr Vodder Therapist in 1997 Jan specialized in lymphoedema management and in 2002 became an accredited practical instructor with the Dr Vodder School and in 2017 was accredited as a lymph taping instructor with Medical Taping Concept. Jan worked with Professor Piller in the Lymphoedema Research Unit at Flinders University and studied the effects of yoga on arm lymphoedema for her Honours research project. After completing her PhD research on young people infected with lymphatic filariasis in Myanmar, Jan is now a consultant with the Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK.
Michel was trained in physical education at Université du Québec à Montréal and taught Phys. Ed. at elementary school for three years before entering the massage therapy field. He is certified in Swedish and Sports Massage. He first started to work with athletes and sports teams, professionals and amateurs and then directed his attention to MLD. He completed his Combined Decongestive Therapy training in 2002 at the Dr. Vodder Schule in Walchsee, Austria. His focus, since then, has been to work with patients suffering with lymphedema. He has given lectures on this topic to many health professionals in the province of Québec, bringing more knowledge and awareness on this subject. Michel has been involved for five years with the Lymphedema Association of Québec and has served on their board of directors for two of these years. In October 2003 Michel joined Physio Extra, one of the first physiotherapy clinics in Québec to offer multidisciplinary modalities in the treatment of lymphedema.
Sandra graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in Vancouver, BC in 1987 and has been in private practice, first in BC and since 1994 in Halifax, NS. She completed her Manual Lymph Drainage certification at the Dr Vodder Schule in Walchsee, Austria in 1996. She has been involved with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and is an Encore instructor. Encore is a post Breast Cancer exercise program run by the YWCA. She has done many educational sessions with patients and therapists alike. Sandra became a Basic Instructor in 2009 and a Therapy I Instructor in 2017. Sandra hopes to encourage more therapists to take continued education programs in Manual Lymph Drainage.
Prof. Seongjung Kim, PhD, PT is Dean of Health and Science at Kanwon National University and senior professor in the department of physical therapy. Seongjung has been a certified Dr. Vodder therapist since 2001. His current research studies are investigating the effect of MLD on the nervous system (ANS, brain activity), the relationship between psychological problems and the immune system, amongst others. Seongjung gained his Basic Teacher certification in 2016.
Denise graduated from Saint Thomas University in NB with Honours in Psychology and a major in French. She worked as a manager in Community Living at Spectrum Society supporting people with disabilities for 12 years and is currently a board member. In 2006, Denise became a Registered Massage Therapist in British Columbia. Also in 2006, she became a certified Dr. Vodder therapist. Since 2008 Denise is an associate practitioner at InspireHealth, an integrated centre for cancer care in Vancouver, BC. She operates and practices at a clinic in Vancouver with several other Dr. Vodder certified therapists. Denise became a certified Basic Course Teacher in 2012.
Ms. Eva Chan obtained her Bachelor (Hons) degree in Physiotherapy from Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2002 and started her career at Singapore General Hospital. She qualified as a lymphedema therapist under the Dr. Vodder School (North America) in 2006 in Adelaide, Australia. She had worked closely with patients with Lymphedema since then. Ms. Chan is now working at the Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital as a physiotherapist, primarily involved in oncology rehabilitation and lymphedema management. She helped to develop the rehabilitation program for patients undergoing breast surgery and advocate early screening and treatment for Lymphedema in Hong Kong. She has the vision to bring Dr. Vodder School training to China and doing research on lymphedema in the Chinese population.
Autumn Ping-Chun Chen obtained her Bachelor degree in physical therapy at CHUNG SHAN MEDICAL University in Taiwan. She has served as senior physical therapist for over ten years in Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital in Taiwan. She has many international certifications and specializes in lymphedema management. Ping-Chun dedicates her time to teaching student physical therapists and is involved in education and instruction for patients with lymphedema. Her interest is in correct education and exercises to prevent lymphedema and other complications. Ping-Chun has been a certified Dr. Vodder therapist since 2014. She gained her Basic Teacher certification in 2018.
Ms Hosain, BPT, is currently the Head, Physiotherapy SingHealth Community Hospitals. She received her Bachelor of Physiotherapy from Curtin University (Australia) in 1997 and currently holds a Masters in Health Sciences, Flinders University (Australia) in 2018. She obtained a Lymphoedema Certified Therapist from Australia (Lymphoedema Association of Australia, 1998) and then to Dr Vodder School (North America), in 1999 in Victoria, British Columbia. She has been heavily involved in managing lymphoedema cases since then and was involved in setting up a team managing lymphoedema patients at an acute hospital. She has been a Level 1 Vodder trained Teacher since 2011. She has taught classes in Singapore and has provided continuous learning at different institute of higher learning on lymphoedema and had provided talks on lymphoedema to support groups in Singapore.
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Jui Chu Yeh graduated from the department of physical therapy at Kaohsiung Medical University in Taiwan in 1998 and became a physiotherapist since then. She studied her Master’s degree in hospital management in UK and graduated in 2001. In 2008, She was sent by the hospital superintendent of Chi Mei Hospital to learn CDT at Dr. Vodder School International in Victoria and qualified to be a Dr. Vodder therapist. After that, she was primarily involved in Oncology Rehabilitation, Palliative Care and Lymphedema management in the hospital, and also helped the department of Rehabilitation to develop the post-operative-care-programs for cancer patients, especially breast cancer and head-neck cancer. She published a book named " What Can Physical Therapy Do After Breast Cancer Surgery " in Mandarin in 2017. She has certified as a Level1/Basic Teacher in 2019.
Geneviève est Thérapeute en Réadaptation Physique depuis 2006. Elle est diplômée du Cégep de Chicoutimi, au Québec. Elle a suivi sa formation en Drainage Lymphatique Manuel (DLM) et en Thérapie Décongestive Combinée en 2008. En 2017, elle a complété le cours de Thérapie Aqua-Lymphatique. Elle pratique en clinique privée, à Québec, auprès de la clientèle orthopédique et de lymphoedème, en plus d'offrir des cours de groupe et privés en piscine. En 2019, elle décide de suivre la formation en ajustement de vêtements compressifs afin d'offrir davantage de services à sa clientèle. Devenir professeur lui permet d'approcher les professionnels de la santé du Québec, en particulier ceux du domaine de la physiothérapie, et de les conscientiser à l’efficacité du DLM. Geneviève is a Physical Rehabilitation Therapist since 2006. She graduated from the Cégep de Chicoutimi in the province of Quebec. In 2008, she received her certificates for Manual Lymph Drainage and the Combined Decongestive Therapy from the Dr. Vodder School - International. She completed the Aqua-Lymphatic Therapy course in 2017. Geneviève practices in a private clinic in Quebec City treating orthopaedic and lymphedema clients, in addition to giving group and private lessons in pools. In 2019, she trained to be a garment fitter in order to offer more services to her patients. Being a teacher gives her the opportunity to be in contact with other health professionals, more specifically people working in physiotherapy, and to promote the efficiency of the MLD.
Diane has been involved in healthcare since 1985 and graduated as a Registered Nurse at Foresterhill College of Nursing & Midwifery, Aberdeen, Scotland in 1989. She obtained a Bachelor of Nursing degree at Dundee University, Scotland in 1998. Diane obtained a Diploma in Therapeutic Massage in 2007. During this time, she became interested in the lymphatic system after attending a Nursing Conference and in 2008 completed post graduate training in MLD & CDT at the Dr Vodder School in Austria. Diane has been running a private clinic specialising in MLD and CDT in Pukekohe, Auckland, New Zealand since 2009. She is a provider for the Sweet Louise foundation offering Relaxation, Therapeutic Massage and Lymphoedema Therapy for people with Incurable Breast Cancer and is passionate about helping people improve their quality of life. In 2018 Diane became certified as a Dr Vodder Basic Teacher, and she looks forward to teaching others this potentially life changing therapy.
From 2005 to present, Dr. Junghwa has worked for Asan Medical Center, as a Physical Therapist. Asan Medical Center in Seoul has a worldwide reputation as a leader in oncology and transplantation. She received her Bachelor of Physical Therapy from Inje University of South Korea in 2005, a Master degree from Seoul National University in 2013 and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Dominican College of NewYork in 2014. She received a PhD from University of Ulsan College of Medicine in 2017. She also holds a Physical Therapy Licensure in NewYork and Colorado State Board of Physical Therapy. Dr. Junghwa’s research is focused on lymphedema and exercise programs in oncology care. Recently, she has published esophageal cancer exercise program in American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Dr. junghwa has been a certified Dr. Vodder therapist since 2009. She gained her Level 1 Teacher certification in 2023.
Kim is a Remedial Massage Therapist with over 20 years of clinical experience in private practice. She is a professional member of Massage and Myotherapy Australia and an Accredited Lymphoedema Practitioner with the Australasian Lymphology Association.
She became interested in the lymphatic system after experiencing the benefits of MLD in her own recovery and completed her first Dr Vodder course in 2004. She used MLD with her remedial massage clients for many years before becoming a Certified Dr Vodder Therapist in 2018. She has since completed further studies including the Advanced Aesthetician courses and several courses in lymph taping.
Kim has experienced the training program through the eyes of a student, administrator, course organiser and therapist and believes having these multiple viewpoints gives good insight into the training experience resulting in empathy and patience. She feels privileged and excited to be able to share this method with other therapists.
Miseon Kim earned a master’s degree in physical therapy from Eulji University’s Graduate School of Health and has been working as a physical therapist since 2008. She has worked for CHA university medical center, as a Physical therapist. She was involved in Oncology rehabilitation, lymphedema management, and post-operative-care-program for cancer patients who undergoing intensive care such as postoperative chemotherapy and radiation therapy. She has been a certified Dr. Vodder School International in Victoria and qualitied to be a Dr. Vodder therapist since 2010. She studied The effect of a Manual Lymphatic Drainage with Rehabilitation Exercise on Edema, Pain, and Lower Extremity Function in Gynecological Cancer after Surgery. She has certified as a level 1 instructor in 2023.
Stacey completed her undergraduate degree in Biology at Dalhousie University in 1998 before graduating from Northumberland college in 1999 with her diploma in Massage Therapy. She then went on to complete levels 1 and 2 with Vodder School International in Canada in 2013 and 2014 and Level 3 in Austria in 2015. In 2023 she became certified with Vodder School International to teach Level I. She also has furthered her training with a lymphatic taping course offered by Vodder school. She currently works in a multi-discipline clinic educating clients and other health professionals on the advantages of using MLD in combination with other therapies.
Sondra’s education began with an undergraduate degree in Psychology from New York’s SUNY Brockport. She raised her children in many locations in the USA and Europe while becoming certified as a 500-hour yoga instructor with specialty in heart and cancer therapy.
When they returned to New York, she obtained a Masters in occupational therapy from Russell Sage University, Troy NY and began working for Berkshire Medical Center. Soon after, she became a Dr. Vodder School Certified lymphedema therapist in 2016.
Sondra has always been passionate about education and research. She wishes to make difficult concepts easy to learn. If students leave with a strong ownership of knowledge, then they can easily explain concepts to others-or turn their curiosity into research!
Sondra currently lives in Upstate New York with husband, two dogs a cat and about 100,000 honey bees. She enjoys paddleboarding with her Catahoula and does not understand the purpose of snow.
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