2025 Expo - Clinician Track
Increasing Awareness and Educating Others

Join us for an insightful one-day seminar focused on lymphedema and lipedema, where you'll gain valuable knowledge and understanding of these conditions. Our expert speakers will provide in-depth information and discuss the latest treatments while also sharing essential product knowledge to enhance your practice. Don't miss the opportunity to network with fellow professionals and deepen your expertise in this vital area of healthcare. Reserve your spot today!
(6.0 hours of CEUs have been approved for clinicians through the PA Board of PT)
Our Agenda
Lipedema Care; Past, Present and Future (Guenter Klose):
Lipedema was first described by Allen and Hines, two physicians at the Mayo Clinic, in 1940. Over the last five decades, lipedema was recognized and treated as an edema disease. However, in pure lipedema, the “swelling” is due to a disproportionate accumulation of adipose tissue (not fluid) in the lower extremity accompanied by pain. In recent years, lipedema is becoming recognized as a pain disorder rather than an edema disease. In addition, persons with lipedema often suffer from being overweight or obese, reduced physical fitness, mental issues such as chronic stress, depression and/or eating disorders, making lipedema a syndrome rather than a disease. There are many misconceptions about lipedema-syndrome which will be explained during this presentation. This presentation is for healthcare professionals and should improve their understanding of the condition and the current recommended treatments.
Treatment of LE Lymphedema; Back to the Future (Guenter Klose):
Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) remains the gold standard treatment for patients with lymphedema. While the number of patients suffering from pure secondary, breast cancer-related lymphedema is gradually decreasing, the number of patients suffering from multifactorial (chronic) lower extremity edema/lymphedema is exponentially increasing. This is mainly due to an increase of overweight and obese individuals in a more and more sedentary population. This presentation will explore how CDT can be adapted in the most efficacious and cost-effective way without compromising the core principals of the gold standard treatment, CDT.
Compression Garments for Lymphedema and Lipedema (Variety of Presenters):
This session provides an in-depth exploration of compression therapy, with a focus on the selection, application, and management of compression garments used in the treatment of lymphedema and lipedema. It covers the physiological basis of both conditions and emphasizes how compression garments can aid in symptom management, improve quality of life, and support long-term care strategies.
Key Topics Covered:
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Pathophysiology of Lymphedema and Lipedema:
Understanding the underlying causes, stages, and clinical differences between these two chronic conditions. -
Principles of Compression Therapy:
How compression works to improve lymphatic and venous flow, reduce swelling, and support tissue health. -
Types of Compression Garments:
Overview of flat-knit vs. circular-knit garments, custom vs. off-the-shelf options, and varying compression levels (measured in mmHg). -
Garment Selection and Fitting:
Criteria for selecting appropriate garments based on patient condition, limb shape, mobility, and stage of disease. -
Clinical Considerations:
Contraindications, monitoring for skin integrity, and integrating compression into a broader lymphedema/lipedema management plan. -
Latest Advances and Technologies:
New materials, adjustable garments, and smart compression devices.
By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to recommend, fit, and manage compression garments effectively as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for individuals with lymphedema and lipedema.
Meet The Presenters

Guenter Klose
MLD/CDT Certified Instructor, CLT-LANA
Founder Klose Training
Guenter Klose, MLD/CDT Certified Instructor, CLT-LANA Guenter Klose received his initial training in Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) and Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) at the Földi Clinic, Hinterzarten, Germany. He continued there as therapist and instructor until he came to the United States in 1990 to assist Dr. Robert Lerner in training lymphedema therapists and establishing the first CDT treatment centers in the U.S. for patients with lymphedema. In 2003, Guenter established his own lymphedema training and consulting company, Klose Training & Consulting, LLC dedicated to providing the highest-quality lymphedema therapy certification training available. Klose Training has since trained over 5000 therapists. In 2010, Guenter began creating advanced online lymphedema treatment courses and has continued to innovate in the delivery of these courses. Guenter also organizes biennial lymphedema conferences that attract lymphedema experts from around the world. Guenter is a leading advocate for quality lymphedema treatment. He has videotaped opinion pieces and patient stories and lectured extensively in the United States and abroad, at National Lymphedema Network (NLN) Conferences, therapist and physicians' meetings, and lymphedema support groups. Guenter is a member of the International Society of Lymphology (ISL), the National Lymphedema Network (NLN), the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA), and a founding member of the International Lipedema Association (ILA).

Rachel Brown
CMF,CFm
US National Sales Trainer, Amoena
Rachel Brown, CMF, CFm, is the National Trainer for Amoena USA and has been a Certified Mastectomy Fitter since 2011. She brings over a decade of experience managing cancer care boutiques, instructing ABCOP and BOC-approved fitting courses, and presenting at industry tradeshows. Rachel also advises Amoena retailers on best practices for offering post-breast surgery products. She is passionate about connecting women with recovery resources, supporting nonprofits, and empowering professionals in the breast care industry.
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Karen Ashforth, MS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA
Industry Expert
Karen Ashforth, MS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA has practiced as an occupational therapist for over 40 years and has specialized full time in lymphedema and lipedema treatment for over 20 years. Karen is considered an international expert in treating complex lymphedema and lipedema cases, addressing underlying fibrosis and inflammation. She has pioneered and participated in development of numerous innovative compression garments and pneumatic compression appliances. Karen speaks frequently in academic, clinical, and professional settings, and performs clinical research which she publishes and presents nationally and internationally. Karen currently practices at St. Joseph’s Medical Center, serves as adjunct faculty at the University of the Pacific Doctoral Physical Therapy Program, and has a telehealth consultation practice for lymphedema and lipedema.

Dr. Crystal Champion, PT, DPT, CLT-ALM, Cert. DN
Clinical Program Coordinator, American Breast Care
Dr. Crystal A. Champion, PT, DPT, CLT-ALM, Cert. DN is a physical therapist specializing in lymphedema and cancer rehabilitation. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the Medical College of Georgia (2008) and holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Georgia College & State University (2004). Dr. Champion is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist through the Academy of Lymphatic Studies (2016), holds a certification in Advanced Lymphedema Management, and is certified in Dry Needling through the Spinal Manipulation Institute. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Champion has served as an American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Credentialed Clinical Instructor and is currently an Adjunct Professor for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at South College’s Atlanta campus. She is an Elevate Ambassador for Cancer Nation (formerly the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship) and an ambassador for Bristol Myers Squibb’s Survivorship Today program. A survivor of both early-stage breast and endometrial cancer, Dr. Champion is deeply passionate about advocating for cancer patients and their families. She supports this mission through her work with Every Color Matters Cancer Awareness Foundation in Atlanta, Georgia. She is the Clinical Program Coordinator for American Breast Care, LP in Marietta, Georgia—one of the leading manufacturers of mastectomy bras, breast forms, custom breast prosthetics, post-surgical products, and accessories worldwide.

Kristi Huddleson
National Sales Manager, Trulife
Kristi has been part of the Trulife family for over 20 years, overseeing the sales development for the eastern seaboard sales territory, and now carries a national role as the Trulife National Sales Manager. In this role, she is responsible for managing and supporting the internal and external sales team in addition to their customer base with off the shelf breast care and their custom Radiant Impression product line. Kristi is married to her husband Jason, and they have 2 beautiful children (Landon and Kaley) and a loving Golden Retriever puppy, Tucker. As a family, they most enjoy spending time together and traveling to make special memories.

Colleen Ruby CFm, CMF
Education Manager, Anita Care
Colleen Ruby has been fitting post-mastectomy women for over 40 years and is certified by ABC & BOC for post-mastectomy fittings. She & her mother owned post-mastectomy, compression, & bra boutiques for 27 years. Colleen holds a BS in Marketing, and an AS in Advertising from LaRoche University in Pittsburgh, PA. After selling the boutiques she joined Anita USA in 2009 as a sales consultant, and in 2013 Colleen began teaching post-mastectomy fitter courses & seminars. She was then promoted to Anita Care Education Manager and is currently responsible for writing course curriculum and content, while also teaching live and online seminars. Having been on both the retail and brand sides, Colleen brings her unique specialized experience, mixed with her sense of humor, and friendly demeanor creating a comfortable & fun learning environment

Randy Pothen
Territory Business Manager - L&R

Paul Cerone
National Account Manager, L&R

Bethanie Noll, MOT, OTR/L, CLT
Clinical Specialist, Sigvaris Group
Bethanie obtained her Masters of Occupational Therapy in 2010 and her CLT in 2013. Her background of lymphedema treatment was in outpatient, home health, and wound care. Currently, she is the Clinical Specialist with Sigvaris Group.
Our Platinum Sponsors
Thank you so much to our Platinum sponsors for helping to make today possible.

Our Gold Sponsors
We are also extremely thankful to our Gold sponsors for their generous contributions.

...and a "GREAT BIG THANK YOU" to Everyone Who Made This EXPO Possible
Activcore
AnaOno
Gini G's
Living Beyond Breast Cancer
National Lymphedema Network
Nydisha Boyd
Stronger Thru Cancer
...and all of our presenters

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