About Us

The physicians and staff of R&O welcome you as a patient and appreciate the opportunity to provide you healthcare.

Our physicians are specialists in rheumatology, osteoporosis, arthritis and autoimmune diseases.

Our Beginnings

In 2004, Dr. Vernon Garwood founded Rheumatology & Osteoporosis Services PC (R&O).

Dr. Amy Garwood and Dr. Jennifer Elliott were roommates throughout medical school at UNMC, graduating in 2001. Dr. Amy Garwood joined her father in practice in 2006 after completing her fellowship in Rheumatology in Colorado. At that time, her mother, Susan Garwood was the Practice Administrator and there were six employees. Dr. Jennifer Elliott joined the R&O team in 2009 from Pittsburgh and brought world class expertise in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Dr. Vernon Garwood retired in October 2015 after fifty years of hard work and dedication. He is an inspiring mentor to his partners, providing outstanding care to folks and defining success by the enjoyment of long-standing relationships.

Amy Garwood, MD

Dr. Garwood was raised in Lincoln, Nebraska. She received her under-graduate degree in Russian Language from the University of Kansas. She received her Masters in Public Policy from Hubert Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. She completed her medical degree and Internal Medicine residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Dr. Garwood completed her fellowship in Rheumatology from the University of Colorado. She has been with R&O since 2006. Amy is married to Henry and they have a son named Ford.

Jennifer Elliott, MD

Dr. Elliott is a native Nebraskan. She attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for her undergraduate degree and then completed her medical degree and Internal Medicine residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She then attended the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center where she completed her fellowship in Rheumatology in 2006 and was a Rheumatology attending and Clinical Instructor at the University of Pittsburgh until she joined R&O in 2009. In addition to general Rheumatology, Dr. Elliott’s area of interest is in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. She is married to Kelly and they have a son named Elliott.

Kayla Bruss, PA-C

Kayla Bruss, PAC was raised in Bennet, NE.

She received her undergraduate degree in Biology with Chemistry and Psychology Minor at Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, IA. She received her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE. She joined the R&O family in 2016. She is married to Preston and they have two sons, Maddox and Jack.

Nicole Hansen, PA-C

Nicole Hansen was born and raised in Syracuse, NE.

She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Bryan College of Health Sciences in Lincoln, NE. She received her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Union College in Lincoln, NE. She joined the R&O team in 2019. She is married to Tyler and they have two Labrador retrievers, Charlee and Timber.

Carley Foreman, APRN

Carley Foreman was born and raised in York, NE.

She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and her Master of Science in Nursing/APRN from Clarkson College in Omaha, NE. She joined the R&O family in 2019. She is married to Trinity, and they have a daughter, Kadence, and two sons Kolton and Kain.

Dominic Piccolo, PA-C

Dominic Piccolo was born and raised in Lincoln, NE.

He received his undergraduate degree in Nutrition, Exercise, and Health Sciences from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He received his Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Union College in Lincoln, NE. He joined the R&O team in 2022. He is married to Emma and they have two sons, Isaac and Kolby.

Heather Sorensen, APRN-NP

Heather Sorensen is a native Nebraskan.

She received her undergraduate degree in Nursing from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She received her Master of Science in Nursing Education from Nebraska Wesleyan University followed by a Post-Master’s Certificate, Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Heather has been practicing in Rheumatology since 2012 and has a special interest in Osteoporosis. She has recently joined R&O to lead their Fracture Liaison Service and Bone Health Clinic. Heather is married to Todd and they have two sons, Preston and Grant.

 Jaimie Russell, APRN

Jaimie Russell was born and raised in Lincoln, NE .                 

She received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Nursing from The University of Nebraska Medical Center.  Jaimie has spent nearly her entire adult life in the field of Rheumatology.  As a Nurse Practitioner in Rheumatology for the last 6 years she has developed a special interest in connective tissues diseases like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus as well as difficult to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis.  She recently joined the R&O team in 2023. 
Jaimie is married to Brian and they have a son, Ryker, daughter Rylynn and yellow Labrador Berkley. 

Ginger, Practice Administrator

Ginger was raised in Lincoln, NE. She graduated with her undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and went on to receive her Masters in Health Administration.
Read More +

Megan, Finance Director

Megan graduated in 2005 with a degree in medical office technology and microcomputer technology. She joined R&O in 2007. She is a Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM), Certified Professional Biller (CPB) and Certified Rheumatology Coder (CRHC).
Read More +

Lisa, CMA

Lisa graduated from Kaplan University CMA program in 2004. Prior to coming to R&O, she worked in a family practice in Lincoln.
Read More +

Jeanna, CMA

Graduated from Southeast Community College in 1998 in the Medical Assisting Program. Prior to joining R&O, she worked in a family practice office in Lincoln.
Read More +

Tricia, MSN, RN

After growing up in Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa, Tricia graduated from the University Of Iowa College Of Nursing in 1996 with a BSN and from Walden University in 2012 with an MSN in Nursing Leadership and Management.
Read More +

Kym, Front Office

Kym was raised in Omaha, Nebraska and moved to Lincoln in 1986. She worked for an occupational health and physical therapy clinic prior to joining R&O in 2019.
Read More +

Rachel, CMA

Born and raised in Lincoln. Graduated from Southeast Community College – Medical Assisting Program in 2016.
Read More +

Bryna, Radiology Tech

 Bryna was born and raised in clifton, KS.  She received her associates degree in radiologic technology and bachelor of science degree in medical diagnostic imaging at Fort Hays State University. Read More +

Heather, CMA 

Heather graduated with her Associate’s degree from Kaplan University in 2009. Prior to joining the R&O family in 2020, she worked at a family practice in Lincoln for 10 years as a CMA/LRT.  Read More +

Crystal, LPN-C

Crystal was born and raised in Nebraska. She graduated school from WITCC in 2001 and has worked in a variety of specialties. Prior to R&O, she worked in Family Practice, OBGYN and Cardiology.  Read More +

Cheseney, CPhT-Adv, Prior Auth Specialist

Cheseney was born and raised in Lincoln. She’s been working as a pharmacy technician for 20+ years with over two years of experience in rheumatology. Read More +

Morgan, CMA

 Born and raised in Nebraska. Graduated from Kaplan University with an Associate’s Degree-Medical Assisting in 2014. Prior to joining R & O, she worked in Primary Care, Dermatology, and ENT.  Read More +

Karen, LPN

 Born and raised in New Jersey. Moved to Nebraska in 2011. She graduated from Southeast Community College in with her LPN in 2018. Prior to working at R & O, she worked home health and family medicine  Read More +

Nikki, CNA

Nikki was born and raised in Nebraska. She obtained her CNA certification in high school. She served as a military police officer for the Nebraska National Guard and worked in home healthcare prior to joining the R&O team. Read More +

Jessica, Front Office

Jessica was born and raised in Lincoln, NE. She has worked in customer service for over 10 years and has worked in reception for 4 years upon her arrival to R&O in 2022. Read More +

Leah, Billing Coordinator

Leah grew up in Pilger, Nebraska. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication from the University of Nebraska-Kearney. Prior to joining R&O she worked for a cardiology clinic before moving to Lincoln. Read More +

Amanda, CMA

Bio coming soon! Read More +

Celeste, LPN-C

Celeste was born and raised in the tiny town of St. Mary in SE Nebraska. She attended UNK for 3 years prior to finishing her LPN program at SCC Lincoln. She spent one year in Dermatology before taking a position with a Rheumatology office where she worked for 4 years as a float nurse.  Read More +

Julie, RN

Julie is an Iowa native, born and raised in southeastern Iowa. Attended Mercy College of Health
Sciences in Des Moines to study nursing. After graduation in 1998, Julie and her husband Lance moved
to Lincoln where she started working as a hospital nurse. After a year of juggling the undesirable
hospital schedule, Julie left the hospital and started working in a local rheumatology clinic.Read More +

Corinne, RN

Bio coming soon! Read More +

JoBeth, CMA

JoBeth was born in Germany and grew up in York, NE. Moved to Lincoln in 2002. Graduated from SCC in 2019. She worked in Pediatrics in Lincoln for 3 years prior to joining R&O. Read More +

 

Retired: Vernon F. Garwood, MD, Emeritus

Dr. Garwood was raised in Basset, Nebraska and is board certified with more than 40 years of experience. Read More +

 

Patient Testimonials

“I feel very fortunate to have Dr. Amy Garwood as my rheumatologist. She is, as I expected, a personable, thoughtful and compassionate physician. She is extremely knowledgeable and thorough when diagnosing or prescribing treatment and medication and always answers my questions and concerns in a patient and caring manner. I never feel hurried or rushed when I have an appointment and the staff nurses are congenial and professional. Best of all, I feel like a wonderful, young doctor friend is taking care of me and she is!!! Who could ask for more?”

BEV L.

“I am a new patient at R&O this year, my doctor is Jennifer Elliott. Words can’t even describe the excellent care that this practice provides! I love how I am remembered when I walk in the door and am treated like an actual patient and not just another number on a chart. The staff at R&O truly take the time to listen, get to know you, and make sure you receive the best care possible. Hands down me and my family are truly grateful for Dr. Elliott and the staff at R&O. You guys rock!”

TABATHA C.

“Everyone is so nice and caring and they care about you as if they were their own family. They always welcome you with a smile, and they treat you like a person, not a patient. I always enjoy my time there. They always tell you everything straight forward, and if you don’t understand something they will spend the time to make sure that you do. Whenever I call in, I either get someone right away or they call back as soon as they get my message. Even when I have had to go see other specialists that they referred, I have always felt comfortable.”

JESSICA R.