Alumnae Spotlight
Hannah Thompson-Wieger ’13, ‘14
Hannah Thompson-Wieger could see the barriers some of her patients faced at Nebraska Methodist Hospital in Omaha. That’s why the occupational therapist, with the help of some students, developed the Methodist Equipment Loan Program, which provides patients with free home medical equipment through a recycle and reuse program.
Hannah credits her confidence in creating such a program to the leadership skills she developed as a student at College of Saint Mary.
“The mentors I had while developing leadership skills were honest and helped me have a growth mindset, try new things that might have been out of my comfort zone at the time, and encouraged me throughout allowing me to become a confident young woman,” she said.
Hannah graduated from CSM with a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Studies in 2013. She then earned her master’s in occupational therapy in 2014. After graduation, Hannah became a licensed occupational therapist and worked with Nebraska Methodist Health System. She also became a certified lymphedema therapist.
“Methodist Health System has been an incredible company to work for, creating outstanding culture and care for our patients,” Hannah said.
In 2020, Hannah was named the Nebraska Occupational Therapy Association (NOTA) Practitioner of the Year. The award recognizes an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant who demonstrates responsibility, leadership, enthusiasm, and creativity in the practice of occupational therapy in Nebraska.
After seven years in direct patient care, Hannah transitioned to Nebraska Methodist College as an instructor in the Master of Occupational Therapy Program. In August 2022, she became an academic fieldwork coordinator, supporting MOT students to acquire and be successful during fieldwork experiences.
While she is busy teaching, Hannah still finds time to care for patients and volunteer for several organizations, including NOTA, Spring Ridge Elementary PTO, Helping Heroes Volunteer Group, and Healing Gift Free Clinic. For the past year, she has also served as a mentor in CSM’s RISE Mentorship Program, helping students become leaders as others had done for her.
Hannah said her experience at CSM influenced her life and ignited her desire to serve others.
“The mission of the Sisters of Mercy was nurtured in all student organizations I had the pleasure of becoming involved with, and I had so much excitement and pride for volunteerism and serving others,” she said. “I had so many mentors at College of Saint Mary who helped me grow and supported my success, both on campus and in the occupational therapy program. I continue to try to support and lead my graduate students with the values and mentorship skills gifted to me during my time at College of Saint Mary.”
Hannah was awarded the Alumnae Achievement Award during Homecoming on Sept. 23.
