Why I Came, Why I Stayed: Brenda Halbmaier reflects on 30 years of change and growth in Fremont

In “Why I Came, Why I Stayed,” you’ll get to know people who are making a difference every day at Methodist and how they contribute to providing The Meaning of Care. To explore career opportunities at Methodist, visit bestcare.org/jobs.

Brenda Halbmaier, OTR/L, CHT
Rehabilitation Clinical Coordinator
Methodist Fremont Health

Tell us about yourself.

I’m an occupational therapist (OT) and certified hand therapist at Methodist Fremont Health. In 2024, I became the clinical coordinator for the hospital’s Rehabilitation Department. I’ve been an OT now for 30 years, with all but four months of that working at Methodist Fremont Health. I have been certified in hand therapy for over 20 years.

My husband, Jim, and I live in Mead. Our son works for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead and is taking classes to further his education. Our daughter teaches 11th grade English in Bixby, Oklahoma. I enjoy camping, walking and being with family and friends. 

Fun fact: I was born in this hospital, and so were my children – both times a wonderful experience!

What brought you to Methodist Fremont Health?

After graduating from Creighton University with my OT degree, I had already lined up a job at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln. It was a dream of mine to work there after graduation. My grandpa had suffered several strokes when I was in middle school, and he spent many months at Madonna. In several visits, I was able to watch his therapy sessions. I always thought it was THE place to be if you wanted to start out as a therapist.

Obviously, I was not in Lincoln very long before I ended up coming to Fremont. I had already been at Fremont for three months during my final fieldwork rotation. I enjoyed being there and had great clinical instructors, but I didn’t see myself working there, as all of the therapists seemed very established and I had already lined up employment at Madonna. I was already married and living in Mead, and I hadn’t really taken into consideration the drive from Mead to what was then near the center of Lincoln.

Needless to say, the days were pretty long, with two hours of driving tacked onto it. I was surprised to get a call from Jo Giddens, the OT director in Fremont, asking if I’d interview for a position because one of the therapists was leaving. It really wasn’t a hard decision to come to Fremont, and I’ve been here ever since. I was able to start out working in so many different areas of OT – for example, home health care, skilled nursing and inpatient and outpatient care. It’s been a great learning environment.

What’s kept you here?

Most of the time, it really doesn’t feel like I have been here 30 years! There have been some moments when I was looking for something else, but in those times I realized I wouldn’t find anything better than where I am. I’ve seen four name changes and more construction to this place than you can imagine. Each time, it was to make us better – to add on more services, to make us more accessible and to provide what was needed for the community. I’ve been blessed beyond measure to work with great people. I’ve had leaders in the past and present who have pushed me to be better and encouraged me along. The people I work with day after day demonstrate teamwork and truly care for their patients. That’s what makes me want to show up for work every morning. I don’t want to let them or my patients down.

What should people know about Methodist?

One thing that I’ve appreciated since our hospital joined Methodist in 2018 is the approachability and humility of administration. I’m not the first to say it and hopefully won’t be the last. I’ve also been thankful that Methodist as a system still encourages us to be a “local, hometown” Fremont hospital. We’ve been able to keep some of our traditions while benefitting from being part of a larger health system.

I feel like Methodist has opportunities for you to grow as a leader no matter where you work. It’s a supportive environment where we know each other and care for one another. We offer so many opportunities to educate members of our community to better their health.  

What memories of your time here stick out?

I have so many wonderful memories over the past several years. One thing that I will never forget was being stranded in Fremont during the flood of 2019. My friend and co-worker Jeni Reichmuth offered her home to myself and three other co-workers. We came to the hospital every day and were “on call” for emergency evacuation duty. Everyone who was here pitched in to help out wherever needed. I think about how Jeni didn’t have to offer her home to us, but she did, and we were so grateful. Despite working together every day and living under one roof for three nights, we made it through with some very laughable memories and a great appreciation for what we have.

In a nutshell, I came because of the people here, and I’ve stayed because of the people here.