After 36 years of working at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals, Nova Adams is reflective and proud. She beams as she talks about her students in the Therapeutic Learning Center (TLC) and is empowered by giving back to the organization that has been her second home for almost four decades.
Nova loves coming to work each day at the TLC to see the success of her students and collaborate with her teammates, therapists and partners in school systems. The TLC, at the Lincoln and Omaha campuses, helps student patients maintain and if, necessary, re-learn academic work, learn new study skills and coping strategies, all while working on a smooth transition back home and back to school.
Nova began her career at Madonna as a speech therapy assistant, but her quest for learning did not end there. Soon after, Nova received her masters degree in Special Education, while the TLC was in its infancy in Lincoln. Armed with her new degree, Nova took a chance and applied to work with TLC students. She is thankful for the leap of faith and loves every minute of her work at Madonna.
The TLC is donor-funded, which enables Madonna patients of all ages, kindergarten to college students, to receive educational help, free of charge. Nova is proud of this exceptional service offered at Madonna, while Madonna is grateful to Nova for her faithful support of the Madonna Foundation.
Learn more from our interview with Nova Adams below.
- Tell us about your work at Madonna.
I have been with Madonna for 36 years now. I started out by helping create the brain injury program as a speech therapy assistant. I received my Master’s in Special Education soon after the TLC program was being developed. Although I had other opportunities, I decided to take the position. I have not regretted that decision since.
- What do you like best about working at Madonna?
I love coming to work every day and developing connections with my students and seeing their successes.
- Why do you choose to give back to Madonna?
I believe in everything Madonna does. I see the experience and teamwork. Madonna nurtured every part of me – ability, personality and capability to help our patients. The good work that Madonna does is motivating to give back!
- What are the strengths of Madonna?
Madonna does an excellent job of hiring team-oriented people who believe in the mission.
- What would you like people to know about the TLC?
We help students of all ages with their cognitive and academic skills to return to school whether it’s elementary, high school or college. We work closely with therapists to help determine the student’s needs regarding their cognitive and physical skills. This program works to ensure that schools are prepared for students when they go come back to the classroom. I work with teachers, administrators and therapists to prepare the classroom for the student’s arrival. I often continue working with TLC students and classroom teachers after discharge to ensure that things are going well. The TLC program is donor-funded and we are able to provide educational support to students of all ages.
To support the educational needs of patients recovering at Madonna, visit the Madonna Foundation to donate.