Alex
(they/them)
PROGRAMMING ASSOCIATE. Alex contributes to the development of the agency’s community programs curricula and are the primary delivery agent for these curricula. Additionally, they are responsible for a lot of Omaha ForUs’ community programs and outreach.
For more information, use tabs below.
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Bachelor of Science, Secondary Education: Youth & Training, English Literature from University of Nebraska at Omaha (2016-2020)
Associate of Arts, Psychology from Iowa Western Community College (2019)
Associate of Arts, Education: K-12 from Iowa Western Community College (2014-2016)
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Substitute Resource Teacher, Bright Horizons (January 2021-Present)
Youth Specialist, AmeriCorps International Council for Refugees & Immigrants (2022-2023)
9th Grade Case Manager, AmeriCorps NE Partnership for (2019-2020)
Program Manager, Student Service & Leadership Collaborative (2019-2020)
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Coming Soon!
Benson
(they/she)
CHIEF MORALE OFFICER. Benson contributes to the agency’s Best Life Behavioral Health & Wellness program as a system of support and has earned her full certification as a therapy dog and emotional support animal through Alliance of Therapy Dogs.
Benson loves belly scratches, cuddling, snoozing in the sun, and bubbles!
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Alliance of Therapy Dogs. (2024)
Exam 1 of 3: Passed!
Exam 2 of 3: Passed!
Exam 3 of 3: Passed!
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Meet Benson at Omaha ForUs! She loves bubbles, shadow work, and sleeping.
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Good Dawg Award, 2020
Best Bubble Biter, 2024
Brae
(they/them)
SOCIAL WORK ASSOCIATE. Brae contributes to the development of the agency’s case management and aftercare program/service navigation, and aftercare while pursuing their Master’s in Social Work foundational practicum.
For more information, use tabs below.
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Masters of Social Work from University of Nebraska at Omaha (2023-present)
Masters of Public Administration from University of Nebraska at Omaha (2023-present)
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (2018-2021)
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Board Member, Legal Aid of Nebraska (2022-present)
Research Coordinator & Lab Manager, University of Nebraska at Omaha (2022-2024)
Huespring, Program Manager (2022-2023)
Huespring, Scholar (2021-2022)
ACLU of Nebraska, Court Watching Clerk (2022)
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Coming Soon!
CJ, PLMHP/ PCMSW
(they/them)
MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER. CJ oversees the Best Life Behavioral Health & Wellness program at the Center, which includes one-on-one counseling services, family therapy, and support groups.
For more information, use tabs below.
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Master’s of Social Work from University of Nebraska at Omaha (2022)
Endorsement, Early Childhood Education & Teaching from Creighton University (2020)
Bachelor’s Degree of Elementary Education & Teaching from University of Nebraska at Omaha (2016)
Associate’s Degree of Liberal Arts & Sciences from Bemidji State University (2013)
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Mental Health Practitioner, Private Practice (2023)
Huespring Scholar (2022-2023)
Assistant Director/School Social Worker, Nelson Mandela Early Childhood Development Center (2021-2023)
Educator, Nelson Mandela Early Childhood Development Center (2019-2021)
Educator, Omaha Public Schools (2017-2019)
Educator, Elkhorn Public Schools (2016)
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Coming soon!
Ellie
(they/them)
SOCIAL WORK ASSOCIATE. Ellie contributes to the development of the agency’s youth programming, including Proud Horizons youth group and our forthcoming summer camp pilot while pursuing their Master’s in Social Work foundational practicum.
For more information, use tabs below.
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Masters of Social Work from University of Kentucky (2024-present)
Bachelor's of Social Work from University of Nebraska at Omaha (2017-2020)
Certified: Blended Youth Mental Health First Aid
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Before-School Program Coordinator, Completely KIDS (2024-present)
Residential Program Staff, RADIUS (2023-Present)
Paraprofessional / Behavioral Interventionist, Omaha Public Schools (JAN 2024-JUL 2024)
Shelter Coordinator, Completely KIDS (2021-2023)
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Coming Soon!
JohnCarl (they/them)
FOUNDING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. JohnCarl’s queer, nonbinary, and Jewish identities foster deep commitment to the principle of Tikkun Olam - ‘healing the world,’ and a passion to change it for the better.
For more information, use tabs below.
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Master’s of Public Administration, Nonprofit Management degree from University of Nebraska Omaha (2010)
Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science (Magna Cum Laude) and Psychology (Cum Laude) from Hastings College (2006)
Certificate of Completion in Urban Arts & Urban Diversity from Chicago Center for Urban Life & Culture (2006)
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Omaha Mayor’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board, Chairperson
Nebraska Institute for Holocaust Education Governance Council, Member
City of Omaha Community Advisory Board, DEI Strategic Planning Board, member
ACLU of Nebraska Trans Rights Advisory team, member
Holland Children’s Institute / Holland Children’s Movement, Director of Communications & Program Development (2019-2021)
Heartland Family Service, Program Coordinator (2015-2019)
GLSEN National Advisory Council (2011-2021)
GLSEN Omaha Board of Directors (2007-2019)
UNO’s Student Agency of Gender & Sexual Orientation, Director (2007-2008)
Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund, Outreach Intern / Special Projects (2006)
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40 Under 40 - Midlands Business Journal (2021)
Ten Outstanding Young Omahans - Jaycees (2018)
Change Leader Award - Heartland Family Service (2018)
Advocate of the Year - Heartland Pride (2017)
Who’s Who - Hastings College (2006)
Lachelle
(she/her)
DONOR DATA & DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT. As a contractor, Lachelle contributes to the agency’s donor development activities, including improving donor communications, donor database management, and donor stewardship.
For more information, use tabs below.
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Bachelor of Science: Political Science & Government. University of Nebraska Lincoln
Metropolitan Community College: Personal Enrichment & Professional Development
Certifications: Blackbaud Certified in Raiser’s Edge (bCRE). (2018)
Merchant Risk Vetting. (2012-2014)
I'm proficient in Microsoft Office, iOS, G Suite, WordPress, Jira, Oracle, APIs, Contact & Call Centers, Fraud Detection, Risk, Salesforce, Raiser's Edge NXT, and eTapestry.
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Throughout my career, I have held various roles and responsibilities; this provided me with a breadth of experience and knowledge on a variety of things, including but not limited to underwriting, risk management, fraud detection, API reviews, payment processing, leading, grant writing, strategic planning, managing, and customer experience.
I am always looking for ways to drive operational excellence and efficiency in the workplace. I have done content review and editing, onboarding, coaching, training, and policy creation.
As someone who has a strong sense of community, I am a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands. I am a member of Omaha Women's Fund Circles; am currently a Board Director for Launch Leadership and MORE; and am on the Executive Committee of the Project Harmony Service League.
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Coming Soon!
Martha
(she/they)
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH COORDINATOR. As a contractor, Martha contributes to the organization and development of the organization’s behavioral health programming as well as data collection and analysis to assist in continuous improvement practices to ensure program efficacy and fidelity.
For more information, use tabs below.
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Coming Soon
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Coming Soon
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Coming Soon!
Torie
(they/them)
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR. Torie coordinates the Center’s daily workflow, facilities, and logistics. They are the primary delivery agent of visitor & volunteer experience in the center space as well as scheduling and billing therapy services.
For more information, use tabs below.
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Bachelor’s Degree, Secondary Education, Youth & Training from University of Nebraska at Omaha (2021)
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Client Specialist, Woodhaven Counseling Associates (2022-2024)
Scholar, Huespring (2022-2023)
Assistant Family Teacher, Boys Town (2020-2022)
Program Manager, Student Service & Leadership Collaborative (2019-2020)
Director of Queer & Trans Services, University of Nebraska at Omaha (2019-2020)
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Outstanding Student Agency Director: Queer & Trans Services of UNO, 2021
UNO Chancellor's Commission on the Status of Gender Equity Award, 2020
“I believe in social dislocation and creative trouble.”
Board
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Amanda Crichlow Silva (she/her)
President
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Eli Rigatuso (he/they)
Vice President
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Tena Hahn Rodriguez (she/her)
Secretary
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Cameron Koenig, MSW (he/him)
Director
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Alexander Foreman (he/him)
Director
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Dr. Christine Toh (she/her)
Director
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Erin Sundberg (she/her)
Director
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Andy Lim,
Director
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Christina Bernardino (she/her)
Director
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Buddy Sims (he/him)
Guild President
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Ang Bennett (they/them)
Arts & Culture Advisor
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JP Gurnett
Arts & Culture Chair
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Board of Directors
Works with executive director and staff to set strategic direction and ensure effective mission delivery. Board members serve up to three, two-year terms.
There are no current board vacancies. There are many ways to get involved without being a board member, including committees, special events, or special projects. Check back here for opportunities.
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Standing Committees
Facilitate critical functions of the Board.
Arts & Culture Committee: Charged with curating programming and artwork for Center permanent/rotating collections.
The Guild: plans major fund/friend-raising events, to build community-centered financial investment in our work.
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Volunteer
The most important contribution ANYONE can give is their time. From cleaning to phone calls and filing, we need YOUR help. If you’re interested in volunteering, please select “Support” from the menu at the top of your screen, then “Volunteer”. Our volunteer training orientations are set to be rolled out by August 2024! The best way to volunteer currently is to show up to events, donate, and spread the word!