Alex

(they/them)

PROGRAM ASSOCIATE. Alex contributes to the development of the agency’s community programs and is a primary delivery agent for these efforts. Alex coordinates Book Club, Gayme Night, HIV/STI testing, and Senior Programs. They co-coordinate special events, and queer/trans focused programming.

For more information, use tabs below.

    • Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education: Youth & Training, English Literature from University of Nebraska at Omaha (2020)

    • Associate of Arts in Psychology from Iowa Western Community College (2019)

    • Associate of Arts in Education: K-12 from Iowa Western Community College (2016)

    • Substitute Resource Teacher, Bright Horizons (JAN 2021-Current)

    • Youth Specialist, AmeriCorps International Council for Refugees & Immigrants (2022-2023)

    • 9th Grade Case Manager, AmeriCorps NE (2019-2020)

    • Program Manager, Student Service & Leadership Collaborative (2019-2020)

 

Benson

(they/she)

THERAPY DOG. Benson contributes to the agency’s Best Life Behavioral Health & Wellness program as an agent of support and has earned her full certification as a therapy dog & emotional support animal through Alliance of Therapy Dogs.

Benson loves belly scratches, cuddling, snoozing in the sun, and bubbles!

    • Alliance of Therapy Dogs (2024)

      • Exam 1 of 3: Passed!

      • Exam 2 of 3: Passed!

      • Exam 3 of 3: Passed!

    • Meet Benson at Omaha ForUs! She loves bubbles, shadow work, and sleeping.

    • Good Dawg Award, 2020

    • Best Bubble Biter, 2024

 

Brae

(they/them)

OPERATIONS & MENTAL HEALTH CONSULTANT. As a contractor, Brae contributes to the development of the agency’s case management and aftercare program/service navigation, assists with grant writing, and helps ensure that the center is running efficiently.

For more information, use tabs below.

    • Master of Social Work from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (2023-Current)

    • Master of Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (2023-Current)

    • Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (2021)

      • Concentration: Inequality & Social Justice

      • Minors: Political Science & LGBTQ+ Studies

    • Social Work Associate, Omaha ForUs (2024-2025)

    • Crisis Counselor, Boys Town (2024)

    • Research Coordinator & Lab Manager, University of Nebraska at Omaha (2022-2024)

    • Program Manager, Huespring (2022-2023)

    • Scholar, Huespring (2021-2022)

    • Court Watching Clerk, ACLU of Nebraska (2022)

    • Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work (2024-Current)

    • The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (2020-2021, 2025-Current)

    • Alpha Kappa Delta International Honor Society of Sociology (2020-2021)

    • Sharon Hudson Service Award (2021)

 

Bug

(they/them)

PROGRAM ASSOCIATE. Bug contributes to the development of the agency’s community programs and is a primary delivery agent for these efforts. Bug coordinates Dungeons & Dragons, Glam Room Book, and assists with Youth Programs. Bug co-coordinates special events, and queer/trans focused programming.

For more information, use tabs below.

    • Associates Degree from Metro Community College (2025)

    • Teaching Artist/Summer Camp Lead, Omaha Girls Rock (2021-2024)

    • Co-founder/Zine Fair Organizer, Alternative Publishing (2023-Current)

    • Co-Founder/Board Member/Camp Lead, Pride Rock Iowa City (2017-2019)

    • Board Member/Volunteer Coordinator, Girls Rock Iowa City (2014-2020)

    • Americorps Member, United Action for Youth (2015-2018)

 

CJ, LIMHP/LICSW

(they/them)

MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER. As a Licensed Independent Mental Health Professional and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, CJ oversees the Best Life Behavioral Health & Wellness program at the Center, which includes one-on-one, couples, and family therapy as well as facilitated peer support groups.

For more information, use tabs below.

    • Master of Social Work from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (2022)

    • Endorsement, Early Childhood Education & Teaching from Creighton University (2020)

    • Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education & Teaching from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (2016)

    • Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts & Sciences from Bemidji State University (2013)

    • Mental Health Practitioner, Private Practice (2023-Current)

    • 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)

 

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 of Social Work foundational practicum.

For more information, use tabs below.

    • Master of Social Work from University of Kentucky (2024-Current)

    • Bachelor's of Social Work from University of Nebraska at Omaha (2020)

    • Certification: Blended Youth Mental Health First Aid

    • Before-School Program Coordinator, Completely KIDS (2024-Current)

    • Residential Program Staff, RADIUS (2023-Current)

    • Paraprofessional/Behavioral Interventionist, Omaha Public Schools (2024)

    • Shelter Coordinator, Completely KIDS (2021-2023)

 

JohnCarl, MPA

(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.

    • Master of Public Administration, Nonprofit Management from University of Nebraska at Omaha (2010)

    • Bachelor of Arts 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)

    • Chairperson, Omaha Mayor’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board

    • Member, 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

    • Director of Communications & Program Development, Holland Children’s Institute/Holland Children’s Movement, (2019-2021)

    • Program Coordinator , Heartland Family Service (2015-2019)

    • GLSEN National Advisory Council (2011-2021)

    • GLSEN Omaha Board of Directors (2007-2019)

    • Director, UNO Student Agency of Gender & Sexual Orientation (2007-2008)

    • Outreach Intern/Special Projects, Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund (2006)

  • 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.

    • Bachelor of Science in Political Science & Government from the University of Nebraska Lincoln

    • Continuing Education: Personal Enrichment & Professional Development from Metropolitan Community College

    Certifications

    • Blackbaud Certified in Raiser’s Edge (bCRE) (2018)

    • Merchant Risk Vetting. (2012-2014)

    Proficiencies

    • Microsoft Office

    • OS

    • G Suite

    • WordPress

    • Jira

    • Oracle

    • APIs

    • Contact & Call Centers

    • Fraud Detection

    • Risk

    • Salesforce

    • Raiser's Edge NXT

    • eTapestry.

  • 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.

 

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.

 

Torie

(they/them)

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR. Torie coordinates the Center’s daily workflow, facilities, and volunteers. They are the primary delivery agent of visitor & volunteer experience in the center space.

For more information, use tabs below.

    • Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education: Youth & Training from University of Nebraska at Omaha (2021)

    • 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)

  • 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.”

— Bayard Rustin

Board of Directors

  • Amanda Crichlow Silva (she/her)

    President

  • Tena Hahn Rodriguez (she/her)

    Secretary & Treasurer

  • Alexander Foreman (he/him)

    Director

  • Andy Lim (he/him)

    Director

  • Dr. Christine Toh (she/her)

    Director

  • Erin Sundberg (she/her)

    Director

  • Christina Bernardino (she/her)

    Director

Committee Chairs

  • Buddy Sims (he/him)

    Guild President

  • Ang Bennett (they/them)

    Arts & Culture Chair

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!

“If I wait for someone else to validate my existence, it will mean that I’m shortchanging myself.”

— Zanele Muholi