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Nia Williams Community Based Services Omaha, Nebraska Nia is a juvenile justice professional that brings a youth-centered lens with 20 + years of progressive experience working with at-risk and justice-involved youth. She strives to challenge youth to make more positive behavioral and academic choices. Nia earned her bachelor’s degree in Child Protection and Juvenile Justice from Bellevue University and her master’s degree in Criminal Justice/Criminology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She specializes in child-welfare, behavioral/cognitive skill development, education and academic counseling, family support, youth advocacy, violence prevention and vocation/employment. Nia’s attributing focal points are assisting youth and families with navigating through challenging situations, circumstances, and/or patterns. Nia aims to steer youth back into a creative positive alignment; encouraging them to find their purpose, and the power within their voice. Nia’s motto to her continuous work shadow’s her favorite quote:- "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men” (Frederick Douglass, 1817-1895). |
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Amanda Milander-Mace COR Therapeutic Services, LLC Norfolk, Nebraska I am a licensed independent mental health professional and Judicial Services program Director located in Norfolk, NE. I have been a licensed therapist for approximately seventeen years and have over twenty years of experience in the mental health/human services field. I am committed to helping individuals and families on their path to achieving their mental health and behavioral goals. I promote education, awareness and a wholistic approach to treatment. |
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Stephanie Anderson WhyArts Omaha, Nebraska Stephanie is the Program Director at WhyArts, an organization dedicated to fostering inclusive arts education and experiences for historically marginalized and underserved communities. Under her leadership, WhyArts cultivates strategic partnerships that connect professional teaching artists with community organizations, ensuring broad access to the arts. Notably, approximately 60% of WhyArts programming focuses on supporting at-risk youth during out-of-school hours, reinforcing the organization's commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of young individuals. |
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Lamar D Brown Community Based Services Omaha, NE Lamar is an experienced Youth Coach with more than ten years of experience dealing with at risk youth. His primary responsibilities at Community Based Services include assisting individuals in the Juvenile Justice System with communication, problem solving, skill building, and everyday coping strategies. Prior to Lamar becoming a Youth Coach he was able to use his lived experience to voluntary assist at risk youth with gang prevention and intervention and push them towards employment and educational achievements. In 2013 Lamar had the pleasure of working with Brenda Council and the State of Nebraska on the Nebraska Youth Conservation program. The purpose of the program was to employ Nebraska's at-risk youth on projects which contributed to conserving or developing natural resources. The program combined academic, environmental and job skills training with personal growth opportunities for the participants. During Lamar’s spare time he is busy selling real estate as a Licensed Real Estate Agent with Berkshire Hathaway. He also enjoys coaching little league basketball and enjoys spending time with his family. |
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Tristan Perry York County Attorney’s Office York, Nebraska Tristan Perry serves as the Diversion Coordinator for the York County Attorney’s Office, where he manages the Juvenile Diversion Program. He works closely with schools, community partners, and the justice system to offer intervention services that reduce recidivism and connect youth with essential mental health and substance use resources. Tristan focuses on early intervention, thoughtful case planning, and building partnerships to create meaningful, lasting impact for youth and families in the community. He also leads the development of York County’s Youth Services Comprehensive Plan, a collaborative effort aimed at meeting the evolving needs of local youth. Guided by his belief in the power of second chances, Tristan is committed to empowering young people to overcome challenges and succeed. A graduate of Wayne State College, Tristan stays engaged in professional development and continuously seeks opportunities to expand his knowledge in youth advocacy and program coordination. In addition, he is a dedicated member of the local Rotary Club, contributing to initiatives that promote community well-being and youth development. When not working, Tristan enjoys golfing, watching Husker football with friends and family, and hunting. He values staying active and finds balance by spending meaningful time outdoors with his wife, Abbie, and their daughter, Blair.” |
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Brennan Cole York County’s Juvenile Diversion Programs York, Nebraska Brennan Cole is a Diversion Case Manager with 2 years of experience in juvenile diversion. Currently serving at York County’s Juvenile Diversion Programs, Brennan specializes in the day-to-day youth interventions. Throughout his career, Brennan has been commitment to improving his community through helping others. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from York College, and is known for his compassion and his ability to connect with the juveniles. He is passionate about community involvement and community service, and strives to continue is education and become a Mental Health Practitioner. Outside of work, Brennan enjoys being with his family and being active. He actively participates in a variety of recreational leagues, and believes in the balance of mental and physical health. |
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Cydney Volker Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Lincoln, Nebraska Cydney is the adoption/guardianship program specialist for the State of Nebraska. Cydney graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan with a major in social work. Cydney has been working within child welfare for the past 17 years. As a program specialist, Cydney provides technical support to field staff, develops policy around permanency, and oversees the post-adoption contract and transitional planning for our cross-over youth placed at the YRTCs in Nebraska |
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Carla Andreessen Omaha Home for Boys Omaha, Nebraska My entire career has centered around education. I received my undergraduate degree in Elementary and Middle School education and my Masters degree in Secondary Education with emphasis in Curriculum and Assessment and Instructional Technology. After teaching middle school math in OPS for 17 years, I took on an administrative position as a Curriculum Specialist. In 2015, I left OPS and transitioned to Uta Halee Academy as a school administrator and left Uta Halee Academy in 2022. I am currently the Education Director at Omaha Home for Boys. The past 9 years I have spent working with students involved in the Juvenile Justice system has rejuvenated me and have been the most rewarding years of my career in education. |
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Stephany Stanek-Smith Tecumseh State Correctional Institute Tecumseh, Nebraska
I have been immersed in Education for over 35 years—mostly involved in Multi-cultural & Alternative Education because of my zest and passion for this form of pedagogy. My first teaching position was in the late 80’s in Los Angeles at an all-female youth placement facility in Hollywood. It was an eye opener for a very young lady from Nebraska. It was so much fun I would have taught for free! After 9 years in LA I moved up to the San Francisco Bay area; teaching in the private sector for 6 years. Making my way to Southern England in 2003 after marrying a UK citizen; I was a teacher in the English Public School system (very different than our US Public schools) … eventually migrating to Western Australia in January 2007. In 2011, I obtained my M.Ed. at Edith Cowan University in Perth while living/working in Western Australia (WA). I wore a variety of hats in Education for nearly 12 years in WA, including teaching in the outback in an Aboriginal community for over three years, it was an amazing experience… even a chance to teach in India for a term… All before making my way home back to Nebraska after 30 years in 2018 where I teach ESL-ELL-TESOL with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS). In July I started my 7th year teaching at Tecumseh State Correctional Institute (TSCI). I specialize in Literacy/English skills to students from all over the planet. My students and I have mutual reverence and respect in our classroom, they are intrinsically motivated and engaged. I truly enjoy adult education; it is continually motivating and extremely rewarding. |