Staff Celebrations 2025

Each and every role at Omaha Public Schools makes a difference for our students as we prepare them for success in college, career and life. Our staff's dedication and ethic of care make us #OPSProud!

Staff Spotlight

Jairo Almanza, Building Technology Support, Liberty & Gomez Heritage Elementaries

“We are all here to bring our A-game. Each day, I do my part to help our students and staff have the tools to bring their A-game, too.”

Staff Spotlight

Tracy Babin, RN, BSN, Franklin Elementary

"As a nurse, our job is to listen to our patients to understand their needs and help them. Sometimes students need more than a band-aid. They might need someone to talk to or to take a quick walk to clear their minds for class.”

Staff Spotlight

Demetria Ballard, School Counselor, McMillan Middle

"I'm sowing seeds for their future. While some students show growth quickly, others may take months or years. We can't control when we'll see the fruit of our labor, but we trust that it will come."

Staff Spotlight

O’Donna Biggs, Paraprofessional, Kellom Elementary

"We are an extra set of helping hands for teachers. We aren't just helping with classroom management, we’re providing students with extra support."

Staff Spotlight

Marquita Bowden, PE Teacher/Coach, North High

“Making healthy lifestyle choices can be fun. From the foods they eat to how often they move or how they care for their mental health, I want to help them form healthy habits.”

Staff Spotlight

Jodi Breci, School Psychologist, Davis Middle

"From kindergarten to senior year, we have roughly 5,000 days to teach our students. Each day matters, and every little moment makes a big impact."

Staff Spotlight

Amaya Brodine, Fifth Grade Teacher, and Angie Brodine, Math Teacher, Spring Lake Elementary

“Teaching at Spring Lake feels like home. And being able to do it with my mom this year is an honor. I hope I can make a difference like she does."

- Amaya Brodine

Read More: Spring Lake Elementary Mother and Daughter Share Love of Teaching

Award-Winning Staff

Sherri Brownfield, Lewis and Clark Middle Health Teacher, received the Health Teacher of the Year Award from the Nebraska Society for Health and Physical Educators.

Staff Spotlight

Danielle Cafaro, Employee Navigator, Talent Services

"When our staff feel supported, welcomed and safe, that energy feeds into the classroom and directly impacts student success. I strive to provide staff the support they need to feel valued, heard and seen.”

Staff Spotlight

Helen Cologne, Library Media Specialist, Boyd Elementary

“I have been to Texas. I have been to Washington. There's one thing that holds true, and that is literacy is very important. It's very important that they know how to read and write.”
Read More: Growing Student Literacy and Connections Through Decades

Continuous Improvement

Through an accelerated education opportunity, Omaha Public Schools offers paraprofessionals the chance to become full-time teachers. See how two graduates of the program welcomed their students on the first day of school.

“One of the great things about the Para to Teacher program is you have an opportunity to grow yourself. For them growing themselves, they’re able to grow our students."

Staff Spotlight

Mandy Cordoba, Assistant Principal, Central Park Elementary

“Being visible and making connections is crucial for administrators. I want families to feel comfortable asking questions because we’re all here for the same reason: our students.”

Staff Spotlight

Christine Crisman-Maser, Library Media Specialist, Standing Bear Elementary

“Students get so excited to work on algorithms, coding or building structures. The cool part is literacy is the center of it all. They are improving their reading without even recognizing it because they are having fun.”

Staff Spotlight

Gary DeVeney, Bus Driver, District Operations

"We're the first person to greet them each morning. We set the stage for the rest of their day.”

Staff Spotlight

Heidi Dotzler, Special Education Teacher, Pine Elementary

“Students learn not only from their teachers, but they are learning from each other. They build this little community around each other. It's great to see how they come together to help each other.”

Staff Spotlight

Kitty Doucette, Cafeteria Manager, Jefferson Elementary

“I’m doing more than just serving them lunch or breakfast. We are giving hugs, sharing good news or providing encouragement. Our interactions can be brief, but the impact is big.”

Staff Spotlight

Sally Dunn, Choir Teacher, Buena Vista High

“I had great teachers who believed in me and provided invaluable opportunities. I want to offer the same to my students.”

Staff Spotlight

Shelly Dutiel, Printing & Publications

"Our job is to ensure we are visually communicating clearly and efficiently through well-designed projects. Clear communication is not only important to our staff and students, but to families and our communities.”

Staff Spotlight

Veronica Franco, Art Teacher, Bancroft Elementary

“Art creates the world's problem solvers. We teach them: to fail is part of the process. There’s going to be times where you scrap it, or you pivot and you create something else, or your problem solve.”

Staff Spotlight

Steve Gewinner, Plumber, District Operations

“Having functional facilities is important so there are no disruptions for our staff and students, allowing students to focus on what matters, their schoolwork.”

Staff Spotlight

JoAnna Hale, Principal, Beveridge Middle

“Together, we will continue the momentum of creating a community who believe our students can accomplish anything. If you keep that focus, the rest will fall into place.”

Staff Spotlight

Raquel Hermosillo, Fifth Grade Teacher, Chandler View Elementary

“I have had the best of both worlds. I was able to stay home and raise my kids. Now that my kids are grown, I get to invest my days in helping other kids.”
Read More: Omaha Public Schools Leads Parent Volunteer to Full-Time Role in Education

Strong Leadership

The connection between Principal Emma Dennell, Ed.D., and her students at Castelar Elementary is special. The bilingual leader shares how her teaching experience prepared her for this role, supporting students in our dual language program.

“My first goal when I became a principal my first year was to make sure that our school was a joyful place.”

Staff Spotlight

Jenna Hotze, Math Teacher, North High

"Every day, I push myself to try something new, because at the end of the year, it’s motivating to see how far my students and I have come."

Staff Spotlight

Deondre Jones, Assistant Principal & Athletic Director, Benson High

“We embrace the sports our students enjoy and give them every opportunity to succeed. It's amazing going to a game and seeing hundreds of spectators cheering on our students."

Staff Spotlight

Kara Jourdan, Second Grade Teacher, Conestoga Elementary

“My grandma was my hero. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher like her. I know she’d be proud to see me continuing the legacy of love and curiosity she inspired in me.”

Award-Winning Staff

Michelle Kiel, Omaha Public Schools Psychologist, was honored with the Nebraska School Psychologist Association Founder’s Award at the Nebraska School Psychologist Association State Conference.

Award-Winning Staff

Melissa Kuskie of Central High was recognized as the University of Nebraska Omaha’s Outstanding Dual Enrollment Instructor.

Staff Spotlight

Diane Logeman, Assistant Principal, Hartman Elementary

“Our teachers do an amazing job of creating engaging classrooms that students want to be a part of. Their dedication makes a significant difference in student attendance and overall enthusiasm for learning.”

Staff Spotlight

Jennifer Loges, Third Grade Teacher, Picotte Elementary

“Watching them get excited about what they are learning is fun for me. Hearing them solve problems together and use their critical thinking skills is so exciting.”

Staff Spotlight

Ann Maass, Library Media Specialist, South High

“My mom and grandma were teachers. I grew up knowing I’d follow in their footsteps. I can’t imagine doing anything other than teaching.”

Staff Spotlight

Bellevue Police Department Sergeant Jessica Manning, School Resource Officer, Bryan Middle

“I think children are the most precious parts of our society. Seeing them come to school where they feel safe and supported so they can thrive—that’s something I like being a part of.”

Strong Leadership

Kim Langford built her career at Omaha Public Schools serving five schools over 15 years. See how this first-year principal is finding her stride at Hale Middle in her new role.

"I really enjoy being a part of a staff, a leadership team that loves this community, that loves the students that we see every day and the school community that we get to serve."

Staff Spotlight

Hsu Maung, Bilingual Liaison, Student and Community Services

“I understand how challenging it is to navigate foreign systems. I enjoy helping families so they can fully engage in their children’s education.”

Staff Spotlight

Michelle McLucas, Head Custodian, Adams Elementary

“We take pride in ensuring a safe and comfortable learning environment for students and staff. We want students to focus on their schoolwork.”

Staff Spotlight

Kellie Mihovk, Library Media Specialist, South High

“I tell our students you read every day. Whether it be an owner's manual, road sign or menu. Reading is like any other skill. The more you do it the more proficient you will be.”

Staff Spotlight

Jillaine Morales, Paraprofessional, Kellom Elementary

"We are preparing students for kindergarten. This full-day program builds their social skills and learn basics like colors, numbers and spelling their name."

Award-Winning Staff

The Omaha Public Schools Research team won a 2025 Qualtrics XM Breakthrough Artist Award. The honor recognizes their innovative use of data to improve the educational experience for both staff and students.

Staff Spotlight

Devon Pender Smith, Executive Assistant, Student and Community Services

“While I still impact students and families, it's no longer just one school with 230 students. Now, I have the privilege of supporting an entire district of 52,000 students. That is why I do what I do."

Award-Winning Staff

Lee Perez, Benson High Teacher, recieved the Excellence in Education Award from Mid-America Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages.

Staff Spotlight

Natalie Push, Secretary, Ponca Elementary

"I love the kids. The best part of my day is being able to interact with them. I love seeing them grow and flourish, knowing I played even a small role in their success.”

Staff Spotlight

Leslie Rivera, School Social Worker, Bluestem Middle

“I’ve checked in with students at their homes and in class. I want them to know I’m invested in them. I’m not just here because it's my job, but because I truly care about them.”

Award-Winning Staff

Kara Saldierna, Omaha Public Schools Executive Director of Special Education, recieved the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award from the Army National Guard.

Strong Leadership

As Assistant Principals, Jefferson Elementary's Cody Weber, Bryan Middle's LaKresha Clark, Ed.D., and Westview High's Scott Peters help students find their spark and stay motivated to succeed.

“We have a special job in Omaha Public Schools, to make our youth the best they can be.”

Staff Spotlight

Bobby Savatovic, Security, Bluestem Middle

"It feels good to give back to students like my teachers gave to me. It's gratifying when they return to thank me and say they knew they could rely on me."

Award-Winning Staff

Anthony Schik of Westview High was named the Nebraska Thespians Teacher of the Year.

Staff Spotlight

Traci Shobe, Transportation Specialist

“I’m so grateful for the opportunities Omaha Public Schools provided my parents, myself and my children. I want every family to feel comfortable and safe coming to school, just like my family did.”

Staff Spotlight

Lee Stover, Science Teacher, Westview High

"What I love most about science is it answers the ‘why.’ I want to understand how things work, how things happen or why they happen. Science provides the answers to all those questions."
Read More: Inspiring Students Through a Lifelong Curiosity for Nature

Award-Winning Staff

Sarah Stratton-Babb, Teaching and Learning Consultant for Music, was selected as the Midwest Kodály Music Educators of America (MKMEA) 2024 Outstanding Administrator.

Award-Winning Staff

Jason Susnjar, Bryan High Head Wrestling Coach, was named the 2024 Nebraska USA Wrestling Class A Coach of the Year.

Award-Winning Staff

Shaneice Udofia, Belvedere Elementary Principal, and Valerie Varas, Crestridge Elementary Principal, were named the 2024 Lozier Foundation MOEC LIGHTS Outstanding Elementary Principals.

Staff Spotlight

Pat Webster, Cafeteria Manager, Monroe Middle

“Food provides us with nourishment but also a community, family and love. I’ve been blessed to have a job that combines my love of cooking and being with kids.”

Staff Spotlight

Caitlin Wessling, Kindergarten Teacher, Skinner Elementary

“I get to be their first love of school. They’re excited to learn and enthusiastic about everything. They motivate me to give my best each day.”

Staff Spotlight

Tara Wilcox, First Grade Teacher, Harrison Elementary

"Teaching littles is fun because they are excited to learn. When I see their light bulbs go off, we celebrate with high-fives and dance parties. Those are the moments I value most.”
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