Celebrating Omaha Public Schools Staff

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!

Ethic of Care

With 40 years of experience, Franklin Elementary teacher Kaye Kiepert-Hensley excels in her care for students, making sure each generation is prepared for their future.

“I’m a proud product of Omaha Public Schools.”

Staff Spotlight

Retired from a 31-year career at OPPD, Herb Childs now serves as King Elementary's security officer, promoting school safety and mentoring students through the TeamMates Mentoring Program. Building connections with each student, Childs provides support and encouragement, making a positive and lasting impact on their lives.

“I grew up two blocks from King Elementary, and I see myself in a lot of these kids. Serving these students by being a positive role model is important to me.”

Staff Spotlight

Mariana Cruz, assistant principal, Bluestem Middle

"I love that no two days are alike; Every day gives me an opportunity to check in, motivate and connect with our students, staff and families. Any time I am out in the community, I love running into former students, families and colleagues."

Staff Spotlight

Inspired by her mother's work as an educator, Katie Abbott teaches at the Integrated Learning Program, committed to the success of every student we have the opportunity to serve.

“It's important to me that my students know how much I believe in them. I want them to do their very best and be successful in society to the best of their abilities.”

Staff Spotlight

Alycia Goodlett, fifth grade teacher, Joslyn Elementary

“I enjoy walking down the halls and seeing my son or my mom. It’s a good feeling to have us all in one place.”

Joslyn Elementary secretary Brenda Goodlett (left) works with her daughter, fifth grade teacher Alycia Goodlett (center). Alycia’s son Trace (right) is also a fourth grade student at Joslyn Elementary.

Staff Spotlight

Even if a student is having a RUFF day, Gateway Elementary counselor Kelsey Buglewicz-Miller knows she and therapy dog Sammy can help. Together, they bring PAW-sitivity as they join students for reading and other classroom activities.

“One of my favorite things to observe is the peace Sammy brings to a classroom. Sammy is a natural kind of diffuser. It's really cool to watch the energy shift up or down to whatever is needed in that moment.”

Award-Winning Staff

Gateway Elementary Principal Terry Burton was named Administrator of the Year by the Nebraska School Counselor Association.

Strong Leadership

Carrie Carr, Ed.D., principal, Buena Vista High

“I get to develop my teachers, I get to develop my kids, I get to develop the other staff, so I have a bigger reach than I had from the classroom perspective. It is also really powerful the impact that you can have and the reach that you can have is really significant. And I don't take it lightly, but it takes a team.”

Staff Spotlight

Bob Eggen, machinist, Service Center

"If there is a part we can't buy, I can make it. We use raw materials, like a block of steel or sheet metal, to make tools, shafts or plates. We can often mass produce items cheaper and faster than we can purchase them.”

Staff Spotlight

Rebecca Gibson, music teacher, Pinewood & Beals Elementaries

“Interpreting symbols while playing instruments or while bouncing the balls to the beat stimulates both sides of the brain. They're just having fun and participating. And then they can go back to class and focus a little better.”

Staff Spotlight

Mike Tapp, physical education teacher, Rose Hill & Washington Elementaries

"I try to do activities where everybody's involved, and everyone can have a little bit of success. I hope I'm inspiring them to have good interactions and behaviors in and out of the gym."

Staff Spotlight

Ashley Bonacci, secretary, Curriculum and Instruction Support

“I love my position and the people I work with. Helping others gives me pride in what I do.”

Staff Spotlight

David Gugliotti combines his love of Harry Potter and holiday celebrations with a dash of fun. The cafeteria manager serves Benson West Elementary students with a meal and a good laugh.

As a parent of a North High and J.P. Lord student, Gugliotti is grateful for a career that provides a work-life balance.

"I knew it was time for a career change when my son asked why I wasn't at his games. I love working for Omaha Public Schools because it gives me more time with my family and is rewarding to be a part of the team that provides meals to our students."

Staff Spotlight

Meet Pam Davis, the librarian at Saddlebrook Elementary, who shares her love of books with students every day. From guiding them to find the perfect read to acting out characters in stories, Ms. Davis creates a fun and interactive learning environment. With over 30 years of teaching experience, she's thrilled to continue inspiring young minds through the magic of literature.

“I’ve been going to school every year since I was five years old. I can’t imagine a day spent without being at school and teaching students.”

Ethic of Care

School Resource Officer Anthony Desciscio cooks up connections with culinary arts students at Blackburn.

Staff Spotlight

Gilder Elementary's Donna Halford teaches third and fourth grade at the same school she once attended. She's grateful to serve alongside those who inspired her educational journey.

"I grew up in this area. I can relate to my students and families on a different level. It’s been great reconnecting with my classmates back in the same classrooms we attended together.”

Staff Spotlight

Central High night custodian Rufus Haynes (right, pictured with counselor Todd Hunter) has retired twice and returned, serving staff and students for 38 years.

“Rufus is very personable. He loves everyone and they love him.”

- Dionne Kirksey, Central High principal

Staff Spotlight

Mimi Harvey, DVM, (Left, pictured with Taylor Cooper), industrial technology teachers and FFA advisors, Bryan High

“I love the unique opportunities students get to explore through FFA. I guarantee my students are going to stand out on their college essays when they say they have judged a cattle show.”

Award-Winning Staff

Westview High math teacher John Hjelle was named an ACE Exemplary School Champion by the ACE Mentor Program of America.

Staff Spotlight

John Huber, science teacher, McMillan Middle

“The BETA rocket testing is one of my favorite lessons. Students gain hands-on experience launching rockets, which gives them a better understanding of the laws of motion. It’s so fun to see students' reactions when the rockets launch.”

Staff Spotlight

Stephanie Johnson, security, McMillan Middle

“I'm there to assist teachers with classroom management, but also be a positive role model for students. From asking them about their weekend or simply having a smile on my face, students know I care about them.”

Staff Spotlight

Mark Jensen, social studies teacher, Northwest High

"I’m teaching students at Northwest the same pre-law courses I teach at MCC. Every year, the program grows because of the caliber of our students and staff. It’s a program I’m proud to be a part of and excited for the future.”

Staff Spotlight

Pamela Juarez, paraprofessional, Castelar Elementary

"I was a parent volunteer with my older kids. I didn't realize the open house for my daughter would become a job interview."

Strong Leadership

Andrew Karmazin, principal, Bryan Middle

“It's not about me. It's about how can my educators, my teachers in the classroom make sure every kid in our building is being successful? So it's giving them the opportunity to succeed. So whatever they need, I deliver it for them.”

Staff Spotlight

Allison Kartanas Ostapowicz attended Buffett Middle as a student. Now, she's supporting seventh graders as a language arts teacher. Her teachers inspired her to become an educator, and she hopes to do the same with her students

“I tell students I have literally sat where they are. Maybe one day one of my students will return to Buffett Middle to be a teacher like me.”

Award-Winning Staff

Miller Park Elementary Principal Dan Kirchhevel received the 2023 Metropolitan Omaha Education Consortium’s LIGHTS Outstanding Elementary Principal Award from the Lozier Foundation.

Staff Spotlight

Alyssa Kirshenbaum, instructional facilitator, Miller Park Elementary

“I want staff to feel empowered. Teachers do such incredible work, and our job is so meaningful because it impacts so many kids.”

Staff Spotlight

Buena Vista High counselor Sydney Kyser is praising her high school counselor, who inspired her to pursue a career in education.

“My high school counselor talked about how exciting it was to help students seek opportunities. So, I thought this would be really rewarding. It’s the best job in the world.”

Staff Spotlight

Al Khoune, bilingual liaison, Welcome Center

"I help families feel more confident in the processes and procedures of our district. This confidence allows families to participate in their children's education."

Award-Winning Staff

Danielle Laurion, dance teacher, South High

“I want my students to feel like a self-assured young adult who can navigate the world. Dancing teaches them how to creatively problem solve, work in a group, take feedback, ask questions and advocate for themselves.”

South High teacher Danielle Laurion received the K-12 Dance Educator Award from the National Dance Society.

Staff Spotlight

Alondra Lopez, paraprofessional, Castelar Elementary

"The best part of working with the students is building relationships and seeing their growth. It's beautiful to see how they grow and know they will do well in kindergarten."

Ethic of Care

When a Buffett Middle teacher wanted a new challenge for her students, she didn't fret because she had a great idea. Holly Baddley introduced them to ukeleles. They soon mastered six songs to play for their families.

Award-Winning Staff

Kennedy Elementary teacher Lori Maestas became the first recipient of the Dr. Benton and Harriet Kutler Outstanding Vision Teacher Award from the Nebraska Foundation for Visually Impaired Children.

Staff Spotlight

Janeth Martinez, paraprofessional, Jackson Elementary

“This position is rewarding because I know I’m making a difference in their lives. It’s a big responsibility, but one that I treasure.”

Staff Spotlight

Nicole McWilliams started her career with Omaha Public Schools at Pinewood Elementary. From there, she served on nutrition services teams at Mount View Elementary, McMillan Middle and Kennedy Elementary. McWilliams is now cafeteria manager at King Science & Technology Middle.

"What I enjoy most about my job is seeing the kids. I like to try to put a smile on their faces by telling them good morning, thank you for coming to breakfast, and that I appreciate them."

Staff Spotlight

Clesta Stevens, English teacher, Multiple Pathways

“Every student has the right to a quality education regardless of their circumstances. At Independent Studies, they are given a second chance to graduate and are motivated to finish what they started.”

Staff Spotlight

Jim Nunez, RN, school nurse, J.P. Lord

“Every kid should have the opportunity to be in school despite their medical needs. I’m doing my part to keep students here at J.P. Lord.”

Strong Leadership

Maria Perez-Mozaz, principal, Liberty Elementary

“Little by little, what I want to build is a place where the parents or families come and they learn how to help their kids grow as people and academically. So we need to create a space that the whole family is welcome, not just the mom or just the grandma or just the dad or the grandpa, but everyone that is in the family.”

Award-Winning Staff

Diedra Reeves received the Nebraska School Psychologist Association (NSPA) Award as Outstanding School Psychology Student from the University of Nebraska Omaha. We are lucky to have her as part of our school psychology team at both Sunny Slope Elementary and Field Club Elementary.

Staff Spotlight

Meet Angela Rice, our dedicated education technician at the transportation center. She's an essential part of ensuring safe and efficient transportation.

"Transportation is like a big machine that takes many people to run. I enjoy being a part of ensuring our students are transported safely and efficiently to and from school.”

Staff Spotlight

Brianna Richards, special education teacher, Fullerton Elementary

“At Fullerton, we have a great community of students, families and staff. Over time, students' families come to feel like friends. That connection helps them trust me, knowing I’m doing what’s best for them.”

Staff Spotlight

Wade Wells, custodian, McMillan Middle

“I enjoy making the grounds look nice and keeping a safe environment for our staff and students.”

Staff Spotlight

Jessica Riley, school psychologist, North High, Minne Lusa Elementary

“We are all working together with the same goal of helping our students be successful. I love that I get to support teachers.”

Award-Winning Staff

Kurt Sage, cafeteria manager, Burke High

“I want to make a difference in kids’ lives. Whether that be from the foods they eat to the choices they make beyond high school.”

Burke High, led by cafeteria manager Kurt Sage, took the top prize in the 600+ student category of the Nebraska School Breakfast Challenge 2024 during National School Breakfast Week.

Staff Spotlight

Kindergarten teacher Kristin Schutte not only inspires her students to learn but also serves as a platoon leader in the Nebraska Army National Guard. Balancing both roles, she brings leadership and life lessons to her classroom at Bancroft Elementary.

“The military is something I do one weekend each month. Being a kindergarten teacher is what I feel I'm supposed to be doing every day. The similarities are leading people, learning what they need and helping them be successful.”

Staff Spotlight

Hale Middle social studies teacher Rebecca Siert enhances classroom engagement and academic success by making meaningful connections with students. She greets them with a smile each day and enjoys participating in extracurricular activities.

“I love going to games and watching them play on the court or on the field. I want them to know I support them, care about them and want them to be successful.”

Strong Leadership

Shaneice Udofia, principal, Belvedere Elementary

“Joy is the foundation of everything. So if you're doing something that you like and loving the people that you want to come to work with, then that's going to help you build those relationships and want to come to work and stay at a place that you're happy at.”

Award-Winning Staff

Curriculum and Instruction Support's Chris Humphries, business partner liaison, was named one of the Ten Outstanding Young Omahans by the Omaha Jaycees.

Staff Spotlight

Barbara Teets, student placement administrator and mentor, Teacher Administrative Center (pictured with mentee Paw Eh)

“Mentoring is very rewarding because you know you're making a difference in a child's life. It's been so fun to see this curious, smart and talented child growing up into a young adult.”

Staff Spotlight

Sixth grade Walnut Hill Elementary teacher Brianna Templeton is on a mission to ignite her students' love for reading because she knows that literacy is the foundation of success.

“My biggest goal is to find strategies that I can implement in my lessons to help my students improve their love for literacy. I want them to enjoy reading and not just do it because they are required.”

Staff Spotlight

SFC Tim Ullman, JROTC and physical education teacher, Buena Vista High

“I want to help serve others around me as best I can and always wanted to be in the Army. Continuing to serve others in the community is great.”

Staff Spotlight

Music teacher Judi Unger is a maestro of music at Bluestem Middle. Drawing from her experience as an opera singer, she connects students with live performances to enrich their musical journey.

“Music has always been a part of my life. I love sharing my musical background with my students and connecting them to community opportunities.”

Ethic of Care

Omaha Public Schools bus driver John Hopper and aide Sam Troia have formed a special friendship that's left many singing their praises for the way they serve students.

Award-Winning Staff

Melissa Zeiszler of Kennedy Elementary received the K-12 Technology Educator of the Year Award from the AIM Institute.

Staff Spotlight

Julie Zimmerman, school placement administrator, Teacher Administrative Center

“These students are my heart. Seeing the joy on their faces as they thank their families, teachers and administrators is amazing. I’m thrilled to play a role in their success.”