Tonya Beckenhauer, Assistant Director

Tonya holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and has worked in the field of protection and safety from 1987 to 2001 and then as a supervisor in protection and safety from 2001-2006. She worked for the state in these capacities until 2003 at which time she began employment with a private agency as a Supervisor in the Integrated Care Coordination Unit (ICCU). She has experience in coordinating and providing a family centered approach and services to family's in achieving their individual goals. Tonya joined NFC in May 2006 as a Program Manager and supervised NFC literacy and parenting programs. In February 2007, Tonya became the Assistant Director of the agency, assisting with the daily oversight and operations. Contact Tonya at 471-9023, or email nfc4@windstream.net.

Jason Schmit, Program Director

Jason Schmit is the Teen/program Director for the Northeast Family Center where he supervises the Academy of Rock and Irving Middle School after school program. Jason joined with the Northeast Family Center after serving as East Region Program Director for the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette in Portland, Oregon. In Portland, Jason supervised 27 after school programs and implemented community supported special interest arts based programming to the after school format. Before Portland, Jason was Senior Program Director for two YMCA of Lincoln Community Learning Center sites. In this capacity he worked to build programs at Elliott Elementary and Lefler Middle School. At Lefler Middle School he developed the School of Rock, a program that has grown to nearly 75 participants city wide. With over twelve years experience in the youth development field, Jason's leadership has been instrumental in creating successful and relevant program that continue to grow and gain support across the country.  Contact Jason at 471-1828, or email nfc5@windstream.net or academyofrock@gmail.com.

Tiffany Sanderson, Community Learning Center Site Supervisor

Tiffany Sanderson will join the NFC staff on July 2nd as the CLC Site Supervisor for Brownell Elementary School.  Tiffany graduated from Hastings College in May 1997 with a BA in Communications Systems.  In the last 4 years, Tiffany worked at Hamlow Elementary School in Waverly, NE and served as the Director of the Before and After School Recreation Program.  Previously she operated an in-home child care facility for 5 years.  Tiffany also volunteered on the PTO hospitality committee, fundraising committee, and served as PTO President at the Hamlow Elementary School.  Tiffany's leadership experience, energy, and creativity, will be an asset in her new role as CLC Site Supervisor.  Tiffany will assist in the development and management of programming and staff through the Community Learning Center at Brownell School.  Contact Tiffany at 436-1127 or e-mail tsanders@lps.org.

Ramona Fink, Parent Educator

Ramona holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education & Behavior Sciences as well as a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. She has taught all ages and worked for both Elmwood Public and Lincoln Public Schools. Ramona has served on Committees and Boards in Lincoln dedicated to youth and families including YMCA Youth Council, Heartland Big Brothers/Big Sisters & Victorious Kid's Foundation. Ramona joined NFC in 2003 as our Playgroup Coordinator. Ramona became our Parent Educator with Parents as Teachers in 2006 and has been certified through PAT National in both birth-age 3 and 3-kindergarten entry.  Contact Ramona at (402) 471-9026. 

Rochelle Hirschler, Office Manager

Rochelle joined the NFC in winter 2007 as a work-study participant while attending Nebraska Wesleyan University. We quickly found that her skills were invaluable to the agency, and she became our Office Manager in January 2008. Rochelle's education and experience in accounting and human resources combined with her exceptional organization and communication skills have made her an asset to the agency. Contact Rochelle at (402) 471-3700 or by email at nfc3@windstream.net 

Rae Hope Putney, ADHD Program Director

Rae Hope holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education as well as a Masters of Education with emphasis in Social Sciences and Educational Psychology. Her Teaching Certificate has endorsements in Elementary Education, Secondary Social Sciences and Behavior Disorders. Rae Hope joined NFC in 2000 directing our ADHD mentoring program as well as the ADHD parent support group. She has extensive experience in classroom teaching, youth leadership and public speaking. Rae Hope has served on several Committees including: Mayors Committee on Children and Youth, Nebraska Committee for Children and Youth and Bryan Learning Center's Advisory Board. She has been honored for her community involvement and dedication as the recipient of the Service to Mankind Award, Lincoln Volunteer of the Year Award, and Journal-Star Service Award. Contact Rae Hope at (402) 471-3700. 

Nancy Baker, Preschool Director

Nancy holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with further graduate level course work in education and child psychology. She has extensive teaching experience in both elementary and preschool classrooms. Nancy also has experience developing, implementing and supervising academic based youth programs including state licensed preschool. Nancy joined NFC in June 2006 as the Preschool Director after 4 years serving as the lead teacher for the Cooper YMCA preschool.  Nancy developed all aspects of the new program which saw tremendous success in the first year and more than doubled in it's second year.  Contact Nancy at (402) 471-3708.

Renee Foley, Childcare Director
Renee joined the staff of the NFC after being a long-time parent in center programs.  After taking a leave from the work-force to be a stay-at-home mom, Renee was ready to jump back into her career when NFC pursued licensed childcare.  She holds a degree in Early Childhood Development, and in her past role at Bryan/LGH has served as a childcare director overseeing all aspects of a licensed childcare program.  Renee started in April 2007 and has worked hard to build this quickly growing program into a huge success.  
Contact Renee at (402) 471-9030 or e-mail nfc6@windstream.net.