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Our People

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Our people are the force behind our presence in the Omaha community, creating an essential bridge between the services we offer and the people we serve. Learn more about CSI’s Leadership Team, our Board of Directors and our Guild Board.

Our Leadership Team

The CSI Leadership Team embodies our vision as an organization, inspiring employees across all programs and departments to provide compassionate, quality care that meets children and families where they are.

Jaymes Sime

President & CEO

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Lisa Blunt - Chief Operating Officer
Lisa Blunt, LMHP

Chief Operating Officer

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Roger Keaton - Chief Financial Officer
Roger Keaton, MFS, CPA, CFE

Chief Financial Officer

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Lori Bechtold - Chief Development Officer
Lori Bechtold, MPA, CFRE

Chief Development Officer

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Maranda Buckley

Program Director

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Leslie Corona - Director of Human Resources
Leslie Corona, MAM

Vice President of Human Resources

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Chelsey Haas - Director of Marketing
Chelsey Haas

Vice President of Marketing

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Armando Huerta

Youth Shelter Director

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Kristina Norwood

Program Director

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Lora Sladovnik, MS, LIMHP - Program Director
Lora Sladovnik, MS, LIMHP

Program Director

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Samantha Spain

Program Director

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Our Board of Directors

At CSI, the members of our Board of Directors are responsible for carrying our organization’s purpose forward, keeping our strategy in sight and our teams accountable for delivering outcomes that reflect our goals and values.

Kristin Saxena
Chair
The Shikhar & Kristin Saxena Foundation
Nick Patrick
Vice Chair
Nile
Joel Vaslow
Treasurer
Sparrowhawk Advisors
Rex Earl
Secretary
Farm Credit Services of America
Scott Alexander
Illuminate Financial Group
Nicholas Arreola
University of Nebraska-Omaha
Fatima Basith
Inroads to Recovery
Donell Brown
Union Pacific
Ashley Carroll
CHI Health
Cassie Cheek
Carson Group
Kermit Engh
Methods for Management
Linden Fornoff
Boys Town National Research Hospital
Heather Fredrick
MCL Construction
Kyle Gerking
Tenaska, Inc.
Jeremiah Gudding
Arbor Bank
Peter Harvey
HDR, Inc.
Christina Kahler
First National Bank of Omaha
Angie Kaipust
Omaha Public Power District
Tara Knapp
Lincoln Financial Group
Chad Kruse
UNMC | Nebraska Medicine
William Munroe
Diventures
Augustine Osuala
Nebraska Legal Group
Alex Petrovich
DRT, LLC
Zac Ritchey
Private Wealth Asset Management
Jackie Ryan
Koley Jessen
Kelly Staup
Lindsay Corporation
Ryan Miller
Renaissance Financial Corporation

Our Guild

The valued members of CSI’s Guild serve as liaisons to the Omaha community, raising awareness for our programs, planning fundraising events, recruiting volunteers and donating funds to benefit the children and families we serve.

Cassie Cheek
President
Lindsey Pate
Vice President of Membership
Katie Rohde
Vice President of Fundraising
Anna Palmer
Assistant Vice President of Membership
Kari Halstenson
Secretary
Minna Shada
Past President/Advisor
Cassy Tusa
PurseOnalities Event Chair

Lindsey Audino

Madeleine Barber

Olivia Beier

Karli Blossom

Carrie Broders

Chelsey Brooks

Allie Colgan

Anna Dwyer

Christina Fazzone

Jill Hamilton

Sarah Hoesing

Ariann Lenihan

Kjia Meduna

Jessica Palacios

Hannah Patterson

Jordan Peterson

Ashley Quiel

Sarah Ritchey

Kristi Sanger

Nichole Schultes

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Teffany Ulrich - Program Director

Teffany Ulrich, MS

Program Director

Teffany’s journey at CSI began in 2017 when she assumed the role of Program Director overseeing Juvenile Justice Services. Her choice to join CSI was driven by her unwavering commitment to advocating for youth and families, aligning perfectly with CSI's profound dedication to giving every individual a voice and nurturing hope within each family.

Teffany brings more than 25 years of accumulated experience to her role, all dedicated to serving children, youth and families. Her deep understanding of the economic, cultural and social dynamics within the realms of human services, child welfare and juvenile justice are the result of a diverse career path. She commenced her career in law enforcement before transitioning to the group leader role at Tarkio Academy, followed by other roles in residential and juvenile detention facilities. It was during her six-year tenure at the Sarpy County Juvenile Justice Center that Teffany's passion for engaging with youth in therapeutic settings truly blossomed.

Her educational background is equally impressive, holding a master's degree in Crime Management, a bachelor’s degree of Criminal Justice Administration, and a Trauma-Informed Care Practitioner Certificate, demonstrating her commitment to staying at the forefront of her field.

Beyond her professional career, Teffany is an active participant on numerous boards and committees throughout Douglas and Sarpy County.

Despite her demanding schedule, Teffany cherishes her time with family and nurtures a range of hobbies, from kayaking and paddleboarding to golfing, traveling, biking, running and landscaping.

Kristina Norwood

Program Director - Early Childhood Education

Kristina, Program Director of Early Childhood Education, brings over 24 years of diverse experience in education to Child Saving Institute. Driven by her passion for high-quality early childhood programs, Kristina's commitment to excellence makes her an invaluable asset to the organization.

Having held various positions such as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, program evaluator and preschool consultant, Kristina's extensive background has honed her expertise in identifying the key components of successful early childhood education. Her dedication to open communication and setting clear goals fosters a collaborative environment that consistently aims to provide the best support for children and families.

In her personal life, Kristina is actively involved in volunteering, with a focus on children and military families. She has participated in numerous initiatives such as coaching Special Olympics basketball, supporting families with special needs, leading Girl Scout troops and contributing to military community programs like Wild Blue Yonder and Military Key Spouse Program.

As a voracious reader, Kristina balances her love for both fiction and non-fiction. She also enjoys traveling the world, attending sports events and watching Broadway shows with her family. When she's not immersed in a book or exploring new destinations, Kristina can often be found channeling her creativity through cooking. Her diverse interests and unwavering dedication make Kristina a well-rounded leader in the field of early childhood education.

Maranda Buckley

Program Director - Foster Care & Triage

Maranda Buckley joins Child Saving Institute as the Director of Foster Care and Triage. She is a dedicated professional driven by her passion for empowering families and fostering healthy communities. With a wealth of experience in case management, program coordination and leadership, Maranda brings a unique blend of expertise and empathy to her role.
Throughout her career, Maranda has worked with various organizations, including United Way of the Midlands and Heartland Family Service. These experiences have strengthened her commitment to addressing systemic challenges and supporting under-resourced populations, while honing her skills in strategic planning, team building and advocacy.
In her new position, Maranda relishes the opportunity to empower her team, lead impactful initiatives and witness the resilience and growth of children and families navigating difficult circumstances. Her collaborative spirit and sense of humor make her a natural leader, inspiring those around her to work together and bring their unique strengths to the table.
When she's not working, Maranda enjoys spending quality time outdoors with her family and two dogs. She also finds joy in reading books and indulging in reality TV shows. With her diverse background, unwavering commitment to community well-being and a personable nature, Maranda Buckley is an invaluable addition to the Child Saving Institute team.

Samantha Spain

Director of Community-Based Services

Samantha Spain, a devoted professional with a passion for empowering families, has been an integral part of Child Saving Institute (CSI) programs since 2016. As Director of Community-Based Services, her dedication to CSI's mission and her love for teamwork have consistently made a positive impact on clients and colleagues alike.

Growing up in a small town, Samantha's desire to help others was apparent from an early age. She pursued her passion by studying Family Studies and Social Work at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Her commitment to consistently showing up for clients and colleagues reflects her core belief in the importance of reliability and support.

Outside of work, Samantha enjoys exploring the world through travel, connecting with loved ones and immersing herself in music and literature. From attending concerts to unwinding with a good book, she treasures moments of relaxation and adventure.

With her cheerful spirit, steadfast dedication and wealth of experience, Samantha Spain brings both enthusiasm and expertise to her role as Director of Community-Based Services at Child Saving Institute.

Mickey Crampton

Interim Site Director at Spellman Child Development Center

Mickey Crampton, Interim Site Director at Spellman Child Development Center, has dedicated her career to fostering growth and learning among educators while making a positive impact on young students' lives. With over four years at Spellman and a wealth of experience in early childhood education, Mickey's expertise and passion for teaching make her an invaluable asset to the organization.

Arriving in Nebraska from California to pursue collegiate softball, Mickey discovered her love for working with children through nannying and eventually transitioned to childcare while completing her education. Her unique perspective and hands-on experience as a lead teacher, along with a bachelor's and master’s degree in human development, have paved the way for her success in various roles within the early childhood education field.

Mickey values humanity as the key to a thriving community at Spellman. By cultivating a safe and empathetic environment for students, families and staff, she ensures a nurturing space for all.

In her free time, Mickey cherishes moments with her family, engaging in outdoor activities such as swimming, going for walks, and camping. With her unwavering dedication to education and community well-being, Mickey Crampton's wealth of experience and passion for teaching make her an exceptional leader at Spellman Child Development Center.

Armando Huerta

Youth Shelter Director

Armando Huerta serves as the Shelter Director at the Child Saving Institute, where he brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to supporting individuals in need. With a strong background in management and community outreach, Armando is dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing environment for all residents.

Throughout his career, Armando has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic planning skills, ensuring that the shelter operates efficiently and effectively. His passion for empowering vulnerable populations drives him to continuously seek innovative solutions and advocate for systemic change.

Outside of work, Armando enjoys watching sports with his family, playing pickleball, and participating in NFL fantasy leagues. These hobbies not only provide relaxation and fun but also reflect his love for teamwork and competition.

With a personable nature and a collaborative spirit, Armando inspires his team to work together and leverage their unique strengths. His dedication to community well-being and his ability to connect with people make Armando an invaluable asset to the Child Saving Institute.

Lora Sladovnik, MS, LIMHP - Program Director

Lora Sladovnik, MS, LIMHP

Program Director - Mental Health Services

Lora, who oversees the Pediatric and Adolescent Therapy program, has been an invaluable member of CSI since 2020. Her commitment to the organization’s mission is unwavering, as she tirelessly serves children and families, fully aware that her work directly impacts the well-being and mental health of those in the Omaha and surrounding communities.

Lora's role at CSI is multifaceted, providing her with a constant source of interest and fulfillment. The collaborative environment allows her to work closely with like-minded professionals who share her profound passion for helping others, which she finds deeply rewarding.

Before joining CSI, Lora's career in the human services field included diverse positions in case management, foster care, therapy (including private practice) and a director role at an eating disorder program. Her unwavering dedication to making a difference in the lives of those she serves is a testament to her empathetic and nurturing nature.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Lora is an eager advocate for community well-being, regularly engaging in volunteer work and contributing to various community organizations. Her active involvement in her children's school and church underscores her commitment to fostering a better world.

In her free time, Lora finds joy in spending quality time with her family, prioritizing exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle, embarking on journeys that allow her to explore new places and indulging in her passion for cooking.

Jaymes Sime - President & CEO

Jaymes Sime

President & CEO

Jaymes is a dedicated and passionate individual who has been an integral part of the CSI team since 2021. In his role, Jaymes contributes to the organization's mission and expanding its impact within the Omaha community. He finds immense joy in collaborating with both internal and external stakeholders, recognizing the importance of caring and compassionate individuals in making CSI's vital work a reality.

Jaymes brings a wealth of experience having led various nonprofit organizations throughout his career. His involvement in these organizations, all dedicated to supporting children and families, is deeply rooted in personal experience. Growing up, Jaymes and his family received invaluable support from local nonprofits, inspiring his lifelong commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others. His fulfillment lies in addressing significant social challenges and seeking imperfect yet meaningful solutions, striving to effect change.

In Jaymes' view, the key to success lies in fostering a culture of curiosity, openness and continual growth. He believes that when individuals and teams remain inquisitive and receptive to learning, the possibilities of achieving their goals become limitless.

Beyond his role at CSI, Jaymes is a prominent figure in the nonprofit community, serving in various capacities including the Board President for the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM), as an Advisory Committee member for SHARE Omaha and as a dedicated board member for the Metro Area Continuum of Care for the Homeless (MACCH). Additionally, he contributes his expertise as a member of the Chancellor's Board of Commissioners at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

In his leisure time, Jaymes enjoys activities such as running, cycling and spending quality time with friends. Furthermore, his commitment to personal growth extends to his reading habits, as he avidly delves into books to further enhance his knowledge and leadership skills.

Jaymes’ dedication to the well-being of his community, his profound passion for supporting children and families, and his unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth make him a remarkable and invaluable asset to CSI and the Omaha community.

Lisa Blunt - Chief Operating Officer

Lisa Blunt, LMHP

Chief Operating Officer

Lisa has been an integral part of the CSI team for over two and a half decades, assuming the role of Chief Operating Officer for half of that tenure. Her journey with CSI began as a direct service provider, where she lent her expertise to various programs such as pregnancy counseling, adoption and outpatient therapy.

When asked about her role at CSI, Lisa shared, "No two days are alike, and I am surrounded by others striving to make a difference." With a deep sense of commitment to the organization's mission and its exceptional staff, Lisa has remained steadfast in her dedication to CSI.

When questioned about what initially drew her to the organization, Lisa explained, "I was initially drawn to CSI as a direct service provider, and I stayed because of the mission and great staff." Her genuine passion for community well-being and the welfare of children has been a driving force throughout her remarkable professional journey.

Lisa's connection with providing support for teenagers is particularly strong. It brings her joy knowing the impact team members have on their clients, whether that be a teen calling CSI home for a time in the shelter or a teen striving to be a good parent before fully grown themselves.

Lisa is also dedicated to mentoring others pursuing similar career paths and providing support to individuals who have experienced traumatic brain injuries. In her free time, she enjoys a variety of activities, including walking, going to the gym, reading, spending time with friends and relishing the great outdoors.

Roger Keaton - Chief Financial Officer

Roger Keaton, MFS, CPA, CFE

Chief Financial Officer

Roger serves as the Chief Financial Officer at CSI, overseeing finance, risk management, information technology (IT) and facilities. He is deeply committed to fostering a culture of service and support, with a particular focus on ensuring that staff finds fulfillment in their roles. Drawn to CSI by its mission of helping those often marginalized, Roger takes pride in supporting team members who directly impact the lives of the individuals they serve.

Roger's extensive career has been dedicated to nonprofit finance, with a primary focus on organizations in the fields of education, public lands and human services. His experience includes work in developing countries and the education sector, which ultimately led him to CSI, where he leverages these experiences to advance the agency's mission.

At the heart of Roger's professional philosophy is the belief that people matter above all else. This principle guides every aspect of his work, emphasizing the intrinsic value of individuals.

Throughout his career, Roger has generously volunteered his expertise to help numerous nonprofits streamline their finances and operations. He has served on the board of directors for Child Impact International for over a decade, Alaska Geographic and has contributed to the successful launch of several nonprofit initiatives.

When he's not immersed in his professional endeavors, Roger treasures spending quality time with his daughter, Isla, whose growth and learning is his greatest joy. He also relishes the company of friends, enjoys playing music, engages in DIY projects and enjoys new adventure through travel.

Lori Bechtold - Chief Development Officer

Lori Bechtold, MPA, CFRE

Chief Development Officer

Lori has been dedicated to CSI as its Chief Development Officer since 2021, driven by her unwavering passion for children. Her lifelong commitment to the nonprofit sector stems from a profound desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children. Lori approaches her daily work with a heartfelt mission to ensure the well-being of children remains at the forefront.

“I cannot imagine doing anything else. I know that what I do on a daily basis is making an impact in the lives of children,” said Lori.

With nearly 25 years of fundraising experience, Lori's greatest joy lies in forming connections with donors and sharing the remarkable legacy of CSI and its transformative programs. She takes pride in illustrating how donors' contributions directly influence and enhance the lives of local children and families.

Lori believes that nurturing relationships is the foundation for success. Beyond her professional role, she extends her commitment to the community through volunteer work, including active involvement in initiatives like the Women's Build for Habitat for Humanity, Food Bank of the Heartland, Siena Francis House and the Stephen Center. Lori has also lent her expertise to the boards of organizations such as the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) School of Public Administration and Community Service Graduate Organization, Downtown Omaha Rotary and the Nebraska Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

In her leisure time, Lori treasures moments spent with family. They delight in outdoor adventures, embrace sunny days with boating excursions and savor winter evenings at UNO hockey games.

Kristen Rodriguez - Vice President of Operations

Kristen Rodriguez, MSW

Vice President of Operations

Kristen joined CSI in September of 2023. She is deeply committed to her role, which she views as akin to solving a complex puzzle. Her primary objective is to identify and address obstacles that may hinder the organization's smooth operation.

Kristen finds satisfaction in navigating challenges, particularly in the aftermath of crises. While her preference is to steer clear of storms, she believes that, if necessary, emerging from the storm stronger is essential, especially when it serves the welfare of children and families.

With a master’s in social work and a certificate in urban leadership, Kristen is an Independently Licensed Social Worker. Her professional journey spans from almost eight years of working with adolescents in residential services, followed by three years at a trade organization doing macro/systems/policy social work for child-serving agencies. Kristen was also employed at a daycare overseas and worked as a School Liaison Officer for American military children in Italy during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most recently, Kristen oversaw outpatient services in Nebraska during her tenure at Heartland Family Service.

Kristen's core values center on transparency, believing it to be a crucial element in fostering authenticity and accountability. She emphasizes the importance of people thriving in their roles and being their genuine selves, as it leads to excellent service delivery.

Kristen’s family, which includes two young children, holds a special place in her heart. They enjoy outdoor activities and cherish quality time together. Kristen finds immense joy in experiencing life through her children's eyes, particularly as they explore interests like trains and "neigh-neighs" (horses/unicorns).

Leslie Corona - Director of Human Resources

Leslie Corona, MAM

Vice President of Human Resources

Leslie plays a pivotal role in the organization's multifaceted and strategic Human Resources team by aligning the workforce with the organization’s mission, fostering a positive work culture and ensuring legal compliance.

What drew Leslie to the organization wasn’t simply the services provided, but also the deep-rooted history and transformative impact it has on the community. However, it was her personal experience as a foster child that truly ignited her passion to join alongside the efforts at CSI.

In her role, Leslie finds joy in forming relationships with staff. She cherishes the moments when she sees children walk by her office, a reminder of the organization's noble mission. Building strong relationships and fostering a sense of community within the organization are aspects of her job that she finds particularly fulfilling.

Leslie's journey to where she is today has been shaped by a remarkable background. Born in Mexico, she moved to Iowa at the age of 14, not knowing a word of English. Her life took a transformative turn when she entered foster care at the age of 16. This experience had a profound impact, shaping her into the person she is today.

Leslie believes in the importance of valuing people and building trust. She understands that an organization's staff is its most valuable asset, and without them, it cannot achieve its goals.

Beyond her work, Leslie dedicates her time to her children and their beloved dog. Family is at the heart of her life, and she enjoys spending quality time with them through activities like family movie nights and leisurely walks.

Chelsey Haas - Director of Marketing

Chelsey Haas

Vice President of Marketing

Chelsey is a passionate advocate of children and families. With a background in journalism and mass communications, she has found her true calling in the nonprofit sector within the human services field.

Chelsey's journey at CSI began in 2019 when she started with the organization as the Marketing Director. In 2024, Chelsey transitioned into the Vice President of Marketing role. Prior to CSI, Chelsey served as the Marketing Manager at another local nonprofit, where she gained invaluable insights into child welfare. It was during this time that she formed lasting relationships with colleagues, peers and networking groups that greatly shaped her professional path.

In her current position, Chelsey has the privilege of crafting compelling messaging, sharing the unique stories of CSI's dedicated staff and the clients they serve. Every day brings new opportunities to better convey the impactful work happening both inside and outside the organization's walls.

What drives Chelsey's commitment to CSI is her deep-rooted belief that every Omahan is her neighbor. This sense of community and giving back resonates strongly with her, making her day-to-day work a source of fulfillment.

Outside of her professional life, Chelsey is actively involved in her church in Bennington and is a member of the American Marketing Association-Omaha Chapter, where she previously served on the AMA Cares committee. She's also passionate about supporting children and youth through mentorship opportunities. Additionally, she's been a member of PEO since 2015, demonstrating her dedication to various community organizations.

Chelsey's personal life is filled with joy and adventure. She and her husband have three children. They cherish outdoor activities such as hiking, running, bike riding and spending quality time by the lake.