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Meet the Early Childhood Education Program Leaders

 

Katherine Hubbard
Director of Early Childhood Education

Katherine joined Child Saving Institute (CSI) in the Early Childhood Education Center in 2009 after graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor's degree in child, youth and family studies. Shortly after, she took on an Early Childhood Specialist position as a Lead Teacher working in a multi-age classroom with infants and toddlers. In 2013, Katherine was promoted to Site Director of the Early Childhood Education Center located at 45th and Dodge Streets in Omaha. Katherine assumed the Director of Early Childhood Education role in January 2021, and oversees the Dodge Street campus and the Spellman Child Development Center located on the College of Saint Mary campus.

Katherine enjoys building relationships with staff, children and families. She believes in quality education for young learners and enjoys advocating for early childhood professionals, as well as sharing the quality services CSI has to offer to the Omaha community.

khubbard@childsaving.org | 402.504.3615


Kristen Ruzicka
Site Director
Early Childhood Education Center
4545 Dodge Street Campus

Kristen joined CSI in 2014 as an Early Childhood Specialist and moved into a Senior Specialist role in 2016. Most recently, she served as the Assistant Site Director for CSI’s Early Childhood Education Center located at 45th and Dodge Streets. In January 2021, Kristen was promoted into her current role as the Site Director of the Early Childhood Education Center.

Kristen is a graduate of Midland University in Fremont, Nebraska where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in sociology. Through her undergraduate and graduate coursework, Kristen has many years of training and experience in the Early Childhood Education field.

Kristen loves engaging with children to help them grow and develop each day. She is passionate about her work and is proud to make a difference in the Omaha community and in the lives of children.

kruzicka@childsaving.org | 402.504.3622


Briana Lozano
Assistant Site Director
Early Childhood Education Center
4545 Dodge Street Campus

Believing that early childhood plays an important role in the social-emotional, physical and cognitive development of young children, Briana joined in the Child Saving Institute Early Childhood Education center in July of 2020.

 She began working in the Early Childhood Education Center as an Early Childhood Specialist for the Pennie Toddler Classroom. She was promoted to the role of Assistant Site Director in February of 2021. 

Briana earned her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Rasmussen College. Her experience in the early childhood field dates back to 2007 and includes serving as an Assistant Teacher, Lead Teacher, Early Childhood Safety Specialist and Director of Curriculum while living in Illinois. 

blozano@childsaving.org | 402.553.6000 x 818


Kristen Mruz
Site Director
Spellman Child Development Center
6908 Mercy Road, Omaha

Kristen joined CSI in 2021 as the Site Director of the Spellman Child Development Center. After graduating from Wayne State College where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Kristen spent four years as the Preschool Teacher/Director and Assistant Director in Tilden, Nebraska. Most recently, Kristen served as the Early Learning Center Director at Northeast Family Center in Lincoln, Nebraska.

After relocating to Omaha, Kristen joined the CSI team. She is excited to be a part of the organization and support children and families in the Omaha community.

In her free time, Kristen enjoys being outdoors, playing sports, running and spending time with family and friends.

Kristen is committed to the educational and emotional development of the children she serves. She is also passionate about supporting parents, families and staff working with children so that every child has the opportunity to be successful.

kmruz@childsaving.org | 402.390.2028


Brandi Brown
Assistant Site Director
Spellman Child Development Center
6908 Mercy Road, Omaha

Brandi joined Child Saving Institute (CSI) in 2017, at the Spellman Child Development Center, as a Specialist in an infant room. She was promoted to a Senior Specialist in 2019 and more recently, Brandi was promoted to the Assistant Site Director at Spellman. 

She graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Inclusive Practices. At an early age Brandi started to build upon her experiences and trainings in Early Childhood Education with a 9-year background in early childhood.

Brandi loves being a part of helping children learn, grow and develop and building positive relationships with the children and families.  She loves how a child's smile can brighten her day and she couldn't be more excited to continue working with CSI!

 

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