My primary responsibility is supporting all of our loan specialists who assist our clients with small business loans or mortgage applications. I also promote the great work the Center does with partners and communities throughout the state. I'm so proud of everything the staff does to support rural Nebraska!

We have an incredible group of people deeply committed to our mission, which is truly close to my heart. From the moment I started at the Center, I felt like I had come home. What makes our work so special is the impact we have—we help individuals achieve their dreams of owning a small business or a home. Playing even a small role in helping people reach their version of the American dream is incredibly rewarding.

I also appreciate that we go above and beyond to support our loan applicants. If someone isn’t quite ready for approval, we don’t just turn them away—we work with them, offering guidance and education to help them reapply successfully in the future. Our priority is their long-term success, and sometimes that means making the tough decision not to approve a loan if it could put them in financial hardship. But for those willing to work with us, we’re here to provide the support they need to reach their goals.

For nearly 20 years, I have dedicated my career to economic development, supporting small businesses and community growth in various capacities. Whether through financing during my time with the state, serving as the executive director of a local economic development organization, or helping employers connect with students for internships and full-time opportunities at University of Nebraska-Lincoln Career Services, my focus has always been on strengthening communities.

Growing up in a small town, I can't imagine Nebraska without its rural communities. Their vitality is essential, and I am committed to helping them grow and thrive. This passion led me to pursue a master’s degree in Public Administration, as I hope to someday run for state Legislature and help our rural communities through advocacy and policy change at the state level.

I’m a proud dog mom to two Rhodesian Ridgeback mixes, Frankie and Ellie. They bring endless love and entertainment into my life and are always on their best behavior when we visit everyone at the Center’s office in Lyons! When I’m not with them, I’m spending as much time as possible with my two nephews and niece, who keep me incredibly busy. With one in high school sports, one in junior high, and one in youth athletics, there’s never a dull moment! They are truly my best friends, and I love them as if they were my own.

For the past seven years, I’ve also coached youth volleyball, basketball, and softball—and even coached my nephews' baseball teams for a few seasons. Beyond the physical skills, sports teach invaluable life lessons like teamwork, leadership, patience, discipline, goal setting, communication, and responsibility—lessons that will benefit them for years to come. I always remind my players that success isn’t just about winning; every loss is an opportunity to learn and grow. As cliché as it sounds, it’s not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up and what you do next. That mindset applies to entrepreneurship and community development as well, which is why the work we do is so important to me.

As a lifelong learner, I am passionate about making education accessible across all levels and subjects. For nearly 15 years, I have taught community education classes at Central Community College, covering all Microsoft Office programs, Google Apps, computer basics, internet and social media, as well as career development topics like resume writing, cover letters, and interview preparation.

My students range in age from 19 to 83, and I love teaching these classes as the students truly appreciate my time and all of the information they gain. One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching is the lasting connections I’ve built with my students. It’s not uncommon for me to receive emails or texts years later with computer-related questions, and I’m always happy to help. This role truly fills my bucket, as my greatest career goal has always been to support and empower others.

Q&A

Can you play any musical instruments? If not, what do you wish you could play?

Growing up in a town of fewer than 300 people—with only four other kids in my grade—I developed a love for music and learning new instruments. Whenever our band needed a part filled for a concert, I’d jump in and learn the instrument, even if it was just for that performance. Ever since hearing “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” in Disney’s “Fantasia,” I dreamed of playing the bassoon. When I joined band in fifth grade, I had to start with the tenor sax since double reed instruments weren’t allowed for beginners. But once I reached junior high, I finally got to play the bassoon. From there, my curiosity led me to pick up my sister’s clarinet, then the bass clarinet, french horn, baritone, and even a bit of trumpet. My only regret? Not being able to play the trombone—my arms were just too short to reach seventh position!

Would you rather be able to travel 50 years into the past or 50 years into the future, and why?

While I’d love to see where my nephews, niece, and friends' kids end up in the future, if given the chance, I’d choose to travel to the past. I would love to spend time with my parents when they were younger and finally meet my grandparents. I only have a few memories of visiting one of my grandfathers during elementary school, but the rest of my grandparents passed before I was born. My parents have always been my best friends, and losing my mom in 2021 after her 17-year battle with cancer was incredibly difficult. I would give anything to know her as she was in her younger years—vibrant, full of life, and free from the suffering of cancer treatments. I also see so much of myself in my dad, and it would be fascinating to meet him at my age, to see what he was like and how he navigated life. I have no doubt we’d get into all sorts of trouble together!