Habitat For Humanity of Omaha

Amanda Brewer, Executive Director/President
abrewer@habitatomaha.org

Amanda Brewer started with Habitat for Humanity International as a fulltime volunteer in 1997. She came to Habitat Omaha in 1999 as the Associate Director. After a year at Gallup, she became the Executive Director in 2005. Amanda loves Habitat because it provides an opportunity for everyone to be involved in strengthening our community. (Photo by James Nedresky)

Anne Carroll, Accounts Payable (Volunteer)

Anne taught at Metropolitan Community College for many years. In 1991 she became the volunteer treasurer for Habitat for Humanity of Omaha. Then in 2002 she became the volunteer Accounts Payable bill payer, the position she currently holds. Anne wanted to become a part of Habitat Omaha because she enjoys "all the different personalities on site and in the office". She also likes "being part of the mission to eliminate poverty housing". Anne has led 12 Habitat for Humanity Global Village trips to countries all over the world. (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI)

Mary Hudgens, Office Assistant (ENOA Work Program)

Before joining Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, Mary worked in customer service. She joined the Habitat Omaha staff in August of 2009 as Office Assistant, the position she currently holds. Mary enjoys working at Habitat Omaha because "the staff is very friendly and nice" and because she likes to "meet different people". Mary loves making people smile when they don't want to smile and she also loves to do church activities. (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI)

Almetriss M Johnson, Office Assistant (Employment First Program)

Before joining Habitat for Humanity of Omaha as the morning Office Assistant in May of 2010, Almetriss was attending Arbor Education and Training. She first learned about Habitat Omaha through the Urban League. Almetriss says she enjoys the staff and that everyone is so nice and kind. "On my first day I already felt like part of a family." Almetriss is a mother of three beautiful children: De'Mond, Kentrell and Darrien. She loves to read books, take walks in the park and the Old Market, play with her children and cook. (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI)

Tami Rieker, Office Manager
trieker@habitatomaha.org

Before joining Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, Tami did work in the field of affordable housing at her husband's business, Midwest Housing Equity Group, Inc. During that time she "caught the bug" to provide better, affordable housing for those in need.  In June of 2008 Tami was hired as Habitat Omaha's Office Manager, the position she currently holds. She believes, "all should have the opportunity to own their own home despite their financial challenges. If they work hard and have goals, I want to help them get there." Tami loves to shop for shoes during the off season sale. If she had time Tami would return to the craft business she used to run. Tami loves to lock herself away from the world and create. "Seriously - my life is my husband, children and new puppy we adopted from the Humane Society, they all keep me hopping."

Trish Wangler, Accountant
twangler@habitatomaha.org

Trish graduated from the University of Northern Iowa and passed the CPA exam in 1990. She has worked for the State of Iowa Auditor's Office and Weist, Tourek and Hower CPAs. Trish joined the Habitat for Humanity of Omaha staff in 1997 as Accountant, the position she currently holds. Trish works at Habitat Omaha because "we are instructed by the Gospels and Jesus to care for our neighbors, and not just those next door to us". She also believes that "a home can help a family beat the cycle of poverty in a generation or two". When she is not at work Trish volunteers her time as the Habitat Omaha representative at St. Pius X Church. Trish and her husband Mark have one daughter.

Daniel Brewer, Construction Manager
dbrewer@habitatomaha.org

Dan Andersen, Construction Crew Member (AmeriCorps*National)

Before becoming a part of Habitat for Humanity of Omaha Dan attended Creighton University. He joined the AmeriCorps State and National program in September of 2009 and became a Construction Crew member at Habitat Omaha. Dan enjoys all of the different people he meets while working on build sites. He also enjoys poetry, especially the family poems he and his family recite. (Photo by James Nedresky)

Jon Bakker, Construction Supervisor
jbakker@habitatomaha.org

coming soon... (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI)

Analynn Fassler, Construction Crew Member (AmeriCorps*National)

Before coming to Habitat for Humanity of Omaha Analynn was working on completing her Master's Degree in Percussion Performance. She was also working at PayPal and Home Depot. In September of 2009 Analynn joined the AmeriCorps State and National program and became a Construction Crew Member at Habitat Omaha. Analynn wants to spend her life "impacting and helping others". She was excited to join AmeriCorps and become part of Habitat Omaha because she has "always believed in Habitat for Humanity and always wanted to be a part of the organization". Analynn is a musician and enjoys playing music whenever she can. She is also very crafty and artsy...just ask to see her wallet some day. (Photo by James Nedresky)

Blake Johnson, Construction Crew Member (AmeriCorps*National)

coming soon... (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI)

Gregory Lavery, Construction Supervisor
glavery@habitatomaha.org

Greg is a native New Yorker and served 23 years as a New York City Firefighter. After Greg retired from the FDNY, he moved to southwest Iowa. Greg serves as a FEMA inspector/instructor teaching Incident Command courses and Community Emergency Response. He is also a fire investigator for Iowa and is the Asst. Chief of Oak Township fire dept. Greg has been married for more than 2 years and has a stepson. Greg has a construction background from owning his own home improvement company in past years. Greg joined Habitat Omaha to continue serving the community and put his love of construction to work. What Greg enjoys the most at Habitat Omaha is working with all of our wonderful volunteers out on the construction sites. (Photo by James Nedresky)

Patty Luna, Warehouse Coordinator
pluna@habitatomaha.org

Before coming to Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, Patty was a teacher and coach for 15 years. She then returned to school and received an endorsement from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Industrial Technology. Patty joined the Habitat Omaha staff in August of 2008 as Warehouse Supervisor, the position she currently holds. Patty has been a volunteer with Habitat Omaha for the past nine years and loves "the organization, volunteers, hands on experiences and constant learning". Patty likes all sports and when she is not at work she does a lot of golfing and swimming. (Photo by James Nedresky)

Stephen Manh, Construction Crew Member (AmeriCorps*National)

coming soon... (Photo by James Nedresky)

Kris Minckler, Construction Supervisor
kminckler@habitatomaha.org

coming soon... (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI)

Amelia O'Donnell, Construction Crew Member (AmeriCorps*National)

Before coming to Habitat for Humanity of Omaha Amelia was a full-time student at North Central College. She was also an ESL volunteer for World Relief, a nanny for three children and a part-time server at Houlihan's. Amelia joined the AmeriCorps State and National program in September of 2009 and became a Construction Crew Member at Habitat Omaha. She loves "Habitat's mission and what the organization does for communities". Because Omaha is Amelia's home "the two joined well". As a busy college student she didn't have much time for hobbies but she does "collect music, eat, sleep and 'hang'". (Photo by James Nedresky)

Shannon Perry, Construction Assistant
sperry@habitatomaha.org

Before joining the Habitat for Humanity of Omaha staff, Shannon was the Program Coordinator for Merrymakers Association. Prior to that she spent time as an employee and AmeriCorps service member with Habitat International. Shannon came to Habitat Omaha as the Construction Assistant in May of 2010. When she moved to Nebraska after getting married in 2008 Shannon knew she wanted to volunteer with the local Habitat affiliate. "I guess you could say my ‘habititus' started in 2004 and 2005 when I participated in two Collegiate Challenges." When Shannon is not at work she likes to spend time with her husband and dog, Daisy. She also enjoys drawing and travel. (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI)

Robert Phillips, Construction Crew Member (AmeriCorps*National)

coming soon... (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI)

Kristin Underwood, Construction Crew Member (AmeriCorps*National)

coming soon... (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI)

Carla Patton, Director of Development
cpatton@habitatomaha.org

Carla has been actively involved as a volunteer and professional in the Omaha area for the past 15 years. She began her philanthropic career as Campaign Director of United Way of the Midlands and has worked as a fundraising professional for several health and human services organizations. In 2007 Carla joined Habitat for Humanity of Omaha as Director of Development, the position she currently holds. Carla believes, "the work Habitat for Humanity of Omaha is doing to not only end poverty housing, but to bring attention to the fact that it overwhelmingly exists in our community is extremely important. The change that homeownership brings to individual families, the neighborhoods and the community as a whole is a profound one." She is "truly proud to play a small part in this movement." (Photo by James Nedresky)

Mary Galde, Development Assistant
mgalde@habitatomaha.org

Before becoming Development Assistant at Habitat for Humanity of Omaha in May of 2010, Mary worked at Boys Town for more than 12 years. Her first experience with Habitat was as a volunteer in Hinesville, GA many years ago. "I love what Habitat does for families and I think it is humbling to see how the community really puts their heart and soul in to help families make dreams come true." When Mary is not at work she loves to spend time with her family (including her three boys and granddaughter). She is also a gamer on Nintendo DS and loves to shoot pool on a pool league-her team even came in first place at All City Tournament. (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI)

Kathy Wells, Development Associate-Special Events
kwells@habitatomaha.org 

Before coming to Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, Kathy was the Special Events Director at Arthritis Foundation for three-and-a-half years. She joined the staff at Habitat Omaha in July of 2009 as Development Associate - Special Events, the position she currently holds. As a volunteer Kathy chaired the 2009 Women's Power Luncheon; she became excited about becoming a staff member because the "compassion and dedication of the staff was overwhelming and warming". Kathy feels that there is "a great sense of teamwork" at Habitat Omaha. She loves the outdoors, whether it's gardening, running, skiing or hiking in the mountains. She also enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with family. Kathy and her husband Roger have three children, Sarah Oehler, Lora Wells and Eric Wells. (Photo by James Nedresky)

Tracie McPherson, Faith Relations and Public Relations Director
tmcpherson@habitatomaha.org

Tracie attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. After graduating she spent 11 years as a TV producer for KM3 News. Tracie then joined the Habitat for Humanity of Omaha staff in 2006 as Faith Relations and Public Relations Director, the position she currently holds. Tracie enjoys, "working with so many different people who come together to share in the ministry of Habitat." When not at work, Tracie enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children. (Photo by James Nedresky)

Nina Graziano, Faith Relations and Communications Specialist
ngraziano@habitatomaha.org

Nina attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Advertising. After graduating she joined the AmeriCorps VISTA program and became the Faith Relations and Public Relations Coordinator at Habitat for Humanity of Omaha in February of 2009. After completing her year of service Nina joined the Habitat Omaha staff as Communications Specialist, the position she currently holds. Nina loves "being a part of an organization focused on empowering people to make lasting changes in their lives, their children's lives and the community as a whole". She enjoyed using her skills to help the community by spending a year serving at Habitat Omaha through the AmeriCorps VISTA program. Nina enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, photography and music. (Photo by James Nedresky)

Margaret Gilmore, Director of Family Services
mgilmore@habitatomaha.org 

In 1984 Margaret became one of the founding board members of Habitat for Humanity of Omaha. She has remained a part of Habitat ever since. Serving as a Regional Field staff member, Margaret worked for Habitat International for awhile before returning to Habitat Omaha to become Director of Family Services, the position she currently holds. Margaret believes, "it is possible that many people working together can change our community. It's not easy, but it's possible. And that possibility draws me into this work." Habitat Omaha works hard to revitalize communities in the area, as a resident of Northeast Omaha for more than 30 years Margaret has experienced these efforts first hand. (Photo by James Nedresky)

Nick Marion, Family Services Construction Trainer
nmarion@habitatomaha.org 

Before joining Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, Nick was a graduate student at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. In June of 2009 Nick joined the AmeriCorps VISTA program and became the Sweat Equity Coach at Habitat Omaha. Once his term of service was complete in August of 2009 Nick joined the Habitat Omaha staff as Family Services Construction Trainer, the position he currently holds. Nick enjoys, "working directly with families-helping them learn how to maintain their homes". He also enjoys being able to split his time between working in the office and on construction sites. When Nick is not at work he likes to do outdoor activities such as gardening, hiking and fishing. (Photo by James Nedresky)

Rebecca Morello, Family Relationship Coordinator (AmeriCorps*National)
familyrelations@habitatomaha.org

Rebecca attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha where she completed the Writer's Workshop Program before becoming a part of Habitat for Humanity of Omaha. She joined the AmeriCorps State and National program in September of 2009 and became Family Relationship Coordinator at Habitat Omaha. Joining Habitat Omaha was exciting to Rebecca because she is looking forward to "helping build a stronger Omaha community from within". She enjoys spending most of her free time with Henry, her "giant brown dog". She also likes spending a lot of time with her friends and family-including her two fantastic nephews. Rebecca enjoys writing fictional short stories and non-fiction essays.(Photo by James Nedresky)

David Klitz, ReStore Director
dklitz@habitatomaha.org

An Omaha native, David attended Creighton Prep and Creighton University majoring in History. While attending both Prep and Creighton, David volunteered on a regular basis with different retirement communities as well as Health and Human Service Adult Protective Unit and the Nebraska AIDS project, where he was a volunteer trainer for 10 years. Professionally, he worked for a total of 15 years in the customer service industry in management, quality and training. Most recently, he owned his own business, was a museum director and an assistant manager at Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse in Papillion. David has been the ReStore Director for more than one year and credits the success of the ReStore to the staff and volunteers as well as the support and partnership of the team at the affiliate office.

April Anderson, Customer Service Assistant

coming soon... (Photo by James Nedresky)

Tim Anderson, Donations Coordinator
tanderson@habitatomaha.org

coming soon... (Photo by James Nedresky)

James Berry III, ReStore Driver/Warehouse

coming soon... (Photo by James Nedresky)

Kirstin Broady, Donation Volunteer Coordinator
restoredonations@habitatomaha.org

coming soon... (Photo by James Nedresky)

Obie Dortch, Customer Service Associate

coming soon... (Photo by James Nedresky)

Arthur Downs, Shipping and Receiving Manager (AmeriCorps*VISTA)

coming soon... (Photo by James Nedresky)

Patrick Lieb, Cashier/Customer Service Associate

coming soon... (Photo byGregg Pachkowski/HFHI)

Peter Matt, Operations/Merchandising Manager
pmatt@habitatomaha.org

coming soon... (Photo by James Nedresky)

Jim Mumm, ReStore Customer Service

coming soon... (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI)

Barry Wingert, Roof & Repair Coordinator
bwingert@habitatomaha.org

Before joining Habitat for Humanity of Omaha Barry was an Asbestos Sampling Technician for AMI and had also worked for the City of Council Bluffs in Community Development for five years. In August of 2008 Barry joined Habitat Omaha as Roof and Repair Coordinator, the position he currently holds. He came to Habitat Omaha because he "wanted to make a difference and have an impact on people's lives again". Having been a carpenter for 20 years, Barry likes to have building and remodeling projects in his spare time.

Ryan Paul Underwood, Roof and Repair Assistant (AmeriCorps*National)

Before becoming a part of Habitat for Humanity of Omaha Ryan was Business Development and Internet Manager at Briggs Auto in Manhattan, Kansas. In September of 2009 he joined the AmeriCorps State and National program and became a Construction Crew Member at Habitat Omaha. Ryan is very excited to serve with Habitat Omaha because he has a "great deal of respect" for the organization. Ryan enjoys spending time with his wife Amanda and their two-year-old Husky Rocco. His hobby is barbequing.(Photo by James Nedresky)

Viv L. Ewing, Director of Organization Development & Volunteer Services
vewing@habitatomaha.org

Samantha Kafka, Volunteer Coordinator (AmeriCorps*National)
volunteer@habitatomaha.org

Before becoming a part of Habitat for Humanity of Omaha Samantha was a student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She joined the AmeriCorps State and National program in September of 2009 and became Volunteer Coordinator at Habitat Omaha. Samantha was excited to join Habitat Omaha because she wanted a position where she "made and difference and could help others". Samantha enjoys spending time with her husband when she is not at Habitat. (Photo by James Nedresky)