JohnCarl Denkovich
(they/them)
FOUNDING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. JohnCarl’s queer, nonbinary, and Jewish identities foster deep commitment to the principle of Tikkun Olam - ‘healing the world,’ and a passion to change it for the better.
For more information, use tabs below.
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Master’s of Public Administration, Nonprofit Management degree from University of Nebraska Omaha (2010)
Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science (Magna Cum Laude) and Psychology (Cum Laude) from Hastings College (2006)
Certificate of Completion in Urban Arts & Urban Diversity from Chicago Center for Urban Life & Culture (2006)
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Omaha Mayor’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board, Chairperson
Nebraska Institute for Holocaust Education Governance Council, Member
City of Omaha Community Advisory Board, DEI Strategic Planning Board, member
ACLU of Nebraska Trans Rights Advisory team, member
Holland Children’s Institute / Holland Children’s Movement, Director of Communications & Program Development (2019-2021)
Heartland Family Service, Program Coordinator (2015-2019)
GLSEN National Advisory Council (2011-2021)
GLSEN Omaha Board of Directors (2007-2019)
UNO’s Student Agency of Gender & Sexual Orientation, Director (2007-2008)
Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund, Outreach Intern / Special Projects (2006)
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40 Under 40 - Midlands Business Journal (2021)
Ten Outstanding Young Omahans - Jaycees (2018)
Change Leader Award - Heartland Family Service (2018)
Advocate of the Year - Heartland Pride (2017)
Who’s Who - Hastings College (2006)
CJ Elliott, PLMHP, PCMSW
(they/them)
MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER. CJ oversees the Best Life Behavioral Health & Wellness program at the Center, which includes one-on-one counseling services, family therapy, and support groups.
For more information, use tabs below.
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Master’s of Social Work from University of Nebraska at Omaha (2022)
Endorsement, Early Childhood Education & Teaching from Creighton University (2020)
Bachelor’s Degree of Elementary Education & Teaching from University of Nebraska at Omaha (2016)
Associate’s Degree of Liberal Arts & Sciences from Bemidji State University (2013)
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Mental Health Practitioner, Private Practice (2023)
Huespring Scholar (2022-2023)
Assistant Director/School Social Worker, Nelson Mandela Early Childhood Development Center (2021-2023)
Educator, Nelson Mandela Early Childhood Development Center (2019-2021)
Educator, Omaha Public Schools (2017-2019)
Educator, Elkhorn Public Schools (2016)
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Coming soon!
Torie Walenz
(they/them)
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR. Torie coordinates the Center’s daily workflow, facilities, and logistics. They are the primary delivery agent of visitor & volunteer experience in the center space as well as scheduling and billing therapy services.
For more information, use tabs below.
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Bachelor’s Degree, Secondary Education, Youth & Training from University of Nebraska at Omaha (2021)
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Client Specialist, Woodhaven Counseling Associates (2022-2023)
Scholar, Huespring (2022-2023)
Assistant Family Teacher, Boys Town (2020-2022)
Program Manager, Student Service & Leadership Collaborative (2019-2020)
Director of Queer & Trans Services, University of Nebraska at Omaha (2019-2020)
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Coming soon!
Alex Theos
(they/them)
PROGRAMMING ASSOCIATE. Alex contributes to the development of the agency’s community programs curricula and are the primary delivery agent for these curricula. Additionally, they are responsible for a lot of Omaha ForUs’ community programs and outreach.
For more information, use tabs below.
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Bachelor of Science, Secondary Education: Youth & Training, English Literature from University of Nebraska at Omaha (2016-2020)
Associate of Arts, Psychology from Iowa Western Community College (2019)
Associate of Arts, Education: K-12 from Iowa Western Community College (2014-2016)
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Substitute Resource Teacher, Bright Horizons (January 2021-Present)
Youth Specialist, AmeriCorps International Council for Refugees & Immigrants (2022-2023)
9th Grade Case Manager, AmeriCorps NE Partnership for (2019-2020)
Program Manager, Student Service & Leadership Collaborative (2019-2020)
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Coming Soon!
“I believe in social dislocation and creative trouble.”
Board
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Amanda Crichlow Silva (she/her)
President
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Eli Rigatuso (he/they)
Vice President
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Tena Hahn Rodriguez (she/her)
Secretary
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Cameron Koenig, MSW (he/him)
Director
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Alexander Foreman (he/him)
Director
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Dr. Christine Toh (she/her)
Director
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Erin Sundberg (she/her)
Director
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Andy Lim,
Director
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Christina Bernardino (she/her)
Director
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Buddy Sims (he/him)
Guild President
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Ang Bennett (they/them)
Arts & Culture Advisor
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JP Gurnett
Arts & Culture Chair
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Board of Directors
Works with executive director and staff to set strategic direction and ensure effective mission delivery. Board members serve up to three, two-year terms.
There are no current board vacancies. There are many ways to get involved without being a board member, including committees, special events, or special projects. Check back here for opportunities.
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Standing Committees
Facilitate critical functions of the Board.
Arts & Culture Committee: Charged with curating programming and artwork for Center permanent/rotating collections.
The Guild: plans major fund/friend-raising events, to build community-centered financial investment in our work.
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Volunteer
The most important contribution ANYONE can give is their time. From cleaning to phone calls and filing, we need YOUR help. If you’re interested in volunteering, please select “Support” from the menu at the top of your screen, then “Volunteer” or email info@OmahaForUs.org with the subject line “volunteer.”