Kelly Seacrest (she/her) & Peter Stegen (he/him)

Kelly is an artist and educator. Kelly received her K-12 art education degree from UNL and went on to teach for seven years in a number of different schools and settings.

Peter is a photographer and videographer. Having received his degree in Fisheries & Wildlife from UNL, Peter also works for the multimedia story telling endeavor, Platte Basin Timelapse project.

Nicole Lopez (she/her) has a background in biology, philosophy, and progressive & Montessori education. She is thrilled to be joining the Wild Learning community. Her goal is to be a caring and respectful guide who follows the lead of the child along their journey to discovering the world around them, while laying the foundation for academic success, and a lifelong love of learning. She strives to inspire children to cultivate peace through care and respect for themselves, others, and the environment. In her free time, Nicole loves to read, garden, bird watch, and most of all to spend time with her family whether it's adventuring outdoors or playing board games at home.

SaRena Freet (she/her) currently is a bartender at The Hot Mess. She is also a co-facilitator of mutual aid projects, political education and community spaces. SaRena graduated from the University of Nebraska Lincoln with a Women’s and Gender Studies degree.

Jandrea Simpson-Swiney (she/her) is the owner and operator of Eklektiq Joyz, and a graduate student specializing in School Counseling at Doane University. As a graduate assistant, she serves as a Student Support Specialist within Doane's TRIO Program. Jandrea is an advocate for wellness of mind, body, and spirit. She values community and believes that understanding oneself as well as others is crucial for individual growth and fostering inclusiveness. Jandrea is also a lover of peace, warm weather, a nomadic-experiential learner, music lover, amateur genealogist, and admirer of historical architecture.

Susan Hertzler (she/her) is a semi-retired educator of 38 years who has taught at the elementary, middle, high and collegiate levels. Susan received both her Bachelors in Education (1985) and Masters in Curriculum and Instruction (1999) from University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Susan is a life-long Lincoln resident.

Mar’Lakuittia Overstreet (she/her) is currently an Instructional Coordinator at North Star Highschool. Mar’Lakuittia got her Bachelors from Doane and her Master’s in Secondary Administration from Concordia University. Before joining North Star, she worked at Lincoln High School and Culler Middle School. During this time she was the PBIS Liason, coached various sports, served on the MTSS-B Committee and sponsored various clubs. Mar'Lakuittia takes pride in being involved in her community with the NAACP Youth Council, I Ask. I Act, YWCA, YMCA and Bethel Bibleway Church.

Toby Burnham (he/him) is the Member & Affiliate Coordinator at the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, a nonprofit dedicated to planting Nebraska for healthier people, stronger communities, and a more resilient environment. He holds an M.S. in Natural Resource Sciences with a focus on Human Dimensions, and a B.S. in Environmental Studies. Toby’s background includes work in urban forestry research, biophilic design, program evaluation, and environmental data management. He’s contributed to projects ranging from evaluating Nebraska’s Title IV-E Waiver Demonstration to supporting LGBTQ+ Nebraskans experiencing homelessness through policy and visibility work with OutNebraska. Outside of work, he’s usually traveling with his husband, kayaking, or wrangling their three dogs—sometimes all at once.

Diane Amdor (she/her) currently is working at Nebraska Appleseed as a Staff Attorney in the Economic Justice program. Prior to joining Nebraska Appleseed, Diane served as the Director of Restorative Practices at The Resolution Center and as Legal Counsel to the Nebraska Legislature’s Judiciary Committee. Diane has a wide range of education, experience and training regarding conflict resolution and restorative justice practices.

Wait… What’s an Ombudsperson?

An Ombudsperson is very similar to a mediator. In order to practice our values and beliefs, we all need community and help. We know we won’t always get it right, and that conflict is inevitable. Our commitment towards freedom must equal our commitment to being responsible. We center conflict resolution practices every single day, and is the only mandatory requirement to be part of this community. With this in mind, we have created the position of Ombudspeople to help and guide us through conflict.