Our Team

Our team specializes in grief support, offering compassionate programming and expertly facilitated groups for people of all ages navigating loss.

Meet the Team

  • Cliff McEvoy's head shot

    Cliff McEvoy

    Executive Director

    (He/Him)

    Cliff@CollectiveforHope.org

    Cliff benefited from similar peer-support services his entire life, especially after the loss of his father. He has served in many nonprofit positions in Omaha that include program management and philanthropy, as well as serving in the United States Air Force. He is a proud Omahan, veteran and dedicated nonprofit professional. Cliff hopes that someday his three kids will say how they were instilled with the values of service and community, like he was by his dad.

  • Sandy Lemen's head shot

    Sandy Lemen

    Senior Program Manager

    (She/Her)

    Sandy@CollectiveforHope.org

    Sandy joined Collective for Hope in 2019 after the loss of her beloved nephew to suicide. Her volunteer experience included work in hospice and participating in our programs prior to joining the team. Sandy has a huge heart and a great talent for supporting the staff, contractors and volunteers in her charge. She manages the majority of our program contractors and hosts our Family Support Series. She is also an artist/maker of bereavement jewelry and gifts.

  • Megan Friel's head shot

    Megan Friel

    Outreach & Volunteer Coordinator

    (She/Her)

    Megan@CollectiveforHope.org

    Megan first volunteered with Collective for Hope in 2018 and ever since she has been deeply passionate about de-stigmatizing death and grief. After graduating from Creighton University, Megan spent a year teaching English in Germany through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. You can find Megan scouting the city for connections, leading volunteer efforts and supporting our rich programming.

  • Tanya Shute-Kadey's head shot

    Tanya Shute-Kadey

    Assistant Program Coordinator

    (She/Her)

    PAIL@CollectiveforHope.org

    Tanya began facilitating grief groups with Collective for Hope in 2018 after completing her Grief Facilitator training. She has since supported families through programs including Family Grief Support, Anticipatory Grief Support, Pregnancy and Infant Loss, and Pediatric Cancer Loss. Now serving as Assistant Program Coordinator, Tanya continues to find meaning in walking alongside grieving families and creating human connection through their stories, challenges, and triumphs.

Program Contractors & Interns

  • Zach Schafer

    Band of the Strong Youth Programming & Events

    (He/Him)

    Email Zach

  • Anica Marcum

    Training & Education Contractor

    (She/Her)

    Email Anica

  • Arin VanMeter-Petrackis

    Practicum Student/Intern

    (They/Them)

    Email Arin

Board of Directors

OFFICERS

Mark Jaksich, MBA, Retired CFO, Valmont Industries – Board President

Marjorie Maas, CEO, SHARE Good – Board Vice President

Michael Dentlinger, CPA, Senior Manager, National Indemnity Company – Board Treasurer

Adam White, Assistant General Counsel, Children’s Nebraska – Board Secretary

Bethany Perry, PHR, SHRM-CP, Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative – At-Large Representative

Kyle Salem, Ph.D., President & CEO Cassling / CQuence Health Group – Past President

PAST PRESIDENTS

Kyle Salem, Ph.D., President & CEO Cassling / CQuence Health Group – Past President, 2024-2025

Sarah Rider, Senior Director of Donor Experience, University of Nebraska Foundation, 2023 – 2024

Hon. Stefanie Martinez, District Court Judge, 2nd Judicial District (Cass, Otoe, Sarpy Counties), 2021-2023

Mart Sedky, Vice President Human Capital, Omaha Public Power District, 2020-March 2021

William (Wayne) Young, Jr., Ph.D., Creighton University, 2016-2020

Trevor Kula, DA Davidson, 2014-2016

Maureen O’Donnell, LPC, LADC, CEAP, Arbor Family Counseling, 2012-2014

Mary Lee Fitzsimmons, Ph.D., Consultant, 2010-2012

Patrick Davis, MA, PCC, Consultant, 2008-2010

Mary Vondra, Retired, Children’s Hospital and Medical Center, 2006-2008

Joy Johnson, Chair Emeritus, Centering Corporation

DIRECTORS

Rebecca Kleine, Business Development, Latitude Signage + Design

Jeff Krenzer, Clinical Director, Arbor Family Counseling Associates

Jim Reisinger, Attorney, Reisinger Booth & Associates PC LLO

Emily Tonniges, Executive Director, Immanuel Community & Vision Foundations

Dr. Rebecca Wysoske, M.D., University of Nebraska Medical Center

Teddy Young, President, Stable Gray

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Job Openings

At Collective for Hope, we believe in fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where talented individuals can grow and thrive. We are always looking for passionate and driven professionals to join our team. Whether you are an experienced professional or just starting your career, we would love to get to know you. Explore our current job openings and take the next step toward a rewarding career with us.

Explore Job Openings
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Experiences of Hope

I loved the conversations, and it felt like everyone had time to share. Group has been absolutely helpful and comforting. It truly saves my life.

Adults Helping Adults Group Participant