
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
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Cliff McEvoy
Executive Director
(He/Him)
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.
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Sandy Lemen
Senior Program Manager
(She/Her)
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.
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Megan Friel
Outreach & Volunteer Coordinator
(She/Her)
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.
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Tanya Shute-Kadey
Assistant Program Coordinator
(She/Her)
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
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Zach Schafer
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Anica Marcum
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Arin VanMeter-Petrackis

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
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.

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