CYFS Faculty
Getting Ready
Sandra Scruggs
Early Childhood Research Technician, Getting Ready
BiographySandra Scruggs
Sandra Scruggs has assisted with research-related tasks across multiple early childhood projects since 2007 and currently provides support for the Getting Ready project. She earned her master’s in nutrition, with an emphasis in public health, from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
Katie Zabel
Early Childhood Coach, Getting Ready
BiographyKatie Zabel
Katie Zabel joined the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 2013 to serve as an early childhood coach on the Getting Ready 0-3 project. She trains early childhood educators in the Getting Ready approach, and supports them through ongoing coaching to build strong partnerships with the parents and families they serve. Zabel earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education/human development from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where she also received an elementary education endorsement.
NeMTSS
Tricia Arps
Integrated Support Specialist
BiographyTricia Arps
Tricia Arps is an integrated support specialist for Region 5 with Nebraska Multi-tiered System of Support (NeMTSS). She provides professional development, technical assistance and coaching to educators statewide, and connects regional providers with districts, schools and programs needing support, leading to enhanced outcomes for all students. Arps' 15 years of experience spans elementary and high school ELL and general education. She earned her degrees from the University of Nebraska—Lincoln.
Maureen Halpenny
Training Resources & Communication Coordinator, NeMTSS
60 CPEH
maureen.halpenny@unl.edu
Maureen Halpenny
Maureen Halpenny is training resources and communication coordinator for Nebraska MTSS (NeMTSS). She provides logistical, technical, organization and communications support to the NeMTSS Implementation Support Team while it works to empower educators to support and prepare all students for success by systematically delivering a range of high-quality instruction. Originally from Omaha, Halpenny earned bachelor's and master's degrees in mathematics education from Boston University.
Heidi Kjar
Integrated Support Specialist
BiographyHeidi Kjar
Heidi Kjar is an integrated support specialist for Region 3 with Nebraska MTSS (NeMTSS). She provides professional development, technical assistance and coaching to educators statewide, and connects regional providers with districts, schools and programs needing support, leading to enhanced outcomes for all students. Kjar's 10 years of experience spans middle and high school ELA, MTSS problem solving and Family & Consumer Sciences. Kjar earned her master's degrees in curriculum & instruction and learning, technology and design from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
Graydon Morris
Integrated Support Specialist
BiographyGraydon Morris
Graydon Morris is an integrated support specialist for Region 3 with Nebraska MTSS (NeMTSS). He provides professional development, technical assistance and coaching to educators statewide, and connects regional providers with districts, schools and programs needing support, leading to enhanced outcomes for each student. Morris' 10 years of experiences spans early childhood teaching, school counseling and, most recently, as a district coordinator — all with a consistent focus on supporting student needs and equipping educators for success. Morris earned his master's and doctoral degrees in educational administration from the University of Oklahoma.
Angie Ourada
Integrated Support Specialist
BiographyAngie Ourada
Angie Ourada is an integrated support specialist with Nebraska’s Multi-Tiered System of Support (NeMTSS). She provides professional development, technical assistance and coaching to educators while connecting regional support providers with districts, schools and programs to strengthen instructional practices and improve student outcomes. Ourada earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education from Nebraska Wesleyan University and her master’s degree in education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She has over 22 years of experience in both elementary and secondary settings.
RESPECT Across Nebraska
Hana Sindi
Project Coordinator, RESPECT Across Nebraska
BiographyHana Sindi
Hana Sindi is a project coordinator for RESPECT Across Nebraska.
TAPP
Marianne Andersen
Research Coordination Specialist, TAPP Online
BiographyMarianne Andersen
Marianne Andersen is a research coordination specialist for TAPP Online, part of the Teachers and Parents as Partners (TAPP) research program. In this role, she supports school-based specialists as they work with parents and teachers to build partnerships between home and school to address social-behavioral concerns of students in preschool and elementary school. Andersen has more than 16 years of experience working with children and families. She holds a master’s degree in developmental psychology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Teresa Calafiore
Family-School Consultant, Tele-TAPP
BiographyTeresa Calafiore
Teresa Calafiore is a family-school consultant for Tele-TAPP, part of the Teachers and Parents as Partners (TAPP) research. She works collaboratively to provide consultative services to parents and educators in rural areas to benefit the academic and behavioral needs of students. Calafiore is from Lincoln, Nebraska, and earned her master’s degree in special education from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Danielle Elsasser
Family-School Consultant, Tele-TAPP
BiographyDanielle Elsasser
Danielle Elsasser is a family-school consultant for Tele-TAPP, part of the Teachers and Parents as Partners (TAPP) research project. She works collaboratively to provide consultative services to parents and educators in rural areas to benefit the academic and behavioral needs of students. Elsasser is from Omaha, Nebraska, and earned her doctorate in educational administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Laura Escobedo
Project Manager, TAPP Online
53 CPEH
402-472-2018
lescobedo2@unl.edu
Laura Escobedo
Laura Escobedo is a project manager for TAPP Online, part of the Teachers and Parents as Partners (TAPP) research program. She is responsible for managing on-site data collection scheduling and activities, maintaining communications with school personnel, providing point-person access to rural schools, service units, and other field staff in distant and remote areas assuring seamless study activities. Escobedo earned her master’s degree in bilingual education from Texas A&M-San Antonio and a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Texas A&M University.
Robin Mills
Family-School Partnership Coach, TAPP Online
BiographyRobin Mills
Robin Mills is a family-school partnership coach with the Teachers and Parents as Partners (TAPP) Online project. Her work focuses on bringing parents, teachers and school specialists together to develop constructive relationships and support positive outcomes for children with behavioral needs. Mills has 13 years of experience in public school administration and special education services. She earned her bachelor's degree in theatre performance from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, a master's degree in communication from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a master's degree in educational leadership from Doane University.
TransformED
Sommer Fousek
Project Manager, TransformED
Project Manager, CEI
Biography
Sommer Fousek
Sommer Fousek is a project manager for the TransformED and Coaching in Early Intervention projects. She serves as the project manager for the Nebraska Academy for Early Childhood Research (NAECR). NAECR provides resources and supports to early childhood researchers across the University of Nebraska system and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration. Fousek earned her master’s degree in public administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Tamara Hechtner-Galvin
Project Coordinator, TransformED: Connections for Kids
Project Coordinator, Getting Ready
21 CPEH
402-472-5529
thechtner2@unl.edu
Tamara Hechtner-Galvin
Tamara Hechtner-Galvin is the project coordinator for Getting Ready. This study focuses on strengthening the relationships children have with adults, as well as strengthening the partnerships between parents and their childcare providers. Collaboratively, parents and teachers identify and build on a child’s strengths, establish developmental goals, and create home-center plans to support developmentally appropriate child goals. Hechtner-Galvin's research interests include family-school partnerships, early childhood education, assessment and early intervention. She earned her doctoral degree in human development and family studies with an emphasis in early childhood education from Iowa State University.
WORDS
Susan Dinsdale
Reading Teacher Coach Specialist, WORDS Project
347 BKC
sdinsdale2@nebraska.edu
Susan Dinsdale
Susan Dinsdale is a reading teacher coach for the Nebraska WORDS project. With more than 34 years of experience in literacy education, she has taught learners from Pre-K through college, specializing in early childhood, gifted education and reading instruction. Passionate about fostering lifelong readers, Dinsdale incorporates innovative supports — including therapy dogs — to inspire confidence and a love of literacy.
Jadyn Ehresman
Reading Teacher Coach Specialist, WORDS Project
BiographyJadyn Ehresman
Jadyn Ehresman is a reading teacher coach for the Nebraska WORDS Project. She works with teachers throughout Nebraska doing classroom observations, coaching and professional development. Ehresman earned her teaching degree from Concordia University, Nebraska, and earned her master's degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
Morgan Ernesti
Reading Teacher Coach Specialist, WORDS Project
250 BKC
mernesti3@unl.edu
Morgan Ernesti
Morgan Ernesti is a reading teacher coach specialist with the Nebraska WORDS Project. She partners with educators to support evidence-based literacy instruction. Ernesti earned her master's degree in curriculum and instruction, and brings seven years of elementary classroom teaching experience to her coaching role.
Michelle Keszler
Reading Teacher Coach Specialist, WORDS Project
250 BKC
mkeszler3@unl.edu
Michelle Keszler
Michelle Keszler is a reading teacher coach with the Nebraska WORDS Project. She brings more than 25 years of experience supporting educators through coaching, professional learning and data-informed instructional practices. Keszler earned master’s degrees from Chadron State College and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She is passionate about advancing literacy through evidence-based reading instruction and collaborative professional growth.
Sara Wing
Reading Teacher Coach Specialist-Lead, WORDS Project
BiographySara Wing
Sara Wing is the lead reading teacher coach for the Nebraska WORDS Project. She works closely with teachers, making classroom observations and conducting personalized coaching sessions. Wing earned her teaching degree from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska. She earned master's degrees in literacy education with a reading specialist dndorsement, and in curriculum and instruction. Wing also holds a doctorate in teacher leadership, and has completed introductory Wilson training and LETRS training. She also serves on the board of the Nebraska State Literacy Association. Wing is passionate about reading and the need for quality professional development in rural Nebraska.
Business / Administration
Julie Erickson
Administrative Coordinator
160 WHIT
julie.erickson@unl.edu
Julie Erickson
Julie Erickson provides administrative support to the director and oversees office management. She works collaboratively with grant support personnel to achieve a high-level of efficiency and productivity in the pre-award process. A native Nebraskan, Julie earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Candy Muñoz
Operations and Finance Manager
162C WHIT
cmunoz8@unl.edu
Candy Muñoz
Candy Muñoz works closely with CYFS leadership and College of Education and Human Sciences business staff to ensure alignment with university policies and best practices. Her responsibilities include managing fiscal administration, budget development, financial reporting and human resources coordination. Muñoz has extensive experience in fiscal administration and regulatory compliance. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in internatinal business.
Research and Grant Support
Kristin Moilanen
Proposal Development Coordinator
162F WHIT
kmoilanen2@unl.edu
Kristin Moilanen
As proposal development coordinator, Kristin Moilanen leverages her academic research and editorial expertise in supporting principal investigators with the preparation of competitive funding applications. After completing her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, she served as a tenured associate professor at West Virginia University (2008-2022), and an editor for the "Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology" (2017-2023).
Rebecca Voigtlander
Grant Specialist (Post-Award)
160E WHIT
rvoigtlander2@unl.edu
Rebecca Voigtlander
Rebecca Voigtlander analyzes grant budgets and expenditures, initiates grant budget reports and reconciles monthly budgets. She maintains updated hours for each staff member and creates categorized reports for hours logged per project.
Seth Teager
Communications & Media Manager
160D WHIT
402-499-7974
steager2@unl.edu
Seth Teager
Seth creates purpose-driven visual communications that elevate, enhance and clearly define the brand and mission of CYFS. With an emphasis on user interface and user experience, he designs and develops websites for the center and center-based projects. He also designs print materials and provides videography for promotional and educational purposes.
Istiaque Ali
Lead Database Developer & Analyst
BiographyIstiaque Ali
Istiaque Ali develops, manages and maintains research databases. He coordinates and analyzes CYFS project data, and programs database-driven websites for the center’s projects. His role also includes the development of electronic mailing lists and dynamic programs to chart and summarize data.
James Fleege
Video & Multimedia Specialist
162B WHIT
fleege@unl.edu
James Fleege
James Fleege is a visual storyteller who uses video and other forms of multimedia to support the mission of CYFS.
Chuck Green
Communications Associate
162J WHIT
cgreen11@unl.edu
Chuck Green
Chuck Green collaborates with research faculty to gather information about grant-funded projects, then shares that information through articles, annual reports, promotional material and press releases across print and digital platforms. He also photographs research activities and events, assists with email marketing and social media, creates and updates website content, and manages the contact database. Originally from Lincoln, Chuck earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Dana Ludvik
Communications & Media Specialist
162F WHIT
dludvik2@unl.edu
Dana Ludvik
Dana Ludvik works closely with CYFS staff and affiliated faculty to develop and implement strategic communications that share the center’s research and help extend its impact. She engages internal and external audiences in the center’s vision and activities through social media, articles, annual reports and promotional materials. Dana is from Lincoln and earned an interdisciplinary master’s degree in marketing, communications and advertising, and a bachelor’s degree in broadcasting, from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Kyleigh Skaggs
Visual Communications & Website Designer
162H WHIT
kskaggs3@unl.edu
Kyleigh Skaggs
Kyleigh designs and executes visual concepts for CYFS and affiliated faculty. She approaches each design with a clear set of goals for how best to elevate the brand and effectively reach its intended audience. Kyleigh earned her master's degree in integrated media communication from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and a bachelor's in visual communication and design from the University of Nebraska Kearney.
Students
| Name | College | Department | Specialization | Campus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odera Achingale | CEHS | Educational Psychology | School Psychology | UNL |
| Madison Berube | CEHS | Educational Psychology | School Psychology | UNL |
| Libby Brower | CEHS | Educational Psychology | School Psychology | UNL |
| Genevieve Bryson | CEHS | Educational Psychology | Counseling Psychology | UNL |
| Alexis Chavez | CEHS | Educational Psychology | Quantitative, Qualitative & Psychometric Methods | UNL |
| Farya Haider | CEHS | Educational Psychology | School Psychology | UNL |
| Roshawn Hollie | CEHS | Educational Psychology | School Psychology | UNL |
| Annica Jonson | CEHS | Educational Psychology | Counseling Psychology | UNL |
| Janella Kang | CEHS | Child, Youth & Family Studies | Global Family Health & Well-being | UNL |
| Jiabin Lyu | CEHS | Child, Youth & Family Studies | Child Development/Early Childhood Education | UNL |
| Taylyn Petsche | CEHS | Educational Psychology | School Psychology | UNL |
| Jenna Stadheim | CEHS | Educational Psychology | School Psychology | UNL |