Who’s Who – General Election – 2023

Middle School Board Representative

Andrew Hillmer

AR for Buffett Middle School. I was a K-12 student in OPS. I have worked North, West, and Midtown Omaha Schools. I have worked in PreK, K, 5th, and 7th grade classrooms.
BA in Intercultural Studies with an emphasis in Community Development. I will fight for teachers’ dignity, safety, and compensation.

Amy Smith

Paula Aguirre

Alternative Education TAC Board Representative

Kim Gardiner  

I am completing my 17th year at the Integrated Learning Program. I believe in equitable opportunities for all staff and students in order to provide the best educational opportunities possible for EVERY OPS student.

Shannon Heng

NEA Representative Assembly Candidates

Katie Cameron
Edward Ventura
Amy Smith
Andrew Hillmer

AR for Buffett Middle School. I was a K-12 student in OPS. I have worked North, West, and Midtown Omaha Schools. I have worked in PreK, K, 5th, and 7th grade classrooms.
BA in Intercultural Studies with an emphasis in Community Development. I will fight for teachers’ dignity, safety, and compensation.
Meeghan Hartfield
Kim Gardiner

I am completing my 17th year at the Integrated Learning Program. I believe in equitable opportunities for all staff and students I order to provide the best educational opportunities possible for EVERY OPS student.
Paula Aguirre
Michelle Richards

I hope as an RA to be able to learn more about the process of supporting teachers through legislation. I hope to gain the empowerment of understanding how to advocated more for myself and other special education teachers within the district. In the advocacy I also hope to better support my students and provide the best learning environment.
Stacie Stevens
Jim Goetz
Anne King
Kristy Lee
Kim Ferris
Faith Johnson
Wes Jensen

As a proud OPS teacher and OEA member (current PACE Chair) since 2019, I look forward to connecting with members from across the nation at NEA RA. This experience (along with being DCDP Secretary & other political involvement/leadership) will help me work to protect & strengthen public education for all students & families in Omaha.
Diana Casey
Shannon Heng
Tonja Frank

As an OEA member for 7 years and past member of the Board of Directors it would be my honor to represent as a delegate. My mission is to keep students and staff safe and healthy at school and the NEA/OEA is a large part of accomplishing that.

Terri Childers
Kiera Cummings

I (Kiera Cummings) am a 5th grade teacher at Indian Hill Elementary School. I am originally from Southern Missouri but moved to Nebraska 9 years ago with my husband who is in the Air Force. I am currently serving the Omaha Education Association as an Association Representative, a member of the instructional advocacy committee, and as a Member Organizer. I would love the opportunity to represent the OEA at the NEA and NSEA assemblies as a delegate to help further my role in the OEA. I feel strongly about advocating for our collective rights and want to use my voice to help further the cause of education in Nebraska.

The following positions have been filled through the process of acclamation.

Vice President – Advocacy

Kathy Poehling

High School Board Representatives

Rae Carlson

Jim Goetz

Elementary Board Representatives

Terri Childers

Amanda Kloke

NSEA Delegate Assembly Delegates

Katie Cameron

Edward Ventura
Amy Smith
Amy Page

I would like to be a candidate for Delegate Assembly. As the chair of membership committee as well as a Member Organizer since summer 2022, I feel I would be a candidate to attend the assembly.
Andrew Hillmer

AR for Buffett Middle School. I was a K-12 student in OPS. I have worked North, West, and Midtown Omaha Schools. I have worked in PreK, K, 5th, and 7th grade classrooms.
BA in Intercultural Studies with an emphasis in Community Development. I will fight for teachers’ dignity, safety, and compensation.
Meeghan Hartfield
Kim Gardiner

I am completing my 17th year at the Integrated Learning Program. I believe in equitable opportunities for all staff and students I order to provide the best educational opportunities possible for EVERY OPS student.
Paula Aguirre
Michelle Richards

I hope as an RA to be able to learn more about the process of supporting teachers through legislation. I hope to gain the empowerment of understanding how to advocated more for myself and other special education teachers within the district. In the advocacy I also hope to better support my students and provide the best learning environment.
Lorie Krebs
Stacie Stevens
Carrie Pratt
Amanda Kloke
Justin Potts
Jim Goetz
Kristy Lee
Kim Ferris
Faith Johnson
Wes Jensen

As a proud OPS teacher and OEA member (current PACE Chair) since 2019, I look forward to connecting with members from across the nation at NEA RA. This experience (along with being DCDP Secretary & other political involvement/leadership) will help me work to protect & strengthen public education for all students & families in Omaha.
Diana Casey
Shannon Heng
Tonja Frank

As an OEA member for 7 years and past member of the Board of Directors it would be my honor to represent as a delegate. My mission is to keep students and staff safe and healthy at school and the NEA/OEA is a large part of accomplishing that.
Terri Childers
Kiera Cummings

I (Kiera Cummings) am a 5th grade teacher at Indian Hill Elementary School. I am originally from Southern Missouri but moved to Nebraska 9 years ago with my husband who is in the Air Force. I am currently serving the Omaha Education Association as an Association Representative, a member of the instructional advocacy committee, and as a Member Organizer. I would love the opportunity to represent the OEA at the NEA and NSEA assemblies as a delegate to help further my role in the OEA. I feel strongly about advocating for our collective rights and want to use my voice to help further the cause of education in Nebraska.
Jared Wagenknecht
Eric Opdahl

I have been an Early Childhood teacher with OPS for the last 17 years. Through this time, I have worked with educators in creating new curriculum for the program as well as acting as a representative regarding the rights of the Early Childhood team.
Rae Carlson

As a student, I served this organization on all levels. As a teacher, I have served this organization on all levels. My previous experience as a local president and negotiator as well as a district vice president will be useful in continuing the mission of OEA through collaboration and unity.
Micole Harms Brazell
Molly Davies
Kim Mefford
Josh McDougall
Kathleen Hayden Matthews
Terrel Matthews