winner of the national public health information Bringing Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services employees closer together October 2008 coalition’s gold award volume 8, issue 10 Help is on the way!

Nancy Montanez Johner was one of the speakers at the 2008 World Day on the Mall. Story the on page 10!

Inside

Wellness Words 2 From the CEO 3 Louisiana Disaster Relief 4 Employees/Supervisors- Managers of the Year! 6  Photo: Jerry Crisp Happenings! 12 Front Liner Jan Wagner 13 These DHHS employees were among the first in the nation to respond to Louisiana’s plea for help in processing disaster Special Observance, Kronos 14 food stamps for its victims of hurricanes and flooding. Once they got to New Orleans, they found their brightly striped vests made it easier to find each other in the crowded Convention Center. Front row left to right:Crickett Phelps (Dakota City); In their own words… 15 Dalene Krebs (Lincoln); Cynthia Hartley (Lincoln); Mickey Kotlarz (Omaha), Sonia Diaz (Omaha); Sheila Loguda (Omaha); Happenings! 18 Margaret Ahola (Crete) and Stacy Brown (Chadron); Back row left to right: John Butler (Lincoln); Josue Cabral (Omaha); BSDC 19 David Loguda (Omaha); Donna Hajek (North Platte) and Margie Hoffman (York). More on page 2! Length-of-Service Honorees 20 DHHS in the News Update… About the cover… Here are a few headlines of news releases recently issued by Communications & Legislative Thirteen Children & Family Services Services about DHHS programs. A full text of all releases is available under “Newsroom” on Division employees from across the the DHHS Web site. Go to www.dhhs.ne.gov, clicking on the “Newsroom” link and then on state boarded two vehicles and departed “New Releases.” Listen to sound bites issued with releases. from Lincoln’s Central Office to aid victims of Hurricane Gustav in the Gulf Nebraska Celebrates Employ Older Workers Week September 19 coast. Nebraska was the first state in the nation to help—another example Health and Human Services Workers Assist Relief Efforts in Louisiana of helping people live better lives. These September 11 DHHS employees are experienced in processing disaster food stamps. They Project Helps People Live “Wherever They Choose” September 8 helped victims of Nebraska’s severe spring storms and flooding receive Time to Check for Head Lice September 2 emergency food stamp assistance.

Have a story idea you think DHHS should be sharing with media? Contact For more on this dramatic story, see Communications & Legislative Services at (402) 471-9108! pages 4 & 5!

Wellness Words: make the connection . . . Myth-Information! DHHS Public Web site: http://www.dhhs.ne.gov DHHS Employee Web site: http://www2.dhhs.ne.gov Many ideas about health have been repeated so often that we accept them as DHHS System Advocate: 1-800-254-4202, (402) 471-6035 in so...even when they’re not. Here’s a widely- Lincoln, or via e-mail at [email protected] believed myth you need to know the truth about!

Connections is published monthly for employees of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services by Communications and Legislative Services (CLS). “If you go outside in cold weather with wet hair, you’ll catch a cold!” Governor: Developmental Disabilities Director of Operations: Dave Heineman Division Director: Bob Zagozda John Wyvill Believed to be the culprits for countless DHHS Chief CLS Administrator: Medicaid and Long-Term Kathie Osterman generations, cold weather and wet hair Executive Officer: aren’t responsible for people causing Christine Peterson Care Division Director: Editor: Vivianne Chaumont Jerry Crisp colds. Viruses are to blame. Behavioral Health Public Health Division Graphics and Layout, If people catch colds more often during Division Director Director/Chief Medical Scot Adams, Ph.D. Support Services: wintertime, it’s because these viruses Officer: Maisun Allahiq are spread more easily indoors, where Dr. Joann Schaefer Children and Family Judy Barker we come into contact with dry air and Services Division Director: Veterans’ Homes Division Nathan Putens Todd Landry Director: people with colds. Since dry air–indoors John Hilgert or out–can lower a person’s resistance to infection, it’s probably a good idea to use a Readers are invited to submit news, photos & story ideas to the editor via: humidifier in your home. Phone: (402) 471-3995 Fax: (402) 471-3996 E-mail: [email protected]  If you are sick, going outside in cold Interagency mail: Nebraska State Office Bldg.3 rd Floor U.S. mail: P.O. Box 95026, weather will add stress to your body 301 Centennial Mall South, Lincoln, Nebraska 68509-5026 trying to keep warm. That doesn’t make Connections can be made available in an alternative format for those with disabilities. you sick, but if you’re already sick, it Requests will be filled within 15 working days. Prior consent has been obtained for this might take you longer to get better. publication to identify and publish photos of all individuals receiving DHHS services.

EOE/AA/ADA

october 2008 Connections  Christine Peterson (left) with Administrative Assistant Bonnie Engel Photo: Bill Wiley October is State Employee Recognition Month

ebraskans have high expectations for state government Information in this issue of Connections exemplifies your Nand for state employees. work ethic and commitment to helping people live better lives. I’m proud to be the CEO of an agency where people are These aren’t empty words. proud to be state employees and want to serve others through Helping people is what you do every day, whether you’re our health and human services programs. providing safety to abused and/or neglected children or I want to recognize all of you for your dedication and vulnerable adults; educating and protecting people through professionalism. It’s an honor to serve with you. public health efforts; serving those in need of 24-hour facility And, of course, I want to congratulate the DHHS care; assisting the elderly, poor and those with disabilities; or employees who are being honored this month through working behind the scenes to support all of those efforts. our State of Nebraska Recognition program, including our Each day, the Department impacts the lives of thousands Employees of the Year, Managers of the Year, and those who of people. That really is an awesome responsibility. have reached Length of Service milestones. Thank you all forhelping people live better lives.

october 2008 Connections  Answering the call again!

DHHS provides emergency Food Stamp Disaster Relief for Gulf Coast hurricane victims

By Jerry Crisp

After doing the same for victims of severe weather and flooding in Nebraska last summer, DHHS employees provided emergency Food Stamp Disaster Relief for victims of Hurricane Gustav in September. The federal disaster food stamp program is designed to put food back on the table for low-income families who experience losses from flooding and power outages. On September 12th, 13 employees from the Division of Children and Family Services from around the state left Lincoln for Louisiana. Some of the people being deployed had provided aid after Hurricane Katrina and helped after some of the recent damaging spring storms in Nebraska. The group left at 9:00 Friday morning and arrived in New Orleans about 8:00 the next evening. The team assisted for three weeks. The first day at the convention center, Economic Assistance Program (Above) Members of the DHHS Louisiana disaster relief group leave the Nebraska State Office Building in Lincoln during a heavy downpour and head for vehicles waiting to take Specialist Cynthia Hartley reported to them to New Orleans. (Below) Louisiana-bound employees load a van while Cynthia Hartley, supervisor Trish Bergman that about Economic Assistance Program Manager with the Division of Children & Family Services, 200 Convention Center staff distributed answers questions from Lincoln’s KOLN-TV and Omaha’s KETV reporters.  Photos: Jerry Crisp Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards to long lines until cards ran out. After Hartley also reported that at first A week later, Hartley reported that that, staff took about 10,000 applications there was no food or water at the work hours had been cut to 10 hours for emergency Food Stamp benefits. convention center, and that staff had a day, and that long lines had been With staff working 13-hour days, she to leave on breaks to eat. Before the replaced by “a steady stream of people said that “the 13 DHHS employees on weekend was over, water was being at all times.” She also said that “a large site are tired but doing well.” provided. number of eligibility workers made it EmERGENCY relief, PAGE 5

october 2008 Connections  Emergency relief FROM PAGE 4 possible for applicants to be seen right away.” From September 9 through 23, Hartley estimates that they served approximately 80,000 of the estimated 380,000 eligible households in Louisiana. During the second week, the Nebraska delegation was divided into two groups and relocated from the convention center to smaller sites in the West Jefferson and Algiers Parishes. The DHHS group received numerous comments from others on site about how admirable it is that Nebraska provided assistance. “We have a well-trained work force, and I’m proud of these employees for responding to another state’s need,” said Todd Landry, Director of the Division of Children and Family Services. “We learned how devastating power outages can be after several Nebraska communities were hit by summer storms, leaving thousands temporarily without electricity,” said Governor Dave Heineman in a news release on September 11. “I want to thank each state employee who deployed to lend a hand to communities and people in need.” Recent disaster relief efforts testify both to DHHS preparedness and to the commitment of DHHS employees to respond to emergency needs.

(Top) Hurricane Gustav moves inland from the Gulf of Mexico.

(Center) A common scene in many Gulf Coast communities as people search for survivors and assess storm and flood damage.

(Right) People come to the convention center in New Orleans seeking disaster relief.  Photo: Crickett Phelps

october 2008 Connections  DHHS Employees/Supervisors- Managers of the Year!

DHHS is proud to announce the 2008 Employees/ input from all team members including the consumer, he involves all in program development and shared success. Managers of the Year. State agencies are allowed to select one Employee and Manager/Supervisor of the Doug Fuller, Emergency Medical Services Specialist, coordinates the Year for every 500 people employed by the agency. EMS/Trauma Program in the southeast region for the Division of Public Health. He has contributed significantly Employees of the Year to implementing a state-of-the-art electronic patient data collection system Steve Breault, Activity Specialist, has for pre-hospital providers. More than taken a leadership role in shaping the Doug Fuller 80% of Nebraska’s 381 licensed transport pre-vocational class at the Hastings ambulance services have now converted to electronic reporting. Regional Center. When the class took This has saved DHHS and EMS pre-hospital providers time on laundry and cafeteria duties, he and money. That data is now used to enhance patient care. Also helped establish procedures. When a through Doug’s efforts, federal grants will provide automatic youth has a vocational interest, he plans external defibrillators (AEDs) to 172 rural communities to treat job skill activities and arranges visits to those who experience sudden cardiac arrest. Steve Breault work sites and the community college. He also helps youth register for selective service, study for A Maintenance Specialist at the driver’s license exams and complete resumes. Steve is an Western Nebraska Veterans’ Home in excellent mentor who encourages youth and provides the Scottsbluff,Paul Richard cares for the tools they need to succeed. facility as if it were his own home. He follows projects through to completion, A Program Specialist and Consumer maintains high quality standards, and Liaison in the Division of Behavioral has been in charge of the Maintenance Health in Lincoln, Daniel Powers has Department when his supervisor risen to national prominence through Paul Richard was absent. With skills that include advocating for recognition, integration electrical, plumbing, carpentry, painting, landscaping and and acceptance for people in recovery lawn irrigation, he gives prompt attention to maintenance from mental illness and substance issues and willingly cross-trains co-workers to enhance their abuse. He coordinates Nebraska’s skills and better serve both members and staff. Daniel Powers PATH grant, the state’s support service delivery for people who are homeless or at risk of being Judy Shuda, Administrative Secretary homeless, and helped make a national consumer memorial in to the Grand Island Veterans’ Home’s Washington, DC, a reality. Maintenance Department, has a love for veterans that prompts her to make Jeromy Warner, provisionally recommendations to make members’ licensed psychologist, performs all lives more comfortable and happier. psychology functions for the Beatrice The facility’s Safety Coordinator, she State Developmental Center’s Bridges assists with Veterans Administration Program on the Hasting Regional Judy Shuda and Fire Marshal inspectors, from Center campus. With a strong work whom she earns commendations. As coordinator for ethic, high standards and commitment environmental rounds, she documents and records to a team approach, he settles for notes, and develops a repair schedule spreadsheet for the Jeromy Warner nothing less than 100% effort. Gathering maintenance specialist for repairs.

october 2008 Connections  An Information Technology Business A Business System Analyst with the Systems Analyst for DHHS Operations Division of Children and Family Services who works with Child Support in the State Office Building in Lincoln, Enforcement, Tina Zegers helps Barb Ohnoutka works on the N-FOCUS bridge the gap between state and project and is dedicated to her work. local government. Her knowledge of With re-authorization of the Temporary computer systems is unparalleled. Assistance to Needy Families program When enhancements are made in in 2006, many changes were needed Tina Zegers the CHARTS system, she makes Barb Ohnoutka in policy, the N-FOCUS system and applications accessible to all involved. She is the go-to person an almost total rewrite of an extensive federal report. Barb when something needs to be repaired and can’t be fixed in the assisted the TANF team in this huge undertaking. She has also usual way. The ultimate beneficiaries of her work are children developed a close relationship with the regional federal office and families who receive support to which they are entitled. staff to assist Nebraska in making its reports more accurate.

A Child & Family Services Specialist A Program Coordinator with the for the Eastern Service Area officed in Division of Children & Family Services the Nebraska State Office Building in in Lincoln’s State Office Building, Omaha, Melanie Auxier went beyond Allison Wilson is well-organized, the call of duty as case manager for supportive and results-oriented. She a state ward who had been in state shepherds many assignments in which custody since 2004. Concerned outcomes are integrally related to about his safety, several previous funding and federal approval. She was Melanie Auxier case managers tried diligently but Allison Wilson one of two asked to write the State’s unsuccessfully to find the missing youth. Within 30 days, Program Improvement Plan and was able to bridge gaps, Melanie confirmed the youth’s whereabouts and gained obtain consensus, and assist with developing a plan approved custody of the youth and a sibling. Her dedication to clients by federal officials and now implemented across the state. and willingness to assist others in coverage and professional She coordinates audits for the Division’s federally required development are highly valued. Children and Family Services Review and is always on the lookout for ways to streamline processes and support people. Diana Blythe, Social Service Worker in the Beatrice office, advocates for Supervisors of the Year accurate benefits and dignity and respect for clients. A team leader and An Administrative Assistant within the mentor, her strengths include problem- Division of Developmental Disabilities solving, creativity, and time-saving in the Lincoln office,Kim McFarland ideas. Involved with the Food Stamp has strengths that include sensitivity to Southeast Accuracy Team (SEAT) and others’ needs and the ability to connect Diana Blythe the area’s Disaster Response Team, she person-to-person. Her skills allow her is also active in the community. to relate to and communicate effectively with people with developmental A Recreation Assistant at the Youth Kim McFarland disabilities, advocates, and co-workers. Rehabilitation & Treatment Center Knowledgeable and resourceful, she contributes to the Division’s at Geneva, Anita Haumont excels in efficiency and effectiveness. Division employees consider communication skills, dependability themselves lucky to have her as a co-worker, mentor and friend. and relationship-building. During the past year, she has taken on the added Irene Hirschman, Nurse Supervisor at duty of First Aid/CPR instructor and the Lincoln Regional Center, is called a directed the facility’s Charitable Giving “great communicator.” She keeps staff Anita Haumont Campaign. Ensuring that all staff well informed and provides ongoing learned about the benefits of their contributions, charitable updates about clients. She not only giving substantially increased. She is also instrumental in cares about staff but is always willing to arranging the annual IMPROV camp for youth, Anita’s eye help, especially with patients exhibiting for detail, work ethic and dedication are exemplary. challenging behaviors. She knows every Irene Hirschman aspect of nursing needs and has solid

october 2008 Connections  ethics and great judgment that employees want to emulate. has helped create a working atmosphere Above all, Irene is always passionate about doing things right. that makes one proud to be part of the Water Well Standards Program. He has John Kroll, Director of Nursing at the been instrumental in leading a project Norfolk Regional Center, has kept the that has produced ground-breaking nursing department staffed and the research showing how grout performs staff educated to maintain quality care underground. This research will affect throughout a period of change. His how water wells are constructed in the exemplary leadership and character Tom Christopherson future and is being followed by other helped keep a viable workforce states. Tom works with staff to set attainable goals and then and quality care in place during encourages them to apply personal skills to get the job done. John Kroll reorganization of patient care. While continuing his duties as Director of Nursing, John also took Brenda Knutson, Director of Nursing on interim duties as Facility Operating Officer and did a fine at the Eastern Nebraska Veterans’ job of managing the hospital. Home in Bellevue, cares deeply about vulnerable adults in general The Qualified Mental Retardation and veterans in particular. A recent Professional Manager at the Beatrice challenge was helping to keep two State Developmental Center, Delvin facilities operational for several hours Koch also performs administrative during transfer of members from their functions for the Active Treatment Brenda Knutson former home in Omaha to their new Administrator position. Beginning as home in Bellevue, 27 miles away. Her planning was flawless, a direct care provider, later serving as and the move was smooth for all involved. a Psychological Services Assistant and Delvin Koch advancing to supervisory positions as Kari Calvillo, Nurse Director/Associate QMRP and Team Leader, he has demonstrated leadership at the Norfolk Veterans’ Home, lives skills in each position. His commitment to excellence the facility motto of “Members Living and dedication to a team approach are obvious to anyone Well.” This is shown in her commitment fortunate enough to work with him, and he willingly to the care of each individual member devotes long hours implementing Plans of Correction he that earns her the trust of both helped design. members and staff. Kari exhibits her ability to be Charge Nurse, assist the Cindy Kadavy is an administrator within Kari Calvillo Medical Director with member rounds, the Division of Medicaid and Long- and respond to any need and meet any challenge with a level Term Care in Lincoln’s Central Office. of professionalism that is second to none. Cindy supervises an area that serves persons who are elderly or have disabling Bradley Gianakos, an attorney with conditions and need ongoing services Legal Services for DHHS Operations through nursing facilities, intermediate in Lincoln, provides leadership and a care facilities for those with mental calm and steady role model to those Cindy Kadavy retardation, home health, personal he supervises. While offering the assistance and hospice. She oversaw the startup of the federal management needed for staff to deliver Money Follows the Person initiative to encourage transition of effective legal services, he is a selfless, people from facilities to home-based and community-based can-and-will-do attorney who brings settings. Cindy makes a habit of incorporating logic, consistency Bradley Gianakos a wealth of experience with DHHS and efficiency in policy decisions as she and her staff implement programs to his new role as General Counsel section leader. new approaches to streamline processes and promote positive His experience in child protection and public health and outcomes in a fiscally responsible way. many working relationships he established as a hard-working advocate serves him well. With a clear understanding of the The Health Program Manager for the Environmental law and the agency he serves, he also understands people and Health Section within the Division of Public Health, Tom never asks those he supervises to do more than he would do Christopherson encourages staff to use their experience in himself. Brad’s experience and intellect serve the agency well. the water well industry more as teachers than enforcers. He

october 2008 Connections  Brenda Brooks, the Children & Family security. He also continues to conduct tornado emergency Services Supervisor in the Western preparedness training that keeps the facility ready for any Service Area in the North Platte office, weather emergency. Brian is part of the glue that helps hold is a catalyst to change for families everything together. in difficult situations. She lets them know their input is valued, gives them Tami Osborne, the Children & Family hope and remains committed to their Services Supervisor in the Northern progress. When families are faced Service Area in the DHHS O’Neill Brenda Brooks with safety issues, she is honest but not office, volunteered to train Tribal staff judgmental. When co-worker workloads are heavy, she is the members from the Santee, Winnebago first to offer help. When getting the Child Advocacy Center and Omaha Child Protective Services up and running, she assisted with training and community Programs. She puts her creativity to awareness. She sets the bar high for herself and inspires work when designing ways to motivate others to do the same. Tami Osborne and challenge her staff to better serve children and their families. She communicates often with Mary Eman, the Service Coordination employees to acknowledge the quality of their contributions. Supervisor in the Division of Her knowledge and experience is a vital resource for staff and Developmental Disabilities’ Holdrege the children and families they serve. office, positively impacts persons with developmental disabilities statewide Carolyn Pendrell, Social Services through serving on the quality Supervisor for the Eastern Service assurance committee. She shared Area office in Omaha, sets an example her expertise by helping develop new of superior customer service. Her Mary Eman Individual Program Plan format forms leadership contributes directly to and a quality assurance review process. She also assisted the quality of work provided by the with developing a statewide training program for Service Employment First (EF) team she Coordinators. Those whose efforts she oversees benefit from oversees. She has made contributions to her vast knowledge, strong advocacy and innovative thinking. Carolyn Pendrell increase the Food Stamp accuracy rate and the work participation rate for EF participants. Her solid A Youth Security Supervisor at the Youth Rehabilitation & reasoning and sound judgment make her an invaluable asset Treatment Center at Kearney, Brian Long has a positive, to both EF and DHHS. caring attitude and is never too busy to listen to youth and staff concerns. He’s fair and never asks others to Congratulations to these Employees/Managers-Supervisors of the do what he wouldn’t do himself. His leadership has led Year and to all DHHS employees, managers and supervisors yet to to a strong nucleus of staff who have enhanced campus be so honored for helping people live better lives.

Average Page Views and Downloads Per Day

45,000 Good Things Are Happening! In December 2004, the average number of page views and 40,000 38,137 downloads on the DHHS Web site totaled just over 18,000 per day. 35,000 As this chart shows, that number has nearly doubled over the past 32,037 30,000 3.5 years to 38,137 per day. Activity on the site has grown twice 24,651 25,000 25,790 as fast in the first six months of 2008 than in most previous full 20,000 calendar years. 18,053 15,000 DHHS Webmaster Greg Votava attributes these skyrocketing stats 10,000 to a new design, more user-friendly navigation, simplified language and the ability for people to subscribe to content, creating more 5,000 consistent return visits — yet another example of DHHS ongoing 0 outreach to clients, customers and the general public! Dec 2004 Dec 2005 Nov 2006 Dec 2007 Jun 2008

october 2008 Connections  Photo: Mike Shullaw World Day on the Mall 2008 marks the 11th year of World Day on the Mall — an annual extravaganza to honor state employees and celebrate diversity and acceptance of all people.

Held on Centennial Mall just north of the State Also performing was “The Executive Steel Band,” Capitol, the event is hosted by DAS State Personnel as well as an award-winning step team from and DHHS with help from several state agencies. It is Lincoln Southeast High School. sponsored in part by a grant from the Nebraska Arts Nancy Montanez Johner was one of the Council and contributions from local businesses. presenters of “Loving Your Family — Feeding Those attending World Day enjoyed tasty ethnic Their Future” in the State Office Building in cuisines and the talents of “Son Del Liano,” a Lincoln on September 9. Former Director of the group reviving classic musical sounds of 1950s and Nebraska Department of Health and Human ‘60s Havana, original salsa and elegant boleros. Services, Johner is Under Secretary for Food,

october 2008 Connections 10 Son Del Liano Photo: Mike Shullaw

Nutrition and Consumer Services with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Lieutenant Governor Rick Sheehy was keynote speaker at World Day’s opening ceremony [photo at right]. He called World Day on the Mall “a great tradition helping celebrate the diversity represented by Nebraska’s peoples and cultures.” The Lieutenant Governor concluded his remarks by saying, “We must be able to utilize all of our available resources— especially our human resources, and the hard-working men and women of all backgrounds who call this state home… Today’s celebration is part of our recognition that Nebraska’s growing diversity is something that has the potential to make great contributions to our value as a state and our ability to forge a prosperous future for our children and grandchildren.” World Day’s Planning Committee represents a multi- agency collaboration and includes representatives from DHHS, State Personnel, Department of Education, Lincoln- Lancaster County Health Department, Department of Roads, State Patrol, Department of Agriculture, Mexican-American Commission, Worker’s Compensation Court, and members- at-large. The Planning Committee is co-chaired byRoxanne Rediger and Charles Roberson of Administrative Services– State Personnel. Photo: Jerry Crisp

october 2008 Connections 11 Happenings! Photos spotlighting DHHS activities around the state

Shaken Baby Simulators Five seconds of shaking is all it takes to damage a baby’s brain and cause lifelong problems or even death. “Infants and young children are susceptible to Shaken Baby Syndrome because their heads are bigger than their bodies and their shoulders and neck muscles are underdeveloped,” says Yolanda Nuncio, administrator of the Central Service Area. The DHHS Grand Island office now has two new Shaken Baby Syndrome Simulators, Hot Wax, Cool Art! donated by the Saint Francis Foundation. Take molten beeswax, paint pigment and a dose of creativity, and you have a successful The simulators are infant-size dolls with a encaustic art activity at the Youth Rehabilitation & Treatment Center in Geneva (YRTC-G). clear head and face. They cry and can be Lincoln artist Margaret Berry spent 20 hours of one week teaching 44 YRTC-Geneva girls held and rocked – and shaken. When the and 18 staff members encaustic wax art. Encaustic wax can be molded, sculpted, textured doll is shaken, different sections of the ‘brain’ and combined with collage materials by fusing colors in wax to a surface with a hot iron. light up and show potential damage to “I was impressed with the girls’ problem-solving skills and creativity while working in a memory, speech, vision, emotions or arm new medium,” said Elizabeth Mattox, Chemical Dependency Training Specialist at YRTC- and leg movements. Geneva. Having seen Berry at a Nebraska Arts Council workshop last fall, Mattox arranged “We’ll use the simulators to train staff; for the artist-in-residence visit. at team, parenting and foster parenting Berry is the only encaustic instructor in a 5-state area and thinks YRTC-Geneva is the only meetings; and during home visits,” said facility of its kind in the U.S. to offer it. Her residency was funded in part by a grant from the Nuncio. “It gives us a chance to share Nebraska Arts Council. alternatives for coping with a crying baby.” Photo: Mary Stofer Nuncio said those alternative include laying the baby down on his/her back in a crib, going to another room for a short break, or taking deep breaths and counting If you have a photo of a DHHS activity you’d like to share with co-workers across the slowly to 10. state, contact Connections by any means listed in the editorial box on page 2, and we’ll Photo courtesy of RealityWorks publish as many as space allows.

october 2008 Connections 12 There are thousands of stories to be told about DHHS employees who deliver direct customer services that help people live better Front Liners lives. This is only one of them.

“The main reward is all the great By Jerry Crisp people we work with throughout DHHS whose work requires legal advice or Jan Wagner has a no-nonsense, assistance,” says Jan. businesslike way about her that leaves But the legal advice people seek isn’t room for a twinkle in her eye— always DHHS-related. qualities that help her do her work “Every spring, we get phone calls as Administrative Assistant in Legal from people inquiring about the Services, a job she’s been doing for more legality of returning swimwear,” Jan than a dozen years. explains. “They buy a new swimsuit, In addition to the usual office later find it doesn’t fit as well or duties typical for any Administrative doesn’t look as good as first thought, Assistant, Jan’s primary focus is on and wonder if they can still return it. the Division of Public Health (where There’s no law that says one can’t return she worked for almost a decade before swimwear, of course, but every spring coming to Legal Services). When she we get those calls anyway.” arrives in the morning, she checks “We constantly juggle multiple her calendar for scheduled public or projects, and Jan handles the ever- Jan Wagner Photo: Jerry Crisp legislative hearings, gathers files and changing workload with a great sense exhibits that DHHS attorneys will need, “Jan has all kinds of contacts in of humor,” says Jodi Fenner, Legal and readies for any emergency that the Nebraska State Office Building in Services administrator. “While we all might arise and often does. Lincoln,” says Brad Gianakos, General take our work seriously, her contagious “CEO Chris Peterson, the six Counsel Section Leader for Legal laughter helps us keep everything in its Division Directors or program people Services, “She always knows exactly who appropriate perspective.” might pop in at any time with a to talk to whenever we need something.” Respected by her colleagues and question, concern or special project,” Like many other DHHS employees, co-workers throughout DHHS for her Jan says. “Like any other part of Jan’s biggest challenge is finding—or professionalism, Jan Wagner does her Operations, we’re a support service to making—time to get everything done work with a dash of wry humor that all those who fulfill the DHHS motto of in a timely fashion, but she finds only makes her more personable. helping people live better lives.” compensations as well. For What It’s Worth… An anonymous tip from a DHHS co-worker you might be able to use:

Listen with ears, eyes and heart! Listening with our hearts means listening empathetically, making a conscious effort to see things as Listening with our ears means listening actively by others do, to walk a mile in their shoes. Whether we end focusing on the person speaking to us and what they’re saying up sharing their viewpoint or not, we understand them by clearing our minds of distractions. If that sounds obvious, better than we would otherwise. remember that most of us don’t do this most of the time! Listening with ears, eyes and heart makes us all better Listening with our eyes means observing body listeners, as we all discover for ourselves whenever we do it! language that can reveal mood or attitude and maintaining eye contact to show interest and help us focus on what To share your tip (anonymously if you like), contact Jerry Crisp by they’re saying…if you see what I’m saying! phone at (402) 471-3995, or by e-mail at [email protected].

october 2008 Connections 13 November Observance: Nakyta is a very sociable little girl who National Adoption loves to interact and play with others. She enjoys being active and can often be found riding her bike and playing Month! outside.

For many reasons — including neglect, abuse and Michael is an abandonment–there are children who have found themselves affectionate, friendly, polite and helpful in the foster care system. Many of these children are free for young man. He enjoys being outdoors, adoption and are looking for a loving family. playing basketball and football. You can get information about adopting children who are state wards by calling 1-800-7PARENT (1-800-772-7368). Shyanna is a smart, Children who are free for adoption are featured on the DHHS young lady who can Web site at http://www.dhhs.ne.gov/adoption/children.htm keep herself busy and on the Heart Gallery Web site at doing different craft projects. Shyanna http://nebraskaheartgallery.org/heartgallery.htm. Here’s a enjoys doing beadwork and even knows quick visit with a few of these deserving, loving children. how to crochet. She also likes going to the mall and shopping for new clothes to add Chyann is an energetic to her wardrobe. and fun-loving young lady. She loves to play Aaron is a typical teenager and enjoys outside, swim, and read. typical teenager activities. He has a Her brother Nathen is a good sense of humor and likes playing very active boy who loves video games and hanging out with his to be outside. He can friends. spend hours riding his bicycle, skateboarding, or roller-skating.

Kronos is coming! used. Since this is a Web-based system, entry and approval can be done from any computer with Internet access, A Heads-up from eliminating use of paper timesheets. You will also have real-time leave balances on-line Human Resources and through this system. Leave and comp time balances are Development downloaded from the NIS system. Leave usage entered on your timecard deducts those hours immediately to show a Half of you will hear that “Kronos is real-time leave balance in Kronos. Supervisors/managers coming” and say, “Kronos is already will also be able to see real-time balances in Kronos for here!” The other half will say, “What’s Kronos?” Kronos those they supervise. is an electronic time-and-attendance software system Human Resources and Development is working on an that captures employee’s work time, leave used and leave implementation and training plan for the rollout of Kronos accrued. All DHHS 24-hour facilities already use it, but software. The goal is to have it implemented system-wide Kronos will soon be used by all DHHS employees. by the middle of 2009. All employees and supervisors in If you work in a DHHS Service Area and Central Office the Service Areas and Central Administration will attend locations, you will soon be using a new Internet-based computer classroom training on the software. module of Kronos to record your time. In these areas, More information will be provided as Kronos Kronos will replace Excel timekeeping spreadsheets now implementation approaches.

october 2008 Connections 14 In their own words… Letters to DHHS employees who are helping people live better lives

: Dear Hastings Regional Center staff I would like to thank all of you for all of the help you have given me. My experience here has been a good one, and I believe it will help me live a better life in the real world. When I first came here I didn’t believe I had a problem, now I know I do. But I’m leaving here with the skills to live a successful life and overcome my addiction. I’ve learned what my addiction has cost me, and what I need to do to stay sober and prevent it from causing any further damage. The staff here have helped me overcome many obstacles, and gave me many tools to live a successful life. I now believe that I can overcome my past and live a successful and happy life. I owe a great deal of my success in recovery to HRC. No matter what the youth say, this place truly does help, and to people who want it, offers them a chance at a better life. Dear Ann Kawata (Economic Assistance Thank you all for everything you have given me and helped me with. I wish Administrator, DHHS Broken Bow office): you all the best, and hope you continue to help young men work toward a I want to tell you what a great job better future. God Bless. Darrin Wyatt (Social Service Worker, A former client in the HRC Juvenile Chemical Dependency program DHHS Grand Island office) did while I was working with him. Last winter my husband was laid off from work due to the weather, and he was off for three months. During that time, I had to swallow my pride and ask for assistance. It took us a month or more to get the first unemployment check. I had applied for food stamps and Kids’ Connection for all three of my children. Fortunately, when the decision was made regarding food stamps, my husband began Please send letters from satisfied customers via any receiving his unemployment benefits, method listed in our editorial box on page 2, and we’ll so we didn’t need the food stamps. publish as many as space allows. Walking into the office and asking for assistance was very tough for me, but Darrin made me feel at ease. He was so non-judgmental and kind. I think he should be commended for doing such a great job and being so family-centered. A Central Service Area client

october 2008 Connections 15 Dear Gina Ruskamp (Social Service Worker, DHHS Wayne office): I want to thank you for helping me and my girls these past few years with health care and food stamps. This assistance truly helped us during my return to graduate school and transition into a new career. My family and I are truly thankful for such programs.

A Northern Service Area client

Dear Patsy Juedes- Fulk Specialist Supervisor, DHHS (Children Gering & office): Family Services I am writing to compliment you on Child & Family Services Specialist Barton Blair response to ensure a safe discharge for his for rapid a vulnerable adult found to be in need of an emergency temporary guardianship. Due to great teamwork and coordination, this vulnerable adult was discharged in a timely manner to a safe setting, with Dear Mary Rice (Eligibility Technician, Nebraska support of his extended family and friends. Please State Office Building, Omaha): extend to Bart my sincere thank you for his efforts that ensured safety and long-term plan for a patient. Wow, Mary. I was astonished to get that package of authorizations in the mail from you yesterday!

Thank you so much for your hard work on this. LaVonne Ashwood I appreciate it immensely. The Child Saving Medical Social Work Regional West Medical Center Institute is thrilled to be able to work with you

Scottsbluff, Nebraska because your efficiency and attention to details is amazing. Thank you again so much! Micaela A. Moderow, MHSA Volunteer & Training Coordinator Child Saving Institute Omaha, Nebraska

october 2008 Connections 16 Waste not, Want not! Because it’s included in the job description binder, see if someone else could use it, for some state government employees, we or send it to Surplus Property for resale. might be tempted to think that recycling Doing the right thing takes only is their job, not ours. Fact is, recycling is a few moments longer and helps us EVERYONE’s job. become part of the solution. If no Most people might agree that recycling recycle bin is handy, ask your local is a good thing and even want to do recycling coordinator or office manager their part, yet many of us have picked up to get one and place it next to your wasteful habits. For instance, what do we wastebasket so that wastefulness is no do at work with a large binder of material longer easier or more convenient! that is no longer needed? “Waste not, want not” might be an Have you ever pitched that binder old adage, but age doesn’t keep it from full of outdated material into the still being perfectly valid. The more we nearest wastebasket? reduce waste and conserve resources, Why? That wastebasket might be the better for our workplace, our close by and seems like the quickest, community, our planet and ourselves! easiest solution to the problem. This is only one way for all of us to But why not remove the contents to become more efficient recyclers. Keep put in the nearby recycling basket? Then reading Connections for more recycling decide to reuse the perfectly reusable tips in upcoming issues.

october 2008 Connections 17 Happenings! Photos spotlighting DHHS activities around the state

Learning to save lives One hundred Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) were distributed to DHHS buildings across the state in July. “The aim of our educational sessions is to help anyone feel comfortable using an AED to help someone in need,” Kari explains. “The more comfortable a person feels, the more likely they will be to use the device to save a life.” Easy to operate, an AED uses voice prompts, lights and text messages to instruct the rescuer. The rescuer will be prompted to apply the two pads provided with the AED to the victim’s chest. Once applied, the AED will monitor the victim’s heart rhythm and, if necessary, direct a rescuer to deliver an electrical shock or delivers the shock automatically. After the shock, the unit prompts for CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) with a built-in metronome that sets the pace for proper chest compressions and instructs you through the CPR process. Kari Majors answers a question about an AED asked by Victoria Schwab during an “We all hope AEDs won’t be educational session in the Nebraska State Office Building in Lincoln, asMel Bargas needed,” Majors says, “but if someone (Schwab’s husband and Deptartment of Education employee) looks on. Majors is Heart experiences sudden cardiac arrest, Disease & Stroke Prevention Coordinator and Schwab is a Community Health Nurse AEDs could make the difference with the Division of Public Health. Photo: Jerry Crisp between life and death.”

International visitors Seven non-governmental leaders from around the globe visited with DHHS officials on September 2nd. Staff from the Division of Children & Family Services shared information on how they interact with private sector agencies. The group came from Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Kosovo, Dominica, Jordan, the People’s Shown talking with three of the visitors are (from left) Chris Hanus, Administrator of the Republic of China and Saudi Arabia. Child Welfare Unit, Policy Section; Todd Reckling, Policy Section Administrator; and Mike “The meeting was helpful for Harris. The three visitors shown are Petar Georgiev from Bulgaria, Dr. Wan Jun from China, the visitors and us to learn how and Ms. Angelica Pierre-Louis from Dominica. Photo: Bill Wiley communications and policies are handled in their countries compared to ours,” said Mike Harris, Administrator If you have a photo of a DHHS activity you’d like to share with co-workers across the of the Economic Assistance & Child state, contact Connections by any method listed in the editorial box on page 2, and Support Enforcement Unit. we’ll publish as many as space allows.

october 2008 Connections 18 Something to CHEER about! Jill Hatzenbuehler and Megan Hicok, two direct care providers at the Beatrice State Developmental Center (BSDC), were excited about an upcoming cheerleading camp at Diller-Odell High School and used break time at work to practice. “If you want to show clients your cheers and work their programs into it, this could make a great learning experience,” said Treatment Specialist Karen Engelman. Center clients enjoyed the activity so much that Engelman asked the cheerleaders if they’d share it with the whole campus. On July 24, the two staff members were joined by a third member of the high school cheerleading squad in a couple dance routines and several cheers at the campus gym in which Center clients were included. Well over 175 clients and staff members showed up. Plans are to offer this event again next year and invite the entire high school cheerleading squad!

Shown is Center citizen James Blankenau surrounded by Jill Hatzenbuehler (left), Megan Hicok (right), and high school squad member Julie Kalivoda following their performance at the BSDC campus gym. BSDC clients benefit in more ways than one from on-call high school students like these who supplement full-time employees by assisting with eating and recreational activities. The youthful energy they bring to entertaining activities like cheerleading also finds its way into the daily care they provide, enhancing both quality of services and quality of life for the clients they serve. Photo: Cary Udell

october 2008 Connections 19 DHHS Length-of-Service Honorees

The following DHHS employees are recognized for years of service from 10 35 Years of Service 30 Years of Service years to 45 years in 5-year increments. Beatrice State Southeast Service Area Beatrice State Central Service Area Their service is both valuable and Developmental Center Kathryn M Bean\ Developmental Center Susan K Jensen valued. Please congratulate those you Gwen Duitsman Susan L Klein Rita Allen Patricia M Loeffelholz know for their contributions to helping Teresa K Goetz Patsy F Pittman Sandra Clark Katherine Rehtus Carol Janssen people live better lives. Yvonne Eckhoff Kay L Schenck Deborah A Janssen Connections publishes this Western Service Area Roger V Girch Barbara I Jones Linda Belford information provided by DAS State Loretta M Goracke Eastern Service Area Marilyn J Keilig Jennifer A Hilpmann Lynn A Banker Personnel. If errors or omissions appear, Lois J Kotas Susan K Laber Virginia L Moore Debra J Bigando please contact your local Human Judy K Little Robert L Maxson Deborah K Silverman Pamela J Curry Jeanne Lytle Resources Office. Nancy K Mayfield Linda M Dorrell Virginia M Meyer YRTC-Geneva Lou A Maxson Robin M Hudson Dianne Springer Donald P Belau Rosemarie Milke Lucy A Hughes Frances Stegemann 45 Years of Service Delores S Hartman Allan D Neal Edna L Martin Kimerley Recker Sharon J Maynard Hastings Regional Center YRTC-Geneva Hastings Regional Center YRTC-Kearney Richard Schnaidt Nadine E Plambeck Rose M Henricksen Francis W Hurst Charlene J Gentert Timothy R Jorgensen Linda K Graham Jeanette M Stevens Susan M Strnad Lincoln Regional Center Division of Public Health Jean M Luther Division of Children Debra J Swoboda Billy G Haughton Karen M Johnson Gary S Peisiger and Family Services Charlotte J Taylor Northern Service Area Peggy J Weseman Sandra J Accardy Inez M Trauernicht Judith E Pedersen Norfolk Regional Center Operations Louann M Larson-Gaston Debra A Uarich Nelda Rosenbaum Darlene M Porter Georgia L Skinner Lincoln Regional Center Beverly J Weber Bettie J Ward Southeast Service Area Audronis L Dapsys Michelle A Buresh Daniel A Wieden Northern Service Area Randolph S Jacobs Claire J Speedlin Shelley S Graham David Lee Prokesh Sr Linda J Harral Susan H Wesche Hastings Regional Center Melinda M White Dalene J Krebs Division of Public Health Mary A Bishop Kathleen L Goddard Irene R Marcussen 40 Years of Service Grand Island Steven T Fielder Sharon K Rotert Veterans’ Home Operations Janis K Stahl Beatrice State YRTC-Geneva Lincoln Regional Center Kathleen S Hegwood Bonita K Bartels Ramona K Tuxhorn Developmental Center Richard Wehland Barbara L Rhoad Cynthia Hunter Linda K Hyberger Rose E Dixson Victoria A Van Arsdall Janet M Warneke Susan K Hughes Audrey E Kelly Division of Public Health Norma J O’Brien Steven Lagemann YRTC-Geneva Hastings Regional Center Jack L Daniel Central Service Area Marsha Rekart Edward E Varejcka Jerry L Herman Marlene M Petr G Daniel Cillessen Deborah Pool Linda M Sylvan Nancy S Kalvoda Sheryl K Taylor Norfolk Regional Center Lincoln Regional Center Operations Wanda F Yoachim Susan Dahlman Agnes Davis Julie L Beutler Division of Children John E Anderson Eastern Service Area and Family Services Katherine P Nicholson Virginia J Goomis Susan K Waterman David L Brown Katie Adams Jeanette A Harris Marion G Schmidt Shirley Baack Mariellen R Becker Sandi Aden Thomas W Jurgens Joan M Brunkow Bryan L Klein Grand Island Larry D Morrison Veterans’ Home Division of Eastern Service Area Florence M Carr Robert J Cummings Developmental Larry L Bamesberger Jeannette J Dyer Danny L Ransdell Shiela R Daniels Disabilities Dianne D Geddes Dennis B Jones Julia M Schluckebier Donald D Severance Norfolk Veterans’ Home Elsa Miller Barbara A Berten Joan L Speicher-Simpson Northern Service Area Rodney D Halm Edith M Eichberger Elizabeth J Nicolas Wade B Remmenga Rozanne E Phillips Continued

october 2008 Connections 20 30 Years of Service Gina L Ruskamp Division of Children and Norfolk Veterans’ Home Dana S Thornburg Dian C Schellenberg Family Services Kimberly A Benson Alvin L Zimmerman Jill L Bittner Division of Medicaid Patricia A Shefferd Carole L Tremain Lanell E Bilau Carol K Case and Long Term Care Debra K Sumpter Shelley R Hubers YRTC-Geneva Kristi K Holmes Southeast Service Area Lori B Retzlaff Janice A Slepicka Richard Mayfield Division of Public Health Sandra K Wiseman Sherri L Scholl Andrea L Carpenter Beverly Spang Division of Public Health YRTC-Kearney Mary Shanahan Terri L Chmelka Shirley A Deethardt Mary M Becker Western Nebraska Scott A Casper Marcia A Alber Richard G Kreifels Connie M Luers Marlene A Janssen Veterans’ Home James B Christensen Alicia A Hahne Oestmann Eike D Marthaler Paula Eurek Patricia L Deutsch Debra A Stoltenberg Janet Boyer Dale C Shallenberger Loretta Pellan Janice R Heusinkvelt Sidney L Haarberg Jerry P Fischer Laura Singleton Kathleen S Krogh Mary J Richey Julie A Luedtke-Miller Timothy T O’Dea Cynthia L Kelley Kirsten Olmsted Mary B Treick Donna J Range Central Service Area Virginia J Sisson Judy Ann Barker Ladonna K Shippen Marjorie Creason Division of Children and Marvie J Sullivan Thomas G Budenholzer Western Service Area Marcia A Eberle-Unick Family Services Operations Deborah Christlieb Tammy S Mefford Bonnie M Fisher Kristal K Millstead Operations Linda K Jimenez Linda Devore Christina Magdaleno Cindy S Keller Shirley A Pickens-White Kaylene M Wessel Pamela J Spale Herbert A Massey Dee Walton Karen E Kuta Joyce E Schneider Diane M Schnase Richard E Mettler Gill Parks Tiara M West Nancy K Lyne Lynelle J Schwedhelm Patricia Mulvaney Susan L Zook Sandy J White Sheryl Y Oberheu Connie J Philbrick Elizabeth A Widener Sheila I Winslow 25 Years of Service Carmen Segura Division of Malinda K Shobe Patricia A Wright Developmental Beatrice State Grand Island YRTC-Kearney Developmental Center Veterans’ Home Kathie K Osterman Disabilities Eastern Service Area Priscilla A Andersen Kristi L Bowers Michael A Buchta Karen K Kammann Pamela Hovis Rita D Briggs George E Clark Cindy L Copley Deborah B Eirich Lori Keenan Sharon K Kahm Paul G Farrand Susan B Clausen Barbara L Elliott Debra E Murrish Ann C Mallory Anita L Hagerty Melba Engel Tamala S Hansen Division of Public Health Diana F Hostetter Peggy Prusa-Ogea Tony Kelley Jeff A Hawkinson Rosezerian C Jackson-Griffith Nila Irwin David Knisely Vicky L Lierman 20 Years of Service Dara A Johnson Cynthia Stolldorf Stanley A Miller Diann L Sandberg Beatrice State Heidi Fahrnbruch Mary L Kangior Dean Cole Bernice Rinne Karen C Sweatman Developmental Center David A Fricke Sandra A Key Ali A Latifi Judy A Schock James L Bush James Oconnell Vickey L Kobza Kathy K Fischer James K Stone Norfolk Veterans’ Home Robert E Chace Cynthia Reece Diane E Martig Jacqueline R Johnson Wayne Waltke Tammy S Mefford Frederich E Devries Gordon J Tebo Michele A McClellan Sheila M Exstrom Sara Young Elton D Edmond Debra L Pflager Nancy M Hauschild Central Service Area Nettie S Grant Sikyta Daniel Ullman Debra R Corman Joel D Rogers Charlene Kelly Hastings Regional Center Janet B Hiner Joyce Weber Judy L Regelin Vickie A Stauffer Tony L Kopf Lynn A Folcik Shelly A Johnsen Tamara T Welch Dorothy Wadas Jane M Teten Nancy D Stava Lisa A Sedlak Garry Klein Marsha E Utecht Rebecca J Weber Norfolk Regional Center Linda K Stenvers Nancy Lamb Northern Service Area Wanda E Wiese Delores H Marmon William C Block Lincoln Regional Center Eastern Service Area Julie K Brenneis Billie J Miller Raymond D Garver Teresa Bernt Don Warren Davis Stacey R Brockhaus Operations Laurie M Muhlenbruch Barbara Foley Charline M Duncan Vicki S Schindler Sandy L Anderson Virginia L Reimer Eastern Nebraska Jon A Grubb Marijo Herman Janice K George Veterans’ Home Karen K Schmidt Southeast Service Area Lorelee J Novak Brad Huddleston Evelyn K Hanner Beth A Huskey Douglas G Kagan Catherine Schock Betty P Daubendiek Darren A Duncan Deborah L McTee Yvonne L Leonard Donna J Kudirka Shari S Swett Rita J Simpson Karen J Dvorak Paula Nicholls Lillian F Wesemann Craig Marshall Hai H Tran Cynthia Strufing Norfolk Regional Center Ronda L Newman Julie J Weyer Western Service Area Dan P Theobald Grand Island Gregory L Stinson Penny L Clark Kristine R Boe Simmons Patrick A Rapier Veterans’ Home Lincoln Regional Center Patricia A Bullock Linda J Shandera Douglas S Moats Joleen K Carrillo Kenneth D Palmer Northern Service Area Theresa Conner Joan K Cornish Ruth E Westergren Sherry D Bedel Laurie A Consbruck Debra S Dimmitt Kerry H Hopkins Harry M Farley Eastern Nebraska Robert L Furr Lori Ditson Sharon K Gleason Pamela J Mann Heidi Burklund Veterans’ Home Mavis A Hatcliff Darlene Drees Brenda A Hall Beverly A Probasco Georgia A Claborn Robin E Caniglia Patricia C Havel John E Eilers Linda M Marisch Vicky J Stanec Karen M Homes

october 2008 Connections 21 15 Years of Service 10 Years of Service

Beatrice State Northern Service Area Beatrice State Grand Island Northern Service Area Division of Children and Developmental Center Jennifer K Baumann Developmental Center Veterans’ Home Jobeth L Blecher Family Services Marcia Holst Ann E Carstens Joyce Armstrong Mary S Bonczynski Traci K Kuhl Patricia G Callahan Anna M Izer Tiffany Barrett Connie R Coffey Patricia A Ferguson Patricia Bryer Barbara E Lilja Shannyn Kiehn Linda E Hintz Lory Costello Natasha L Hamm Bradley C Petersen Mary F Klein Judy F Dettmer Mistan D Marking Micaela K Swigle Mary E Kahlandt Jan Hettinger Amy J Peterson Teri Dorn Linette M Molczyk Cindy A Wiesen Melanie Strathman Barbara Labenz Julie Pirnie Sheila Ebbers Colynn Paprocki Linda S Lewis Nadine M Reyes Division of Public Health Harold W Thaut Southeast Service Area Gregory B Hamm Deborah Lohman Colleen R Schumacher Lenard A Brown Monica A Hinrichs Rebecca Jobman Hastings Regional Center Zaccariah Matthiessen Jolene Stockamp Chin F Chew Teresa T Stogdill Nicole D Jurgens Sally M Weiss Patricia A Marshall Rebecca Quandt Robert D Thomas Sharon H Godfrey Daniel D Wieneke Nancy J Kinyoun Western Service Area Krista D McCaghy Jo A Robertson Barbara A Mills Sheryl I Bruns David B Meyer Ernest S Rother Nancy Hansen Lincoln Regional Center Southeast Service Area Beverly M Kliment Rebecca Goltl Lori Policky Judith Delgado Cheryl L Scheele Barbara G Arens Patricia A Patton Leann K Laurent Norfolk Veterans’ Home Jeanette Fischer Ruth Schoen Kris T Armatys Janis N Singleton Linda M Schliep Cynthia Krause Linda Jiskra Karen Schwarz Jennifer Barber Shirley F Davis Carleen L Kinney Kari L Kubes Shauna R Becker YRTC-Geneva Joan M Stepan Garry Steele Rafael Tatay Joseph P Mrsny Lori A Coon Julieann Boyle Janice L Myers Lois Tegtmeier Gladys Valderrama Laura J Ekstrand Rayma L Delaney Connie Taylor Norfolk Regional Center Marjorie Weichel Western Nebraska Rhonda Erikson Vonda Apking Laura Gorham Veterans’ Home Tanja M Evans YRTC-Kearney Danny L Wenzl Stephen J Oneill Valerie Connolly Jayme E Fochtman Operations Richard D Hancock Robert S Walton Hastings Regional Center Kathie Meier Jodilyn K Fransen Leeann K Adams Joy K Wieseler Jerome A Dierfeldt Tangela L Gropp Darla J Bolln Division of Children and Central Service Area Family Services Michael J Judson Sherry L Holmes Dale D Hauptmeier Grand Island Wilma Kobza Cheri R Anderson Patricia A Kermmoade David W Hill Veterans’ Home Lincoln Regional Center Lori L Koenig Janie A Bryer Tammy R Kocian Darren R Knudson Stephanie A Bolles Karen Brocksmith Mary C Koester Roxana L Webb Patricia J Foster Elishia Kroll Carmen C Matthiessen Tami Burkey Candi L. Launer Patrick C McClure Nancy K Minchow Jeffery S Oxford Kathy Foster Debra A McQuistan Carl W Morones Division of Medicaid Kriste Mott Mary A Sims and Long-Term Care Larry D Friesen Julie Splichal James R Oeltjen Julie A Shively Phillip A Snell Jeanne M Garvin Irene Hirschman Misty D Sinsel Zbigniew B Jesionowicz Cheri M Strong Western Service Area Broc E Witt Norfolk Veterans’ Home Division of Public Health Lisa M Laurell Jeanne M Burns Lorie A Ayers Karen K Hitz Stephen G Jackson Barbara Markovic Eastern Service Area Alice Dentler Ruth E Herman Barbara A Uehling Jody L Plihal Kerry Miller Loos Jane Bodnar Pamela B Herron Helen K Hanes-Palm Joanne Murney Lance L Burwell Tracy E Huxoll Pamala K Schmidt Eastern Service Area Linda K Heller Van T Nguyen Pamela M Eckel Denise K Uhing Brenda Roetman Linda L Henningsen Lewis M Prue YRTC-Geneva Sharon Valencia Mark S Bryant Ruthanne Jorgensen Lana L Frazier Jimmy L Ruppelt Linda J Bottorf Sharon J Johnson Julie A Butler Molly L Uden Julie Johnson John C Sweazy Patricia A Carpenter Cindy L Kadavy Rachelle A Christy Irene A Eckman Merritt H Keiser Bonnie Tyrrell Louis H Matthies Bradley Gianakos Dorothy Engler Renee E Madsen Anne M Lindzy Daniel Wade Sam G Kaplan Patty A Junge Cheryl Walburn Robert A Weichel William L Monahan YRTC-Kearney Carol A Sheets Angela L Mitchell Julie K Wingett Carolyn Pendrell John R Dutton Stacey A Nelson Jeffrey Morton Operations Sarah T Phan Peggy L Jorgensen Pamela S Gerdes Barbara J Russell Robert A Peters Norfolk Regional Center Jennifer L Potterf Viola S Luce Carolyn Williams Sandra K Sueper Douglas T Roach Bonnie J Bergland Michael D McDonald Mary E Rice Claudia A Trexler Randall E Coil Terry L Hess Brian R Robinson Asuquo Peter Umoren Richard J Kohel Susan R Johnston Marlene Rivas Deborah J Underwood Ann M Linneman Brian Schlote Cheri L Rychly Cathy Wiles Sherry L Nutsch Dianna Timm John W Welker Richard B Yoakum Sandra L Warford Melodie Winter Bernadette C Wyatt

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services mission: october 2008 Connections 22 Helping people live better lives. CLS-PB-1 (99726)