Board & Staff

Executive Director
Abbey@teencenteromaha.org
402-871-8390

Abbey was hired as the Founding Director in 2007 and now serves as the Executive Director. Originally from Minnesota, Abbey attended Creighton University and fell in love with Omaha (and a teacher). With two young kids, life is filled with trips to the lake, board games, youth sports while staying active and involved in the community. She has never tried coffee in her lifetime but loves a good fountain pop!

Assistant Director of Finance and Operations
Julie@teencenteromaha.org
531-233-9780

Julie Butler is the first ever volunteer of the Teen Center when it opened in 2007. Life has taken Julie and her family across the great state of Nebraska. The Teen Center has always held a special place in her heart thus it was natural for her to return as staff. Julie is passionate about helping people and her work history reflects this. From Licensed Massage Therapist to working with CASA of Dawson County, her ease to connect and build relationships is phenomenal. Her second love outside of her family is house plants! Julie loves sharing her knowledge of plants with others. Want a plant, just ask!

Administrative Director
Kyla@teencenteromaha.org
531-800-4991

Kyla is no stranger to this program. She is a Burke and Teen Center alumni alongside her 2 oldest brothers, and now a younger sibling passing through. Kyla serves as the Program Assistant, doing anything from helping serve meals to convincing her students she is not a crazy cat lady (she is). Originally from California, she has been a Nebraska girly since 2005. Kyla has always had a passion for working with young adults and creating meaningful mentorships. She is a fur-mom to her cat, Max and a big music enthusiast!

Engagement Coordinator
Robert@teencenteromaha.org
531-800-4929

Robert has over twenty-five years’ experience working in non-profit and faith-based spaces, often serving communities and people on the margins. Globally, he has served orphans in China, responded to humanitarian needs in Belarus, Nigeria, and Romania, and led cultural exchange trips abroad for US students and adults.
Locally, he has helped clients in Nebraska’s foster care system, managed on-call response at two local churches, developed community partnerships, and currently serves as an Assistant Coach with Burke High School’s cross country and track & field programs. #togetherabrighterfuture #teencenteromaha
He is also a writer and digital media specialist who established online profiles for organizations and individuals across multiple social media platforms.
Born and raised in Omaha, Robert is married to Jana Murphy who works within Omaha Public Schools as a Special Education Paraprofessional. They have four boys who are enrolled in Omaha Public Schools.

Program Assistant

Born in California to a civil rights pioneer, Becky learned early about the world of advocacy and intentional love. A mom to three Teen Center alumni and one almost, Becky has been immersed, involved and committed to the Teen Center for over ten years. She has served on the Teen Center Board of Directors and volunteered in more capacities than can be named. With 20+ years in child development and 5 as a para-professional, Becky has provided detailed care and compassion to toddlers to students with disabilities. Her guilty pleasures are cats, music and ice cream.

Kristin Reimers, Ph.D., R.D., is research fellow of nutrition and health at Conagra Brands, where she leads the organization’s nutrition strategy to promote health through sustainable innovation, attribute communication, corporate social responsibility, and food policy and regulations. She has been with Conagra since 2006. During her time at Conagra, Dr. Reimers’ has led numerous clinical nutrition research and communication initiatives, all aimed at enabling consumers to lead healthier lives with convenient foods. Prior to joining Conagra, Dr. Reimers was director of programs at The Center for Human Nutrition in Omaha, NE for 16 years, where she conducted nutrition research and developed programs in the areas of obesity, hydration, and sports nutrition. Dr. Reimers’ publications include over 50 chapters, abstracts, continuing education units and journal articles. She holds professional memberships in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American Society for Nutrition. An Iowa native and long-time Nebraska resident, she received her B.S. degree from the University of Northern Iowa and her masters and doctoral degrees in human nutrition from the University of Nebraska.

Tam Webb is a retired Consumer Show Producer with the Omaha World-Herald and has a background in television and radio sales and sales management. This will be her 23rd year producing the Midlands International Auto Show. She holds a BSBA from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and actively volunteers with Partnership 4 Kids, The Furniture Project, United Way of the Midlands, and Lutheran Family Services.

Kirk Kellner was the region bank president for Wells Fargo in
Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri. He was responsible for
overseeing community bank operations, including more than
400 employees and 43 bank branches, in three states.
Kellner joined Wells Fargo as a regional credit trainee in
Omaha. He held several roles in Nebraska—business and
private banker in Lincoln, credit administration manager,
business and private banking manager in Omaha
and market president for Grand Island—before serving as
regional manager for strategy and sales effectiveness for
Central California and Market President for Central California’s
Coastal Markets. He returned to Nebraska as regional
president in 2005 and assumed the role of regional president
for Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri in 2009.
An Omaha native, Kellner earned his bachelor’s degree in
business administration from the University of Nebraska-
Lincoln. In 2013, Kellner and his wife, Teresa, served as
chairpersons of the United Way of the Midlands Campaign. In
2018, the Kellner’s served as chairpersons of the Salvation Army’s Tree of Lights Campaign.
Mr. Kellner’s community involvement includes the AKSARBEN Foundation, where he
served as Governor and Executive Committee Member; Greater Omaha Chamber of
Commerce Board of Directors; Joslyn Art Museum Board of Governors; University of Nebraska
Foundation Trustee; and Midwest Housing Equity Group Board of Directors and Secretary.
Kellner retired from Wells Fargo on April 15, 2021.

With a lifetime of leadership in both business and community service, he currently serves as Director of the Teen Center board (2021–Present). He led Peterson Bros. Insurance as President for 27 years and retired in 2016 after a respected career in the insurance profession. His industry leadership includes serving as President of the Independent Insurance Agents of Nebraska and as a Board Member of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America. In 2004, he was honored with induction into the Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Music Association Hall of Fame.

Marshall Johnson is Senior Pastor at St. Luke United Methodist Church. I have been on the St. Luke staff for over 12 years and watched the Teen Center evolve and flourish. I am a central Nebraska native and have worked professionally as a mediator, community organizer and as funeral director. Being connected to the Teen Center and involved in its development has been one of my most satisfying and fulfilling experiences.

Kendra began her career as a K-12 classroom teacher and coach, serving in that role for 15 years. During that time, she earned a master’s degree in educational administration, which led to the role as Director of Learning, where the focus was curriculum and assessment. Her path then shifted to higher education, where she now serves as a Dean. She is currently working towards a terminal degree in Educational Leadership. Kendra shared, ‘I feel fortunate to have worked with students of all ages, from PreK through higher education. Supporting learners at every stage of their journey is part of my passion, along with fostering the growth of future educational leaders.’

Dr. Jeff Dahms is the Director of Customer Experience & Insights at Physicians Mutual, bringing more than 15 years of leadership experience in customer strategy, analytics, and organizational development. He holds a master’s degree in education and a Ph.D. in Human Capital Management, and serves as a Professor of Data Science, where he has published research on the intersection of people, data, and performance.
Outside of his professional career, Jeff has mentored and coached multiple sports teams at all levels and is passionate about helping young people grow into the best versions of themselves. His commitment to education, mentorship, and wellness closely aligns with the Teen Center’s mission of providing students with academic assistance, post-secondary preparedness, health and wellness opportunities, alumni support, and family services.
Jeff is honored to serve on the board and looks forward to supporting the Teen Center’s vision of creating brighter futures by empowering students through education, exposure, and mentorship.