CATHOLIC CHARITIES - Key Persons

Alexandrea Ashley is a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Midland University and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Nebraska Omaha. She currently works as an outpatient therapist with Catholic Charities at the St. Teresa of Calcutta Campus. She previously worked in Catholic Charities' School Mental Health Program. Alexandrea's experience includes working with children, adolescents, and families with behavioral disorders and social emotional stressors. She is certified in Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and is passionate about working with families to navigate challenges, create connections and manage stressors. Alexandrea believes in the power of the therapeutic alliance and uses motivational interviewing techniques as well as Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in order to facilitate change. She uses empathy to support her clients in reaching their goals. She is trained in Seeking Safety and Trauma Informed Care. In her spare time, Alexandrea enjoys reading, baking, being outside, and spending time with her family.

Annie Messersmith

Job Titles:

President of the Board of Directors

Beth Eliason

Job Titles:

Community Volunteer
Member of the Board of Directors

Bruce C. Karsk

Job Titles:

Community Volunteer
Member of the Foundation Board

Cesar Garcia

Job Titles:

Member of the Board of Directors

Dave Vankat

Job Titles:

Secretary of the Foundation Board
Chief Community Engagement Officer

David Kramer

Job Titles:

Member of the Board of Directors

David Treinen

Job Titles:

Chairman of the Foundation Board

Deb Kelly

Job Titles:

Member of the Board of Directors

Denise Bartels

Job Titles:

Executive Director
Member of the Board of Directors
President of the Foundation Board

Emily Perlberg

Emily Perlberg is a Provisional Licensed Mental Health Practitioner. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Child Youth and Family Studies with a minor in Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Master of Science in Clinical Counseling from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. She currently works as a therapist in Catholic Charities' School Mental Health program providing school-based mental health services to elementary and high school students throughout the Omaha Archdiocese. She loves working with young children and adolescents who experience a difficult time managing emotions causing a decrease in their ability to live a happy, healthy life. She understands the uniqueness each client brings to session and utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with play to address their treatment goals. Building rapport and creating a safe, comfortable space for children to connect is of upmost importance to her. She uses many interventions such as therapeutic games, worksheets and books along with an array of grounding techniques and coping skills to individualize treatment for each client. In her spare time, Emily enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She is a dog mom to two gentle giants named Oakland and Lincoln. She loves spending time reading outside on her deck, going to the gym, traveling and catching up on the latest Netflix releases. When it's cold and rainy or freezing and snowy, you can catch Emily by a warm fireplace with a coffee cup in hand and a Hallmark movie on the television. Emily is currently in St. Phillip Neri, St. Cecilia, and Mary Our Queen schools.

Jacque LaPlant

Job Titles:

Chief Advocacy Officer

Jenna Whitaker

Job Titles:

LMHP, PLADC, Director, School Mental Health Program

Jenna Whitaker is a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner and Provisionally Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from College of Saint Mary and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Doane College. She currently works as a therapist in Catholic Charities' School Mental Health program providing school-based mental health services to elementary and high school students throughout the Omaha Archdiocese. Furthermore, she is the Director of our School Mental Health Program providing supervision and support to the behavioral health team. She is passionate about working with young people struggling with depression, anxiety, addiction, conflict resolution, stress, and behavioral difficulties. She utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and incorporates Motivational Interviewing and mindfulness techniques to lead to a more individualized approach. She uses empathy to connect with students and develop ways to improve their functioning. She is trained in Seeking Safety and Trauma Informed Care. In her spare time, Jenna enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, traveling, cleaning, and cheering on the Creighton Bluejays and the Iowa State Cyclones. She attends Saint Patrick Catholic Church. Jenna is currently in Gross Catholic High School and St. Vincent de Paul School.

Jim Boulay

Job Titles:

Member of the Foundation Board
Lutz Financial

Keith Willis

is a Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1969. After two years of employment as a computer programmer/systems analyst, Keith completed a Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of Nebraska. He has been employed as a Psychologist for Willmar State Hospital in Minnesota, the Lincoln Regional Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, and Valley Hope Addiction and Recovery Services in O'Neill, Nebraska. In addition, he was employed as a Professor of Counseling and Department Chair for 16 years at Wayne State College in Nebraska. Since his retirement, Keith continues to be a consultant for Valley Hope where he facilitates groups focused on coping with trauma and addictions. He works with youth and adults utilizing cognitive, emotion focused, and behavioral approaches to provide outpatient psychological services for Ally Counseling in O'Neill, Nebraska. Keith and his family have been active in the St. Patrick's parish for over 43 years. His wife, Carole, is a first grade teacher at St. Mary's Catholic grade school and their 6 children have all graduated from St. Mary's. Keith is currently serving on St. Patrick's Parish Pastoral Council. He has served as the leader of Squires for 6 years, a Boy Scout leader, and a AYSO soccer coach. The Willis' are now loving their role as grandparents of 25 grandchildren. Keith also is a TeamMate mentor and a past President of the Holt County TeamMates Board. He also serves the community on boards for Beginnings Pregnancy Resource Center and the Friends of the O'Neill Library. Keith is currently in St. Mary's in O'Neill, Nebraska.