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JEFF SCHMIDT
President
Originally from Beatrice, NE, Jeff Schmidt, opened Jenda Family Services because there was an opportunity to provide family centered, quality services, and to continue working with families in Nebraska.
Jenda’s name originates from combining the names of Jeff and his wife, Brenda, together. The creation of Jenda Family Services helps families grow the next generation of parents.
Previous to opening Jenda Family Services, Jeff Schmidt was a legal counsel to KVC, was a Service Area Administrator at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and was providing legal services to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
Jeff has five kids and six grandkids.
Fun Fact: Jeff laughs harder than anyone, usually at himself.
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Director of Services
Human Resources Specialist
Director of Services
ERIN MARTIN
Director of Services
Originally from Schuyler, NE, Erin Martin graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2011 with a degree in Child, Youth and Family Studies, and minors in Psychology and Sociology.
Erin started her career in child welfare as a Child and Family Services Specialist at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, before coming to Jenda in September 2012. She has enjoyed seeing Jenda’s growth and development, knowing that means Jenda can serve more families.
"I believe in what we do here, and love that we put families first. Plus, we have the best staff around," Erin said.
Erin has two kids, and enjoys spending her free time with them and her husband. Together they like watching sports, but especially Husker and Tennessee Titans football.
Carrie Beltran's Team
Carrie Beltran started working at Jenda as a Family Support Worker in 2013. She enjoys helping families in the juvenile justice system work toward reunification.
In 2015 she became a Visitation and Family Support supervisor where she used her passion for helping families to assist family support workers build their skills, knowledge, and confidence while working with vulnerable families in and around Lincoln.
At the beginning of 2020 she moved to Foster Care, where she oversees the program and helps the Foster Care team recruit, train, and support safe, stable, and caring foster homes for children in need in our community. She and Jenda’s amazing team are working very hard with foster parents to help birth parents and their children stabilize, heal, and reunify.
Look through the gallery to see the Foster Care team.
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Ashly Velder's Team
Originally from Hickman, NE, Ashly graduated from Southeast Community College with an associates degree in Human Services. Previously, Ashly worked as a Relief Specialist at Cedars and a Family Support Worker at Jenda.
“I enjoy being a part of Jenda because the 'small things' we do with the families we serve assist in providing the stepping stones to bigger and brighter days!” Ashly said.
While away from Jenda, Velder enjoys golfing, boating, and spending time with her dog.
Fun Fact: Almost all of Ashly's fingers are double jointed.
Look through the gallery to see the team Ashly supervises.
Sarah Deutsch's Team
Originally from Beatrice, NE, Sarah graduated from Peru State College in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Minor in Criminal Justice.
“I have always wanted to make a difference in the lives of others, even if it was just one person. Jenda’s values and mission have allowed me to do just that. I look forward to continuing to mentor and enable others to help and support families as they rebuild and become stronger. I am very proud to be a part of the Jenda Family!”
Sarah and her husband, Michael, have five amazing children, and her greatest joy in life has been to watch her children learn and grow.
Fun Fact: Sarah loves Husker football and is a huge K. C. Chiefs Fan!
Look through the gallery to see the the team Sarah supervises.
Andy Cerny's Team
Originally from Columbus, NE, Andy graduated from Doane College in 2010 with a degree in Human Relations.
Previously he worked as a para educator at Waverly Intermediate School, was an Assistant Family Teacher at Boys Town, and an Assistant House Parent at Omaha Home for Boys.
“(Jenda) Is a place with workers that truly care about the well-being of the families we work with. The staff are the funniest people I have ever met,” Andy said.
Andy and his wife love spending time with their dog, play video games, sports, and spending time with friends.
Fun Fact: Andy can say the alphabet backwards fast and plays ice hockey.
Look through the gallery to see the team Andy supervises.
Heather Muller's Team
Originally from Wichita, KS, Heather graduated from Concordia University, Nebraska in 2008 with a Master of Science-Family Life.
Previously, Heather worked as a Foster Care Supervisor, a Program Development Specialist, and a Service Coordinator.
“Jenda’s environment is amazing in that the focus is always to do what is best for the family. With a clear and positive focus, it makes being at work every day fun and rewarding,” Heather said.
Heather has one daughter. Her family loves sports.
Fun Fact: The March Madness basketball tournament is Heather’s favorite time of the year. She loves cheering on the Wichita State Shockers.
Look through the gallery to see the team Heather supervises.
Star Case's Team
Star is originally for Fayetteville AR, but has lived in Lincoln for 7 years. She graduated from Bellevue University with her bachelor’s degree in behavioral science. Star has worked in a variety of human services positions for about 5 years!
Star says she enjoys being a part of Jenda’s mission to support families in their journey to being healthy and successful and that Jenda is a phenomenal place to grow.
While not at work, Star loves to find adventures with her son and husband. They love to paint, camp, bake, and visit museums. They also have 2 cats, a gecko, and a fish in their family.
Fun fact: Star has lived in 33 states!
Look through the gallery to meet the DST Team.
Connect
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