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Our Team

The Sheltering Tree team is a dedicated group of professionals committed to creating and maintaining a sense of belonging and community for all who live in a Sheltering Tree apartment. Living in a Sheltering Tree apartment complex means acceptance and connectedness. It means a place where our friends who have developmental disabilities are not judged, and they always feel like an integral part of our community. Our team is determined to uphold this culture of respect for our tenants.

 

Meet Our Staff and Board

Administrative Staff

  • Denise Gehringer, Chief Executive Officer
  • Julie Czepa, Chief Financial Officer
  • Jacob Recker, Development Director
  • Amanda Clark, Director of Education
  • Savannah Bowling, Director of Activities and Enrichment
  • Rebecca Cook, Operations Manager
  • Justin McManigal, Operations Specialist
  • Anne Carter, Financial Advisor

Board

  • Doug Alvine, President
  • Jeff Kortan-Vice President
  • Kirk Hanson-Treasurer
  • Andrew Deaver, Secretary
  • Jude Beller
  • John Bendon
  • Vern Davis-Showell
  • Mary Gehringer, OSM
  • Barbi Hayes
  • Jill McClure
  • DaShawn McGary
  • Louis Pol
  • Ana Torres Rodriguez
  • Kurt Sierra

Ex-Officio Board Members

  • Shirley McNally, Founder and Visionary
  • Patrick McNally, Founding Family Representative
  • Molly Zavitz, Founding Family Representative

Denise Gehringer

Chief Executive Officer

Denise is a disability leader with 30 years of experience advancing stability, independence, and community for people with developmental disabilities and other diverse needs. Her professional experience and expertise have led her to the development and operation of affordable, community-centered housing that empowers individuals with developmental disabilities to live self-determined lives. A speaker and educator, she has led workshops for educators, nonprofit professionals, and future healthcare providers, sharing practical insights on creating housing models and support systems that foster long-term stability and meaningful community connection.

Denise’s commitment to this work began with the birth of her fourth son, who has Down syndrome. That personal experience shaped her life’s mission: to understand, support, and empower him, and ultimately, to advocate for all people with developmental disabilities. This journey sparked a deep passion for creating opportunities that allow individuals with disabilities to live healthy, fulfilling, and self-determined lives.

As the Chief Executive Officer of Sheltering Tree, Inc., Denise leads an organization that builds and operates consumer-controlled, safe, affordable, and community-centered apartments for adults with developmental disabilities. Under her leadership, Sheltering Tree remains rooted in empowerment, ensuring residents have the independence and support they need to meaningfully engage in their communities and pursue their life goals.

Her advocacy extends well beyond her professional roles. Denise has held board leadership positions with organizations such as the Munroe-Meyer Institute at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the Down Syndrome Alliance of the Midlands, the Education Rights Counsel, and the Brain Injury Alliance of Nebraska, several of which she remains actively involved with. She is also a proud member of the Nebraska State ADA Task Force, and the National Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition. As a 2019 ABLE National Resource Center Ambassador, Denise helped promote financial empowerment and independence for individuals with disabilities.

Whether through program development, policy advocacy, or community-building, Denise’s driving force remains the same: helping individuals with developmental disabilities thrive in environments where they feel safe, valued, and included. She welcomes opportunities to collaborate, innovate, and champion the vision of a more inclusive world.

Julie Czepa

Chief Financial Officer

Julie Czepa serves as the Chief Financial Officer for Sheltering Tree, where she supports the organization’s financial operations and administrative processes. With a strong attention to detail and a passion for helping others, Julie plays an important role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day management of Sheltering Tree’s growing communities.

In addition to her work at Sheltering Tree, Julie is actively involved in the Omaha disability community. Her dedication to serving individuals with developmental disabilities reflects her deep commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and community support.

Julie’s combination of professional expertise and personal compassion makes her a valuable part of the Sheltering Tree team as the organization continues to create safe, affordable, community-centered housing for adults with developmental disabilities.

Jacob Recker

Development Director

Jacob Recker serves as Sheltering Tree’s Development Director, bringing a strong connection to the organization and a deep understanding of its mission. Jake previously worked as both a Tenant Assistant and an Operations Specialist, experiences that gave him valuable insight into the daily life of our communities and the importance of our work.

In his current role, Jake leads fundraising and communication efforts, drawing on his strategic mindset, strong relationships, and exceptional writing and communication skills. His leadership helps Sheltering Tree grow its impact while staying true to its mission of providing community-centered housing for adults with developmental disabilities.

Amanda Clark

Director of Education

Amanda brings more than 18 years of experience designing and leading programming for individuals with developmental disabilities. Her previous work with local disability organizations has centered around advocacy, inclusion, and helping people thrive in community-based settings.

Amanda leads our GOALS and Building Healthy Relationships programming and the Farm to Table Garden program. She’ll also be supporting new educational opportunities.

In addition to her professional background, Amanda brings a personal passion for this work as the daughter of two longtime disability advocates. Her experience in real estate and property management also uniquely aligns with Sheltering Tree’s mission to provide safe, community-centered housing paired with meaningful enrichment opportunities.

We’re thrilled to have Amanda on the Tree team and appreciate the impact her leadership will brings to our growing community

Savannah Bowling

Director of Activities and Enrichment

In addition to her experience with Sheltering Tree as a Tenant Assistant, Savannah brings a strong background in recreational therapy and adult programming, with hands-on experience creating inclusive opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. Her work centers on building confidence, fostering social connection, and supporting independence, values that closely align with the mission of Sheltering Tree.
In her role as the Director of Activity and Enrichment, Savannah will oversee the planning and implementation of activities and enrichment programming across our communities. She will direct programming for six Sheltering Tree buildings, supporting our continued growth and expanding impact. Her scope includes developing engaging weekly programs, building community partnerships, and ensuring activities are person-centered, accessible, and responsive to tenant interests and goals. She will also provide training and guidance to staff and volunteers to ensure programming remains consistent and high quality.
Savannah holds a Bachelor of Science in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management with a concentration in Recreational Therapy from Clemson University and is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Her professional experience includes program development, volunteer coordination, and preparing students and community members to work thoughtfully and effectively with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Rebecca Cook

Operations Manager

Rebecca Cook serves as Operations Manager at Sheltering Tree, bringing a steady, mission-driven approach to her work and a deep understanding of the community she supports. Having previously served as a dedicated Tenant Assistant, Rebecca has built strong relationships with residents and developed a clear, firsthand perspective on what it takes to create a safe, supportive, and thriving environment for adults with developmental disabilities.

Before joining Sheltering Tree, Rebecca served in the U.S. Air Force, where she gained extensive experience in operations, leadership, and organizational management. Her military background shaped her ability to lead with discipline, clarity, and accountability, while also fostering a strong sense of service to others.

Rebecca’s combined experience, both within Sheltering Tree and in the Air Force, brings tremendous value to her role. She is known for her thoughtful leadership, her commitment to operational excellence, and her genuine care for the individuals and community the organization serves.

Justin McManigal

Operations Specialist

Justin McManigal serves as Operations Specialist for Sheltering Tree’s North Properties, bringing more than six years of hands-on experience and a deep commitment to the organization’s mission. Over the course of his time with Sheltering Tree, Justin has served as both a Live-In Tenant Assistant and a floating TA across all locations, building strong relationships with tenants and gaining a comprehensive understanding of day-to-day operations throughout the community.

Prior to joining Sheltering Tree, Justin worked in developmental disability family housing services, an experience that continues to inform his thoughtful and respectful approach to supporting tenant independence. He is known for his consistency, compassion, and reliability, as well as his ability to create a steady, welcoming presence for those he serves.

Justin’s deep institutional knowledge, combined with his commitment to safe, community-centered living, makes him a natural fit for his role supporting the North Properties.

Anne Carter

Financial Advisor

Anne is a retired CPA with over 15 years in public accounting and is an active volunteer in the nonprofit community of Omaha. Anne is the mother of a Sheltering Tree tenant and is a driving force in the effort to provide safe, affordable housing for adults with developmental disabilities. Anne’s passion for Sheltering Tree began when she was looking for opportunities for her son to live independently. Previous to her administrative role as Corporate Treasurer, Anne was a member of Sheltering Tree’s board of directors and board treasurer. Her responsibilities include all the financial reporting and accounting for the organization.

Doug Alvine

President

With 18 siblings between them and six children of their own, evenly split between three boys and three girls, you could say family is a big priority for board member Doug Alvine and his wife, Kim. The pair have been married more than three decades, and their youngest child is now in high school. “Sam attended Burke High School and was a member of the swim team, where he has competed in meets and at the state level,” Doug shared. Like most proud parents, Doug and Kim are eager to cheer on their kids as they embrace new challenges in academics, sports, and life.

In Sam’s case, milestones are a little sweeter. He is their youngest and he happens to have Down syndrome. That is part of why Sheltering Tree came onto their radar. Friends from Doug’s church community at Our Lady of Lourdes invited him and Kim to the Living the Dream Gala a few years back. Their daughter, Cassy, is a tenant at the Benson Tree, and they thought Doug and Kim would be interested in learning more about the organization. They were right.

Doug has always been someone who makes room for others, and he was eager to get involved. Today, he serves on the Sheltering Tree Board, where he has a front-row seat to young adults working toward their goals and greater independence, much like he hopes for Sam. “I participate in a number of not-for-profit organizations and have been on quite a number of boards over my time. Sheltering Tree is one of the best,” Doug said. “The individual qualities and faith of the founders, board members, and supporters make the mission almost impossible to fail. The need is great, and thanks to strong advocates, the community is learning about both the mission and that need. When you combine clarity of mission, passion, faith, and hard work, it creates a strong foundation for continued growth.”

Jeff Kortan-Vice President

The Right Place at the Right Time: Bringing Expertise and Service

Jeff and Lisa, originally from small towns in southeastern South Dakota, have always felt they were in the right place at the right time, thanks to their career choices, family support, and community resources. Their connection to Sheltering Tree began through a close friend, Jill Rotella, whose child also has Down Syndrome. As their son Shawn reached adulthood, Jeff and Lisa, like many parents of children with special needs, were concerned about finding long-term, safe, and independent housing for him. This shared concern led Jeff to join the Sheltering Tree board.

Jeff’s professional background brings significant value to Sheltering Tree. After earning an M.S. in Engineering with a specialization in Geotechnical Engineering from South Dakota State University, Jeff began his career in Cincinnati, Ohio. His expertise in engineering is particularly relevant to an organization focused on building and managing specialized housing. Jeff and Lisa married and had their first son, Devin, in 1998. Their family grew with the addition of Shawn, who has Down Syndrome, and Carson in 2007. Their experience with Shawn’s condition accelerated their move to Omaha in 2002, where they found essential support systems, including family, new friends, and essential services.

As a board member, Jeff has been consistently impressed with the organization’s leadership. “From the founders to the executive director to the board, their collective knowledge drives the organization forward. The passion of these individuals truly enhances the lives of our community,” Jeff says.

Looking ahead, Jeff is optimistic about Sheltering Tree’s growth. “While we are only scratching the surface of the overall housing need for adults with developmental disabilities, you can see and feel the impact.” His commitment reflects a deep dedication to advancing Sheltering Tree’s mission and improving the lives of individuals with special needs, leveraging his professional expertise to support the organization’s goals.

Kirk Hanson-Treasurer

Andrew Deaver

Secretary

Championing Independence:
Andy’s Work on and off the Board at Sheltering Tree

At Sheltering Tree, the mission is guided by the values of safety, affordability, community, and self-determination. These values are reflected not only in the lives of Tree tenants but also in the dedication of those who support the work. One such supporter is a partner at Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP, who brings both personal and professional passion to his role on our board.

Andy is happily married to his wife Laura of 17 years. With an eight-year-old daughter, family is at the center of his life. His 13 years with the firm have been rewarding, providing him with opportunities to grow his legal practice and connect with the community in meaningful ways. His introduction to Sheltering Tree came through a colleague at the firm, and the mission resonated deeply with him. “Our mission aligns with my legal practice, as I assist many families with special needs estate planning and guardianships,” he shared. The opportunity to support adults with developmental disabilities in a setting that emphasizes safety and self-determination felt like a natural extension of his work and values.

Over time, he has witnessed how Sheltering Tree offers tenants something rare and powerful: independence. “I’ve had the chance to spend time with the tenants and am always struck by their well-deserved autonomy,” he said. Providing adults with developmental disabilities the chance to live in safe, affordable housing while pursuing self-directed lives speaks to the heart of Sheltering Tree’s mission.

Looking toward the future, he feels optimistic. “I see hope in the future. Everything Sheltering Tree provides is hard to put into words, but by staying focused on its mission, it will remain a blessing to the community for years to come.” His commitment to fostering community aligns with Sheltering Tree’s vision of creating inclusive environments where every individual can thrive.

Serving on the board is a responsibility he embraces wholeheartedly. “I am humbled and grateful to serve on the board. It’s an opportunity I am happy to take very seriously.” His dedication reflects the care and leadership that help Sheltering Tree grow while staying rooted in its core values of safety, affordability, community, and self-determination. With leaders like him, we are confident that Sheltering Tree will continue to flourish, offering a supportive home for adults with developmental disabilities and enriching the broader community for years to come.

Jude Beller

John Bendon

We’re proud to introduce John Bendon, member of our board and a passionate advocate for inclusive housing. A lifelong Omahan and current CFO at Siena Francis House, John brings both professional expertise and a personal connection to our mission of safety, affordability, community, and self-determination.
After earning his degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, John began his career in public accounting before moving into corporate finance. He and his wife spent time in Minneapolis before returning to Omaha, where they now live in Dundee with their two children, and a third on the way! “Omaha has always felt like home,” he shares, “and we’re glad to be raising our family here.”
John was introduced to Sheltering Tree by former board member (and family member) John Griffith. “When I learned more about the mission, it immediately stood out to me,” he says. “It brings together two things I care a lot about: housing and supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.” His interest in the developmental disability community began in college, while working for three summers at UNMC’s Munroe-Meyer Institute. He states, “That experience gave me early exposure to this community and helped shape how I think about inclusion and support.”
Though he’s still new to the board, John already sees what makes Sheltering Tree special. “The people involved are deeply committed to the tenants,” he says. “There’s a strong sense of care and follow-through behind the work, and that speaks volumes about the organization.”
Looking ahead, he is excited about the future. “I hope to see it continue to grow in a thoughtful way and I’m looking forward to learning more and being part of that process.”
We’re thrilled to welcome John to the board and are grateful for the insight, dedication, and heart he brings to our mission.

Vern Davis-Showell

When asked what she envisions for Sheltering Tree’s future, board member Vern Davis-Showell responded with an enthusiastic “Sheltering Forest.” She went on to explain that to her this of course means physical growth, so that more adults with developmental disabilities can access affordable housing their families feel good about. But, it’s also more than that! Vern would also like to see more community and vocational connections.

Vern, herself, is a great example of a community connection. By trade, she’s a school psychologist at Papillion-La Vista High School. This career experience, which is certainly an asset to our board, isn’t necessarily what brought her into our fold, however. It was actually her time coaching high school dance team, where she met Executive Director Denise Gehringer, which planted the seeds for Vern’s current involvement. Years after their fateful meeting at local dance competitions and camps, where they learned about each other’s families, values and passions, Denise reached out to Vern with an important ask.

“I am so grateful that, when Sheltering Tree was in need of a new board member, Denise thought of ME,” Vern said. “The mission of Sheltering Tree is right up my alley! I’m all about supporting people with disabilities to be independent and realize their life goals alongside their peers.”

Supporting people … reaching goals alongside peers … seems like a natural thing for a coach, a school psychologist, a mom of two, a loving wife, or a board member to say! While Vern has had decades of working with students with disabilities, her example shows us that even without that, she’d be a fantastic advocate for Sheltering Tree because she truly understands what it means to invest in making others’ lives better. It inspires us to think of those not currently connected to the disability community and the ways they might find meaning in helping organizations like Sheltering Tree tackle the challenges before us.

“The everyday involvement of family members and the commitment of donors and board members is wonderful and indicative of the stated importance of community,” Vern said. “We should also be continuing the efforts we’ve made in the past and present to branch out, gathering more people, more leaves on our thriving tree.”

Mary Gehringer, OSM

After graduating from Marian High School in Omaha, she was called to join the Servants of Mary Community, the very sisters who founded her school, to pursue a religious vocation. Later, she was called to the ministry of education, beginning as a teacher in Detroit and working her way up to become an elementary school principal, then Associate Superintendent of the Detroit Archdiocesan schools, and finally Superintendent. Sr. Mary has also been called to serve the OSM Community Leadership Team a total of four times over the years. She’s held the role of Councilor, Assistant Provincial, and most recently Provincial Prioress for two terms. In the first of those terms, she was introduced to Sheltering Tree.

“One of Sheltering Tree’s founders, Shirley McNally, asked to meet with me to present a proposal. She explained the mission and ministry of Sheltering Tree and asked if they could purchase a portion of our property to build what would then be their second residence,” Sr. Mary recalls. “In due time, our Council presented the proposal to the Community and got unanimous support of approval.” Since that time a strong bond has grown between the OSM Sisters and the Benson residents. And, of course, the semi-retired Sr. Mary – who still volunteers her time with the Peregrine Ministry, in the Community archives, and with various projects at St. Bernard Parish – answered another calling. This time it was to become a member of Sheltering Tree’s board. “The need for residential housing for those with developmental needs has been sorely lacking in the Omaha area. Sheltering Tree continues to move forward in educating the public and in securing the funding and community support required to build additional residences for those in need,” Sr. Mary said. “The momentum of this ministry is growing day by day. In the future, I see there will be more residences opening, along with the facilities to provide housing and a variety of programming for residents and non-residents alike. With the addition of staff, these types of programs can be developed, provided and maintained.” We love the future Sr. Mary envisions and hope that many more people like her are called to help us achieve the goals we’ve already established, as well as those we haven’t yet dreamed up.

Barbi Hayes

Barbi Hays brings decades of leadership, environmental stewardship, and community planning experience to the Sheltering Tree Board. With a career spanning public service, nonprofit leadership, and private enterprise, Barbi has played a key role in shaping thoughtful, sustainable growth across the Omaha region and beyond.

Barbi has held numerous leadership positions, including Chair of the Douglas County Planning Commission and Chair of the City of Omaha Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, where she helped guide long-term planning and community-focused initiatives. As a founding board member of the Green Omaha Coalition and the Inner-City Coalition for the Environment, she has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to environmental advocacy and collaborative community impact. Her service also includes work with the Nebraska Chapter of The Nature Conservancy and participation in a peer review committee for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

In addition to her public and nonprofit contributions, Barbi is an entrepreneur and environmental professional. She founded HAYES Environmental, LLC, a firm specializing in environmental science and regulatory work, and has been actively involved in agricultural and investment ventures, including Soybean Babes LLC and Slow Money Let’s Eat Investment Group. Her work reflects a deep commitment to responsible land use, conservation, and local food systems.

Barbi holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology, summa cum laude, from the College of Saint Mary, and has pursued graduate studies in biology and public administration. Her contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including the Outstanding Alumni Award from the College of Saint Mary and the Order of the Tower from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Grounded in both science and service, Barbi brings a thoughtful, community-centered perspective to the Sheltering Tree Board, supporting the organization’s mission to create stable, inclusive housing for adults with developmental disabilities.

Jill McClure

Jill McClure brings strong financial leadership and a deep commitment to community impact to the Sheltering Tree Board. She currently serves as Director of Commercial Banking Services & Support and Senior Vice President at American National Bank, where she leads a team of commercial banking officers and oversees the Nebraska and Iowa Private Banking division. In her role, Jill manages a diverse portfolio of business clients and plays a key role in advancing strategic lending initiatives, including collaborative efforts that expand access to capital within the community.

With nearly two decades of experience in commercial banking, including prior leadership roles at UMB Bank, Jill brings a thoughtful, solutions-oriented approach to financial management and organizational strategy. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Creighton University and a Bachelor of Arts in International Business, Spanish, and French from William Jewell College.

Jill’s commitment to service extends well beyond her professional work. She has held numerous leadership roles in the nonprofit sector, including serving on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee for Completely KIDS, where she contributed as Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair, Vice Chair, and Board Chair. During her tenure, she helped guide the organization through key transitions, including leadership changes and operational challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. She continues to support the community through her involvement with the Women’s Center for Advancement, Lending Link, the Children’s Foundation Friends Board, and the United Way of the Midlands Young Professionals Council.

Jill brings a practical, mission-focused perspective to the Sheltering Tree Board, with particular strength in financial oversight, governance, and community partnership.

DaShawn McGary

Family and Community Engagement, vital for Board Member, DaShawn McGary
As a native Nebraskan, DaShawn McGary, is actively involved in his community and “engaged in a number of initiatives around Omaha that promote achievement, social action, and health awareness.” He is also a part of a mentoring program that provides academic and career guidance to young black men. Family is very important to DaShawn, as he works alongside his mother, as Executive Director and Co-Founder for Diving Living, a local nonprofit they operate together.
It was through DaShawn’s continued engagement in the community that he met former Sheltering Tree board president, Jill Rotella, and learned about consumer-controlled apartment living offered for adults with developmental disabilities. As he learned more and met with others involved with the Tree, he found that both his organization and Sheltering Tree’s missions mirror one another with the goal of helping those with DD to live their best lives.
After meeting with Sheltering Tree’s Executive Director and board members, DaShawn could easily see they displayed compassion for the community. He says “Sheltering Tree also has a really strong team behind the organization leading these efforts. I truly see Sheltering Tree’s longevity in serving the disability community.”
With eyes on the future, DaShawn can envision several more apartment units for those with developmental disabilities, hoping Sheltering Tree will build in North Omaha and serve the community he was raised in. He acknowledges, there is a need nationally, so just looking forward to the continued growth and relationships built to put our best effort forward inside the communities that desperately need us.
He says, “it has been an honor to serve, support, and contribute to better lives for those living with developmental disabilities”.

Louis Pol

Grandparent’s Dedication: Dr. Lou Pol’s Journey in Service to Others, Bringing His Dedication to Sheltering Tree
Renowned educator Lou Pol, with nearly 45 years of experience spanning across esteemed academic institutions, brings his unwavering dedication to Sheltering Tree’s mission. With dedicated service to education across three U.S. universities and two foreign institutions, he has left an indelible mark as a professor, department chair, and college dean. Now retired, Lou channels his passion into creative non-fiction writing, crafting impactful short stories. Beyond his literary pursuits, Lou actively serves on multiple nonprofit boards. He’s also a devoted husband, father, and grandfather of three, with one grandchild diagnosed with Down syndrome.

Lou’s journey with Sheltering Tree began through his grandson’s experiences, which led him and his wife, Janet, to explore avenues of support. Impressed by Sheltering Tree’s model and leadership, Lou eagerly accepted an invitation to join the board, ready to contribute wholeheartedly to its mission.

Identifying Sheltering Tree’s strengths comes naturally to Lou, and two aspects stand out prominently. “Firstly, its mission is commendable: offering affordable housing to individuals with developmental disabilities addresses a crucial need in our community. Moreover, Sheltering Tree executes this mission with creativity and a focus on personalized care, making a tangible difference in people’s lives. Secondly, the organization’s commitment to strong leadership and staff ensures effective strategy implementation and day-to-day operations. This dedication translates into providing the highest quality housing options for those it serves, enhancing their well-being and independence.”

“As we look toward the future, Sheltering Tree stands poised in a perpetual state of growth and learning”—a stance Lou believes is essential for delivering top-tier quality as we broaden our reach to new locations. “Additionally, we must remain steadfast in communicating the magnitude of the unmet need for housing, underscoring the pressing demand for expanded services. Furthermore, there’s a crucial imperative to extend our reach by constructing new units in both North and South Omaha, ensuring accessibility to those who require our support.”

With Lou’s expertise and dedication, Sheltering Tree is poised to navigate future challenges and continue its vital mission of providing quality housing and opportunity for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Ana Torres Rodriguez

Sheltering Tree. As a Work Lab WorkLife Coach, she is committed to supporting and guiding individuals through life’s challenges, helping clients define their goals and take meaningful steps toward achieving them.

Ana’s passion for this work is rooted in her own lived experience. She is a mother of three daughters, including one diagnosed with autism at age four. Reflecting on that journey, Ana shares that the diagnosis reshaped her family’s path, requiring time, learning, and acceptance. Today, she celebrates the small milestones that represent meaningful progress and approaches her work with empathy, patience, and perspective.

Born in Mexico City, Ana immigrated to the United States with her family more than 25 years ago and became a U.S. citizen in 2022. Having grown up in South Omaha, she maintains a strong connection to the community and has built a career focused on uplifting others. Her professional background includes serving as a Spanish medical interpreter at Creighton University Medical Center, a Community Bilingual Liaison with Omaha Public Schools, and a Bilingual Career and Life Skills Coach with Step-Up Omaha. She also supported individuals through the GrOW Program at the Greater Omaha Chamber, helping clients navigate barriers and move toward stability and success.

Ana was drawn to Sheltering Tree’s mission because of the opportunity it creates for individuals with disabilities to live independently with support. She is especially passionate about sharing that opportunity within the Latino community and helping families see what is possible. Through her role and lived experience, Ana brings a thoughtful, culturally grounded, and mission-driven voice to the Sheltering Tree community.

Kurt Sierra

Kurt Sierra, DO, brings both clinical expertise and firsthand experience in supportive housing to the Sheltering Tree Board. He is currently an Internal Medicine Resident at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where he is continuing his training as a physician with a focus on whole-person care.

Kurt’s connection to Sheltering Tree began during his undergraduate years at Creighton University, where he served as a Live-In Tenant Assistant. In this role, he provided daily support to a residential community of adults with developmental disabilities, helping tenants build independent living skills while fostering an environment grounded in dignity, respect, and autonomy. That experience shaped his understanding of the importance of stable, community-centered housing and continues to inform his work today. He remains actively involved with Sheltering Tree as a volunteer.

Kurt earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theology, magna cum laude, from Creighton University. His academic and professional path reflects a strong commitment to service, compassion, and holistic care.

In addition to his clinical training, Kurt has supported individuals with developmental disabilities through volunteer and community-based programs, including his time with the Munroe-Meyer Institute and Gifted Hands. He is a member of the American Medical Association and the American College of Physicians.

Kurt brings a thoughtful, service-oriented perspective to the Board, along with a deep appreciation for the role that safe, supportive housing plays in overall health and well-being.

Shirley McNally

Founder and Visionary

Sheltering Tree was founded as a nonprofit entity by Tom and Shirley McNally and their Family. As the youngest member of the McNally family, their son who was born with Down syndrome, became a young adult, the family realized there was a critical need for safe and affordable housing for individuals with developmental disabilities. Because of this need, they felt compelled to find a solution. Having spent 30 years in the housing industry, the McNallys used their experience to make this dream a reality by creating a model for their vision of residential living in 2006. Their family values and traditional roots have always been at the core since the inception of Sheltering Tree.

Patrick McNally

Founding Family Representative

Patrick has spent countless hours contributing in every way possible to the progress of the organization by supporting the grassroots efforts at the beginning and continuing to the present time assisting in the growth of Sheltering Tree.

Molly Zavitz

Founding Family Representative

Molly, as part of the founding family, has contributed to the advancement of Sheltering Tree from concept to where Sheltering Tree stands today. She and her husband Aaron have spent countless hours creating digital media for the organization as well as providing many other forward-moving contributions.

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