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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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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.
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Human Resources
Harlie Talundzic is the HR Coordinator here at Jenda. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, Ethnic Studies, and Latin American Studies in 2021 and is currently pursuing her Master of Human Resource Management. Harlie holds the SHRM-CP certification.
In her role, Harlie is deeply committed to ensuring that Jenda's staff feel valued and heard. She strives to cultivate an inclusive environment where diverse voices are celebrated and respected. Harlie is dedicated to providing Jenda's staff with a support to turn to, whether they need assistance with work-related issues or simply want to share their thoughts and experiences.
Outside of the office, you can find Harlie exploring the joys of parenthood with her husband and 7-month-old son or curled up with a book, immersing herself in different worlds. Harlie has four cats and four aquariums that add a touch of both excitement and serenity to her home.
Fun fact: Harlie has travelled to six different Spanish-speaking countries during her time studying the language.
Ashly ferguson'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, Ashly enjoys golfing, boating, and spending time with her family and 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.
Madelyn Burke's team
Madelyn is from Maxwell NE, but has lived in Lincoln since 2015. In 2020 she graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor's degree in psychology. Madelyn was originally a family support worker with Jenda before growing into the supervision role. Madelyn is currently perusing a master's degree in psychology and is expected to graduate in fall of 2024.
Working to serve the communities of eastern Nebraska can be challenging as each client has a unique story to tell and challenges to face, but seeing a family accomplish their goals is even more rewarding. Madelyn says her experiences with Jenda have allowed her to grow personally, professionally, make a positive impact on people's lives, and continue to fulfill her passion of helping others.
When Madelyn is not at work or studying, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, doing hobbies like gardening, reading, painting, and staying active through exercise and hiking in nature.
natalia dick's team
Natalia is originally from York, Nebraska but has lived in Lincoln for 2 years. She graduated from Hastings College in 2023 with a Bachlor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Criminology. Natalia has previously worked with Jenda as a Family Support Worker.
"I have been blessed to be a part of Jenda's family. The work we do and the support we give to families is unlike anything I've seen. I believe acts of service are acts of love, and the service we provide families is extraordinary."
While not at work, Natalia loves to spend time outdoors, working out, and making connections with just about anyone. Natalia loves listening to people tell their stories and to allow them to feel heard and seen. Natalia has a passion for people, so if not at work, she's probably still surrounded by people.
Fun fact: Natalia played basketball in college
Foster Care Team
Jenda Foster Care started in 2020 as a way to continue to better serve our clients and families. Parker Holley, our Foster Care Director, Carrie Beltran, our Foster Care Administrator, and Lexy Pickard, our Foster Care Supervisor, and a small team of foster care specialists and support staff worked to build Jenda Foster Care into our program today.
Jenda Foster Care has a continually growing team of administration, licensing, and direct services staff that work to provide individualized, strengths-based foster care support that aligns with families' unique needs and strengths.
To learn more about Jenda Foster Care, visit our page!
Look through the gallery to meet the Foster Care team!
Maggie Borgmann's team
Maggie Borgmann, LIMHP, LICSW is the Jenda Family Services Clinical Director and has been with Jenda for over nine years. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. Maggie received her Master of Social Work from The University of Nebraska – Omaha. Through her time at Jenda, she has also been involved with family support, visitation, and Intensive Family Preservation.
Her work as clinical director has progressed Jenda Outpatient Clinic into new services through tele-behavioral health and her continued work with Nebraska Probation and Department of Health and Human Services. Maggie facilitates Dialectical Behavioral Therapy skills group and provides individual mental health counseling to adults. In addition, she conducts co-occurring, substance use and mental health assessments for both adults and adolescents
For more information on Maggie and her team, navigate to the Outpatient Clinic webpage!
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.
quality assurance Team
Jenda's Quality Assurance team works alongside program staff and supervisors to ensure services at Jenda consistently meet Jenda and DHHS NE standards.
The QA team supports the direct service programs through documentation review, data reporting, and database management.
Lead by QA Administrator Heather Muller and QA Supervisor Hannah Weinmaster, the QA team works behind the scenes to serve families, staff, and all program areas at Jenda.
Look through the gallery to meet the QA Team!
