Laurie Ackermann
Execultive Director
lackermann@olliewebbinc.org

Laurie is pleased to serve as the executive director of Ollie Webb Center, Inc.  Laurie, a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has worked in the field of developmental disabilities for over 20 years.  She has spent the majority of her career working for not-for-profit organizations, and has served on numerous committees and boards.  Laurie came to work for Career Solutions, Inc., in the fall of 1998.  In January of 2003, she received the opportunity to also work with The Arc of Omaha (at that time “The Ollie Webb Center”), taking the two programs (Career Solutions, Inc. and The Arc of Omaha) through the successful merger that formed Ollie Webb Center, Inc.

Laurie is blessed with a beautiful son, David, who is currently attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, studying to receive a degree from the Film and New Media program at the Lied Center for Performing Arts.  In her spare time, Laurie enjoys theater, movies, reading, traveling, and, most importantly, spending time with her family (which has now grown to include three beloved cats, Sabrina, Harvey, and Oliver—Oliver, by the way, is named after Ollie because he was a stray found at the Ollie Webb Center.)

Laurie’s family has been involved with The Arc of Omaha (formerly GOARC and The Ollie Webb Center), for many years. Two of her siblings have benefitted from the programs offered here at the center.  Her parents were among the first “Pilot Parents.”  Thanks to the tremendous amount of information, service, and support her family has received over the years, she is now able to share her education (both personally and professionally) and experiences with others who can potentially benefit from the complete array of services offered through Ollie Webb Center, Inc.

Mary Betsworth
Employment Specialist
342-4418

Mary moved from her birth place, LeMars, Iowa, and joined our staff as a full time Employment Specialist in July 2001.  Mary’s mission is to make a difference in the world and be a positive influence in the lives of others. She has done this by being passionately involved in the Plymouth County Child Abuse Prevention Council having served as Vice President as well as Coordinator and Parent Facilitator of the Parent Education Nurturing Program for 12 years.  She was also employed for many years as Coordinator for the Christian Needs Center, a food pantry and clothing outlet serving the county.

Mary’s free time is spent enjoying her two children, seven grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, her mother and friends as well as a strong interest in Unity Church, energy healing, nature, the mountains and rock climbing in Colorado.

Nan Byers
Employment Specialist
342-4418

Nan has worked for Career Solutions, Inc., since 2002.  Nan serves as an employment specialist, providing job coaching and assisting with job development.  Nan loves being a job coach and having the opportunity to work closely with the individuals we serve.  She also enjoys assisting with job development because it is wonderful to help someone obtain employment.  On a personal note, Nan has been married to her husband Lenny since 1992.  Lenny and Nan have three daughters; Amelia, Amanda, and Alesha.  Nan and Lenny recently became first-time grandparents.

Becky DeMuth
Independent Living Services Director
bdemuth@olliewebbinc.org

Becky is the independent living director for Career Solutions, Inc. at the Ollie Webb Center.  Becky began her employment at Career Solutions in 2002 as a part-time employee.  In 2005, she moved to a full-time position to develop the expanding Independent Living Program.  Becky has been working with individuals with developmental disabilities since 1977, including 17 years as a state service coordinator.  She truly enjoys meeting all of the individuals served by Career Solutions and is excited to continue expanding the Independent Living Program.

Mike DeMuth

Employment Services Director

mdemuth@olliewebbinc.org

Chris Gilbert
Administrative Specialist
cgilbert@olliewebbinc.org

Chris is the Administrative Specialist for Ollie Webb Center, Inc. Chris came to work for Career Solutions, Inc. in 1998. She has a son with Down Syndrome who is currently enrolled in the education program at Career Solutions and is competitively employed in the community. Before coming to Career Solutions, Inc., Chris worked in the insurance field for nine years. Following that, Chris was the director of Tech Tots for United Cerebral Palsy, developing and overseeing the Tech Tots Toy Lending Library for six years. She was involved in the creation of Challenger Little League, and a board member of R-Cat.

In addition to their son Scott, Chris and her husband, Steve Gilbert, have two daughters, both of whom live in Omaha. Chris enjoys decorating and traveling. She is an expert event planner, and can be found donating her time and talents to numerous worthy causes.

Paul Landry
Employment Specialist
342-4418

Paul is an employment specialist for Career Solutions, Inc. at the Ollie Webb Center. Paul previously worked in human resources, employee relations and employment services for the Department of Labor. Paul has actively volunteered for the Literacy Council of the Midlands and as a Consumer Advocate for KETV 7- Can Help. Other volunteer experiences include supporting Metropolitan Community College and the Omaha performing arts community.

Paul looks forward to continuing to share his knowledge and skills and supporting the mission of Ollie Webb Center, Inc.

Mike Loftus
Education Director
mloftus@olliewebbinc.org

Mike is the education director for Career Solutions, Inc. at the Ollie Webb Center. Mike has been with Career Solutions since 1996, working as a job coach and then as an instructor. In 2003, Mike became the director of education services. Mike has been involved in the field of special education since 1994 after earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Mike initially worked as a paraprofessional for two years for Omaha Public Schools before coming to Career Solutions. In 2001, Mike became a state certified special education teacher. After teaching one year at the Omaha Home for Boys, Mike began his full-time employment with Career Solutions helping to develop the education services component. In addition, to his work here, Mike also teaches adult education courses at Metropolitan Community College.

Outside of his work, Mike is a talented artist and musician. He exhibits and sells his oil paintings throughout the region and has a website dedicated to his work. Mike can also be seen playing the drums in his band, Shovel Head.

Melissa Mann
Independent Living Instructor
342-4418

Melissa is an independent living specialist for Career Solutions, Inc. at the Ollie Webb Center. Melissa previously worked for Bethphage (now Mosaic) in Fremont, Nebraska from 2000-2002 and for Martin Luther Homes (now Mosaic) from 2002-2005, until beginning her employment with Career Solutions in May 2005.

Melissa was inspired by her step-sister, who has a developmental disability, to work with others who have this same experience. She greatly enjoys working for Career Solutions and serving others.

Cleo Novotny
Administrative Assistant
cnovotny@olliewebbinc.org

Cleo is the administrative assistant at Ollie Webb Center, Inc.   She is usually the first person you meet when you telephone or visit our office.   Cleo enjoys interacting with the individuals and families served by The Arc of Omaha and Career Solutions, Inc.   She also enjoys working with Ollie Webb Center's staff members.

When Cleo is not attending to the office, she keeps busy with family and friends.  She loves cats, audio tapes, thrift store shopping, easy crossword puzzles, "History Detectives" on PBS, and plays at the Omaha Community Playhouse.

Jackie Six
Operations Director
jsix@olliewebbinc.org

Jackie Six brings over 10 years of experience working with and advocating for individuals with disabilities.

Jackie, who was born and raised in Omaha, joined Career Solutions, Inc. in August of 2006 after moving back to Omaha from Fayetteville, AR.  She received a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Arkansas.  While attending school full time, Jackie designed and implemented a day program for adults with developmental disabilities that helped them transition from school into the workforce. Prior to living in Arkansas, she lived in Chicago and then Kansas City where she utilized her undergraduate degree in Therapeutic Recreation working with children and adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses.

In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, reading, needlepoint, and spending time with her cats Cosmo and Luna.