HELP Celebrates National Occupational Therapy Month – Help Medical Equipment Rental & Long-Term Care Planning

Laura Ilcisin

Executive Committee

Laura Ilcisin is on the Executive Committee of HELP’s board. She retired after 20 years as an accounting lecturer in the College of Business at the University of Nebraska Omaha. Her teaching included a variety of financial accounting courses in both the undergraduate and MBA programs. She served on numerous committees at the department, college and university levels, including the Faculty Senate. Laura advised student organizations, served as internship director for the accounting program, and coordinated all sections of the introductory accounting curriculum. She authored a published instructional guide for a widely used college-level accounting textbook, and developed both content and review materials for numerous others. In 2014, the UNO Alumni Association recognized her as the outstanding teacher in the College of Business.

Prior to joining UNO, Laura worked for 15 years in the Finance, Accounting and Operating departments at Union Pacific Railroad. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Creighton University, an MBA from the University of Nebraska Omaha and a CPA certificate. Her community service has included the Legislation Committee of the Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants, the Nebraska SID 295 Board of Trustees, the Nebraska Future Force Task Force, and the board of directors of RetireSafe and the Senior Center for Health & Security.

Melody Harder

Administrative Assistant

Melody is likely the first person you will talk to when you call or enter the store. Melody is responsible for answering phones, scheduling deliveries, and ensuring families get what they need to keep them safe and independent.

Anne Walsh

Board Member

Anne Walsh is a HELP board member and chair of the organization’s marketing communications committee. During a 31-year career at Union Pacific Railroad, Anne led internal communications efforts connecting 42,000 employees in 23 states, building engagement by helping them understand their role in serving 10,000 customers. Reaching the diverse, unionized workforce required managing numerous electronic and print communications, as well as extensive executive outreach events. These efforts were closely aligned with the company’s social media, brand management and media relations strategies.

She is a board member of A Time To Heal cancer rehabilitation foundation, has served as president of the Omaha Press Club and the Association of Railway Communicators, and was an advisory board member for the University of Nebraska Omaha’s student newspaper. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from UNO. As a primary decision-maker for an adult relative’s healthcare, Anne has experienced firsthand the complexities of navigating long-term care options and maintaining independent living. She is committed to expanding and enhancing HELP’s reach and reputation, so that more can be served through its programs.

David A. Daniels

Board Member

David A. Daniels is a HELP board member. Dave has 26 years of experience in Recreation and Athletics, including 17 years as an assistant director of Campus Recreation at the University of Nebraska Omaha. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Eastern University (PA) and a Master’s degree in Sports Administration from the University of Northern Colorado (CO). Currently, Dave is an appliance specialist at The Home Depot and a delivery driver for Panera Bread. He enjoys volunteering, traveling, history, yardwork/landscaping and music. Dave believes in HELP’s mission and that it serves an important role for individuals and families in the Omaha community.

Kellie Morrell

Board Member

Kellie Morrell has served on the HELP board since 2014. Her many roles have included president and vice president, and participation on numerous committees. She is an Agile coach and trainer with 20-plus years of experience in a variety of industries. She is married and has one daughter. Kellie is passionate about HELP’s mission: “Helping others optimize their independence and quality of life.”

Danielle LeGrande

Board Member

Danielle LeGrande has been serving on the HELP Board starting in October 2018. Danielle has 10 years of experience in the non-profit sector, including 5 years as the Logistics Manager with WELLCOM and 5 years as Community Director at the March of Dimes Nebraska Chapter. She left the non-profit sector and is now working for Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits as a Business Analyst. Danielle has a bachelor’s degree in General Studies with a Minor in Non-Profit Studies and Youth Services Administration from the University of Northern Iowa. She enjoys spending time with her family, house projects and volunteering. Danielle is passionate about giving back to non-profits in our community and is honored to be serving on the HELP Board to further the mission and values.

Taylor Burkum

Taylor spends his days delivering and picking up medical equipment items throughout the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro area. Having excellent organizational and mechanical skills, Taylor maintains the warehouse inventory along with data entry for thousands of donated items each year

Jane Jones

Administrative Assistant

Jane came to us after many years working at Nursing Home facilities, helping others. Jane knew that she was not yet ready to retire so when this opportunity came up, she saw it as a sign…she LOVES to help people!

Kurt Bush

Volunteer

Kurt joined the HELP family as administrative assistant in August 2016 and, due to his abilities and commitment, was quickly promoted to program director and then executive director in 2020. He has extensive computer and donor data management skills, including five years of experience in Information Technologies and computer repair.

Kurt previously served on the Sheridan Volunteer Fire Department in Sheridan, Montana. After earning an Associate’s degree in Business Management, he moved to Omaha from Montana in fall 2012. Kurt enjoys the great outdoors and spending time with his wife and two children.

Kurt’s motivation: “I do not believe anyone should undergo such severe financial hardship as people do today when needing to provide medical equipmentfor themselves or a loved one. With the rising cost of healthcare, working at HELP is my way of doing something to make a difference.”

Daniel Haynes

Volunteer

Daniel has served in social services for over 12 years. Prior to joining the HELP team, he assisted at-risk youth through juvenile corrections; supported adults with special needs, and worked within the foster care system helping parents and their foster children. He joined the HELP family in November of 2014 and has enjoyed the opportunity to serve seniorsin the community. Since beginning his career working with children and youth, and then with special needs adults, Daniel believes working with seniors is the next logical step in his journey to help people.

Daniel earned a Bachelor’s degree in Family Life & Marriage Counseling from Nebraska Christian College. He enjoys watching movies with his wife and their four rambunctious boys, and volunteering in his church.

Daniel’s motivation: “I thoroughly enjoy serving in a “people helping” position and have done so my whole career. Making a positive difference in the lives of others continues guide my actions each and every day.”

Tom Neal

Executive Director

Tom joined the HELP family as Executive Director in October 2018. He brings with him an extensive background of leadership, marketing and public relations. Tom received a BS in Human Resource Management and a MS equivalent in Operations Management. He began his career at Physicians Mutual and, after being promoted through the ranks, became a successful marketing manager leading a team focused on nurturing customer relationships.

In 2013 he joined Nebraska Organ Recovery, raising awareness of the need for suitable donors. Ready for a new challenge, he accepted an Executive Director role that consisted of managing an early learning center, two community learning centers and a food distribution program in Lincoln, Neb.

Over the years, he dedicated many years to nonprofit boards, including a combined 23 years of service. He is currently the President for Big Canvas and is a board member for the Lions Eye Bank of Nebraska.

Tom’s motivation: “I love the feeling of a job well done. When I know that I have helped someone toward a better life, it is the most amazing feeling ever. I want my time at HELP to be that of serving the needs of our patrons and making sure that everyone who needs us knows about us!

Gary Willis

Board Member

Gary R. Willis is a HELP executive board member and also the Secretary. Gary enjoyed a 40-year career at Union Pacific Railroad, the majority of it in Labor Relations’ arbitration and discipline area for operating and non-operating employees. In addition to his railroad career, Gary has worked for NP Dodge Real Estate for 25 years.

He is currently a board member and treasurer for Nebraska Prostate Cancer Alliance, and board member and past president of the Omaha Press Club. He was previously a board member for the Friendship Program, an adult day care/rehabilitation facility, and president and board member for the Douglas County American Cancer Society.

Gary’s first experience with HELP was when a family member went into hospice and required a hospital bed. “The staff at HELP was so helpful and kind from delivery to picking up when we no longer needed it,” he said. This pleasant experience made it very easy for Gary to want to become a board member. He wants to make the Omaha and surrounding communities aware of HELP’s mission, and its role to help individuals stay in their home with professional equipment.

John Morey

Board Member

John Morey is a Hastings, Nebraska native but has lived in Omaha for over 40 years. A life-long Presbyterian, John has served on Session Boards for many years, and has served as the Moderator of the Presbytery of Missouri River Valley and other Presbytery Committees. He and his wife of nearly 50 years, Karen, are members of Presbyterian Church of the Cross in Omaha. John sings in the choir and several ensembles, and is Chairman of the church’s Vesper Concerts Board of Advisors.

John and Karen have two children and four grandchildren, all living in the Omaha/Lincoln metro area. They love to travel, with a goal of at least two international trips per year, in addition to domestic trips.

John is a Registered Principal and Partner in the Financial Planning and Investment Management firm of Morey & Quinn Wealth Partners, and has been a Financial Advisor for over 30 years. He works with individuals and small business owners, helping them create, grow and preserve their financial well-being.

Mary Wilson

Board Member

This is Mary’s first year on the board, starting in February of 2019. She previously served two three-year terms and is a past board president. She has 40 years’ experience serving nonprofits. She is an elder law attorney with Aging Partners in Lincoln, Nebraska. She is a member of First Presbyterian Church Omaha.

Tim Coyle

Board Member

Tim joined the HELP family as a board member in January 2020. He has an extensive background in marketing planning & implementation, advertising and public relations. Tim has a BA in Journalism from Creighton University and had a career in direct response marketing for Mutual of Omaha and Physicians Mutual, as well as marketing & administration at Omaha Neon Sign Co, Inc.
Tim has donated his time & skills with other nonprofits over the years. He was the co-chairman of public relations for the Cox Classic Golf Tournament and is currently a board director and corporate secretary for the Chicago & North Western Historical Society.
Tim and his wife Mary have one child and three grandchildren, all living in the Omaha/Lincoln metro area. Over the years, they have spent many hours watching their son and grandchildren’s soccer games.
When asked to participate as a board member with HELP, Tim’s immediate reply was yes. He is familiar with the medical and support needs of the elderly and handicapped through experiences with family and friends. Tim understands that services and equipment are essential to those in need and should be available, no matter their financial situations.

Mindy Paces

Board Member

Mindy joined the HELP board in September of 2020 and is currently serving as Treasurer With over 12 years of Human Services experience, Mindy currently serves as the Vice President of Housing and Financial Stability for Heartland Family Service. She graduated from Wayne State College in 2009 with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services Counseling and a minor in Psychology and has completed some coursework towards a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling. Mindy’s career experience ranges from work in Child Welfare, Intellectual and behavioral disabilities, and adolescent residential substance use treatment. Mindy is an active member of various task forces and workgroups in the community relating to Housing and Homelessness efforts, to include advocacy efforts around affordable housing. Mindy is passionate about giving back to the community and working alongside underserved populations to ensure that all have access to resources that meet basic needs and promote holistic wellbeing. HELP’s mission and community reach are what inspired Mindy to serve on the board, and she is honored to be a part of advancing HELP’s mission and values in the community.

Arlin Kiel

Treasurer

Arlin is a retired CPA and businessman. A native Nebraskan, he graduated from Hastings College, then completed the experience requirement for his CPA certification in 1969. Arlin worked in the public accounting profession for 17 years before deciding to dedicate full-time to personal business interests.

During all of these years, he helped with many different volunteer
efforts and organizations, including serving on financial and stewardship boards in several different churches.

In 2001, Arlin and his wife Sue decided to pursue long-time goals of travel and service to others and found the means to combine them in an organization called NOMADS. They bought a motorhome, put some things in storage, and headed out on an adventure that was to last for the next 13 years.NOMADS members all own RVs and travel around the country doing various mission projects. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, they helped create a new branch of NOMADS to assist in rebuilding homes after natural disasters and then worked in numerous disaster locations.

During these years Arlin served for four years on the national Board of Directors of NOMADS including one year as chairman.
Now they are comfortably re-retired in Omaha and enjoying time with
family, including two daughters, four granddaughters, and their families.
They are members of the Presbyterian Church of the Cross, where they are bothelders and Arlin serves on the Building and Grounds Committee.

Connor Moritz

Conner works in the warehouse organizing and sanitizing inventory. He also goes on deliveries and helps ensure that all equipment is functioning properly and set up for the customer. In his spare time, Connor enjoys playing the guitar and has an endless passion for music.

Taylor Jackson

Board Member

Taylor joined HELP as a board member in July 2022. She has been referring her clients to HELP since 2015.

Taylor is an Omaha native who attended Benson High School. She obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She started working with elders in the skilled nursing setting. From there she began her career in hospice and served as a hospice social worker for 4 years before taking her current position as the Director of Psychosocial Services at OnCare Hospice where she was a core team member engaged in launching a new hospice agency.

Taylor was a congressional advocate for the Alzheimer’s Association from 2019-2023. In addition to HELP, she also serves on the boards for the Ralston Soccer Club and the Tyler Shipman Memorial Car Show. Taylor is married and has two elementary-aged children who are active in soccer and Cub Scouts. She and her family enjoy travelling, reading, watching football, and playing board games.

Marilyn Puett

President

Marilyn Puett is on the Executive Committee of HELP’s board, serving as President. She retired as a school administrator with the Omaha Public Schools after 45 years of service. Prior to becoming the Dean of Students at Bryan Middle School, Marilyn taught vocal music for over 30 years at eight elementary schools and two middle schools. Born and raised in Sheridan, Wyoming, she learned about volunteerism and community service from her parents, Wilbur and Alta June Pool. In 2010, her mother was chosen by the Jefferson Foundation as Wyoming’s volunteer of the year. Marilyn is a graduate of Hastings College and holds a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of Nebraska. She is the recording clerk of the Presbytery of the Missouri River Valley and was secretary to the presbytery’s Commission on Ministry. Marilyn has belonged to Presbyterian Church of the Master for over 40 years, assisting as the vice-moderator of the Presbyterian Women, chair of the Memorial Committee and singer in the Chancel Choir. She also serves on Standing Bear Village’s Sanitary Improvement District board.

Marilyn first learned about HELP when her co-worker needed medical equipment after a leg amputation due to diabetes, while another friend needed a walker for her husband. They were impressed with the possibility of borrowing medical equipment from HELP’s vast array, and the staff’s professionalism and expertise. Marilyn has supported the Presbyterian Women and HELP’s Christmas stocking project for inmates since its inception. Marilyn believes HELP is a good place for her to give back to the community that has given her and her family so much over the past 46 years.

Jackie Austad Nelson

Executive Committee

Jackie Austad Nelson is Vice-President of HELP’s Board of Directors. During a 31-year career at Union Pacific Railroad, she held various positions in the Finance and Human Resources departments. Jackie was responsible for: the design and implementation of the human resource service center; redesign of the management compensation program; design and implementation of a new consumer-driven healthcare plan for management employees; design and implementation of an occupational health management system, and management of a nationally recognized employee wellness program. She and her husband own Nelson Painting & Decorating. She also holds a BBA in Accounting from the University of Iowa and an MBA from Creighton University.

Jackie has served on the boards of the Omaha Literacy Council, the Heartland Foundation, March of Dimes, Integrated Benefits Institute, the National Business Group on Health, WELLCOM and Live Well Nebraska. She was a member of the Executive Committee of Go Red for Women, served on the UNO School of Gerontology Advisory Board, and chaired the Union Pacific Komen Race for the Cure corporate team. Jackie is passionate about giving back to the community and is excited about furthering the mission and values of HELP.

Edward Alfaro

Warehouse Coordinator

Edward joined our team in the summer of 2019, full of energy and a sense for doing the right thing. He is fluent in Spanish, which helps us to communicate to our Hispanic speaking clients. Edward is a very hard worker and is diligent in his duties. When he first joined the team, his main goal was to make a positive difference in the lives of others. He always has a smile on his face and is quick to lend a hand.

Jane Jones

Customer Service/Administrative Assistant

Jane came to us after many years working at Nursing Home facilities, helping others. Jane knew that she was not yet ready to retire so when this opportunity came by, she knew it was a sign…Jane LOVES to help people!

Dr. Nancy Kelley

Executive Committee

Dr. Nancy Kelley is on the Executive Committee of HELP’s board, serving as secretary. She is a professor with the University of Nebraska Omaha’s Grace Abbott School of Social Work. Nancy earned a PhD in Social Work with a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology from the University of Utah; Master’s degree in Social Service Administration from The University of Chicago; Bachelor of Social Work degree with a minor in developmental psychology from Moorhead State University in Minnesota, and an Associate of Arts degree and certificate in Developmental Disabilities from Minot State University in North Dakota.

Her professional background has focused primarily in the fields of aging and developmental disabilities, holding direct care, case management, coordinating and supervisory, and administrative positions in community-based organizations. She also has extensive experience working with adjudicated adults under legal guardianship who have been victims of elder abuse, neglect and/or exploitation. Her research, practice and policy interests include: quality of life and quality of care of older adults and people with disabilities; behavioral healthcare across the lifespan; community long-term care initiatives for older and disabled adults; and family and nonfamily caregiving issues across the lifespan. In addition to serving on HELP’s board since January 2013, Nancy has actively supported the community through her leadership in other nonprofit organizations and coalition work, such as the Nebraska Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Nebraska Family Support Network, and the Nebraska Older Adult Mental Health Coalition.

Jerelle Johnson

Senior Warehouse Coordinator

Jerelle joined the HELP family in January 2014. His days are busy delivering and picking up medical equipment items throughout the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro area. Having excellent organizational skills, Jerelle maintains the warehouse inventory along with data entry for thousands of donated items each year. In his free time, Jerelle can be found in his personal garden or enjoying life at his wife’s side.

Jerelle’s motivation: “I came to HELP because it is a small nonprofit organization that I wanted to help grow. I thoroughly enjoy helping the people within our community.”

Kurt Bush

Program Director

Kurt joined the HELP family as administrative assistant in August 2016 and, due to his abilities and commitment, was quickly promoted to program director. He has extensive computer and donor data management skills, including five years of experience in Information Technologies and computer repair.

Kurt previously served on the Sheridan Volunteer Fire Department in Sheridan, Montana. After earning an Associate’s degree in Business Management, he moved to Omaha from Montana in fall 2012. Kurt enjoys the great outdoors and spending time with his wife and two children.

Kurt’s motivation: “I do not believe anyone should undergo such severe financial hardship as people do today when needing to provide medical equipment for themselves or a loved one. With the rising cost of healthcare, working at HELP is my way of doing something to make a difference.”

Daniel Haynes

Program Manager

Daniel has served in social services for over 12 years. Prior to joining the HELP team, he assisted at-risk youth through juvenile corrections; supported adults with special needs, and worked within the foster care system helping parents and their foster children. He joined the HELP family in November of 2014 and has enjoyed the opportunity to serve seniors in the community. Since beginning his career working with children and youth, and then with special needs adults, Daniel believes working with seniors is the next logical step in his journey to help people.

Daniel earned a Bachelor’s degree in Family Life & Marriage Counseling from Nebraska Christian College. He enjoys watching movies with his wife and their four rambunctious boys, and volunteering in his church.

Daniel’s motivation: “I thoroughly enjoy serving in a “people helping” position and have done so my whole career. Making a positive difference in the lives of others continues guide my actions each and every day.”

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