Jo Lee, Early Childhood Coordinator
My dad always advised “find a job that feels like play.” (He’s a rancher.) So I did! I’ve been “playing” in ESU 16 early childhood for over 30 years and loved every minute of it. I have an undergraduate degree from UNL in early childhood and early childhood special education, and a master’s degree from Vanderbilt University in special education. Along the way I’ve picked up endorsements in behavior, resource, early childhood special education, and early childhood. I’ve also had a ton of training in autism spectrum disorders and serve on the ESU 16 Autism Team.
Denise Brauer, Early Childhood Special Educator
Believe it or not - I have been with ESU 16 over 30 years! This has been my one and only teaching position. I graduated from Kearney State College in Fall of 1987 and started with ESU 16 in August 1988. When I first started teaching at ESU 16, I had the 5-8 year old class at the Special Services Center. My job has evolved over the years wearing several hats - Resource Teacher, SPED Consultant, Speech/Language Assistant, to my passion - Early Childhood Special Education Teacher. I love working with families, day care providers, preschool teachers and of course, babies, toddlers, and preschoolers! I have a love for pre-literacy with children and making books come alive for children.
Becky Burke, Early Childhood Speech-Language Pathologist
I graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with both my Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degrees. I have worked with ESU 16 for 28 years and counting! All of those years I have been involved in some way with preschool aged children. After the first five years, I transitioned from part school-age to full-time early childhood/preschool and that is where my heart lies. My heart is full when I can hear “Ms. Becky!!” from outside, even before walking into the house or the minute I walk into the classroom. I also love the collaboration aspect of working with other team members to help speech/language skills that are integrated with other developmental areas of need.
Emily Johnson, Early Childhood Speech-Language Pathologist
As the most recent addition to the early childhood team, I have been a Speech Language Pathologist for over eight years. I have worked with children in a variety of settings that include outpatient pediatric clinics, non profit agencies, early intervention and preschool. My passion is for early language development, feeding therapy and motor speech disorders. I love to see children thrive in their homes and communities. I received my undergraduate degree from Penn State University and my masters from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.
Hannah Carlson, Early Development Network Services Coordinator
Since moving here in 2014, I have continued to work on building my network in the early childhood field. Since 2021, I have worked with Keith County Communities for Kids as well as Rooted in Relationships. My passion is working with any groups/organizations that focus on early childhood development and education. In 2022 I received my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Mid-Plains Community College. Currently I am working towards my Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education from UNK.
Kristin Haddow, Early Development Network Services Coordinator
Prior to joining the ESU 16 team, I served as a Paraprofessional for special education at my children's school. During this time, I had the privilege of witnessing the remarkable and groundbreaking initiatives that ESU 16 undertook with the students I worked with. It was during this period that I knew ESU 16 was the perfect workplace for me. After several years, I was fortunate enough to be offered a position on their staff. Currently, I dedicate my working hours to assisting families in acquiring the services that best cater to their individual needs, in my role as a services coordinator.
Jenny Reichman, Occupational Therapist
I have been an Occupational Therapist on the Early Childhood team for 22 years. I completed my undergraduate studies at Chadron State College and graduated from Creighton University with my Bachelor’s of Occupational Therapy degree. I have worked in the ESU 16 area since graduating from college. I love helping children develop their fine motor skills and always strive to build their confidence.
Cassie Jarzynka, Occupational Therapist
Almost 11 years ago, I began working as an Occupational Therapist with ESU 16 after graduating from Creighton University with my Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. I completed my undergraduate coursework at Chadron State College (my first experience “out west” after growing up in eastern Nebraska). I have a passion for environmental setup and accessibility and helping kids be as independent as they can in their daily endeavors.
Jenny Daup, Occupational Therapist
For the past 28 years, I have been an occupational therapist working in pediatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, and schools in 4 different states. It is an honor to work with our youngest, and most fragile (and resilient) clients. I enjoy helping families find just the right strategy to help their child progress and see the delight on the faces of our itty-bitty clients when they reach that next milestone. In my spare time, I volunteer as the assistant director of Operation Shine Camp.
Jennie Dyer, Physical Therapist
I completed my undergraduate degree at Doane and received my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from UNMC. As a parent of a child with different abilities, I have seen firsthand the impact the early childhood team can have on the lives of children and their families. I am excited to collaborate with parents and the early childhood team to help the natural development of movement and give children a strong foundation in gross motor skills.