I received my Bachelors of Art in Psychology with an Emphasis of Mental Health and minor in Sociology from Doane College in Crete, Nebraska. I then received my Educational Specialist Degree (Ed.S) in School Psychology from The University of Nebraska at Kearney. I have my NCSP (Nationally Certified School Psychologist). This is my 11th year as a School Psychologist and have been with ESU 16 that entire time. For 11 years I have been a Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI) Instructor. I am part of our Nebraska Crisis/Safety Team and ESU 16 Crisis Response Team Coordinator. Being a School Psychologist has been a lifelong dream of mine. I have always wanted to be an advocate for students. I am able to help in the area of academia, behavioral, social-emotional, and mental health. My hobbies include playing golf and tennis, reading, gardening, and baking.
MENTAL WELLNESS
MEET OUR TEAM
CATHERINE RUHLMAN
School Psychologist, Ed.S, NCSP
Please visit - https://www.esu16.org/staff to contact her
TERESA GOTCHALL
School Psychologist, Ed.S
Please visit - https://www.esu16.org/staff to contact her
I received my Educational Specialist Degree (Ed.S) in School Psychology from Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas in 1997. The 2024-2025 school year begins my 28th year as a School Psychologist. I spent the first 20 years working in Kansas and moved to Ogallala in the fall of 2017. I am a Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI) Instructor. Serving families and students is my passion. My hobbies include reading, gardening and camping. I look forward to serving my new schools, students and their families.
SHALEE POLLARD
School Psychologist, Ed.S
Please visit - https://www.esu16.org/staff to contact her
In 2015, I received my Bachelor of Arts in Education with endorsements in K-6 Elementary Education and K-6 Special Education from the University of Nebraska - Kearney. I then received my Educational Specialist degree in School Psychology, also from UNK. I also received my Master of Arts in Education degree in Special Education Supervision in 2023 from UNK. This will be my 7th year as a School Psychologist. I am excited to be with ESU #16 this year! I want to help all students thrive in a healthy learning environment. As a school psychologist, I can support assessment and intervention (academic, intellectual, behavioral, and social/emotional) and collaboration (with parents, teachers, staff, and other mental health professionals). I enjoy spending time with my family, and two dogs, Ripley and Bodie, gardening, golfing, and reading.
JAMIE MEISMER
MA, Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP)
Please visit - https://www.esu16.org/staff to contact her
I have been working with students for around 20 years. Throughout my journey in education, my passion for wanting to further help students and families grew and grew. I found myself drawn towards the counseling path. After having been a teacher and school counselor. I completed a CACREP graduate program through the University of Nebraska-Omaha. I then gained my license to practice mental health in 2015. I was in private practice for three years, gaining experience in trauma, domestic violence, anxiety, depression, grief, couple and family counseling. As time went on in private practice, I found myself providing services to clients in their schools more and more. For some students, this was the best way to help them and their families. Eventually, I was very blessed to have the opportunity to work with ESU16. I absolutely love being able to work with families and schools to best help our children as these are huge components of a child’s identity and well-being.
KAREN BATT
Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP)
Please visit - https://www.esu16.org/staff to contact her
I am delighted to be at ESU 16 as a Licensed Mental Health Professional! I have worked in the field of psychology for about 27 years and thoroughly enjoy every moment I am able to work with students. I have degrees from Chadron State College, the University of Phoenix, and am currently working on one from The Chicago School of International Psychology focusing on culture. I value working as a team to ensure students are able to grow in healthy ways in every part of their lives.
In my spare time, I enjoy kayaking, hiking, Pilates, crafting, reading mysteries and thrillers, as well as solving the murder mystery puzzles like To Hunt a Killer. I have a dog and a cat and really enjoy any time I can spend with horses.
NICOLE HOFFMANN
Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP, ATR)
Please visit - https://www.esu16.org/staff to contact her
I graduated from Doane College in 2009 with degrees in Art and Psychology. I then graduated from Florida State University in Tallahassee in 2011, with a Master's degree in Art Therapy. Art therapy utilizes active art-making, the creative process, applied psychological theory, and the human experience within a therapeutic relationship. I returned to the Nebraska Sandhills and worked in long-term care for 10 years before venturing into the mental health field 3 years ago. I have provided counseling and art therapy in person and via telehealth. I have learned so much from my clients and coworkers, and have learned the importance of relationships, self care and boundaries. I am looking forward to working with ESU 16 students, families and staff, in order to give students the tools they need to become happy and successful human beings. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, painting/making art, cooking and reading. I also enjoy spending time with family/friends and watching sports, especially football, volleyball, basketball and baseball.
JACQUELINE YENNI
Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP)
Please visit - https://www.esu16.org/staff to contact her
I earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Sociology and a Master of Arts Degree in Community Counseling from Chadron State College. I am a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner and Substance Abuse Counselor, I have owned and operated my own private practice business and have experience in treating mental health and substance abuse concerns with all ages for the past 18 years. I have specialized in working primarily with children and families.
I am certified in specific evidence based practices, such as (PCIT) Parent Child Interaction Therapy, (CPP) Child Parent Psychotherapy. I am also a certified (COS) Circle of Security facilitator.
Equipping and empowering individuals and families to operate and lead with their strengths is my passion. I am committed to life-long learning and continuous personal growth and development. I am ready and excited to help others on their journey.