Jessica Jurgensen
Co-Founder, Board Member and Consultant to Vita Nova
Jessica Jurgensen, BSN, has worked as a registered nurse for the past 30 years in many capacities. Her experiences during that period, both professionally and personally, gave her the desire and fortitude to help support and assist pregnant women who lack a stable support system. Motivated by the understanding that single-parent families with little or no education are at a greater risk for remaining in poverty and possibly homelessness, Jessica founded Vita Nova to help women overcome these challenges and achieve their life goals.
Jenn Tompkins
Executive Director
Jenn Tompkins brings over 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience to Vita Nova, with a background in philanthropy, community engagement and human resources. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics and human resources from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and an MBA from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She is also a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP). Jenn was drawn to Vita Nova by its mission to support pregnant women facing housing instability, and she is committed to strengthening partnerships, expanding donor support and advancing programs that create lasting change for women and children.
Shellie Gomes
Director of Primary Care Services
Shellie Gomes is a LIMPH, LPC based in Omaha, Nebraska. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Shellie went on to receive a master’s degree in community counseling at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She worked for more than 20 years in child welfare and behavioral health systems in Nebraska. Shellie also has several years’ experience in corporate employee assistance programs assisting employees with mental health and substance use needs. Shellie is passionate about helping others and serving those in need.
Sara McVay
Director of Operations
Sara McVay is a LMHP, CADAC based in Omaha, Nebraska. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from Doane University, and her master of arts degree in counseling from Doane-Lincoln University. Sara is also a certified alcohol/drug abuse counselor. With more than 20 years of experience in the criminal justice, substance abuse and behavioral health systems, Sara is dedicated to the mission of Vita Nova and has a passion for embracing those in need.
Fawn Horner
Case Manager
Fawn Horner, CLC, earned her psychology degree from Belmont University and has supported families and individuals navigating complex challenges for over 20 years. As a Certified Lactation Counselor, she supports new mothers and families through their breastfeeding journey and is trained to facilitate Circle of Security classes to help families build attachment skills. Outside of work, Fawn enjoys time with loved ones, audiobooks, crochet and sewing. She’s excited to be a part of Vita Nova’s mission of helping women change their futures.
Adam Thiel
Food Services Manager
Prior to joining the Vita Nova team, Adam owned his own restaurant for 30 years. His favorite part of his role as Food Services Manager is engaging with the residents and teaching them to plan and cook meals on a budget. Outside of work, Adam enjoys golfing, skiing and spending time with his family.
Mike Scott
Director of Security & Property Management
Prior to working at Vita Nova, Mike served 6 years in the Marine Corps and 29 years in law enforcement. He enjoys the variety of tasks Vita Nova’s expansive campus brings and is passionate about helping those who need assistance and support.
Board of Directors
William G. Jurgensen
Board Member
William G. “Jerry” Jurgensen, co-founder of Vita Nova Maternity Community, is the retired CEO of Nationwide Insurance. He brings extensive leadership and governance experience to the Vita Nova team. Jerry currently serves on the Board of Directors of Lamb Weston Holdings, chairs the Risk and Capital Committee at AIG, and is a Director at Paydala. He is also a retired Director of ConAgra Foods and serves on the Board of Directors at Creighton Preparatory School.
Katrina Lane
Board Member
Katrina Lane is a versatile professional with experience in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors. Since 2012, she has held a variety of roles at Waitt Company while also serving as Grants and Administrative Manager for The Kind World Foundation. Katrina brings expertise in problem-solving, implementation and strategic support to advance impactful initiatives.
Heather Smith
Board Member
Heather Smith brings more than 25 years of successful administrative experience to her role leading the College of Saint Mary, the only women’s college in a five-state region. With a proven record of leadership and innovation, she was appointed as CSM’s eighth president in July 2023. President Smith is dedicated to advancing the institution’s century-long legacy of academic excellence.
Jessica Thurmond Jurgensen
Board Member
Jessica Thurmond Jurgensen is the co-founder of Vita Nova Maternity Community and currently serves as a consultant for the organization. She has worked as a registered nurse for more than 30 years, and both her personal and professional experiences have inspired her commitment to helping women who are pregnant and in need of support as they work to achieve their life goals.
Eva Jessen
Board Member
Eva Jessen, J.D., M.B.A., is a mother of two children and a proud supporter of Vita Nova’s mission to provide a safe space for mothers to care for and support their children.
Dr. Marla Ashe
Board Member
Dr. Marla Ashe is the Executive Director of Business Development at Metropolitan Community College. She holds a doctoral degree in Business Administration and previously served as the Dean of Business at MCC. Originally from Arizona, Dr. Ashe has lived in a variety of communities across the country.
Andre Streete
Board Member
Andre Streete is the Associate Athletic Director at Creighton University, where he is responsible for facilitating all stages of the donor engagement process. He oversees the athletic development department, leads strategic planning for fundraising and executes philanthropic initiatives with his team. In addition, he collaborates with athletics senior staff, the university advancement team and head coaches to strengthen fundraising efforts across programs.
Bill Hamik
Board Member
Bill Hamik retired in 2021 after a 36-year career with McKesson before becoming a Partner at USave Pharmacy Group. He also serves on numerous nonprofit and foundation boards, including DuPage Pads, the YMCA of Naperville, the Nebraska Greats Foundation and as a Regent for Creighton Preparatory School.
Tara Simons
Board Member
Tara Simons is the Membership Investment Manager for the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce. She is a passionate advocate for community engagement and support, with a strong background in marketing. As a member of the Board of Directors for Vita Nova Maternity Community, Tara is dedicated to empowering women and strengthening connections within Sarpy County.
Nick O’Brien
Board Member
Nick O’Brien is an attorney with Koley Jessen, P.C., L.L.O., where his practice focuses on estate planning and estate administration. He also represents numerous tax-exempt organizations, assisting with the formation of new charities and counseling existing charities on tax compliance and governance matters. Originally from Spirit Lake, Iowa, Nick now lives in Omaha, Nebraska, with his wife, Phoebe.