Jessica Jurgensen
Co-Founder of Vita Nova Maternity Home
Board Member and Consultant to VNMC Staff
I have worked as a registered nurse (BSN) for the past 30 years in many capacities. My experiences during that period, both professionally and personally, have given me the desire and fortitude to help support and assist women who are pregnant and have no other support system to help them achieve their life goals. I realize that single-parent families with little or no education are at a greater risk for remaining in poverty and possibly homelessness. If I don’t do this work now, then when?
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-Omaha. She gained experience while working 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’s passion for helping others and serving those in need is what brought her to Vita Nova Maternity Community.
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 went on to receive a master of arts in counseling at Doane-Lincoln University. Sara is also a certified alcohol/drug abuse counselor. With more than 20 years of experience in the criminal justice system, substance abuse and behavioral health systems, Sara is dedicated to the mission of Vita Nova Maternity Community and has a passion for embracing those in need.
Adam Thiel
Food Services Manager
My name is Adam Thiel, the food services manager here at our Omaha pregnancy non-profit organization, Vita Nova. I owned my own restaurant for 30 years before joining the Vita Nova team. The best part of my job here is being able to engage with the residents and teach them to plan for and cook meals on a budget. Away from work I enjoy golf, skiing, and spending time with my family.
Mike Scott
Director of Security & Property Management
Prior to being on staff at Omaha’s top pregnancy non-profit organization, Vita Nova Maternity Community, I served 6 years in the Marine Corps and 29 years in Law Enforcement. I enjoy the variety of tasks the new campus brings and helping those who need assistance and support.
Board of Directors
William G. Jurgensen
Board Member
Retired CEO of Nationwide Insurance; Lamb Weston Holdings, BOD; AIG, Chair of Risk and Capital Committee; Paydala Director; ConAgra Foods, Retired Director; Creighton Prep Board member
Katrina Lane
Board Member
Katrina is a versatile professional with a rich history of contributing to both the corporate and nonprofit sectors. Since 2012, she has been an integral part of the Waitt Company, showcasing her skills across various roles within the organization. Recently she took on the assignment as the Grants and Administrative Manager of The Kind World Foundation. Katrina brings her expertise in conceptualizing, problem-solving, and implementation to support impactful initiatives.
Heather Smith
Board Member
Heather brings over 25 years of successful administration experience to her role leading the College of Saint Mary, The only women’s college in a five-state region. With a proven record in 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 is the co-founder of VNMC and currently serving as the Interim Executive Director. I worked as an RN for the past 30 years and both my personal and professional experiences guided me to want to work to help women who are both pregnant and need support to help them achieve their life goals.
Eva Jessen
Board Member
J.D, M.B.A, mother of two children, and proud supporter of Vita Nova’s mission to provide a safe space for mothers to care for and support their children.
Brett A. Gottsch
Board Member
President and partner of Gottsch Cattle Company of Elkhorn Nebraska. A family owned and operated Cattle Feeding and Ranching operation with over 65 years of history.
Andre Streete
Board Member
In his current role, Andre is responsible for facilitating all stages of the donor engagement process. He also helps strategize and execute philanthropic initiatives, as well as collaborating with head coaches to develop fundraising efforts for their programs.
Bill Hamik
Board Member
After a 36 year career with McKesson retired in 2012 and began my second life path on nonprofit and foundation Boards.
Currently serve on four boards.
Also a partner with an independent pharmacy buying Group of over 150 stores.
Tara Simons
Board Member
Tara is the Membership Investment Manager for the Sarpy 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, she is dedicated to empowering women and strengthening connections within Sarpy County.
Nick O’Brien
Board Member
Nick is an attorney with Koley Jessen, P.C. L.L.O, whose practice focuses on estate planning and estate administration. Nick also represents many tax-exempt organizations, forming new charities and counselling existing charities on tax compliance and governance matters. Nick grew up in Spirit Lake, Iowa, and now lives in Omaha, Nebraska with his wife, Phoebe.