Our Team

Dr. VanOrmer completed his PhD in Patient-Oriented Research at UNMC under the mentorship of Dr. Anderson Berry and has research interests in maternal-fetal health, nutrition, mobile health applications, and public policies’ effects on community health outcomes. He has been with UNMC for 9 years, implementing and conducting numerous clinical research studies focused on nutrition’s impact on maternal-fetal health outcomes. Dr. VanOrmer holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a concentration in Management and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Management. In his free time, Dr. VanOrmer enjoys woodworking in his garage woodshop, 3D printing, working on a variety of home improvement projects, and travelling with his wife Kaitlin.

Evan is a clinical study coordinator in the Pediatric Research Office. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in biology and recently graduated with his MBA. Evan has worked in a variety of research and clinical laboratory roles starting with the Biological Process Development Facility at UNL, specializing in producing recombinant proteins via biological fermentation then transitioning to Molecular Genetics at UNMC where he specialized in Next-Generation Sequencing. Evan has been with the Pediatric Research Office since 2019. Outside of work, he enjoys volunteering with Special Olympics, reading, various fitness activities, and spending time with his wife as well as with friends and family.

Kym graduated with a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She has over 14 years of research experience which includes dermatology, rheumatology, infectious diseases and gastroenterology research. Prior to joining the Pediatric Research Office in 2010, she was a clinic coordinator for six clinics at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center. She has two daughters and in her leisure time enjoys doing any activities you can do outside, especially kayaking and paddleboarding.

Angie has been a research nurse coordinator within the Children's Hematology-Oncology Department since 2009. She graduated with a bachelor's in biology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a BSN from Creighton University in 2004. Angie has 13 years of pediatric experience and has worked as a research coordinator in both pediatrics and adult oncology. Personal interests include traveling with friends, triathlon, running, all things outdoorsy and petting every single dog encountered.

Denise graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nebraska-Kearney. She received her degree in comprehensive biology with a business option. She has been with UNMC since 1999, working in a human molecular genetics laboratory. She has been in the Pediatric Research Office at UNMC as a clinical study coordinator since 2015. Her professional interests include genetics and rare diseases.

Sara is a lead clinical study coordinator in the Pediatric Research Office. She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science in dietetics and completed her Dietetic Internship from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as well. She began her career in clinical research at a private practice OB/GYN office in 2009, before joining the Pediatric Research Office in 2014. Her primary clinical research focus is on rare metabolic diseases. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, running, hiking, working on DIY projects, and spending time with her husband and three children.

Carolyn received her Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Creighton University, and her Master of Public Health degree from the University of Kansas Medical Center. Prior to joining the Pediatric Research Office in 2010, Carolyn was a Nurse Coordinator & Genetic Research Associate in the Department of Preventive Medicine at Creighton University (1996-1999), a Cancer Risk Counselor & Research Trials Coordinator in the Breast Cancer Prevention Center at University of Kansas Medical Center (1999-2006), and Nurse Manager, Clinical Studies in the Oncology/Hematology department at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (2006-2010).

AJ graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UNMC College of Nursing in 2022. During her degrees and after graduation, she worked with adult post-surgical cancer patients on the Progressive Care Unit at The Buffett Cancer Center. With 8 years in various roles within the hospital setting, AJ has experience as an administrative assistant, care technician, registered nurse and charge nurse. She joined the Pediatric Research Office in March 2024. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her dog, husband and family, reading, watching reality tv or documentaries, going to concerts and being outdoors.

Kathleen is a research nurse coordinator for the Child Health Research Institute in the Pediatric Research Office. She graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center with her Bachelor of Science in nursing and her Master of Public Health degree, with a focus in emergency preparedness. Prior to graduating with her master’s degree Kathleen worked as a Graduate Research Assistant in the Department of Epidemiology for the Center for Preparedness and Emergency Response Solutions at UNMC. Kathleen is passionate about addressing barriers to health access and improving health outcomes in underserved populations. She has been a registered nurse since 2018 with clinical experience in the NICU and the Emergency Department at Nebraska Medicine. Outside of work, Kathleen loves to travel, spend time with family, and visit every national park she can.

Morgan Loeffelbein is a Research Nurse Coordinator with the Pediatric Research Office. She graduated from Clarkson College with her Bachelors of Science in Nursing and has spent most of her career in pediatrics with experience in urgent care, flex team, and in the Pre/Post Op/PACU departments. In her free time, Morgan likes to read, travel, bake, and spend time outside with her family and black lab.

Megan graduated with a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Creighton University in 2016 and is a Certified Pediatric Nurse. She has worked primarily in pediatrics, having worked in various pediatric emergency departments, including Children's Nebraska and Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel in Oregon. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors hiking or camping, eating ice cream, and traveling to visit friends.

Betty is a research nurse coordinator with the Pediatric Research Office. She graduated from Graceland University in 1997, with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology human services. She then earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Graceland University in 1998. She has spent the past 20 years as a NICU and pediatric nurse coordinating care for this fragile population before joining the research team in 2019. Outside of work, Betty has a very active family that participates in football, wrestling, track, swimming, marching and symphonic band, jazz band, show band, vocal music, and dance.

Hillary has been a research nurse coordinator within the UNMC Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Department for 4 years. She graduated from Morningside College in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and continued her education at UNMC where she earned her master’s degree in nursing in 2015. She also obtained her Pediatric Nurse Practitioner certificate and Pediatric Mental Health Specialist certificate after graduating from UNMC. She has 14 years of nursing experience in adult and pediatric oncology between Nebraska Medicine and UNMC as well as 2 years as a Pediatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Outside of work she is on the local school board, Sunday school leader, enjoys helping her dad with farming, and spending time with her family and friends.

Emilee is a Clinical Research Associate in the Pediatric Research Office. Originally from Springfield, MO, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Truman State University in 2020. She has worked in research for over 3 years and plans on pursuing her doctorate in Developmental Psychology to continue her research career. Outside of work, Emilee is passionate about music, and spends much of her time singing to her cats or swing dancing with friends.

Sarah is an Omaha native, who earned her bachelor's degree from Hastings College, while also playing for both the Women's Soccer and Basketball teams. In joining the Pediatric Research Office in October 2022, she brings along 10 years of prior service with UNMC. Her area of expertise is in Clinical Laboratory processing and phlebotomy. Outside of work, Sarah keeps busy with two young children, a St. Bernard puppy, and many hobbies such as running, hiking, playing soccer, reading fiction novels and board game nights.

Bre is a Clinical Research Associate for Oncology with the Pediatric Research Office since November 2023. She is an Omaha native who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2021 from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She brings a diverse background with 9 years in the medical field, including medical administration, patient care, and laboratory experience. Outside the office, Bre enjoys walks and hiking, grabbing a coffee, spending time with friends and family, and caring for her houseplants.

Sharissa is a data coordinator within Children’s Hematology/Oncology department. She graduated from Missouri State University with a bachelor’s degree in biology through their honor college. Prior to joining the Pediatric Research Office, Sharissa worked for five years at Nebraska Organ Recovery as an Advanced Procurement Coordinator. Her experience there led to her becoming a Certified Tissue Bank Specialist through AATB, the American Association of Tissue Banks. Sharissa enjoys spending free time with her husband and their two dogs. She also likes to travel, visit with family and friends, attend concerts, and do escape rooms.

Kelly is a clinical study coordinator in the Pediatric Research Office. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in biology and French from Nebraska Wesleyan University and a Master of Public Health in epidemiology from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and has had experience in both clinical and public health settings. Since joining the PRO in August 2016, Kelly has coordinated studies in cardiology, PTLD, cerebral palsy, infectious disease, respiratory ailments and opioid withdrawal in NICU babies. When she is out of the office, she likes to travel, read, exercise and spend time with family and friends.

Jill graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science. She has been with Pulmonology and the Cystic Fibrosis team as a Clinical Study Coordinator since 2016. Her previous areas of research include psychiatry, oncology, allergy and asthma, and bone metabolism. In her free time, she enjoys sporting events, running, CrossFit, re-purposing furniture, and the beach.

Laura is a clinical study coordinator with the Pediatric Research Office. She graduated from Northwestern College with an undergraduate degree in biology with an emphasis on health professions in 2009 and later completed her MPH in global epidemiology from the Colorado School of Public Health through the University of Colorado Denver in 2016. Prior to joining the Pediatric Research Office in December 2019, Laura spent the prior eight and a half years working on national and international surveillance studies pertaining to drug misuse and abuse, primarily regarding prescription opioids and prescription stimulants. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, hiking, and cheering on her Denver Broncos.

Jenny graduated from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science degree in family science. She has over 8 years of research experience which includes cardiology and rare metabolic and infectious diseases. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, and attending outdoor concerts and Husker football games.

Nicole is a Clinical Study Coordinator with over 5 years of experience in ancillary healthcare services. Nicole holds a Bachelor of Science in Community Health with a concentration in Health Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Nicole also earned their Master of Social Work degree with a specialization in Children and Families from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Nicole has a passion for supporting families in achieving the best for themselves. Nicole’s areas of interest in research include pediatric critical care improvement, infectious disease treatment and mitigation, and various public health initiatives. In her free time, she enjoys baking, crafting, and volunteering at the Nebraska Humane Society.

Haleigh is a clinical study coordinator with the Pediatric Research Office. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of Nebraska-Omaha in 2019 and has been with UNMC for 6 months as a coordinator focusing on infectious disease research. Prior to joining The Child Health Research Institute, she worked as an Emergency Response Coordinator and Disease Surveillance Coordinator. Haleigh’s professional interests include global health, infectious disease, and vaccines. In her free time, Haleigh enjoys baking, painting, and traveling around the world with her husband.

Joann is a Clinical Study Coordinator in the Pediatric Research Office. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology from Texas A&M University, Galveston. Prior to joining the PRO, Joann worked as a Clinical Research Coordinator at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX. She is part of the Nebraska Pediatric Clinical Trials Unit (NPCTU) where she works on studies that align with the NIH supported Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program, which is an effort to include underserved and underrepresented pediatric populations in clinical trials. Outside of work she is an avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction. She is also very interested in all things true crime related including podcasts, books, and documentaries. She says that in another life she would have been a forensic scientist.

Matt joined the PRO team in June 2019 as he filled the new position of Grant Writer for CHRI. He earned a PhD from Iowa State University and has 20 years of laboratory research experience, including a track record investigating immunity to influenza viruses. Matt is here to provide strategy and writing and editing support for CHRI investigators in the creation of high-quality grants, manuscripts, and other scientific communications. He is also spearheading a research-focused newsletter for the CHRI community.

Mary Craft is a cardiac sonographer who is registered in adult, pediatric and fetal echocardiography. She has been performing echocardiograms for over 30 years and is a Fellow of the American Society of Echocardiography. She joined the UNMC Pediatric cardiology research lab in 2014 with her main role in performing the ultrasound scanning. She also performs data analysis, and aids in the writing and submissions of IRB applications. Outside of work, she volunteers quite a bit at her church and loves spending time with her family.

Michael is the Finance and Billing Coordinator for the Pediatric Research Office. He received his Master’s degree in Business Administration from Grantham University. He is a retired Air Force veteran with over 21 years of active duty service primarily working as a Budget Analyst, Financial Manager, Resource Advisor, and Disbursing Agent. Michael is married with three daughters and enjoys family time, watching sports, staying fit, traveling, music, movies, and home renovations.