We Believe in Every Student’s Potential

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS

402.502.8534 | 402.982.9022 (cell)

Greg@DirectionsToDiploma.org

Greg Emmel joined Directions to Diploma in 2011 after a 33-year career as a teacher and principal in the Omaha Public Schools System. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Augustana University, before pursuing post-graduate degrees in Educational Administration from the University of Nebraska – Omaha.

Greg has been married to his wife for 48 years and enjoys reading, bicycling, spending time with his family – including two grandsons – and at the lake. He believes that when our students earn a high school diploma, they are setting themselves up for future opportunities and success. They are also making our community a better place to live.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

402.502.8534 | 402.982.9023 (cell)

Carolyn@DirectionsToDiploma.org

An Omaha native, Carolyn T. Miller leveraged her liberal arts degree to work that includes technical writing, program management, and even IT. This path led her to Directions to Diploma in 2010 where she focuses on data collection and reporting, financials, human resources, technology, grantwriting, and marketing. Carolyn says that we probably all know someone who could have benefited from Directions to Diploma’s work and feels it's important to understand that students could be any of our neighbors or friends.

Carolyn is married and has two children, saying her favorite thing to do is hang out with them, whenever and wherever. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, landscaping and gardening, travel, watching movies and women's basketball, and reading.

REENGAGEMENT SUPERVISOR/ACADEMIC NAVIGATOR

402.502.8534 | 402.982.9185 (cell)

Jesi@DirectionsToDiploma.org

Jesi Dewitt has served our students for 8 years as an Academic Navigator and Reengagement Supervisor. With a Bachelor of Science in Family & Consumer Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Jesi says that being part of student’s journey as they navigate barriers, grow through adversity and achieve their goals is why she loves working at Directions to Diploma.

Outside of work Jesi loves spending time with her wife, friends, and family, going hiking, and watching the Kansas City Current soccer team. On quieter days she loves to read and always wants to hear about about what you are reading!

ACADEMIC NAVIGATOR

402.502.8534 | 531.541.8854 (cell)

Abraham@DirectionsToDiploma.org

Abraham Gómez Meza has served students in various capacities his entire career. From working in college admissions, to positions with Omaha Public Schools, he has now served with Directions to Diploma for a total of more than four years.

Abraham says that graduating from high school is a life-changing event and feels rewarded every time one of his students completes their diploma. He says he approaches each of his students as if they are a family member. Outside of work, Abraham dances Folklorico, a traditional Mexican dance, which keeps him close to his roots, traditions, culture, and Omaha’s Latino community.

ACADEMIC NAVIGATOR

402.502.8534 | 402.981.0734 (cell)

Hansel@DirectionsToDiploma.org

Hansel Gonzalez brings a breadth of experience serving the community to his role at Directions to Diploma. With a degree in Psychology, he approaches his work from a place of understanding each student uniquely and individually.

Hansel says that helping others in his community is his purpose and getting to do that with our students brings him a sense of fulfillment. In addition to working with our students, Hansel is a husband and father of three children. He says his hobbies are focused on keeping his children happy and busy outdoors.

​​ACADEMIC NAVIGATOR​

402.502.8534 | 531.721.0303 (cell)

Evelia@DirectionsToDiploma.org

Evelia Gutiérrez De La Rosa says her own journey has shaped her passion for serving others. Born and raised in a small village in Michoacán, Mexico, Evelia immigrated to the United States at the age of 10. Despite leaving high school at a young age, she remained determined to pursue her education, earning her GED, an Associate Degree from Metropolitan Community College, and a Bachelor's Degree in Multidisciplinary Studies from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2022.             

Outside of work, Evelia is a wife, mother, entrepreneur, and community advocate. She enjoys spending time with her family, supporting her masonry business, traveling, participating in personal growth and healing experiences, and giving back to her community. She is passionate about inspiring others to overcome adversity and believes that education can transform lives. 

​​ACADEMIC NAVIGATOR​

402.502.8534 | 402.982.9623 (cell)

Kelsey@DirectionsToDiploma.org

Kelsey Hansen’s educational background includes health, sociology and human development and has used that knowledge to support Direction to Diploma students for 13 years. Kelsey says it’s an honor to be part of students’ high school journeys and knowing that she has the opportunity to make an impact on their life is a blessing.        

Kelsey loves spending time with her family, trying new experiences, exploring new places, and discovering new foods, making a point to try something new at least once a month and when she travels. Her hobbies are vast: traveling, hiking, cooking, decorating, and attending live performances such as concerts, plays, musical theater, and stand-up comedy.

​​ACADEMIC NAVIGATOR​

402.502.8534 | 402.981.6873 (cell)

Yaneth@DirectionsToDiploma.org

Driven by her interest in community and youth development, Yaneth Mares earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology before working in Omaha Public Schools and internationally as a Teacher Assistant in Spain. Her diverse experiences helped her transition into social services before joining our team, where she has worked for 10 years.

Yaneth believes that education is a powerful tool that opens doors and enjoys helping students navigate challenges. Her dedication has led her to complete specialized training, in youth mentorship, mental health awareness, drug prevention, and suicide prevention.

Outside of work, Yaneth stays busy with her husband, three boys, and beloved Goldendoodle, Charlie. She also enjoys interior decorating, home projects, working out, spending time outdoors, traveling, and trying out new restaurants in town.

​​ACADEMIC NAVIGATOR​

402.502.8534 | 402.982.9249 (cell)

Netta@DirectionsToDiploma.org

Netta Prince has served Directions to Diploma students for 14 years as an Academic Navigator. With a degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Nebraska - Omaha, Netta understands many of the challenges that our students face every day. Netta is deeply proud of her students when they complete their diploma. She says their hard work, determination, and growth is truly inspiring to witness.    

Outside of work, Netta loves spending time with family and friends, traveling, and reading. Her favorite quote is from Maya Angelou: “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive: and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”

ACADEMIC NAVIGATOR

402.502.8534 | 402.982.9726 (cell)

Jason@DirectionsToDiploma.org

Jason Thompson brought nearly 20 years of experience working with youth when he joined the Directions to Diploma team more than three years ago. With a degree in Sociology from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Jason says his background helps him truly appreciate the work our organization does for the students we serve. He says seeing the young people we work with prosper and complete a major benchmark in their lives gives him a great deal of joy.

In his free time, Jason enjoys spending time with family and friends, collecting records, DJing, and playing video games.

CAREER NAVIGATOR

402.502.8534 | 408.829.6777 (cell)

John@DirectionsToDiploma.org

John Flemming has over 50 years of experience in education - including teaching, college admissions work, educational testing, and school counseling. With degrees from The University of Nebraska – Lincoln and Creighton University, John joined our team in 2022. He believes that what we do at Directions to Diploma has an impact on the lives of the students and is always excited when a student graduates.

John says that he keeps busy with work, family, and his puppies Penny and Ruby. While his children are grown and pursuing careers of their own, John enjoys taking care of his puppies.

OUTREACH SPECIALIST/CAREER NAVIGATOR

402.502.8534

Sheri@DirectionsToDiploma.org

Sheri Harrach may be our team’s most recent addition, but she brings more than 35 years of experience as an educator and counselor in Omaha-area high schools. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Kearney State College and Master of Science in school counseling from the University of Nebraska - Omaha. Sheri says that even after more than 35 years in education, few moments compare to watching students walk across the graduation stage.

Sheri has two children - one in Omaha and one in Los Angeles. She says her granddog, Daisy, lives with her and is her walking partner. Together, they enjoy nearby lakes, trails and the park close to their home. She also enjoys traveling and planning parties.

STAFF SPECIALIST

402.670.3073 (cell)

Bev@DirectionsToDiploma.org

Bev Johnson has served Directions to Diploma as Staff Specialist for two years. With a Bachelor’s degree in education from Millikin University and Master’s degree from the University of Nebraska – Omaha in high school counseling, Bev worked for 28 years as social studies teacher, and 25 years as high school counselor.

Bev is the active parent for her 22-year-old granddaughter and enjoys the attending symphony performances and productions at the Omaha Community Playhouse. In addition to belonging to several book clubs covering fiction and philosophy, she also plays bridge as often as she can.

INTAKE SPECIALIST

402.995.9780 (cell)

Kathy@DirectionsToDiploma.org

Kathy Kocsis has worked in the education field in various capacities since 1970, including the last 11 years with Directions to Diploma. As our Intake Specialist, she helps students enroll in Directions to Diploma programs and connects them with our resources. Kathy enjoys talking with students who have experienced challenges and helping them overcome those challenges.         

In her free time, Kathy likes gardening, playing bridge, and painting along with spending time with her grandchildren.

​CAREER NAVIGATOR​

402.502.8534 | 402.679.6468 (cell)

Bette@DirectionsToDiploma.org

Bette Norton Ball has served Directions to Diploma students as a Career Navigator for nine years. With master’s degrees in counseling and secondary administration, Bette supports students who are transitioning from education to their new careers. Bette feels a sense of pride in students who overcome obstacles to pursue post-secondary education or a meaningful career. She says their pride is hers as well.

Outside of work, Bette enjoys spending time with her family, league bowling, gardening, and reading. She says raising mature Schnauzers has been a lifelong passion.

TEACHER

402.676.1031 (cell)

Terry@DirectionsToDiploma.org

Terry Kocsis is a retired educator from the Omaha Public School system and now serves our students as a math teacher. Terry has a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Master’s in Education from Creighton University, he has an additional Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Nebraska – Omaha.

Terry says that providing students that are so close to graduation with opportunities to learn math and earn their diploma is a rewarding experience. He also says his counselor training positively contributes to my teaching and working with our youth. 

Terry is married, with three children and five grandchildren. 

​TEACHER​

402.212.3964 (cell)

Jackie@DirectionsToDiploma.org

Jackie Thomas has a wealth of experience in educational settings, including more than 50 years in secondary education and 16 years in community colleges. This expertise is shared with our students in her role as Math Teacher and Tutor as she helps them transition from high school to college or a career. Jackie loves working with students on an individual basis and helping them realize their potential. She says her goal is to leave the world a better place than she found it, and her students’ success help her achieve that.

Outside of school, her interests include reading, sewing, hiking, traveling, crafts and horseback riding. She also volunteers with her church and HETRA (Heartland Equine Therapy Riding Academy).

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER (PRESIDENT)

DIRECTIONS TO DIPLOMA

OMAHA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

DIRECTIONS TO DIPLOMA (SECRETARY)

EDUCATION RIGHTS COUNSEL

DIRECTIONS TO DIPLOMA (TREASURER)

LENDING LINK OMAHA

METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

WEITZ FAMILY FOUNDATION (VICE PRESIDENT)