Board & staff
Derek effle, Co-ChairDerek Effle a native to Lincoln, Nebraska, has extensive training in community planning, community organizing, strength-based approaches to addressing community problems and strategic planning facilitation with diverse community stakeholders using the Federal Strategic Prevention Framework. He also has a wealth of training and knowledge in the areas of youth training and development. Derek is adept at building and leading teams from diverse areas, leading them to move through conflict to adoption and working towards a shared mission. He has worked with a wide array of individuals from government officials, volunteers, and with business leaders. He brings strong skills in communication, interpersonal relationships, and team development that can help any organization move through the seemingly complex process of putting a plan together and achieving company goals. Derek is a graduate of the University of Nebraska.
Carissa Martin, SecretaryIf you were to find Carissa right now, she is probably feeding one of her kids or changing another's diaper. She is mom to three fantastic kiddos, and foster mama to one delightful baby. Carissa has been married to her super cool husband, Scott for 12 years. They have moved 9 times together in their 12 years of marriage, and have been thrilled to call Lincoln home for the past 6 years. Carissa serves at their church (where her husband pastors), enjoys traveling the world, and wants nothing more than to see people enter a relationship of Grace and Love with Jesus.
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Ian shada, Co-chairIn November of 2019, the Atlas: Lincoln Board of Directors voted unanimously to add Ian Shada to their ranks. Ian was born and raised in Fairbury, Nebraska. He graduated from SCC Lincoln and Bellevue University and is currently working on his Master’s Degree. He stands behind Atlas’ mission to walk alongside those who need some positive guidance in life. He too has been in tough situations and knows the benefit of people walking with him to make sure he avoided the wrong paths. In addition to serving on the Atlas board, Ian is the director of sales for an employee benefits company and the youth director at Hope Community Church
Jen Hinrichs, vice chair/treasurerJen and her husband of 26 years have 4 daughters, 2 sons-in-law, and a new grandson. Jen grew up in south-central Nebraska, and moved to Lincoln to attend UNL to obtain her degree in accounting. Jen helps with her husband's cabinet business, is a photographer, a deaconess, and is the office administrator at Redeemer. Jen desires to see her community transformed by God's grace through encouragement, serving and sharing the Word of God inside and outside the church.
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Brody Van Roekel, DirectorBrody grew up in Sioux Center, IA where ATLAS was founded. He attended school at Northwestern College in Orange City. After graduating, Brody moved to Michigan for additional education, continuing his study of history at Western Michigan University. The call to ministry has long been a driving force in his life and moving to Lincoln offered phenomenal opportunities to live out that call. In addition to working as a director for Atlas, Brody also serves on the Board of Directors for Transformations Thrift Store and volunteers often around F-Street Neighborhood Church. Living relationally has always been a prominent part of Brody’s story. Beautifully diverse and significant connections with people give him life and purpose. As someone who has always felt the struggle of not being able to fit a mould, he’s passionate about reaching marginalized populations. Empowering people with hope and the tools to make positive life changes provides one of the most meaningful ways to live.
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Savannah clapper, mentor coordinatorThrough prayer and mentor guidance, Savannah left her job as a youth pastor in California and came back to her homeland of Nebraska to partner with F-Street Neighborhood Church in the Kingdom work they are doing in Lincoln. Savannah's focus will be on community development. In addition to working at F-Street Neighborhood Church, Savannah will be serving as the Mentor Coordinator for Atlas: Lincoln, is attending seminary at Western Theological Seminary, and is living in community with some other families in the local area. Some other passions include: dressember, running, reading, and playing her ukulele.
Sydney worley, office managerSydney grew up right here in Lincoln. She has always had a passion for helping others and is pursuing her degree in social work. Sydney has spent the past 4 years working with various organizations and ministries around Lincoln to help provide for vulnerable populations and individuals in need. She also works for the Lincoln Stars, helping bring the most exciting hockey experience to every fan. Sydney has been married to her husband for 2 years, he is currently serving as the youth director at their church. Together they pride themselves on being outdoor enthusiasts and avid Husker sports fans. In addition to work and school Sydney enjoys: camping, reading, gardening, playing soccer, and time with her family.
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OUR HOPEThat we would provide a space for people to come in their time of need
That people would find Atlas as a place of truth and love, acceptance and direction, grace and mercy That all of us would pursue vibrant and growing relationships with the community, each other, and Christ most importantly |
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