Board & staff
alex rousseau, chairAlex joined the board in 2023 and now serves as the chair.
Dan waters - treasurerDan is the owner of Decks Unlimited and Deck City in Lincoln. Husband of Kim Waters and father of 17 year old Madison. He is active at F Street Neighborhood Church, where he likes to help others and make connections. In his free time, Dan enjoys fishing, foraging, hunting, and board sports.
Darren Murray, board memberAfter serving on the Atlas: Lincoln staff as Volunteer Coordinator, Darren joined the board in 2024.
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gabriel tufts, secretaryGabriel Tufts is the Founder of Hueman Impact LLC, whose mission is to inspire and unite others. He spends his time uplifting, motivating, and mentoring. He is also a mentor and advocate for single and separated fathers and helps them build strong, healthy, and consistent relationships with their children. He joined Atlas to help show others that there is hope in the midst of feeling hopeless. He believes that no matter who you are, no matter where you are, today you can make a positive impact.
tammy Schomerus, board memberI was born in Georgia and raised in Mississippi. I grew up in the Baptist Church where I served in many areas as a teacher and/or leader. I earned my B.S. in Special Education from Mississippi State University. I taught Special Ed. In the Lee County School System for 17 years.
After retiring from the school system, I did volunteer work at the REACH Center for the Blind and then moved into part-time employment as a teacher. Because of this job, I was introduced to the Lions Club where I served in whatever area I was needed. We did a great deal of fund raising in order to provide glasses and hearing aids for our neighbors that could not afford them. Working for this agency led me to Nebraska in 2012. I came to Lincoln to complete an apprenticeship program with the Nebraska Commission for the Blind. When I completed this training, I worked part time for this agency and grew to love what Lincoln offered. I found my way to First Baptist Church of Lincoln where I jumped into serving on the Mission Team. I learned that Lincoln offers so many opportunities to be of service to my neighbors. I am still serving in leadership and service because of my church. I am now entering a new chapter in my life. I met John Schomerus in 2023. We were married in April of 2024. Together, we will continue to be of service to our neighbors. |
Brody Van Roekel, DirectorBrody grew up in Sioux Center, IA where the first ATLAS was founded and moved to Lincoln to help found Atlas in 2018.
In addition to working as the director for Atlas, Brody also serves on the Board of Directors for a number of local organizations, attends seminary through Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa, OK, is under care for ordination in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and works as a Chaplain Candidate with the Nebraska Army National Guard. 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 mold, 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. 
Sonya turco, direct service advocateGreetings! God doesn't call the qualified He qualifies the Called. I live in Lincoln with my son and two dogs Zach, my rescue Doberman who is my mobility dog and Gia, my German Shepherd. I am active in Doberman Rescue and before that active in German Shepherd Rescue. We can learn so much about God through Dog Rescue which parallels God's gift of Salvation. I moved back to Lincoln in 2014 from Minnesota where I lived for 18 years. Go Vikings! I’ve always loved talking to people and have been given a hard time by close friends about spending too much time in the gas stations talking to people when traveling. I just love people. About 4 years ago I started to find a love for the very broken people. We are all broken, it's just a matter of our circumstances. I found that God had laid it on my heart to help them, but how? God answered that question and prayer just recently by laying this job as a Direct Service Advocate in front of me here at Atlas. All Glory to God !
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edwin quintanilla, community engagement coordinatorEdwin was born in Los Angeles and then moved around a bit with his family until they settled in Lincoln, NE when he was 8. After moving here, he got connected with a mentor through Heartlands church who eventually married him and his wife Ella. He has maintained that mentor for almost 20 years and now mentors through Heartlands' youth group. Edwin came to love the neighborhood through a little free pantry the church youth group made, using it as a place to meet people where they are. This got him interested in non-profit work and eventually, Alex Rousseau presented him with an opportunity to work with Atlas. In Edwin's spare time, he can be found at local card shops playing Magic the Gathering, fly fishing in Colorado, or carving wooden spoons in his backyard. If any has spare wood he will happily take it off your hands to pile in his backyard and make his wife upset with his wood hoarding problem.
"Discipleship is the process of becoming who Jesus would be if he were you. " - Dallas Willard. 
hollie sell, office managerHey! I was raised in central Nebraska in a "small town" (it's known as a village). I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Family Life & Counseling. I moved to Lincoln in 2020, and have loved the city and its people since. When I'm not at Atlas, I'm reading (one of my favorite hobbies), hanging out with friends, watching movies, or at F Street Neighborhood Church. God led me to F Street looking for an internship, which later led me to Atlas. I love working here and meeting all the people that come through the door. I have always had a heart for listening and relationships with others, which made Atlas a perfect fit!
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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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