Board & staff
alex rousseau, chairAlex was on staff from 2021-2022 and now serves as the board President. As a community development practitioner, he loves Lincoln and wants to see it thrive. As a follower of Jesus, he wants everyone to know they are loved and can have hope. With Atlas, both of these missions collide. The simple act of a relationship is what changes a city - not necessarily today, but it will ripple out in decades to come. Alex likes playing board games, throwing parties, & laughing with friends & family. He is married to Alyssa, has three small children, and 8 ducks.
Dawn Kowalski, Board MemberDawn joined the board in 2024. She is married to Dan and has two sons. She has always felt called to help people. When she heard about Atlas and the way they help bring communities together, she knew she wanted to be a part of it. Communities like these helped to bring her adopted son, Shawn, into her life.
Claire Miller, SecretaryClaire grew up in Maryland and spent two years working with men and women experiencing homelessness on the streets of Baltimore. Christ has always seemed to reveal Himself in the face of the poor wherever she has lived. After moving back to Nebraska, Claire got involved in the ATLAS mentorship program. Relationship is a catalyst for positive change - this is what she saw and experienced in ATLAS and in the real friendships being built there. Claire currently works as the Charitable Partnerships Manager for a Catholic Ecumenical initiative called More Mercy, where she partners with Christians and nonprofits that engage in acts of love for their neighbors to serve together in their local neighborhoods. Claire loves sunshine, reading, writing poetry, spending time in prayer and with friends, and adventures! She has been grateful and edified to join ATLAS on its board.
Mark Peterson, Board MemberMark was born on a farm in Genoa, Nebraska, and has lived in Lincoln since 2012, where he met his wife, Nicci. He values a balanced life centered on work and family. Mark and Nicci enjoy spending time outdoors with their children, Will and Lorraine.
He remains involved with his family farm and is a partner in a wealth management firm in Lincoln. Both Mark and Nicci are passionate about supporting nonprofits because of the positive impact they have seen on families. He began volunteering with Atlas in 2023 through his Bible study group, helping serve lunches. Mark continues his involvement to show people they are loved, supported, and valued, even during difficult times. |
Dan waters - treasurerDan is the owner of Decks Unlimited and Deck City in Lincoln. Husband of Kim Waters and father of Madison. He is active at F Street Neighborhood Church, where he enjoys helping others and making connections. In his free time, Dan enjoys fishing, foraging, hunting, and board sports. Dan has always been looking for a non-profit that is based on an individual basis. He believes the key to helping people is personal relationships, and Atlas does a great job of this. There are so many miracle stories of people's lives changing, even if just for a short time. We never know how far the ripple effect will go by just helping one person at a time.
tammy Schomerus, board memberTammy was born in Georgia and raised in Mississippi, where she grew up serving in various roles within the Baptist Church. After earning her B.S. in Special Education from Mississippi State University, Tammy taught in the Lee County School System for 17 years. Following retirement, she volunteered and later worked part-time at the REACH Center for the Blind, which introduced her to the Lions Club. Through the Lions Club, Tammy helped raise funds to provide glasses and hearing aids for those in need. This work eventually brought her to Nebraska in 2012, where she completed an apprenticeship with the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and later worked part-time for the agency. Tammy became active at First Baptist Church of Lincoln, serving on the Mission Team and embracing the many ways to serve in the community. In 2024, Tammy entered a new chapter by marrying John Schomerus, and together they are committed to continuing a life of service.
Edwin Quintanilla, Board MemberEdwin 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 Heartland's church who eventually married him and his wife, Ella. He has maintained that mentorship for almost 20 years and now mentors through Heartland's 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.
|
Brody Van Roekel, DirectorBrody grew up in Sioux Center, IA, where the first ATLAS was founded, and moved to Lincoln in 2018 to help establish ATLAS there. He currently serves as the director of Atlas Lincoln. In addition, he is active on the Board of Directors for several local organizations. Brody is also attending Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa, OK, and is under care for ordination in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He serves as a Chaplain Candidate with the Nebraska Army National Guard. Living relationally has always been central to Brody’s life, and he finds purpose in meaningful, diverse connections. Passionate about reaching marginalized populations, he is driven to empower others with hope and the tools for lasting change.
Sonya turco, direct service advocateSonya lives in Lincoln with her son and two dogs—Zach, my rescue Doberman and mobility dog, and Gia, my German Shepherd. She's been active in both Doberman and German Shepherd rescue, where she learned powerful parallels between dog rescue and God’s gift of salvation. After living in Minnesota for 18 years (Go Vikings!), she moved back to Lincoln in 2014. She's always loved talking to people—so much so that friends tease her about chatting too long at gas stations while traveling. About four years ago, God began growing in her a deep love for people who are deeply broken. Sonya came to realize we’re all broken in different ways, and she felt called to help. Recently, God answered that prayer by opening the door for her to serve as a Direct Service Advocate at Atlas—all glory to Him!
|
John Golden, Direct Service AdvocateJohn grew up in North Platte, Nebraska. Family and community are very important to him. John is a huge Husker fan. He came into a relationship with Jesus in 2005. By 2024, John knew he had a calling on his life to serve His people. He is excited to be a part of the Atlas team working for God and His people.
hollie sell, office managerHollie was raised in central Nebraska in a "small town" (it's known as a village). She graduated with a bachelor's degree in Family Life & Counseling. She moved to Lincoln in 2020 and has loved the city and its people since. When she's not at Atlas, Hollie is reading or crocheting (her favorite hobbies), hanging out with friends, watching movies, or at F Street Neighborhood Church. God led her to F Street looking for an internship, which later led her to Atlas. Hollie loves working here and meeting all the people that come through the door. She has always had a heart for listening and relationships with others, which made Atlas a perfect fit!
|
|
|
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 |
|
