OUR GOVERNING BOARD

Sharon Oamek is an entrepreneur with 35 years of community development experience in both the public and private sectors. 

Sharon most recently served as Consultant for Iowa Western Community College on Entrepreneurship in SW Iowa, Senior Community Affairs Advisor for the Federal Reserve Bank- 10th District, conducted affordable housing studies in a three state region as a principal owner with ASI Associates, Inc. and has been a consultant for communities, developers, and small businesses with Honey Creek Resources, Inc. 

Sharon graduated with her BA from Colorado College and studied finance at U.C. Berkeley.

Shawn Shea is an entrepreneur and local business owner with over 35 years of experience in construction management. 

Shawn serves as Chairman of the Board of Adjustments for the City of Crescent, Treasurer of the Industrial Foundation of Crescent, and is a former Supervisor on the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors. 

Shawn is a father and grandfather with deep family roots in the Crescent area.

Nicole Benegas has over 15 years of experience in grant writing, project management and developing programming that is culturally relevant for Native American/Indigenous youth. 

She has her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and is currently the Executive Director of Bluebird Cultural Initiative. 

Her accolades are many including: the National Indian Education Association Parent of the Year 2021 and Prevention Means Progress (PMP) Community Star Award 2018.

 Jessica works as an Environmental Project Manager specializing in soil and groundwater remediation. She brings extensive technical and hands-on experience in various earth-system processes, which includes an expert understanding of the soil and geology-hydrology in the Loess Hills. Jessica has a passion for science education and looks forward to enhancing opportunities and creating clear paths for nature-driven learning. Her special interests include her two young daughters, their budding homestead, and public service.  

Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from the University of Nebraska - Omaha.

Jerri brings 39 years of experience in education, including 34 years with the Council Bluffs Community School District. She currently works as an Education Program Consultant in the area of Special Education. Jerri earned her Master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and has dedicated her career to supporting student

success, strengthening school communities, and advancing educational opportunities. 

Jerri is committed to supporting the mission of the Red Barn Schoolhouse and ensuring a high quality education for all students.

Melany brings more than 20 years of experience as an Early Childhood Educator and has served as an Instructor of Teacher Education at the University of Nebraska at Omaha since 2022. She is an accomplished, published researcher and the 2025 recipient of the NAECTE Doctoral Research Grant.

Melany’s professional recognitions include the Outstanding Graduate Award (2018) and the Outstanding Mentor Award (2022). She is actively engaged in service, currently serving as a Chairperson for the RESPECT Across Nebraska Project and working on its community engagement committee.

Her community involvement also includes service-learning partnerships with the Henry Doorly Zoo and Whispering Roots. Additionally, Melany serves on the Board of Directors for WhyArts Inc. and looks forward to contributing to arts-integration programming at the Red Barn Schoolhouse.