Staff
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Carly Woythaler-Runestad, MHA
Carly Woythaler-Runestad, MHA, is the executive director of the Mourning Hope Grief Center. Runestad began work at Mourning Hope on April 1, 2008. An Iowa native, she graduated with a B.M. in music therapy from the University of Iowa. Following graduation, Runestad served as the recreation therapy director of a 165-bed long-term care facility in Minneapolis, and as the director of a 26-bed Alzheimer's unit in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
In 2004, Carly returned to Iowa City to pursue a Master's in Health Administration degree. Upon graduation, she worked for the Nebraska Hospital Association as the director of health policy, providing advocacy services at the local, state and federal level for 85 Nebraska hospitals.
Runestad serves on a number of community boards, including as the President of the Nebraska Rural Health Association and the Area Health Education Statewide Advisory Board and is a frequent speaker on issues such as health policy, community health, human resource management and leadership. Carly is thrilled to serve as Mourning Hope's executive director, and is committed to promoting healthy communities through innovative programs and partnerships.
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Jennifer Bass, M.Ed.
Jennifer Bass, M.Ed. has been the program director at Mourning Hope Grief Center since June of 2007. Before hired at Mourning Hope, she volunteered for the organization as a facilitator and served on committees for two years. Bass is also employed by Lincoln Public Schools as a middle school counselor. Originally from Nebraska, she graduated from Concordia University, in 1993, with a B.S. in Elementary Education. Directly after graduation, she moved to Seattle, Washington where she taught 2nd grade and 4th grade for four years.
In 1997, Jennifer enrolled at Seattle Pacific University's Masters in Education program in school counseling. Upon completion in 2000, she returned to Lincoln where she began working in her current position as a middle school counselor for Lincoln Public Schools. In 2005, Jennifer received her National Board Certification in school counseling.
Jennifer serves on the LPS Crisis Team and several other district committees. She has spoken at local and national conferences regarding her work with middle school youth. Jennifer has a passion for helping youth and their families work towards healing in many areas of life, but especially for those who have experienced the death of a loved one. Jennifer considers it an honor and a joy to be a part of Mourning Hope, an organization filled with hope and compassion.
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Sandi Fabry
Sandi Fabry is the Community Outreach Coordinator for the Mourning Hope Grief Center. Before being hired for this new position, she served on the Mourning Hope Board of Directors. Sandi graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Hastings College and moved to Lincoln in 1964 to become part of Lincoln Public Schools. After graduate work at UNL and teaching both elementary and middle school, Sandi retired from the classroom but was rehired to work with the Ventures in Partnerships and TeamMates programs.
Sandi is convinced that Lincoln is clearly one of the best places in the nation to live and work. Community service, with particular attention to children's issues, is a passion. Sandi serves on the Children, Youth and Families Board at First-Plymouth and on the Board of Directors for Downtown Rotary Club #14.
All children across the city and their families are welcome at Mourning Hope following the death of a friend, a family member or someone important to them. For the Mourning Hope staff and volunteers, serving those who most need a companion at a very difficult time in their lives is truly an honor.