Meet Our Team

Wendy Loewenstein, Ed.D.

Principal
wendy.loewenstein@ops.org
531-299-9618

Dr. Loewenstein is a passionate educator who strives for the personalization of learning for all students. As OVS principal, she is responsible for the curriculum, instruction, and assessment of staff and students. She is excited to build relationships in the Omaha metro area with OVS students and stakeholders, as Omaha Public Schools develops the first K–8th virtual school in the state! Dr. Loewenstein joined Omaha Public Schools in 2016 as an instructional technology trainer. In this role, she facilitated the Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) program for the district and worked closely on technology integration initiatives with executive directors, building principals, and curriculum specialists. e-mail: wendy.loewenstein@ops.org phone: 531.299.9618

Sarah Nommensen

Instructional Facilitator
sarah.nommensen@ops.org
531-299-9453

Sarah graduated with a degree in Elementary Education in 2004 from Wayne State College. She began teaching 5th grade at Belvedere Elementary in OPS. While at Belvedere, she earned a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Doane University and an English as a Second Language Endorsement from Concordia University. After that, she taught ESL at Gilder Elementary before becoming an Instructional Facilitator/Academic Data Representative at Spring Lake Magnet in 2012. While at Spring Lake, she earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership with an Elementary Principal Endorsement from Doane. In 2014, she left teaching to be a stay at home mom. “When the opportunity to teach at such a forward-thinking school came up, I couldn’t pass it up! I loved my time as a stay at home mom, but I couldn’t stay away from teaching for too long! I’m excited to be a part of this team!

Brooke Donnelly

Secretary
brooke.donnelly@ops.org
531-299-0269

Brooke joined OVS as Secretary in January 2018. She earned her degree in Apparel Merchandising and Design from Iowa State University in 2004. After graduation, she worked in sales and merchandising, and ran a small business. After years of volunteering at her children's schools, she decided that she wanted to start a career in a school environment. She was thrilled to find OVS, which she believes offers a unique, forward-thinking approach to school that was much needed in Nebraska. Brooke loves getting to know the students and families at OVS, and being able to assist the team in making OVS a great experience for all.

K-5th grade team

Megan Rogers

Kindergarten-1st grade teacher
megan.rogers@ops.org
531-299-9367

Ms. Rogers has been working in the Omaha Public School District for 16 years. She taught 2nd and 3rd grade for 7 years and then was an instructional facilitator for 6 years. Ms. Rogers has been with the Omaha Virtual School teaching Kindergarten and 1st grade since the opening of our program. Throughout her educational career, she has earned Masters degrees in Curriculum & Instruction and Educational Leadership. Most recently she completed an endorsement in Instructional Technology Leadership. "I am proud to be a part of the Omaha Virtual School and the unique experience that supports personalized learning for all. I love working as a team with our learners, learning coaches, and families to do what is best for learners."

Mark Dowling

2nd-3rd grade teacher
mark.dowling@ops.org
531-299-9548

Mark graduated from Iowa State University in 2002. He began teaching 3rd grade for Omaha Public Schools Spring Lake Magnet Center in 2002. In 2007, he became the Technology Specialist at Spring Lake and held that position until 2016 when he joined OVS. He and his wife are both teachers with Omaha Public schools and they have 4 children in OPS.

Nicole Walker

4th-5th grade teacher
nicole.walker@ops.org
531-299-6516

Mrs. Walker received a Masters in Teaching from University of Central Missouri in 2013. Prior to OVS she worked in Texas as a 4th grade math teacher and 6th grade social studies teacher. Mrs. Walker is the 4th and 5th grade teacher at OVS. "OVS was an exciting change and I enjoy the unique perspective of working with the learning coaches and their learners."

Middle School Team

Molly Felten

6th-8th grade
Science and Social Studies
molly.felten@ops.org
531-299-9325

Mrs. Felten received her bachelor's in elementary education with an endorsement in middle grades language arts and science from Doane University in 2010 and a master's in curriculum and instruction in 2012. In 2014, she received an endorsement in English Language Learning (ELL). She has taught with Omaha Public Schools for the last 10 years teaching English, Social Studies, and Science at the middle school level. She has been with Omaha Virtual School since the first year it opened. Her favorite part of OVS is building relationships with her colleagues, learning coaches, and learners.

Jill Robison

6th-8th grade
ELA and Computer Apps
jill.robison@ops.org
531-299-6965

Jill received her bachelor's in secondary education with an endorsement in mathematics from the University of Omaha in 1996 and a master's in secondary education, with an emphasis in instructional technology, in 2003. In 2017, she received an endorsement as a reading specialist for grades K-12. She has spent time over the last 20 years teaching math in the Westside school district and, more recently, served as a Program Coordinator of reading for Boys Town Schools. "I am thankful for the opportunity to work with the students, parents, and staff here at OVS. It is filled with people who are willing to learn new things together. Each school year, I see growth in learners, learning coaches and myself! What a great way to teach and carry on the concept of lifelong learning!"

Tom Gamble

6th-8th grade
Math and PE
thomas.gamble@ops.org
531-299-9447

Mr. Gamble received his bachelor's in elementary education from the University of Nebraska Omaha in 1995 and a master's in elementary education in 2003. In 2015, he received a master's of arts in teaching middle school mathematics from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He has taught with Omaha Public Schools for over 20 years. Tom has taught at Indian Hill Elementary in 4th and 6th grades and in technology roles as well as 6th grade at Wilson Focus School. He has always had a love of teaching and integrating new and innovative methods with children. " I look forward to every day learning something new from our learners and sharing the knowledge I have with them."

High School Team

Christmas Kitko

High School Teacher
ELA and electives
christmas.kitko@ops.org
531-299-7848

Christmas received her bachelor's in Theatre and English from Northern Kentucky University in 2002 and a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction in 2011 from the University of West Florida. Christmas has lived in Oklahoma, Florida, and Mississippi and holds teaching certificates in three different states. She is also a published children's author. She is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio and is a tremendous Ohio State fan. She has taught with Columbus Municipal School District in Mississippi for three years teaching 9th and 12th grade Language Arts and Public Speaking. Last year she was a long term substitute at Marian High School as their Theatre and 9th and 10th grade Language Arts teacher. She has enjoyed living in Omaha the last year, devoting her time to her fellow military spouses while their service member is deployed, and hopes to help with coaching the Speech Team while at OVS. "I enjoy cultivating strong relationships with students and families enrolled at OVS!”

Derrick Brannan

High School Teacher
Social Studies and electives
derrick.brannan@ops.org
531-299-9457

Derrick received an associate's degree in communications applications in 1995 and a bachelor's in economics from University of Nebraska Omaha, both during his 8 years in the USAF. In 2006 he earned a bachelor's in secondary education with endorsements in social sciences and history from Peru St College. Currently he is enrolled in a Computer Science Education master's program. He has spent the last 14 years teaching grades k-11 in multiple subjects from literature to PE. He loves to work one to one with families in an innovative program to help their students be successful.

Kristin Utterback

High School Teacher
Science and electives
kristin.utterback@ops.org
531-299-7246

Mrs. Utterback is joining the OVS team for the 2020-21 school year. She comes to us from King Science Middle School in OPS. She taught three years at King and was the founder and facilitator of the Health Career Academy there. Prior to teaching, she was a surgical technologist in Detroit and Nebraska Medicine. She is very connected in the Omaha science community and has a passion for collaboration and outreach. She will be a great addition to our OVS Family!

Kyle Francis-Thomas, Ed.D.

High School Teacher
Math
kyle.francisthomas@ops.org
531-299-3789

Dr. Francis-Thomas is joining the OVS team for the 2020-21 school year. He received his Bachelor's in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Concordia College Selma in 2006, his High School Mathematics Endorsement in 2008, his Master's in Educational Administration in 2012, and his Doctorate in Educational Administration in 2015 from UNL. He has taught with Omaha Public Schools, Lincoln Public Schools, Selma City Schools, and Freeport Public Schools for over 10 years. Kyle has taught Math at Benson High School and Mercy High School. He has always had a passion for teaching young people and helping them find their own purpose in life. He also has over 5 years experience teaching with online math programs.

Electives and Counseling

Shannon Barry

Art Teacher
Kindergarten-12th grade
shannon.barry@ops.org

Mrs. Shannon Barry has taught art with Omaha Public Schools since 2009. During this time she has taught a variety of age levels. Mrs. Barry is with Omaha Virtual School every morning and teaches art at a brick and mortar elementary school every afternoon. Mrs. Barry is a tech leader in the district and is always up for a new challenge. Mrs. Barry loves facilitating new art experiences and explorations with OVS learners at all levels.

Susan Barnes

Guidance Counselor
6th-12th grade
susan.barnes@ops.org
531-299-7695

Ms. Barnes started as guidance counselor for Omaha Virtual School in the 2019-20 school year. She also acts as guidance counselor for the OPS Career Center.