Collaborative's Kolby Schneider recognized November 2009

Congratulations to Kolby Schneider of Collaborative Industries on being nominated for the Workwell, Wellness Champion Award. Kolby initiated a wellness plan at Collaborative Industries' offices. She has been intstrumental in providing wellness options and activities to all our employees.

 

Kolby is a tireless advocate for engaging colleagues in healthy lifestyles. She organizes lunch time walks, healthy eating lunch days, and the sharing of healthy recipes with fellow staff members. She is devoted in her efforts to encourage health within Collaborative Industries and the organizations with whom we partner. Her efforts and examples have led her peers to join gyms, run marathons, lose weight, and quit smoking. Kolby spearheaded our participation in N-Lighten Nebraska, the initiation of a Collaborative wellness plan, a health fair for our staff, and the access of a smoking cessation program.

 

We have seen the benefits of a healthy workforce and have Kolby to thank for inspriing us to be healty. Thank you Kolby and congratulations from all your fellow staff at Collaborative Industries.

Collaborative Industries helps fill two key staff positions August 2009

Collaborative Industries announced the successful hiring of two key positions for Developmental Services of Nebraska-Kearney office. CII Human Resource Manager, Kolby Schneider, helped coordinate both searches with assistance from CII and DSN staff members.

Mikki Schoone accepted the position of Program Coordinator for DSN-Kearney.
Mikki has extensive experience in human services and has worked in variety of roles including Social Worker, Mental Health Practitioner, Service Coordinator, Program Director, Training Specialist and Residential Counselor. DSN is very excited to have Mikki, on board in Kearney.

Roger Stortenbecker, Chief Operating Officer at CII, said "Mikki brings a wide range of experience to DSN-Kearney. We are very excited about what she will add to their program".

Kristen Smith accepted the position of Area Director for DSN-Kearney. Kristen has worked for DSN for more than 4 years and has gained considerable experience by working in these different positions. She began as a Direct Care Staff member in Lincoln, and has since served as a Residential Manager, Case Manager, Case Manager Coordinator, Program Coordinator and Interim Area Director at DSN-Kearney. Kristen's experience within the Kearney program was key to her being offered the Area Director position.

Kolby Schneider, Director of Human Services for CII said "Kristin brings a unique perspective to the Area Director position. She has worked in nearly every position or department within DSN. Kristin is a true asset to this agency!"

Defying the odds - Senator Colby Coash reflects on his first campaign and first legislative sessionAugust 2009

When Colby Coash decided to run for the Nebraska state legislature, the odds were heavily stacked against him. He had no funding, he was a political unknown and he was running against a respected, long-term, local city councilman. Most people didn't give him much of a chance. He said two things got him elected. One was a campaign manager who took a big chance in agreeing to help run his campaign, and the other was the time and effort Colby and his wife Rhonda put into the campaign. Coash said "We won because we worked hard. When I ran for the Legislature, I didn't get much outside help. Rhonda quit her job and worked full time on my campaign. She worked on putting together mailings and making phone calls during the day and when I got off work she and I would go out and knock on doors." Their plan was for Rhonda to go back to work after the election, but Colby said that changed when, "I found out I was going to be a dad and Senator within two weeks of each other. Rhonda decided not to go back to work. Their son, Cole was born on the day the legislative session officially ended. Fortunately for Colby and Rhonda, the session wrapped up three days early so Colby was able to be with Rhonda when Cole was born.

We asked Colby to share some of his experiences of the past year.

Q: What motivated you to run for office?

A: I had spent some time at the capital advocating. Scott LeFevre used to send me down to the Capital to testify before a committee. I was there about once a year and would look at the senators that were there and think that there weren't really any people like me, most were older, many had retired from professional careers and and I always thought I could bring a lot to the table.

Q: How did you feel the first day you walked into the capital as a senator?

A: I tell people it was obviously very exciting, but very humbling. Walking into the capital and knowing you were there to represent the people is humbling. You hear some very moving testimony and get to know people on personal levels. But even the hard days are exciting days. I'm on three standing committees, the Judiciary Committee, General Affairs Committee and Urban Affairs Committee. I also serve on the State Tribal Affairs Committee, the Developmental Disabilities Oversight Committee, and the Children's Behavioral Health Oversight Committee. I'm pretty busy on committee work. Standing committees meet every day, every afternoon for the first part of session.

Q: How has your professional work helped you in the senate?

A: Everyone in the legislature seems to have a niche; there is a 'go to person' for just about everything. When issues regarding developmental disability come up, other senators know I have ten years experience working with people with developmental disabilities. My niche is advocating for people with developmental disabilities. I worked with several bills this year that benefited people with developmental disabilities.

Q: What was it like going from being a first time Senator to a first time father.

A: It was a little overwhelming when Cole was born. Staying up late and working hard in the legislature definitely was good training for fatherhood. I share my time now with my family, my work, and my constituents. It can be difficult to balance, but I am very fortunate. I love the role of father and senator. Being a senator is exciting but being a dad is even better.

Imagine the power of a collaborative force.