Our Team
First Light
Shannon Krejci
Phone: (308) 385-5238
Email: director@cn-cac.org
Shannon Krejci has been the Executive Director with First Light Central Nebraska Child Advocacy Center since November 2016. She received her Bachelors in Social Work from Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, Virginia. Shannon’s forensic interview training includes ChildFirst, American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC), and The Reid Technique of Investigative Interviewing and Positive Persuasion for Child Abuse Investigations. Shannon has also attended training on the medical component of sexual/physical abuse by Dr. Suzanne Starling child abuse specific pediatrician. During the eight years working in Virginia Shannon conducted forensic interviews at Foothills Child Advocacy Center, participated in monthly peer reviews, was an active member on MDT, and worked collaboratively with community partners on a daily basis.
Cassie Hennings
Phone: (308) 385-5238
Email: director@cn-cac.org
Cassie is our Lead Forensic Interviewer. Cassie’s past work experience with The Nebraska State Patrol as Investigative Services Secretary and Dispatcher for over 10 years has provided her with the knowledge and understanding of multi-agency collaboration, excellent leadership and communication skills. Cassie was born and raised in the Northeast Nebraska town of Bloomfield. She continued her education in Vancouver, Washington. Cassie’s forensic interview training includes the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC), peer review training through the Nebraska Alliance of Child Advocacy Centers and the Midwest Regional Peer Review, Building Resilience in CACs and MDTs, Inclusive Communities Workshop, Nebraska Human Trafficking Task Force-identifying human trafficking in Nebraska project training.
Andrew Gartner
Phone: (308) 385-5238
Email: advocate@cn-cac.org
Andrew Gartner is our Family Advocate. Andrew received his Bachelors in Social Work from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, followed by an internship here at FLCAC. He has completed Child First forensic interview training and cannot wait to continue expanding his skills and experience in his role.
Josie Lindell
Phone: (308) 385-5238
Email: mdt@cn-cac.org
Josie is our Multidisciplinary Team Coordinator.
Board of Directors
First Light
Tracy McGahan, Board Chair
Scott Grafton, Vice Chair
Robert Pavelka, Finance Chair/Treasurer
Steph Connick, Secretary
Keanna Leonard, Governance Committee Chair
Laura Dexter, Fundraising Committee
Angie Ziller, Marketing Chair
Kelly Weyers
Karen Riley
Sally Koepp
Jason Bonnes
Cyndee Mann
Kara Hutchinson
Kristin Riedy, Emeritus
Carole Denton, Emeritus
Paul Graham, Member-at-Large
Thank you to the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation and Hamilton Community Foundation with providing grant funds to ensure First Light fulfills our mission.