A future where every child, youth, and family in juvenile court is met with
skilled, supported legal advocacy—regardless of geography.
Our mission is to transform juvenile court advocacy by equipping attorneys with the knowledge, skills,
and support needed to provide high-quality, trauma-informed representation for children, youth, and families.
Our Team
The Nebraska Children’s Justice and Legal Advocacy Center (NCJC) is powered by a team of professionals who share a commitment to transforming juvenile court advocacy. Our team includes attorneys, mental health and child welfare professionals, researchers, and legal support staff who work together to prepare and sustain attorneys serving children, youth, and families—especially in rural communities.
Together, we design and deliver NCJC’s core programs: the Children’s Justice Clinic, the Children’s Justice Attorney Education Fellowship, CORE training for new attorneys, and advanced training for experienced practitioners. In addition to leading instruction and case consultation, team members facilitate reflective practice, support students and fellows through complex legal work, and contribute to the Center’s research and evaluation efforts. This collaborative model ensures that every program participant receives the knowledge, mentorship, and support necessary to thrive in juvenile court practice.
NCJC Case Consultants
In addition to our core team, NCJC partners with a group of trusted consultants who play a vital role in our training and case consultation model. These professionals bring deep expertise in law, mental health, child development, and child welfare practice. Whether advising law students in the Children’s Justice Clinic or providing multidisciplinary consultation to CJAE Fellows, our consultants help ensure that every program participant receives meaningful, well-rounded support rooted in real-world insight.
Our consultants are essential collaborators in delivering the intensive training, expert consultation, and reflective practice that define the NCJC approach.
MDT
Juvenile Court Attorneys
MDT
Licensed Mental Health Practitioners
J.D.
Jaclyn Daake
Deputy Franklin County Attorney
J.D.
Jennifer Rowling
Tye & Rowling, PC, LLO
J.D.
Amanda Speichert
Lindemeier Law Office
J.D.
Christopher Turner
Chief Deputy Lancaster County Attorney
J.D.
Audrey Long
A. Elliott Law
LIMHP, NCC
Jody Angel-Trejo
Midwest Encouragement Counseling Center
MS, LIMHP
Jen Rine
Bloom Counseling, LLC
Ph.D
Mark Hald
Options in Psychology, LLC
LCSW, LIMHP
Melissa Craig
Elevate Counseling and Consulting
LIMHP, LADC
Sarah Kirkwood
Bloom Counseling, LLC
LIMHP, LADC, SAP, MAC
Tom Maxson
Insight Counseling and Recovery, LLC
Expert Case Consultants
MA, LIMHP, LPC
Lindsey Ondrak
Center on Children, Families, and the Law
MSW, MPA
Jill Holt
Nebraska Indian Child Welfare Coalition
LIMHP
Pat Sailors
HopeSpoke
MSEd, LIMHP, LPC, NCC, IMH-E
Samantha Byrns
Center on Children, Families, and the Law
J.D.
Amy Peters
The Law Office of Amy J. Peters
J.D.
Jonathan Seagrass
Legal Aid of Nebraska
MFS, MSW
Angela Gebhardt
Center on Children, Families, and the Law
J.D.
Elizabeth Eynon-Kokrda
Education Rights Counsel
J.D.
April Kirkendall
Legal Aid of Nebraska
J.D., MPA
Christine Henningsen
Center on Children, Families, and the Law
J.D.
Lauren Micek Vargas
Education Rights Counsel
Partners
