Our Staff

Emily Koopmann I Executive Director

Emily combines her Bachelors in Business with her Masters in Intercultural and Urban Studies by living at the intersection between community building and youth programming. With Gallup Strengths like WOO (winning others over) and Strategic, she enjoys the role of Executive Director because it gives her a chance to build on visions and recruit passionate people to the cause.

Outside of work Emily loves to Jazzercise, read, and play cards with family. Emily tags team life with her son Max and together they enjoy superheroes and corndogs.

Kylie Cook I Director of Education & Operations

Kylie has her Bachelor’s in Business Administration with minors in Educational Studies and Special Education to provide an enriched curriculum for all types of learners. Kylie joined the BCC team in 2020 as a preschool teacher and now oversees all student programming!

Kylie enjoys working in her garden, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her husband, Eric, and son, Jonah. Kylie also loves Scooter’s Coffee, Chipotle, and watching sports with her family! Go Big Red and Go Chiefs!

Mikayla Tubbs I Director of Finance & Fund Development

Mikayla joined BCC full-time in January 2025, with over 14 years of experience in Finance and Accounting, she plays a key role in strengthening the organization’s financial health and long-term sustainability. Leading the organization’s financial strategies and donor relationships, she works closely with the Executive Director to raise vital funds in a cost-effective and impactful way.

Known for her strong relationship-building skills, she brings a personal and intentional approach to her work by creating meaningful connections that strengthen the organization and the community. Beyond her professional experience, Mikayla is deeply passionate about creating safe, supportive spaces for youth and families in the community. She is known for her genuine, energetic presence and her ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

Outside of work, her time is centered around her family, often spent at practices, basketball tournaments, and simply being together. Grounded in her faith, she values building a strong, healthy home and staying connected to the community she serves.

Kelli Clark I Lead Preschool Teacher

Ms. Kelli joined the BCC preschool program in the fall of 2022. She was previously an infant/toddler teacher and plans to get her associates in early childhood. She comes to the BCC with experience and training in “Conscious Discipline”, a teaching style that incorporates building emotional intelligence and self-regulation as part of a child’s path to academic success.

Ms. Kelli is a loving grandma who is raising three of her granddaughters! All total she has 11 grandbabies! Kelli enjoys Scooter’s coffee, movies with her big family, and loves watching sports! GO BIG RED and Go Chiefs!

Mady Boles I Lead Preschool Teacher

Ms. Mady joined the BCC as a practicum student from Southeast Community College in the spring of 2022, and she loved the BCC so much she decided to stay! In 2023, she graduated from SCC with an associate degree in Human Services. She has been seen subbing in for various BCC programs and is now full-time as a lead preschool teacher.

Mady and Dakota have two daughters, Adelia (Dilly) and Brinley, who are the light of their lives. Mady enjoys Grey’s Anatomy, caffeine, naps, and being with her family.

Barb I Before School Lead

Barb is dedicated to creating a positive, safe, and welcoming environment for every child. She believes every child deserves encouragement, patience, and the opportunity to succeed. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Barb graduated from Benson High School and earned an Associate Degree in Child Development. She has proudly called Lincoln home for the past 20 years.

When she’s not at work, Barb enjoys spending time with her only grandson, who is truly the apple of her eye. She also loves making memories with her daughter and grandson by shopping, going out to eat, and simply enjoying time together.

Brynn I Human Resources Coordinator

Brynn first joined the BCC as a school-age staff member for the ‘22-‘23 school year and has served as the preschool program’s opener since August 2025. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management and is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to contribute what she’s learned to an organization she loves.

Brynn is originally from Fairbury, NE, and a few things she enjoys are concerts, Kentucky basketball, walking the trails at Holmes Lake, and coming home to her two cats.

Rafa I Student Support Coordinator

Rafa joined the BCC as an after-school program staff member in the fall of 2024. She now has the privilege of working as the student support coordinator! She is currently studying to receive her bachelor’s degree in political science and global studies and is a freshman at UNL. Rafa is extremely passionate about community and tries her hardest to foster that in and outside of work!

Outside of work, you can find Rafa spending time with her family, hanging out with friends, or being involved in school activities! She enjoys thrifting, watching movies and documentaries, napping, and reading!

Tina I Curriculum Coordinator

Tina joined BCC in the summer of 2024 and has loved bringing creativity and crafts into the building ever since! She especially enjoys finding new ways to make the space fun, colorful, and welcoming for our students. Whether she’s creating new bulletin boards, coming up with fun crafts, or planning activities for students to enjoy, Tina puts a lot of heart and creativity into making BCC a fun and memorable place where students can express themselves and try new things.

Outside of BCC, Tina loves to paint, travel, shop, and is almost always at a concert. She enjoys exploring new places and making new memories.

• Julie Lee — Principal, Lincoln Public Schools (Beattie Elementary School)
• Jaylen Vella — Customer Success Manager, Hudl
• Deb Chrisp —  Retired Head Cook, Waverly Public Schools (Former BCC Student)
• David Lamb — Retired Instructor and Department Chair, Southeast Community College (Human Services) (Former BCC Director)
• Bobbie Ehrlich — Teacher, Lincoln Public Schools (Belmont Elementary School)
• Nancy Petitto —  Executive Director, Civic Nebraska
• Kari Herbert  — Counseling Professional (LIMHP, CMSW, CEAP), Directions EAP
• Karen French — Former BCC Assistant Director of 25+ Years
• Emily Kluver — Strategic Initiatives Director, Lincoln Littles