EDGE Team
The core group of volunteers, representing education, business, and the non-profit sector, continues to research trends, study the issue of poverty and learn from other successful programs to bring the best practices to our community.
Teresa Albers
Book Bestie Coordinator
Faith, family, friends and children are what make my world go around. I am married, have two adult children and their spouses, as well as 16 grandchildren who I am blessed to call family.
In my spare time, I LOVE to read, volunteer, golf, bike, walk, travel and spend time with my family. I spend a lot of time reading to my grandkids.
I taught in public schools for 28 years. Seeing a small child discover the ability to read was the highlight of my teaching career. I loved teaching reading, but I always believed in teaching students the wonder of books first. I felt if they fell in love with books, they would fall in love with reading. I believe that is part of what we are doing at EDGE “Book Bestie Day” every month.
In my spare time, I LOVE to read, volunteer, golf, bike, walk, travel and spend time with my family. I spend a lot of time reading to my grandkids.
I taught in public schools for 28 years. Seeing a small child discover the ability to read was the highlight of my teaching career. I loved teaching reading, but I always believed in teaching students the wonder of books first. I felt if they fell in love with books, they would fall in love with reading. I believe that is part of what we are doing at EDGE “Book Bestie Day” every month.
Sue Little
Super Citizens Coordinator
I’m a native Nebraskan and moved to Nebraska City in 1979 to teach in the public schools. After 38 years teaching upper elementary grades retirement offered new opportunities such as volunteering with EDGE Nebraska City. When a student found the ‘right’ book igniting their love of reading it gave them an EDGE! As a teacher, I recognized how students wanted to be helpers. Citizen’s EDGE gives them that opportunity. They develop relationships and a sense of belonging to our community.
My husband, Mike, and I have three adult children we raised in Nebraska City and three grandchildren who love coming to “Braska City.” Spending time with family and friends, volunteering, reading, walking, yard work, sports and watching our grandchildren grow gives me joy.
Cheryl Wichman
EDGE Operations Coordinator
I was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. I lived there most of my life, and then in 2010 our family moved to Nebraska City so our son could attend NCECBVI. For most of my career, I worked in gerontology. I absolutely love older adults. I find them so interesting and full of life’s stories. After more than 30 years in the field (and as I age myself), I find it compelling that I no longer see a person as young or old, but rather someone with unique experiences in life.
So why did I choose to work with children and families at EDGE? I would say it was a calling. I volunteered in the classroom as a “Book Bestie” for a few years, but after I prayed about it … I felt perhaps my skills in business, marketing and communications (from my prior career) would better serve the organization. So, I took my “reader” hat off and began serving as “Operations Coordinator” about a year ago.
As for hobbies, I love reading, writing, movies, fine arts, travel (especially to Europe), photography, volleyball, hiking & camping, boating & spending time with my husband, boys, extended family, my Yorkie “Brownie” & my girlfriends.
Stacie Higgins
EDGE Founder
Stacie has called Nebraska City home since 1997, during that time she has worked in a variety of youth service capacities including Youth Ministry and TeamMates Mentoring Program. Her passion for building a better community has led to the formation of EDGE Nebraska City. In addition to helping EDGE thrive, Stacie has served as a locally elected school board member for 18 years and serves as a Leadership Specialist for the Nebraska Association of School Boards, working with school districts across the state of Nebraska.
Stacie, and her late husband, have two daughters, Chloe and Ellie who have inherited their parents’ passion for education and community service. Building EDGE has been a family affair that honors Dr. Dion Higgins’ passion to realize the magic that happens when you leave your comfort zone.
Bios
Advisory Board
Jennifer Walker
Apace, Nebraska City Area Director
Book: Nancy Drew Mystery Series
Edge of Comfort Zone: Walking out on to the glass platform at Chicago’s Willis Tower
Edge of Comfort Zone: Walking out on to the glass platform at Chicago’s Willis Tower
Kate Sherwin
Nebraska City Public Schools, Coordinator of Engagement, Curriculum and Instruction
Book: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Edge of Comfort Zone: Giving a presentation in front of 100 people
Abbee James
James Family Farms/CHI St. Marys
Book: Mercer Mayer Books
Edge of Comfort Zone: Planning EDGE’s Sampling in the City
Teresa Albers
Retired NCPS Teacher, Community Volunteer
Book: Little House on the Prairie
Edge of Comfort Zone: Presenting a Reading Inservice to Elementary Teachers
Edge of Comfort Zone: Presenting a Reading Inservice to Elementary Teachers
Adam DeBilzan
Nebraska City Public Schools, Elementary Teacher
Book: Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
Edge of Comfort Zone: Sky Diving
Sabrina Darnell
CHI St. Marys, Perioperative Nurse
Book: Glory Road by Lauren Denton
Edge of Comfort Zone: Attending Nursing School
Edge of Comfort Zone: Attending Nursing School
Aaron Bishop
American National Bank
Book:
Edge of Comfort Zone:
Edge of Comfort Zone:
Sarah Scharp
Arbor Day Farm, Human Resources Manager
Book: To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Edge of Comfort Zone: Public Speaking, although I am working to improve and overcome my fear.
