Staff Spotlight: Simone

Meet Simone! 

Simone graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Following graduation, she spent three years providing behavioral analysis therapy to children who have neurological and developmental disorders. During that time, Simone also served as the company’s social worker, facilitating parent support groups and providing families with resources within the community. 

This experience eventually led Simone to CEDARS! In May, she became the Program Director for our Randolph CLC. In her new role, Simone oversees program development, staff supervision, and the partnerships with the school and surrounding community. She also works with the school’s behavioral consultant to promote positive behaviors through a supportive program. 

“My favorite part about my role is building connections with the students and their parents,” Simone shared. “It is fun to see what kids are interested in, as well as finding ways to partner with a community that can offer clubs or opportunities for kids to get involved in. I am a huge believer in the idea that when you invest time and energy into youth, they will invest back into the community, and I hope to see that within this role.” 

So far, Simone’s favorite CEDARS memory is attending this year’s Amazing Race event that was hosted by our Wellness & Engagement Committee. She enjoyed getting to know the other program directors and meeting new people from various teams. However, her time has only just begun, and she is excited to make more memories at CEDARS! 

Simone grew up in Omaha and spent much of her childhood playing volleyball with her younger sister as well as taking trips to New York to visit their older brother. Their parents both worked in help-focused fields, with one parent in social work and the other in the military. 

“With both of their careers being ones where they serve others, it was instilled in our family values to care for others – regardless of their life story,” Simone said. 

In her free time, Simone loves to travel, attend concerts, and spend time with her friends and family. A fun fact about her is that despite her height at 5’10”, she is still the shortest sibling! 

Thank you, Simone, for being a part of our team and serving the kids and families of CEDARS!