I was born and raised in Omaha, but I went to college in Chicago and lived there and a few other places before I moved back to Omaha in 2008. I work for the University of Nebraska Lincoln at the Center on Children, Families and the Law. I direct a project there called Nebraska Youth Advocates which works with juvenile defense attorneys across the state to promote best practices when working with children who become involved in the juvenile justice system. My undergraduate degree is in Social Work and after practicing law for five years in Nebraska's Douglas County Juvenile Court I really became aware of the need for reform in our approach to working with youth to put them on a path towards success. Outside of work, I love running and being outdoors, which helps put into focus an otherwise hectic daily routine.
My husband, Josh and I have three children. Mabel is 6 years old and is in Kindergarten at St. Pius X/St. Leo School. She loves dancing and telling her little brothers, Oliver (3) and Isaac (1) what to do. Oliver seems to share my love for running and Isaac has a smile that makes even the grayest day seem okay. Josh works for the Nebraska Legislature as legal counsel for the Judiciary Committee. We are always excited for May when the session ends and he doesn't have to go to Lincoln everyday. I had a conference in Washington D.C. this last December, so we turned into a fun family vacation, though Mabel was a little upset she didn't get to meet President Obama.
I became friends with Kellie Harry while I was working with her husband Bill in the public defenders office. She knows that I can't refuse a good silent auction, so she invited us to attend the WCA Partners Guild tgif! event. I have been hooked ever since.
One of my jobs following law school was at the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence where I worked with immigrant survivors of domestic violence. While working there I gained a greater understanding of the need for supportive agencies such as the WCA, and I want to do whatever I can to support their mission.
Jill McClure did such a great job as VP of Programs last year, and so it was easy to just jump and and pick-up where she left off. As VP of Programs, this year, I am really looking forward to a great Staff Appreciation Week and planning some fun events where we can all get to know each other better.
I think the Career Closet and job preparation services that the WCA provides are wonderful. I think it is a great way for guild members to get involved both by providing clothes, other resources and tips for success.
--Christine Henningsen
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