Nikki Schaefer, MSW
Executive Director
Nikki holds a masters’ in social work and is director of Heart of a Child Ministries™. Nikki was a pro-life pregnancy counselor and art therapist at Catholic Services and Birthright. She worked with abortion-minded women and their families. Nikki is also an author and illustrator. She has written many articles in various publications and is a writer for Aquinas Press. She has published, “Padre Pio and the Mass”, “Saints for Girls”, and “33 Days in Adoration” with Aquinas. Nikki has also written and illustrated “The Potty Train,” published by Guardian Angel Publishing. Nikki and her husband Bernie have 6 beautiful children.
EMAIL NIKKIBoard of Directors
KATHY BESSMER
Kathy and her husband, Joel, started Strada Healthcare in 2016 because of the growing need for cost-effective and efficient healthcare. Strada is currently Omaha’s leading Direct Primary Care provider. Kathy and Joel also have 16 children – 13 biological and 3 adopted. They know the value and meaning of life, children and family, and exemplify that in all that they do. Kathy’s expertise as a business woman, pro-life advocate, and homeschool mom is invaluable to the Heart of a Child Ministries’ team.
LAURA BUDDENBERG, MS
Laura is recently retired from the Executive Director of Essential Pregnancy Services (EPS) in Omaha, NE. EPS provides care and support to women and families experiencing a crisis pregnancy. Prior to her work at EPS, Laura worked at Boys Town supporting at risk children in a variety of capacities and has great expertise in communications, human resources, advocacy, and non-profit, pro-life issues. Laura’s leadership skills and knowledge are invaluable to the Heart of a Child Ministries’ team.
TOM CARNEY, CFA
Tom Carney works as a fixed-income portfolio manager at Weitz Investment Management, Inc. He is actively involved in apostolates such as Catholic Answers, Spirit Catholic Radio, and Evangelium Institute. Tom is very pro-life and his financial and leadership expertise are invaluable to the Heart of a Child Ministries’ team.
DENNIS O’TOOLE, CPA
Dennis is a member of the Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He is a professional accountant at Berger, Elliott and Pritchard CPAs, L.L.C. Dennis is also actively involved in the Knights of Columbus and has served as a board member and leader in a variety of apostolates or educational foundations. His financial and tax expertise are invaluable to the Heart of a Child Ministries’ team.
BERNIE SCHAEFER, MS
Bernie Schaefer and his family started Heart of a Child Ministries in 2012. Bernie is the Vice President of Development at Spirit Catholic Radio in Omaha, Nebraska. His experience in development and his intimate connection with this ministry makes Bernie an important member of the Heart of a Child Ministries’ team.
FATHER DAMIEN WEE
Father Damien Wee is originally from Singapore and came to the United States as a missionary priest. He has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and received his call to be a priest as a young man. Fr. Damien is currently the pastor at St. Francis Borgia parish in Blair, Nebraska. Father Wee has a love for Jesus, for the sacredness of life, and a gift of prayer and contemplation. His spiritual direction and leadership is an invaluable blessing to the Heart of a Child Ministries’ team.
Medical Advisory Board
DR. ANGELINA GILES, MSN
Giles has a Doctorate in Nursing and specializes in Family Medicine as a Nurse Practitioner at Sancta Familia Medical Apostolate. She is well versed in the Abortion Pill Rescue treatment protocol and has helped countless woman reverse the abortion pill they have taken.
DR. DAVE J. HILGER, MD
Dr. Hilger is a radiologist in Omaha, Nebraska and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Bryan Medical Center and Nebraska Methodist Hospital. He received his medical degree from University of Nebraska College of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years.
TERESA KENNEY, APRN-NP
Kenney has been a women’s health nurse practitioner for over 21 years. She received her masters degree from UNMC College of Nursing. She practices at Sancta Familia Medical, and specializes in women’s health services, and NaproTechnology.
DR. KRISTINA PAKIZ, MD
Dr. Pakiz is board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist who specializes in a women’s health science called Natural Procreative Technology. She has spent the latter part of her medical career serving patients at the St. Paul VI Institute.
DR. LLOYD PIERRE, MD
Dr. Pierre is a board-certified as a family medicine physician. He spent 20+ years serving in the United States Air Force before founding the Sancta Familia Medical Apostolate (SFMA). He has delivered medical care in a variety of settings ranging from university and community clinics to austere medical care delivery settings such as humanitarian and battle zones.
DR. NICK STEINAUER, MD
Dr. Steinhaur is board certified and is a Fellow in the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Dr. Steinauer is a clinical instructor at UNMC. Dr. Steinauer completed additional training at the Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction/Creighton University as a Natural Family Planning Medical Consultant.
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We would love to bring our message of life to your school or church! Learn more about our presentations and team of speakers!
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