Our Board of Directors provides strategic leadership, guidance, and stewardship to help Heart of a Child Ministries fulfill its mission.
KATHY BESSMER
Board Member
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
Board Member
Laura is a recently retired Executive Director of Essential Pregnancy Services (EPS) from 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
Board Member
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.
Together we are building a culture that values every child and every family.
MICHELLE WITT
Board Member
Michelle is Chief Operations Director of Life Choices in Fremont, NE. She brings over 41 years of nursing experience and two decades in the pro-life movement to Heart of a Child Ministries. She has worked in labor and delivery, led pregnancy resource programs, and trained medical professionals in life-affirming care. Michelle and her husband, Eric, have been married for 31 years and are active in their church and pro-life advocacy. She previously served as Director of Health and Wellness at Essential Pregnancy Services in Omaha and has been a leader in sidewalk advocacy and sex trafficking outreach ministry.
FATHER DAMIEN WEE
Board Member
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.
Interested in Serving?
Heart of a Child Ministries is blessed by dedicated leaders who share our passion for protecting life and strengthening families.