Blazing Trails

Ready To Run, Walk, Or Roll? Join Us For Blazing Trails!

Save the Date for Blazing Trails 2027

Date: Saturday, June 12, 2027
Time: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Chalco Hills Recreation Area, Omaha, NE + Virtual Option

Thank You for a Meaningful Blazing Trails 2026!

While this year’s Blazing Trails looked a little different than planned, we are incredibly grateful for the community that showed up and made the day meaningful.

Due to severe weather, we were unable to complete the race outdoors—but thanks to the Chalco Recreation Center, we were able to gather safely indoors, connect with one another, and still share in the spirit of the event.

Even without the walk, we successfully raised funds to support brain injury awareness, advocacy, prevention, and support services across Nebraska. Most importantly, we came together as a community—something that remains at the heart of Blazing Trails.

Thank you to everyone who participated, supported, and stayed flexible. We’re already looking forward to next year. 💙

Become a Race Day Sponsor

 

Interested in sponsoring the event for 2027? See our sponsorship opportunities below and connect with our Marketing & Special Events Coordinator, Jordan Willis.

Email Jordan

2026 Race Day Sponsors

Our Affiliations

Brain Injury Association of Nebraska is fortunate to work alongside likeminded associations – all driven to help educate the communities we live in.

Have a Question

Have questions about brain injury support, resources, or how to begin your own journey of hope? We’re here to help. Reach out anytime through our Contact page, and one of our dedicated team members will gladly provide the guidance and information you need.

Contact Us

Shannon Murphy

Resource Facilitator
Juvenile Justice Project

Shannon grew up in Los Angeles, California, before relocating to Nebraska in 2002 to further his education in criminal justice and psychology at the University of Nebraska. With more than 20 years of experience working alongside nonprofit organizations, Shannon has dedicated his career to supporting at-risk youth and their families.

Throughout his career, he has provided in-home services designed to help youth successfully navigate the juvenile justice system while building essential life and independent living skills. Shannon spent three years in Colorado Springs working as a residential treatment counselor at a residential treatment facility, where he supported adolescents in structured therapeutic environments.

After returning to Nebraska, Shannon stepped into a leadership role as a Program Director, overseeing services for youth involved with probation and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). His work focuses on creating alternatives to detention, helping young people remain safely in their family homes while receiving the structure, accountability, and support they need to thrive.

Outside of his professional work, Shannon enjoys traveling, attending concerts and sporting events, and cheering on his son at his high school athletic competitions.

Ross Van Amburg

Resource Facilitator
Panhandle Region 

Ross is an Occupational Therapist who recently retired from working at ESU-13 for 20 years.  While in that position, Ross worked on the BIRSST (Brain Injury School Support Team) for Western Nebraska helping to provide Return to Play and Return to Learn concussion information to students, schools, and families.  Ross was the lead therapist at the Wyoming State Training School's brain injury program - Visions in Lander, Wyoming prior to moving to Nebraska.
 
Ross graduated from OT school in 1995 from Colorado State University.  His fieldwork experiences were in: pediatrics, hand therapy, and brain injury (Craig Hospital).  Ross studied Philosophy at the University of Utah before becoming a letter carrier for 17 years and eventually deciding to complete his degree in Occupational Therapy.

Jennifer Sexton

Resource Facilitator
Omaha & Northeast Nebraska

Jennifer brings a background in neuroscience, research, and education, along with a passion for empowering others through empathy and connection. She has experience supporting individuals across diverse settings, helping people navigate challenges and access the resources they need to thrive.
 
Before joining BIA–NE, Jennifer contributed to NIH-funded research at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, studying brain development and cognition in diverse populations. She also gained experience teaching and mentoring others, which strengthened her ability to communicate complex information with clarity and care. In addition, she works with Nebraska Transition College, supporting young adults with special needs in developing independence and life skills, and has experience working closely with a psychologist who specializes in serving adults with special needs. These experiences have shaped her commitment to listening and empowering others with patience and understanding.
 
Jennifer enjoys work that allows her to collaborate, make a positive impact, and foster meaningful connections within her community. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring creative projects, spending time with family and friends, and relaxing with her fiancé and sweet golden retriever, Gus.

Alexa Hann

Resource Facilitator
Omaha & Northeast Nebraska

Alexa has built a career in serving individuals with barriers through both workforce development program oversight and behavioral health service provision. Over the years, she has worked across diverse settings to support youth, young adults, and adults who are navigating career and education pursuits, mental health challenges, substance use recovery, and other systemic obstacles.

Her approach blends compassion with strategic guidance—connecting clients to resources, coaching them toward sustainable outcomes, and advocating for inclusive support systems. Whether writing policy for workforce programs, providing support, resources and education to constituents, serving on community-based coalitions, coordinating discharge plans, or partnering with community organizations, Alexa consistently champions holistic, person-centered solutions. Her work reflects a belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their starting point.

Outside of work, Alexa enjoys spending time with her husband and children. From exploring parks and hiking trails, to movie and game nights, to beach trips and camping, her favorite place to be is with her family. 

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Jordan Willis

Marketing & Special Events Coordinator

Phone: 402-683-0724

Jordan holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Industry from James Madison University and a Master’s in Violin Performance from the University of Nebraska Omaha. While at JMU, he discovered a passion for marketing through his coursework, which sparked a career that has spanned over eight years—primarily in the nonprofit sector.

 

Originally from Northern Virginia, Jordan has called Omaha home since 2018. Outside of work, he’s an active part of the local creative scene, regularly performing as a violinist and vocalist in musicals, galas, weddings, concerts, and award ceremonies across Nebraska. When he's not working or performing, you’ll likely find him hiking, working out, running, playing volleyball—or deep in a TV binge, no in between.
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Jordan Willis Headshot

Katie Freeman

Marketing & Special Events Intern

Katie is an Advertising and Public Relations major at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln in the college of Journalism and Mass Communications.

Katie was born and raised in Lincoln and decided to stay close to family by attending UNL. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, finding new recipes to try, and going shopping.

Katie is excited to be working with the Brain Injury Association of Nebraska team not only to learn about marketing, but also to help spread awareness about brain injury prevention and support.

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Elle Stecher

Marketing & Special Events Coordinator

Phone: 402-683-0724

As the Marketing and Special Events Coordinator, Elle works to improve the BIA-NE’s reach and impact through marketing, events, and outreach via social media and the website.

Elle has a bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln's College of Journalism and Mass Communication in Advertising and Public Relations and is working on her Master's Degree in Integrated Media Communications.

Elle lives in Lincoln with her husband and two sons, Ezra and Jack, in a historic home. Outside of work, Elle enjoys baking and working on restoration projects at home, as well as spending time with friends and family.

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Paula Dodds

MBA Director of Operations

Phone: 402-706-0986

From her first office job at the age of 15, Paula fell in love with putting systems in place, organized, and easy to access. Granted, she started just one step above the mailroom as a file clerk, but she quickly grew that skill set to become a company trainer and then office manager by nineteen.

With over twenty-five years of administrative and team-building experience, Paula brings professionalism, innovation, and ingenuity to every project and event she works on. During Paula’s career, she has served the executive search, human resources, nonprofit, and healthcare markets, in addition to professional business and life coaches.

She lives in Omaha, Nebraska, and is currently raising four beautiful, independent daughters (preschool to grad school ages) with her very patient (and VERY outnumbered) fiancé, Matt.

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Peggy Reisher, MSW

Executive Director

Phone: 402-890-0606

Peggy Reisher has worked in the field of brain injury for over 25 years. She helped establish the Brain Injury Association of Nebraska (BIA-NE) in 2009 and became the Executive Director in July 2013. Prior to being the Executive Director, she served as the Director of Programs and Services.

Peggy has a master’s degree in social work and worked 14 years on the traumatic brain injury unit at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln, Neb. where she helped patients and families identify community resources upon discharge from the hospital.

Peggy is currently the President of the United States Brain Injury Association and is on the Munroe Meyer Institute Board of Directors.

Peggy grew up in St. Paul, NE, but has spent her adult life in Lincoln where she and her husband Tom raised their three children, Nathan, Amy, and Erica.

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Gina Simanek, MA, LMHP

Support Group Volunteer Leader & Resource Facilitator Lincoln & Southeast Nebraska

Gina is a tenacious advocate of those with brain injury across the state of Nebraska. As a licensed mental health practitioner, consultant, educator, and volunteer, she was the first to ever provide outreach services in Lincoln and the entire state of Nebraska for individuals with Brain Injury (BI) and their families. Gina did this solo while working another full-time position to meet unmet needs for individuals with BI and their caregivers for 30 years and continues this work today.

In 2008, Gina contracted as the Nebraska State BI Ombudsperson and a Statewide Information and Referral Specialist for the Brain Injury Association of Nebraska (BIA-NE). In 2021, Gina joined BIA-NE full-time.

Gina has a background with administration and interpretation of various psychological and neuropsychological assessments; educates professionals, individuals, and families about brain injuries and mental health; is experienced in neurofeedback and biofeedback; facilitates mental/medical health support groups, served on several state advisory boards, and did a research study on brain injury coping in parents that gained recognition (2001 Student Research Award – Division 22, Rehabilitation Psychology), and has contributed to other brain injury research publications.

Outside of work, Gina is also active in biking long distances and assisting other runners and bikers to accomplish a marathon or long biking adventure successfully. She enjoys the outdoors, animals, artistic endeavors, and being around family, friends, and those who appreciate the value of assisting others in various ways.

Shir Smith

Resource Facilitator Western Nebraska

As someone who suffers from a brain injury and has overcome obstacles in her life, Shir Smith is ready and willing to help others. Shir has a passion for making people aware of brain injury and how it affects people’s lives. Shir always states, “There is no limit to your Sky, go Above and Beyond.”

Before joining the Brain Injury Association of Nebraska, Shir spent a large part of her life volunteering for and working with non-profit programs. From the Salvation Army to the Lincoln County Jail to Guardian Light Family Services, she saw needs that helped shape her passions and skills–guiding her to where she was meant to be–helping others to help others.

Shir is certified in a wide range of programs and training and brings a wealth of training and knowledge to the team. She has experience working with a Rape and Domestic Abuse Program as an advocate, starting a Wise Minds and an Incarcerated Victim Advocacy Program in the Lincoln County Jail, working with an Anti-Violence program for women, and working as a Sexual Assault Coordinator.

MenDi McCuiston

Peer Mentoring Program Coordinator • Resource Facilitator Western Nebraska

MenDi is the mother of a child that received a brain injury in a car accident at the age of sixteen and dealt with the repercussion of the school and court system treating her child as an uncontrollable child instead of treating the symptoms. She understands the struggles of a parent feeling helpless, hopeless, and abandoned by the “system.” Her goal with the Brain Injury Association of Nebraska is to educate others on the signs and symptoms of brain injury and offer support for those in the same position she found herself in seven years ago.

MenDi has a bachelor’s in behavioral science and has worked as a life coach, a family support worker, and has held various other positions within the non-profit realm helping individuals to set goals, recover from grief, and find their purpose. She has a passion for helping others and is inspired by those who do not let their situation keep them down.

MenDi was born and raised in North Platte, spent 14 years in McCook but missed home, and returned to North Platte where she lives with her husband. She has five children and six grandchildren who keep her busy and young at heart.

Michelle Meyer

Resource Facilitator Lincoln & Southeastern Nebraska

Michelle Meyer joined BIA–NE from Bryan Health, where she worked as an insurance verification specialist and patient registrar. Recognized for her training skills, rapport building, and commitment to excellence, Michelle enjoys work that requires empathy, innovation, and problem-solving and brings a diverse work history to the Resource Facilitation team.

Michelle continues her dedication to supporting individuals through empathy and guidance, leveraging her background in patient interaction.

As the primary caregiver and medical point of contact for her aging parents and mother-in-law, she knows that access to helpful resources is empowering and invaluable during a health crisis. She looks forward to sharing her hope and enthusiasm with BIA–NE clients throughout their recovery process.

Michelle lives in Lincoln with her husband and dog and enjoys gardening, art, and spending time with family and friends.

Marisa Mears

Resource Facilitator Western Nebraska

Marisa is a dedicated caregiver with a nursing degree from Mid Plains Community College, who has been in the nursing field since 1999. She has a passion for helping others and supporting their needs, which has led her to expand her skills from nursing to health and fitness, and now to focus on brain injury.

Marisa's greatest accomplishments in life are her three lovely children, who bring her immense joy and fulfillment. When she is not busy being a mom, Marisa enjoys spending quality time with her husband, traveling, and attending concerts.

Having witnessed the impact of brain injury both professionally and personally, Marisa is committed to raising awareness in her community. She aims to provide prevention education, advocacy, and support to those in need, in order to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals affected by brain injury. With her caring and compassionate nature, Marisa is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

Teresa Larsen

Peer Mentoring Program Coordinator Panhandle Region

Teresa has been fascinated with the brain since high school and dreamed of being a Neurologist.

Teresa has a natural talent for teaching and explaining the complicated in an understandable and relatable way. As a mother of three, whom she home-educated, Teresa enlisted her teaching, nurturing, and management skills to raise her three children. Teresa has always had a strong desire to serve others. She volunteered with crisis pregnancy centers as well as domestic violence organizations. Teresa served her community in leadership positions such as Vice president of her local 4H council and as president of the Nebraska Extension Education Club, The Stateliners.

As a family support worker, Teresa grew and expanded her skills to be a "toolbox" for her clients. It's the "toolbox" mentality that helps her bring a multitude of resources to each situation to bring about the best for those with whom she works.

Brenda Horner

Resource Facilitator Central Nebraska

Brenda’s husband had a hemorrhagic stroke in 2009 while serving in the military, so she understands brain injury from a spouse's/caregiver’s perspective. Over the years, Brenda has learned to navigate family life, military life, and the VA system regarding her husband's brain injury. She has 20 years of experience working with people of all ages and disabilities.

Brenda also has ample experience working in and with various Special Education programs across the state of Nebraska. Previously, she helped families as a Service Coordinator for The Early Development Network as well as working in hospice and as a Registered Behavior Technician.

Brenda grew up in York, NE. She currently resides in Grand Island, NE with her husband and has 2 daughters, 2 sons-in-law, and 4 grandchildren that keep her busy in her spare time.

Anna Cole

Resource Facilitator Special Projects

Anna’s focus on and passion for care is evident throughout her life—beginning with her early career as a Registered Nurse. She then cared for and raised four wonderful sons as a stay-at-home mom. When her children reached school age, she accepted various positions in their schools, all of which involved caring for and helping hundreds of children. Prior to joining the Brain Injury Association of Nebraska, Anna most recently served as the full-time Congregational Care Coordinator at her church.

As a freshman at an out-of-state college, Anna’s youngest son was involved in a serious car accident that resulted in a brain injury. Finding and accessing providers and resources to assist in his recovery and successful return to school ignited Anna's passion to assist others facing a similar challenge.

Anna grew up in New Hudson, Michigan, but has lived in Omaha for over 35 years. She and her husband Blake are empty-nesters with their dog, Jack. Anna has four awesome grown sons, two beautiful daughters-in-law, and two wonderful grandchildren.

Rachel Brandenburg

Resource Facilitator Omaha Metropolitan & Northeast Region

Rachel brings over 20 years of experience in healthcare to her role. Before pursuing higher education, she dedicated over a decade as a Certified Nursing Assistant, providing compassionate care that helped individuals maintain independence while addressing their social and emotional needs. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Management and a Master's in Public Health, with extensive experience assisting individuals and caregivers through complex physical and social health challenges.

Rachel lives south of Plattsmouth in a small lake community with her husband, son, two daughters, and two dogs. She enjoys crafting, cooking, staying active, and supporting her children’s various extracurricular activities.

A caregiver and volunteer at heart, Rachel serves annually on her community’s Election Committee. She also contributes her expertise as a member of the ENOA Senior Companion Program Advisory Council and as Treasurer for the Keep Cass County Beautiful Board of Directors.