Long before Willie Miller was helping clients navigate recovery at Douglas County Detox, he was known for powering through defenses as a fullback for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

A 1996 graduate of Bellevue West High School, Miller went on to build an impressive collegiate football career at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. In four seasons as a Husker, he played in 42 games, including three bowl games, started 12 games and rushed for 565 career yards, including a career-high 225 yards in 2000. One of his standout performances came in the 2000 Fiesta Bowl against the Tennessee Volunteers, when he rushed eight times for a career-high 87 yards. Off the field, Miller was a two-time first-team Academic All-Big 12 selection and an eight-time member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll.

Today, he brings that same strength, heart and determination to a very different kind of field: helping people through some of the hardest moments of their lives.

As a new psychiatric registered nurse at Douglas County Detox, Miller said the role feels deeply personal and closely aligned with his purpose.

Now, only a few weeks into his new role, he said, “I truly feel like I’m home.”

Douglas County Detoxification Services, located at 1490 N. 16th St. in Omaha, is a 24/7 substance use disorder emergency service that provides intervention and therapy services to those experiencing acute intoxication and/or withdrawal. The team includes nursing staff, psychiatric technicians and an on-call physician.

In his role as a psychiatric registered nurse, Miller provides direct care and support to clients experiencing substance use and mental health crises, helping stabilize individuals during some of the most vulnerable moments in their recovery journey.

Miller earned his bachelor’s degree in communication studies with a minor in sociology from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, completed nursing prerequisites through Metropolitan Community College and graduated from Creighton University’s accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in 2021.

For Miller, this work is more than a profession. It is rooted in his own lived experiences and the challenges he has overcome.

Through treatment and self-reflection, Miller came to understand that many of his struggles stemmed from post-traumatic stress disorder. His willingness to seek help, build self-awareness and commit to growth and recovery now shapes the compassion he brings to his work every day, making him a valuable asset to the Douglas County team. Miller will celebrate eight years of sobriety later this year.

"Willie brings a level of empathy to our facility that is deeply rooted in his own lived experiences,” said Teri Speck, director of Douglas County Detox. “Combined with his passion for nursing and helping others heal, it is truly an honor to have him on our staff.” 

Having faced personal struggles himself, Miller understands firsthand what it means to need support, compassion and someone who believes healing is possible. That perspective allows him to connect with clients on a level that goes beyond clinical care.

“I love these people,” he said. “These are my people. They come in here, and they’re hurting.”

That’s a feeling he can relate to, which is why he said one of the most important parts of his work is helping people feel seen, valued and free of judgment.

“You’re a human being,” he said. “You’re a person who deserves love, you deserve care. You deserve the attention.”

His message to those facing some of the lowest moments of their lives is simple but powerful: keep going.

“Just to hang in there. Keep on living,” he said. “Because, really, in those moments, when you’re in the hardest battle, that’s the moment. Just allow yourself to live and breathe through it, because on the other side of that is where the miracle lies.”

It is a message grounded in hope and resilience, and one he shares with sincerity because he knows recovery takes daily work, honesty and deep inner growth.

Miller recently published his first book, The Space Between Reaction and Choice: How Integrity Aligns Destiny, in January 2026, further reflecting his commitment to helping others through healing and personal growth.

At Douglas County Detox, Miller is now channeling his strength and life experience into service, helping others see that their story is not over.

“It’s an honor to get to help people,” he said.

On Thursday, March 19, Douglas County Board Chair Roger Garcia hosted a county government panel for Leadership Omaha, a program of the Greater Omaha Chamber that develops effective, diverse community leaders by fostering leadership skills, community awareness and public-private collaboration.

Douglas County leaders shared their expertise in public service and answered questions from participants. Panelists included Whitney Shipley, director of the Douglas County Emergency Management Agency; Lindsay Huse, director of the Douglas County Health Department; Danielle Jensen, commissioner of the Douglas County Election Commission; Sherry Driver, administrator of the Douglas County Community Mental Health Center; and Board Chair Roger Garcia.

The Leadership Omaha program, which has existed for more than 40 years, gives participants a deeper understanding of how local systems operate—something Garcia said is especially important when it comes to county government.

“County government is often a forgotten layer of government. People are both unfamiliar with what we do and how we function, so it’s important for us to educate the public on all of the services provided by their local county government.”

Participants heard directly from leaders representing public health, elections, mental health and emergency management—an opportunity many don’t typically have.

“For many participants, this is their first time meeting county department directors. These conversations allow both sides to learn more about county government and the community through direct dialogue.”

Garcia also highlighted how county government differs from city government, noting its unique structure and responsibilities.

“It’s more complicated than other layers of government, but walking people through it is important for the public’s understanding.”

By bringing together leaders from key service areas, the panel offered a snapshot of the wide-ranging work happening across Douglas County.

“The county deals with so many important yet sometimes unconnected services. I try to give each leadership cohort a taste of what we do, knowing there’s much more beyond that.”

Garcia said he hopes the experience encourages participants to stay engaged with county government long after the program ends.

“I hope we inspire Omaha leaders to get more educated about and involved with county government. Who knows—we may even inspire someone to work for or run for county office.”

Together, the discussion underscored the vital role county government plays in everyday life—and the importance of building informed, engaged leaders who understand the systems that serve their community.

The Douglas County Health Department encourages employees to check out CredibleMind—a free, confidential, and always-available online platform designed to support your mental wellness.

Launched in May 2025 as part of the “Mind Matters: Let’s Talk” campaign, CredibleMind is part of an ongoing effort to break the stigma around mental health and make it easier to start honest conversations at work, at home, and in our neighborhoods.

“This initiative is all about creating a culture where it’s okay to talk about mental health and seek help when you need it,” said Leah Casanave, Division Chief of Community Health, Nutrition and Clinic Services. “Because here in Douglas County, your mind matters and it’s time we talk about it.”

What is CredibleMind?

Think of it as a digital library and wellness coach in one. The platform offers:

• More than 16,000 resources and 100 topics like stress, anxiety, mindfulness, parenting, grief, and relationships.

• Curated videos, podcasts, articles, and mobile apps tailored to your interests.

• Self-assessments to check in on your mental well-being.

• Resources that go beyond mental health, including housing, legal support, pet care, and medical, dental, and vision services.

No matter how you prefer to learn—reading, listening, or watching—CredibleMind makes it easy to find support that fits your life.

“We’re proud to provide an inclusive, stigma-free resource that meets people where they are—literally and emotionally,” Casanave added.

Made for Douglas County 

CredibleMind isn’t just a national resource, it was built with Douglas County residents in mind. The platform connects you to local providers and services to make sure help is never far away.

Ready to explore? Visit douglascounty.crediblemind.com today and take the first step in your mental wellness journey.

Empathy from Voya

• Empathy from Voya is a benefit for bereaved families, offering personalized, step-by-step guidance through the emotional and practical challenges of losing a loved one.  

• Employees enrolled in Group Term Life Insurance offered by Voya have access to Empathy. 

• Beginning April 1, 2026, Empathy will expand it's offerings to include support for Pregnancy & Infant Loss. 

• Click here for more information or to access Empathy Loss Support. 

457 Supplemental Retirement Plans

• Allows for pre-tax deductions to save for retirement.

• Options available through 2 vendors - Voya or Nationwide.  

• What is a 457 plan? Read more here. 

• Look up vendor contact information in the Benefit Guide (page 34) on the new benefits website. 

YMCA Membership Fees - Payroll Deduction

• Employees may elect to pay YMCA membership fees through payroll deductions on the second check of each month. 

• Checkout the Benefit Guide (page 18) for more information.  

Congratulations!

RETIREMENTS

• Michael Gillaspie - Community Mental Health Center

• Thomas Connolley - Corrections

• Michael Schonlau - GIS

• Linda Melendrez - Health Center

• Ralph Russell - Health Center

• Joan Finn - Purchasing

PROMOTIONS

• Teresa Reed - Assessor/Register of Deeds

• Kevin Powell - Assessor/Register of Deeds

• Bryan Mulvaney - Corrections

• Andrew Dunning - Corrections

• Lindsey Stennis - County Attorney

• Katie Jadlowski - County Attorney

• Juan Anguiano Losano - Engineer

• Julian Archibald - Engineer

• Timothy Nichols - Engineer

• Nathan Holthe - Engineer

• Joshua Carlson - Engineer

• Christian Roffmann - Engineer

• Tony Leflore - General Assistance

• Leslie Rosas-Salinas - Health Center

• Riley Michael - Purchasing