Welcome to Douglas County Connection, a monthly newsletter for Douglas County employees. This newsletter aims to foster stronger connections within our organization by informing you about important updates, community events, and noteworthy achievements across our County departments. Have a story idea? Email newsletter@douglascounty-ne.gov.

Title: Compensation & Benefits Manager

Department: Douglas County Human Resources for six years  

You may know Colleen Fredrickson as the go-to person for questions about your benefits package at Douglas County, but what you might not know is that she’s up before sunrise most mornings, prioritizing her fitness as an avid swimmer. Colleen's dedication to swimming not only boosts her cardiovascular health but also enhances mental clarity and energy levels. 

What’s your fitness regimen?
"I get up at 4:45 a.m. and go to the pool or go outside to run or walk. I’m a member of the Omaha Masters Swim Club and swim 4-6 times a week. When I’m not swimming, I work out at home or the gym."

What do you love most about your fitness regimen?
"It's addictive! I get to start my day with friends, clear my head, and enjoy the benefits of an elevated heart rate."

What advice would you give someone wanting to improve their health and wellness?
"Start with 20 minutes of some type of exercise and build it up. I started exercising when I was a kid and haven’t stopped."

Title: Pretrial Services Supervisor

Department: Douglas County Department of Corrections for four years

LaKyra Johnson set a goal to make fitness a more significant part of her life, and she started small. With a few classes to build consistency, she gradually developed a routine that worked for her. Now, with regular workouts as part of her lifestyle, LaKyra is setting her sights on new challenges, like adding 5K races to her future. Her journey is proof that small steps can lead to big goals. 

What’s your fitness regimen?
"I tapped into OrangeTheory Fitness over a year ago to improve my consistency in going to the gym again, and it has helped incredibly. I work out four times a week—two strength-based sessions focusing heavily on weightlifting, and two cardio-based workouts that include rowing exercises, floor routines, and treadmill running."

What do you love most about your fitness regimen?
"I enjoy the variety of exercises. As much as I appreciate weightlifting, I also love to run. I feel the strongest when my endurance is high. This year, I’d love to incorporate 5K runs into my schedule and eventually build up to a half-marathon."

What advice would you give someone wanting to improve their health and wellness?
"Start small by making simple lifestyle changes. Make one change you can stick to, like waking up earlier, walking 1,000 more steps a day, or drinking 20 more ounces of water. If you're struggling to stay disciplined, focus on the changes that reap quick benefits, like an improved mood or better quality of sleep—it might trigger motivation. Worry less about the physique you’re trying to obtain in the beginning, and put your energy into just wanting to feel better every single day. Show up for yourself."

Title: Sheriff's Investigator and member of the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force

Department: Douglas County Sheriff's Office since 2002

When Deputy Mark Dishaw compares his recent deputy photo to the one taken at age 28 when he joined the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, he can’t help but chuckle. “I was out of shape but didn’t realize how badly,” he admits. Today, 22 years into his career as an investigator and member of the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force, Mark proudly shares that he’s in the best shape of his life—proving that age is no barrier to achieving fitness goals.

What’s your fitness journey been like?
“I discovered CrossFit Omaha in 2010 and have been hooked ever since, working out six days a week. CrossFit combines cardio, weightlifting, and gymnastics into scalable workouts—like running, deadlifts, and push-ups—that keep things interesting and challenging.”

What do you love most about your fitness regimen?
“I love not having to plan my workouts and the competitiveness of group classes. But the best part? Working out with my daughter, Madison. She started CrossFit at 12 and, at nearly 21, still fits workouts into her busy college schedule. It’s incredible father-daughter bonding time, and I’m proud she’s adopted such a healthy lifestyle.”

What advice do you have for colleagues interested in a healthier lifestyle?
“Start with something you enjoy. If working out solo doesn’t motivate you, try group classes—being around like-minded people keeps me going. CrossFit isn’t the only answer, but it’s the one that stuck for me.

Also, take advantage of perks like using your HSA/FSA to pay for memberships. Most importantly, find balance—mentally and physically. Working out is my ‘check-out’ from day-to-day stress and a way to keep moving well into retirement. The first step is the hardest, but it’s worth it.”

• Start tracking toward your incentive on Jan. 6th 

• Access the Asset Health portal here.

• First time user log in credentials: 

  • Username: First initial + Last name + Last 4 digits of SSN 

  • Password:  Date of birth (mmddyyyy)

• Questions? Contact Asset Health at support@assethealth.com or 855.444.1255.

*The Wellness Plan is only open to employees enrolled in the Douglas County Medical Plan – Blue Cross Blue Shield $600 PPO or the Blue Cross Blue Shield High Deductible Health Care plan.

Clerk of the District Court

• Richard Crichlow

Community Mental Health Center

• Andrea Rayner

• Natasha Jones

• Rhondel Santoro

Corrections

• Ari Coronado

• Alvaro Pineda Liberato

Health Center

• Rachel Tyler

• Viet Ngo

• Asha Tolbert

• Ben Xavier

• LouDri Goueti

• Merrick Songster

• Ralph Desmard

• Reilly Martin

• Oliver Steven

• Lafayette Nelson

• Jermaine Dortch

• Jamal Coleman

• Malayah Poindexter

Health Department

• Natalie Paynter

Public Defender

• Abi Howard

Sheriff

• Kaleb Shadley

• Joe Komor

• Kendis Ledbetter

• Kevin Stiles

Treasurer

• Carin Galindo

• Lanisha Islas

• Janae Barrios Magurno

• Alexandra Perez

Youth Center

• Jasha Sears

• Rachel Kneifl

• Amber Dyball

• KeNesha Burton

• Associate’s degree, Diploma or BSN from an accredited college or university in nursing required. 

• Licensed Registered Nurse (RN) in Nebraska license or a compact state recognized by the Nebraska Board of Nursing upon hire and maintained in good standing throughout employment required.

• Basic life support/cardiopulmonary resuscitation (BLS/CPR) certification, first aid course and completion of Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training within 6 months of hire.

• Valid driver’s license and own transportation upon hire and maintained throughout employment required.

• Completion of a pre-employment criminal record check, conditional offer drug screen, and physical assessment required.

Click here to view the full job description and submit your application

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Completion of a State certified 75-hour Nursing Assistant course required and maintained in good standing required.

• Basic life support/cardiopulmonary resuscitation (BLS/CPR) certification required within six (6) months of hire and maintained throughout employment required.

• Must be at least 19 years of age.

• Six (6) months experience in a healthcare setting preferred.

• Experience with electronic medical records preferred.

• Completion of a pre-employment criminal record check, conditional-offer drug screen and physical assessment required.

Click here to view the full job description and submit your application