We are excited to welcome two new members of the Bright Lights Board of Directors!
Meet Tina Boysen, coordinator of events and programs at the Nebraska Coaches Association.
Hello! I grew up in North Bend, Nebraska where I met my husband Darin and we began our family. Jordan will finish her nursing degree in May from Bryan College of Health Sciences and Hailey is working on a Special Education teaching degree at Doane University. Our family wasn’t complete till we added two mini-bernedoodles to the clan – Sulley and Wazowski (Monsters, Inc. movie lovers!)
I received my undergraduate teaching degree from Midland Lutheran College (now Midland University) and my Master’s Degree from Doane University. My 23-year teaching career began in a two-room country school in Malmo, Nebraska where I taught 4th-8th grades (12 students – those were the glory days). From there I spent eight years teaching 3rd grade in Schuyler, a year in 1st Grade at Crete, and then moved into the Lincoln Public School System at Clinton Elementary and Kooser Elementary. In 2019 I made a change in careers and joined our church, Southwood Lutheran, as the Coordinator of Children and Family Ministries. While I enjoyed my three years in that position, I had a tough decision to make in 2022. Darin lost his one and only co-worker to pancreatic cancer, and I was helping him out at the office while working at church. It was too much, so we bit the bullet and began working together. In my free time, I enjoy working in the yard, being out in nature, thrift shopping or working on house projects.
After being out of education for almost five years, I have found that I miss the children and the ability to share activities that encourage them to explore new opportunities and find that love for learning. As a former educator, I believe that children are losing out on those creative, hands-on learning activities due to all the testing and strict standards. I believe that Bright Lights not only gives children the opportunity to explore but encourages them to expand their learning experiences. I am anxious to volunteer on the board to help continue their tradition of creating great experiences for all who attend camps.
Meet Katie Petersen, IT business analyst with the child support help desk at Nebraska DHHS.
Hello! I have 3 boys (15, 11 and 2) who are my world! I also have two cats (Hank and Walter) and a dog (Penny Lane). I have my bachelor’s degree in psychology from UNL and my master’s degree in human services from Bellevue University. My career goals include working with children and families in need wherever I am needed. In my free time, I love to exercise including running and dancing, going for hikes, watching and playing sports (Go Huskers!), going to concerts, painting and baking.
I chose to volunteer for Bright Lights because I have kids and love working with kids, and the program is a standout in our community.
I’m really looking forward to being part of Bright Lights board and representing an organization that gives kids such a wonderful opportunity to learn and explore during the summer and all year long!