About Us

Learn About Top Home Care Services by Amana Care. We serve Lincoln, NE and surrounding areas.
The word “Amana” comes from Hebrew and means faithful, trustworthy, and dependable. That meaning is intentional and foundational to who we are. AmanaCare was built on the belief that care is more than a service—it is a relationship grounded in trust, presence, and reliability. Families invite us into their homes during some of life’s most vulnerable moments, and we take that responsibility seriously.
 
AmanaCare is a Nebraska-based in-home care provider dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate life’s transitions with dignity, compassion, and respect. We serve people across the state who need support due to aging, disability, illness, or changing circumstances—meeting them where they are and helping them remain safely in their homes whenever possible.
 
Scroll down to learn more about AmanaCare’s roots, including our CARE360 care model, our founder, Kathleen, and the administrative team across our departments who help bring our mission to life.

The Care360 Method

Care360 was designed with the whole person in mind. We help you cultivate the things that are valuable to you.

COMMUNITY & FAMILY INVOLVEMENT

Staying in touch with friends, family and the community is so important in maintaining a happy home life! Our caregivers can assist in transporting clients to community events, letter writing, and even managing social media to stay in touch with loved ones.

ACTIVE BODY & MIND

Staying active and mentally stimulated can help ensure you or your loved one stay home. as long as possible. Our caregivers provide assistance with physical therapy exercises, nutritious meals and mentally engaging activities such as board games and puzzles.

 

RELIGIOUS & SPIRITUAL ENGAGEMENT

As a faith-based company, we know the impact religious and spiritual activities can have on our mental wellness. We strive to keep you or your loved one engaged in their own religion however we can. Our caregivers can transport clients to and from church or assist them in finding online or in person services.

SAFETY FIRST- EVALUATING & MAINTAINING A SAFE HOME ENVIRONMENT

A safe, clean home is a happy home. We aim to help you or your loved one flourish at home. Our staff will provide regular home-safety checks and minor home maintenance (e.g., testing smoke detectors) to ensure our clients are safe. We partner with local companies who can assist in larger home safety projects too.

Our Founder

Kathleen Horsley was raised in Columbus, Nebraska and grew up with her grandmother living with her. During this time, she saw firsthand the important role that caregivers played in providing in-home assistance to her grandmother and others in need. To her, caregivers were heroes.

This experience inspired Kathleen to pursue a career in the healthcare field, where she could dedicate her life to helping others. Kathi became a registered nurse (RN) from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1993 and then obtained her Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Bellevue University in 2005. She has always been motivated by a desire to serve others and to lead a life that gives glory to Jesus Christ.

Our Executive Leadership Team

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Erich grew up on a farm in Pleasanton, NE and finished high school and college in Lincoln at Pius X and the University of Nebraska respectively. After a few years as a Catholic missionary, he joined AmanaCare as minority owner. He is married with three children. His hobbies include reading, playing sports, and keeping chickens.

Erich grew up on a farm in Pleasanton, NE and finished high school and college in Lincoln at Pius X and the University of Nebraska respectively. After a few years as a Catholic missionary, he joined AmanaCare as minority owner. He is married with three children. His hobbies include reading, playing sports, and keeping chickens.

Tim grew up in Columbus, Nebraska and attended the University of Nebraska Kearney with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Tim with his wife Amy and their four children live in Omaha where they stay active with athletics, walking, raising chickens and other community activities. Tim is an avid track and field enthusiast and volunteers his time as a coach for USATF.

About Us | Lincoln | AmanaCare In-Home Assistance

Growing up in Elkhorn, Jenny is Nebraska born and raised. She is highly focused on customer service with a long standing career in managing businesses. Her free time is spent with family, especially her husband and son. She has a particular interest in photography: Her favorite photography subjects are her family pets, Legend (her dog) and Pepperoni Sandwich (her rabbit). She also enjoys travelling, and exploring new and exciting things to do in our great state.

Growing up in Elkhorn, Jenny is Nebraska born and raised. She is highly focused on customer service with a long standing career in managing businesses. Her free time is spent with family, especially her husband and son. She has a particular interest in photography: Her favorite photography subjects are her family pets, Legend (her dog) and Pepperoni Sandwich (her rabbit). She also enjoys travelling, and exploring new and exciting things to do in our great state.

Office/Compliance/Billing

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Cindy is from Lincoln, Ne. She is Mom of 4 with a bonus of 13 grandkids, 3 pups & 4 rescue cats. She is a licensed wildlife rehabber. She enjoys walking, camping, photography, writing, and is an avid reader.

Cindy is from Lincoln, Ne. She is Mom of 4 with a bonus of 13 grandkids, 3 pups & 4 rescue cats. She is a licensed wildlife rehabber. She enjoys walking, camping, photography, writing, and is an avid reader.

About Us | Lincoln | AmanaCare In-Home Assistance

Joann spent her childhood in Texas and in her teen years landed in Colorado. She now resides in Kearney, where she and her four children have been for many years. Most of her children are now grown and starting families and lives of their own. Due to the many places she has lived it has given her a deep love for the beauty of nature that surrounds her. She loves walks and long talks with her family and is always amazed by the simple things in life, like butterflies, that are often overlooked in a normal day. She is also grateful to have her dad living at home now, where he inspires her and her entire family. Joann has worked in many fields throughout her career, and believes each of her former roles has helped lead her to where she is now. Some of these roles include being a CNA, a toddler teacher and a Sunday night coordinator for a church. Most recently, she was an office manager for eight years at a local construction company, as well as a rental manager. Her various experiences in work have led her to AmanaCare, where she supports our team that has a heart for helping those who need an extra hand.

Joann spent her childhood in Texas and in her teen years landed in Colorado. She now resides in Kearney, where she and her four children have been for many years. Most of her children are now grown and starting families and lives of their own. Due to the many places she has lived it has given her a deep love for the beauty of nature that surrounds her. She loves walks and long talks with her family and is always amazed by the simple things in life, like butterflies, that are often overlooked in a normal day. She is also grateful to have her dad living at home now, where he inspires her and her entire family. Joann has worked in many fields throughout her career, and believes each of her former roles has helped lead her to where she is now. Some of these roles include being a CNA, a toddler teacher and a Sunday night coordinator for a church. Most recently, she was an office manager for eight years at a local construction company, as well as a rental manager. Her various experiences in work have led her to AmanaCare, where she supports our team that has a heart for helping those who need an extra hand.

Human Resources/Recruiting

Growing up in Holdrege, Jodi is a Nebraska native. She attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree. Jodi comes to us with a wealth of knowledge in compliance, recruitment and retention. She has been recognized by her peers and colleagues for many accomplishments; however, her philosophy is “teamwork makes the dreamwork”. She loves to cultivate ideas with her peers and work collectively to accomplish a common goal. Jodi is highly focused on obtaining a high level of care, company culture, and organizational development. What she loves most about AmanaCare is simple: the mission of honoring the God-given dignity of those we serve and lead. Keeping a strong culture of compassionate and caring individuals to care for your loved ones when it matters most is of upmost importance to Jodi. She has two children: Sadie and Jacob; as well as a grandson: Seth. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, being outdoors, cheering on the Huskers, and playing tennis.

About Us | Lincoln | AmanaCare In-Home Assistance

Eliot grew up in Orchard, NE. He graduated from UNK with a degree in English and Philosophy and received his Master’s degree in Literature from the University of Dallas. He is currently finishing his PhD in the same field. His hobbies include reading, writing, weightlifting, spending time outdoors, and preventing his five children from growing into delinquents.

Eliot grew up in Orchard, NE. He graduated from UNK with a degree in English and Philosophy and received his Master’s degree in Literature from the University of Dallas. He is currently finishing his PhD in the same field. His hobbies include reading, writing, weightlifting, spending time outdoors, and preventing his five children from growing into delinquents.

Nikky is a Lincoln native who has been married for 30 years to her husband — they met while working together at Bryan Hospital. They’re proud parents of four sons, ranging in age from 14 to 25. Nikky brings a wealth of experience to AmanaCare, having spent several years licensing and credentialing physicians and nurse practitioners across Nebraska and neighboring states. Before that, she ran a professional photography business for nine years. She’s passionate about helping others and finding creative solutions to problems. In her free time, Nikky enjoys photography, baking, and joining in on whatever adventurous activities her boys are into. She and her husband also co-lead their city group at church and enjoy volunteering whenever they can.

Nikky is a Lincoln native who has been married for 30 years to her husband — they met while working together at Bryan Hospital. They’re proud parents of four sons, ranging in age from 14 to 25.

Nikky brings a wealth of experience to AmanaCare, having spent several years licensing and credentialing physicians and nurse practitioners across Nebraska and neighboring states. Before that, she ran a professional photography business for nine years.

She’s passionate about helping others and finding creative solutions to problems. In her free time, Nikky enjoys photography, baking, and joining in on whatever adventurous activities her boys are into. She and her husband also co-lead their city group at church and enjoy volunteering whenever they can.

Mayra Flores

Joann spent her childhood in Texas and in her teen years landed in Colorado. She now resides in Kearney, where she and her four children have been for many years. Most of her children are now grown and starting families and lives of their own. Due to the many places she has lived it has given her a deep love for the beauty of nature that surrounds her. She loves walks and long talks with her family and is always amazed by the simple things in life, like butterflies, that are often overlooked in a normal day. She is also grateful to have her dad living at home now, where he inspires her and her entire family. Joann has worked in many fields throughout her career, and believes each of her former roles has helped lead her to where she is now. Some of these roles include being a CNA, a toddler teacher and a Sunday night coordinator for a church. Most recently, she was an office manager for eight years at a local construction company, as well as a rental manager. Her various experiences in work have led her to AmanaCare, where she supports our team that has a heart for helping those who need an extra hand.

Mayra Flores is proud to call Kearney, Nebraska home. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, with minors in Entrepreneurship and Marketing Management. Mayra brings valuable experience in human resources, onboarding, compliance, and administrative support, with a strong passion for helping organizations operate smoothly while keeping people at the heart of the work.
 
She believes that strong systems and compassionate leadership go hand in hand, and she values clear communication, thoughtful processes, and environments where individuals feel supported, respected, and empowered to grow. What Mayra loves most about AmanaCare is its commitment to honoring the God-given dignity of every person, both those served and those who serve.
 
Faith plays an important role in Mayra’s life, and she is grateful to be part of a faith-based organization that leads with purpose, integrity, and care. In her free time, Mayra enjoys spending time with family and loved ones, taking long walks, volunteering with MONA and other community organizations, and continuing to grow personally and professionally.

Marketing/Sales

Heather Schanou grew up in Atkinson, NE before earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Concordia University in Seward. While in Seward, she discovered her passion for marketing—creating designs and campaigns that truly resonate with people. Now residing in North Platte with her husband, Mark, and their fur-babies—Chachi (dog) and Chesney (cat)—Heather is an avid supporter of Nebraska sports, especially volleyball, a passion she shares with her sister and niece, and she proudly cheers on her brother’s basketball team at Norfolk Catholic.

In 2024, Heather’s mom needed home care, giving Heather a firsthand understanding of the impact an in-home caregiver can have. That experience deepened her faith in God’s plan and strengthened her commitment to serving others.

At AmanaCare, Heather is dedicated to bringing care and joy to the people of Nebraska through the Care360 Method, focusing on family, community, activity, safety, and spiritual engagement. She hopes that her work in partnerships helps families find the care and support they need while honoring the values of faith, service, and love that define her.

Amber lives in her hometown of Broken Bow, NE with her husband Duane. She enjoys spending time with her son Randall, Daughter-in-Law Natalie, and Granddaughter Charlotte Victoria. Amber became passionate about being able to help others after her husband, Duane, became AmanaCare’s first Central Nebraska client a few years ago. After experiencing the joy of the Care 360 approach to care, Amber fell in love with AmanaCare and became a Marketer so that she could help others attain premiere level care in the comfort of their own home. Combining her experience in Marketing with her empathy for each person, Amber finds this to be the perfect role to help others.

Amber lives in her hometown of Broken Bow, NE with her husband Duane. She enjoys spending time with her sons Randall & Colt, daughters-in-law Natalie & Ryley, and grandkids Charlotte, Bexlie, Mazie, and Grey.  Amber became passionate about being able to help others after her husband, Duane, became AmanaCare’s first Central Nebraska client a few years ago. After experiencing the joy of the Care 360 approach to care, Amber fell in love with AmanaCare and became a Marketer so that she could help others attain premiere level care in the comfort of their own home. Combining her experience in Marketing with her empathy for each person, Amber finds this to be the perfect role to help others.

Susanna Rogers was born and raised in a farm family in the western Nebraska Panhandle where she developed a strong work ethic and deep community ties. She has a background in small business ownership, executive assisting, marketing, hospitality, and dental care. Susanna and her husband Sean are raising two active children, Gracelynn and Pierce. Susanna enjoys supporting her kids’ activities like 4H, sporting events, and school activities. Outside of work and community involvement, Susanna and her family cherish time spent with family and close friends.

As a Business Development Specialist, Susanna is dedicated to building and strengthening relationships throughout the Nebraska Panhandle, ensuring that more individuals and families have access to the compassionate care and support they need. She plays a vital role in expanding AmanaCare’s reach, fostering connections with community partners, and increasing awareness of our services. Through her hard work and dedication, Susanna is not only growing our presence but also helping to provide essential education and resources to Nebraskans. Her efforts are key to ensuring that AmanaCare continues to serve ALL of Nebraska with excellence and compassion.

Erich grew up on a farm in Pleasanton, NE and finished high school and college in Lincoln at Pius X and the University of Nebraska respectively. After a few years as a Catholic missionary, he joined AmanaCare as minority owner. He is married with three children. His hobbies include reading, playing sports, and keeping chickens.

Care Coordination

Mikah

Mikah grew up in Lincoln and graduated high school early from North Star. Mikah then graduated with a 4.0 from Southeast Community College with a degree in Applied Science in Health & Human Services. She enjoys spending time with her son and sits on the board of a local non-profit “Lincoln Tree of Hope.”

Mikah grew up in Lincoln and graduated high school early from North Star. Mikah then graduated with a 4.0 from Southeast Community College with a degree in Applied Science in Health & Human Services. She enjoys spending time with her son and sits on the board of a local non-profit “Lincoln Tree of Hope.”

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Nancy Smolik was born in Kearney, Nebraska, raised in Amherst, and now lives just one mile from where she grew up—deeply rooted in the community she serves. She brings more than 23 years of experience in the healthcare industry, beginning her career as a CNA and steadily expanding her skills and responsibilities over time.
 
Throughout her career, Nancy has provided compassionate care to older adults, individuals with mental and physical disabilities, those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and individuals receiving hospice care. Her professional experience is complemented by her personal journey, as life—and raising her three children—has been her greatest teacher.
 
Nancy and her husband share a love for the outdoors and staying active. As a family, they enjoy motocross, lake days, and working hard together—often covered in dust or soaking up the sun. Nancy loves working at AmanaCare because of the genuine care shown for both clients and staff, and the organization’s ongoing commitment to improving the lives of everyone it serves.
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BreeAnn is from Norfolk, NE. She has 4 children. Ayden, 13. Gage, 11. Parker, 9. Medley, 7. Her hobbies include fishing, camping, hunting, traveling and spending time with her family.
BreeAnn is from Norfolk, NE. She has 4 children. Ayden, 13. Gage, 11. Parker, 9. Medley, 7. Her hobbies include fishing, camping, hunting, traveling and spending time with her family.
Chelsea Jensen, Kearney Care Coordinator
Chelsea Jensen serves as the Care Coordinator in Kearney at AmanaCare and is passionate about helping individuals remain safe, supported, and independent at home. Originally from Kearney, Chelsea returned to Nebraska after living in Lincoln, Philadelphia, and Indiana, where she worked as a high school Latin teacher and direct support professional for individuals with disabilities. She also previously worked as a League of Human Dignity Service Coordinator for DD and AD Waiver services.
 
Chelsea holds degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the University of Pennsylvania, and Indiana University Bloomington. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, reading, podcasts, volunteering, and spending time with her cat, Mariposa, and corgi, Lulu. She loves building meaningful connections with clients and families and appreciates the kindness and teamwork she’s found at AmanaCare.

Joann spent her childhood in Texas and in her teen years landed in Colorado. She now resides in Kearney, where she and her four children have been for many years. Most of her children are now grown and starting families and lives of their own. Due to the many places she has lived it has given her a deep love for the beauty of nature that surrounds her. She loves walks and long talks with her family and is always amazed by the simple things in life, like butterflies, that are often overlooked in a normal day. She is also grateful to have her dad living at home now, where he inspires her and her entire family. Joann has worked in many fields throughout her career, and believes each of her former roles has helped lead her to where she is now. Some of these roles include being a CNA, a toddler teacher and a Sunday night coordinator for a church. Most recently, she was an office manager for eight years at a local construction company, as well as a rental manager. Her various experiences in work have led her to AmanaCare, where she supports our team that has a heart for helping those who need an extra hand.

Natalie Adams was born in Broken Bow, Nebraska, and spent much of her childhood living in the Carolinas, Georgia, and Colorado before her family returned to Broken Bow during her high school years. A driven and hardworking individual, Natalie graduated early with the Class of 2016 and entered the workforce full-time, quickly building experience across a wide range of roles.
 
Her professional background includes working as a grocery store shift manager at age 19, bank teller, bartender, deli worker, caregiver, gymnastics coach—and ultimately, her most important role: mom. Natalie is the proud mother of a four-year-old daughter who is the light of her life, and she credits her husband as her steady rock through life’s ups and downs.
 
Family means everything to Natalie, including her lively household filled with three cats, two dogs, a salamander, and a few goldfish from the State Fair. In her downtime, she enjoys crafting, binge-watching favorite shows, and relaxing. One day, she hopes to take a sunny, sandy vacation—something to look forward to while embracing the busy, joy-filled life she loves.

Scheduling

April Finnell was born in Omaha, Nebraska, and spent her school years in Hamburg, Iowa after her parents purchased her dad’s childhood dream home. After graduating, she made her way back to Omaha, where her roots—and heart—remain firmly planted.
 
April earned her Associate’s Degree in Accounting from Vatterott College and has spent the past seven years working in the healthcare industry. She brings a strong sense of organization, reliability, and people-focused care to her role, ensuring clients and caregivers feel supported every step of the way.
 
Family is incredibly important to April. She is a proud mom to Connor, Sayer, and Dayton, a grandmother to three grandchildren with another on the way, and a loving sister to her brother, Dallas. She also treasures her parents, Glenn and Melanie Finnell, whom she proudly credits as a constant source of support.
 
Outside of work, April enjoys dealing cards, attending car shows, listening to music (the louder, the better), relaxing by the firepit, discovering new coffee spots, and trying out every food truck she comes across. She genuinely loves the positive, trusting atmosphere at AmanaCare and values being part of a faith- and family-based team. And yes—April is a huge sneakerhead, with an impressive shoe collection to prove it.
About Us | Lincoln | AmanaCare In-Home Assistance

Charlene grew up in Sargent, Nebraska and attended Nebraska Wesleyan University. After college, she bought a little house in Comstock, which she is currently renovating again. She is very fortunate to have four awesome humans call her Mom. One of her sons fell in love with the only foreigner at the bar one night and now lives across the big pond. In exchange for following love over there (Europe), he gave Charlene a daughter-in-law and made her a grandma last year. She doesn’t understand free time at this point, but thinks someday it will include golf, reading, and going places she wants to go instead of places she has to go. Right now, she spends time at one of her son’s college football games, track meets, volleyball and basketball games, and following her six humans to various places.

Charlene grew up in Sargent, Nebraska and attended Nebraska Wesleyan University. After college, she bought a little house in Comstock, which she is currently renovating again. She is very fortunate to have four awesome humans call her Mom. One of her sons fell in love with the only foreigner at the bar one night and now lives across the big pond. In exchange for following love over there (Europe), he gave Charlene a daughter-in-law and made her a grandma last year. She doesn’t understand free time at this point, but thinks someday it will include golf, reading, and going places she wants to go instead of places she has to go. Right now, she spends time at one of her son’s college football games, track meets, volleyball and basketball games, and following her six humans to various places.

Kathy Quail serves as AmanaCare’s Scheduling Coordinator in Kearney, where she plays a key role in ensuring consistent, reliable care for both clients and caregivers. She enjoys the daily interaction with families and team members and takes pride in managing the many moving pieces that come with scheduling changes and care coverage.
Originally from Minden, Nebraska, Kathy is the youngest of four siblings and graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. She is a proud mother of three sons—Joseph, Michael, and Jacob—and a grandmother to two grandsons, Bradyn and Ledger.
Outside of work, Kathy enjoys reading, gardening when the weather allows, and diamond art during the colder months. Her favorite vacation destination is Estes Park, which she loves for its natural beauty. Kathy brings a calm, organized, and people-centered approach to her role, helping ensure families receive the care they need without disruption.
Sara Jane Schroeder

Sara Jane Schroeder grew up in New Orleans and is the proud mother of five and grandmother of three. She began her journey in home health at just 16 years old, working for her mother’s home health hospice company. After gaining experience across Nebraska through agency work, she returned to where her heart truly belongs—AmanaCare. Sara believes deeply in AmanaCare’s mission to provide whole-person care that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit. She feels so strongly about the company’s values and culture that she’s brought three of her own children to work alongside her at AmanaCare!

Sara Jane Yates grew up in New Orleans and is the proud mother of five and grandmother of three. She began her journey in home health at just 16 years old, working for her mother’s home health hospice company. After gaining experience across Nebraska through agency work, she returned to where her heart truly belongs—AmanaCare. Sara believes deeply in AmanaCare’s mission to provide whole-person care that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit. She feels so strongly about the company’s values and culture that she’s brought three of her own children to work alongside her at AmanaCare!

Tanya Staman Scheduling Coordinator – Western Nebraska

Cindy is from Lincoln, Ne. She is Mom of 4 with a bonus of 13 grandkids, 3 pups & 4 rescue cats. She is a licensed wildlife rehabber. She enjoys walking, camping, photography, writing, and is an avid reader.

Tanya Staman serves as AmanaCare’s Scheduling Coordinator for Western Nebraska, helping ensure clients and caregivers receive consistent, compassionate support across the region. Tanya brings a strong background in healthcare and a genuine passion for helping people, having spent much of her career serving others, including previously working as a medical support assistant at the VA Clinic.
 
Originally from Denver, Colorado, Tanya moved to Bridgeport, Nebraska after meeting her husband 10 years ago. Together, they have a busy and joy-filled family with six children and one grandson. Family is at the center of Tanya’s life, and she considers herself incredibly blessed to be surrounded by the people she loves most.
Outside of work, Tanya enjoys traveling with her husband, whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a larger adventure. Some of her favorite destinations include Florida, Alaska, and the Dominican Republic — often paired with fishing trips where, according to Tanya, she usually outfishes her husband.
 
One of Tanya’s favorite things about AmanaCare is the culture of compassion and teamwork. She loves being part of an organization where people truly care about one another and the clients they serve.
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