Meet Our Team
Nancy SmolikDirector of Operations
McKenzie PetersenRecruiting and Outreach Specialist
McKenzie grew up in the Kearney area and, after earning her degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, couldn’t resist coming back home to be close to the family and community she loves. She brings diverse healthcare experience in Clinical Research, Dialysis, Public Health, Surgery, and direct patient care.
Outside of work, McKenzie enjoys spending time with her family and taking on home renovation projects with her husband. Her passion for helping others is also what first drew her to home care. She values the opportunity to help individuals age in place, surrounded by the homes and communities they know and love.
McKenzie was especially drawn to AmanaCare because of its holistic Care360 approach to client care and its commitment to supporting a healthy work-life balance for employees. She is excited to be part of an organization that values both the people it serves and the people who provide that care.
Chelsea JensenAuthorization & Compliance Coordinator
Kathy QuailScheduling Coordinator
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.
Joann BillingsAdministrative Assistant
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 FloresReceptionist (Bilingual)
Rosie FloresBilingual Liaison
Rosalia serves as AmanaCare’s Bilingual Liaison, helping bridge communication between Spanish-speaking clients, caregivers, and our team. She supports scheduling, appointments, and problem resolution while ensuring every family feels heard, understood, and cared for.
Before joining AmanaCare, Rosalia built a successful career in luxury retail, working at Macy’s La Cantera in San Antonio before earning a promotion to Saks Fifth Avenue, where she consistently ranked among the top sales associates for both sales performance and customer service. Although she excelled in retail, life took an unexpected turn when she experienced a high-risk pregnancy and her mother was diagnosed with cancer.
Those life-changing experiences led Rosalia back to caregiving. She earned her CNA certification and pursued additional education in dementia care, hospice, and physiology so she could better care for both her mother and her son. During that time, she made a promise to God: if He sent someone to lovingly care for her mother, she would dedicate her life to caring for others with that same compassion. More than 18 years later, that promise continues to guide her every day.
Outside of work, Rosalia enjoys traveling, listening to music, watching a good movie, and relaxing with a cup of coffee or cappuccino. She is also the proud mother of three sons, who remain the center of her life.
“What I love most is helping people feel understood and supported. Clear communication builds trust, and I want every client and family to know they have someone who truly cares and is here to help.”
Eliot WondercheckHiring Manager
Eliot WondercheckHiring Manager
Heather SchanouDirector of Marketing
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.
Joann BillingsAdministrative Assistant
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 BillingsBilling Specialist
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.
Brenae WiemersRecruiting and Outreach Specialist
Brenae Wiemers was drawn to the company’s mission of compassionate, personalized care, which aligns with her commitment to connection, service, and community. In her role, Brenae looks forward to supporting this mission through meaningful recruitment efforts and outreach.
With a strong drive for both personal and professional growth, Brenae is eager to take on new challenges, learn continuously, and make a lasting impact within the organization. One of her guiding motivations is to make her family proud while contributing to work that truly matters.
Outside of work, Brenae enjoys spending time with her family, staying active, and getting lost in a good book. She recently embraced the incredible journey of motherhood, welcoming her daughter in November of 2024—a life-changing experience that brings her joy and perspective every day.
Brenae is genuinely grateful for the opportunity to be part of the AmanaCare team and is excited for what lies ahead.
Amber CorbinBusiness Development Specialist- Central Nebraska
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 CorbinBusiness Development Specialist- Central NE
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.
Jodi BronsonDirector of Human Resources
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.
Charlene SmithBroken Bow Care Coordinator
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 SmithScheduling Coordinator - Central/Western NE
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.
About AmanaCare
The word Amana means “faithfulness, loyalty, constancy, devotion, integrity, trust.” It also means “support, confirmation; a guardian.” At AmanaCare, our goal is to confirm the inherent value of our clients and to support them through their unique circumstances.
By providing constant, reliable care tailored to each person, we seek to be the guardian that they and their loved ones can trust.
Every person is a unique gift from God, and therefore care is not one-size-fits-all. We craft our care plans to assist with your specific needs, the way you want them done. We set your care plan according to family needs and help you remain an active member of your family and community.
What Sets Us Apart
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 Home Care Services in Kearney, NE
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Quick Facts About Us
- RN Owned and Operated
- Outstanding customer service
- Available 24/7
- Free assessment and caregiver meeting prior to start of service
- Licensed, bonded, and insured
- We have multiple offices throughout the state of Nebraska
- We accept Private Pay, Medicaid Waiver, Long Term Care Insurance, Lincoln Caregiver Fund, and VA.
Our Kearney Home Care Services
At AmanaCare In-Home Assistance, we offer a comprehensive range of senior home care services to meet the diverse needs of our clients.
We offer a variety of Home Care Services that include:
- Personal care assistance (bathing, showering, grooming)
- Assist with toileting/incontinence
- Nutritional meal preparation/diet monitoring
- Medication reminders
- Ambulation, transfer assistance, range of motion exercises
- Light housekeeping and laundry assistance
- Transportation, errands, and escort services
- Companionship
- Bedside care in hospitals and nursing homes
- Full-Time Care
- Part-Time Care
- Short-Term Care
- Long-Term Care
- Hourly Home Care
- Overnight Awake Caregivers
Read Our Reviews
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.
Additional Senior Resources
A comprehensive list of senior centers across south-central Nebraska, including their addresses, contact information, directors, and operating hours.
We offer nutritious meals, social activities, and support services to seniors at locations such as the North Platte Senior Center and the Minden Senior Center.
List of senior centers and their addresses, contact information, operating hours, and available services, including congregate and home-delivered meals.
Overseeing the state’s Medicaid program, offering health care services to low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
The Alzheimer’s Association Nebraska Chapter provides free support groups and resources for caregivers and individuals affected by Alzheimer’s.
We offer free legal assistance to residents aged 60 and older, addressing issues such as collections, Medicare/Medicaid, advanced directives and more.
We offer services to support older Nebraskans, including care management, family caregiver support, home and community-based services and more.
Local Senior Centers
Kearney
Peterson Senior Activity Center
• Address: P.O. Box 1180, 2020 W. 11th Street, Kearney, NE 68845
• Phone: 308‑233‑3290 (or 308‑233‑3279)
• Website
Gibbon
Good Samaritan Society – Gibbon
• Address: 1011 7th Street, Gibbon, NE 68840
Holdrege
Phelps County Senior Center
• Address: P.O. Box 587, 416 Garfield, Holdrege, NE 68949
• Phone: 308‑995‑5345
Ravenna
Ravenna Senior Center
• Address: 315 Grand Avenue, Ravenna, NE 68869
• Phone: 308‑452‑3105
Minden
Minden Senior Center
• Address: 403 N. Colorado, Minden, NE 68959
• Phone: 308‑832‑2139
• Website
Lexington
Grand Generation Center – Lexington
• Address: 407 East 6th, Lexington, NE 68850
• Phone: 308‑324‑2498
