Vicki Burkey, ICEA
Breastfeeding Educator
Vicki is often the first person that a new mother talks to when calling or coming to MilkWorks. A certified childbirth educator for the past nine years, Vicki has taught for St. Elizabeths, BryanLGH and the Young Families program at LMEP. She is also a doula, the mother of four and the grandmother of three. Vickie enjoys the many "hats" she wears as they allow her to fulfill her passion – helping new parents welcome their beautiful babies.

Lana Erickson, BA
Lana graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a BA in Communication Studies and has worked in a variety of human services positions.  At MilkWorks, Lana leads the Food Intolerance support group.  When not at MilkWorks, Lana works as a substitute educational interpreter for hearing impaired children in Eastern Nebraska as well as volunteers as a classroom helper at her childrens' school.

Meredith Jantzen, BA
Breastfeeding Educator, Assistant Retail Manager
A native of Lincoln, Meredith graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University majoring in religious studies and minoring in psychology and women's studies. Meredith wears many hats at MilkWorks including working as a breastfeeding educator at the front desk, leading Monday night Mom's Groups, and assisting with medical billing. When not busy at work, Meredith enjoys spending time with her son, scrapbooking, reading and learning.

Kylie Kirkland, BA
Breastfeeding Educator
Kylie is a graduate of Doane College with a BA in Business Administration. A mother of one, Kylie has experience helping mothers at MilkWorks as well as working at Family Services WIC as a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor. In her free time, Kylie enjoys spending time with her family, shopping, reading, and watching her favorite shows.

Gema Rihanek, RN
Retail Manager
Gema is a graduate of Bryan Hospital School of Nursing and has worked in maternal child health for over 20 years as a registered nurse and childbirth educator. She manages babyworks, the boutique at MilkWorks and enjoys finding new products and making a difference in the lives of families. Gema is a talented pianist and enjoys gardening and reading cook books. She likes receiving feedback from MilkWorks' clients and welcomes suggestions for new products!

Heidi Sailer, RN, BSN
Breastfeeding Educator
Heidi graduated with a BSN from Creighton's School of Nursing and worked in the NICU at Children's Hospital in Omaha before moving to Lincoln. Prior to joining MilkWorks, she served as a research coordinator for drug studies relating to gastroenterological diseases for a private Gastroenterologist practice, and most recently, served as a nurse for the WIC program at the Health Department. Heidi enjoys spending her free time with her husband, two young daughters, and her wonderful group of friends met while attending MIlkWorks' breastfeeding support group over three years ago.

Paula Velander, LLL, CMT
Breastfeeding Educator
Paula comes to us from the mountains of Virginia. A certified medical technician and former La Leche League Leader, Paula enjoys supporting moms and babies as a breastfeeding educator and sharing her personal experiences with nursing four children. Paula's days are full attending her children's various sport and school events, but in her spare time, she enjoys walking and exploring the outdoors with her husband.

Michelle Jenkins, RN
Breastfeeding Educator
A lifetime resident of Lincoln, Michelle studied at Southeast Community College and became a registered nurse. As a mother of two, she really enjoys working at MilkWorks with other women who really care about the community. She loves the one-on-one care here at MilkWorks and loves to follow through with the mothers who come here. She also has a unique sense of style and a very upbeat attitude.

Lisa Kopecky, MS, RD, LMNT
Breastfeeding Educator,
Registered Dietician
Lisa brings over 12 years of experience in a variety of dietetic practice areas, most recently specializing in Long Term Care and Performance Nutrition. This mother of three active boys educated and encourages mothers at MilkWorks by teaching our Introduction to Solids and Making Your Own Baby Food classes as well as leading our Milk Memos class and serving as a Mom's group leader. Lisa feels her greatest professional acocmplishment has been breastfeeding each of her boys while continuing to work.

Marta Martinez
Breastfeeding Educator,
Interpreter
As both a breastfeeding educator and a Spanish language interpreter for MilkWorks, Marta credits her children for providing a wealth of practical education. Having succesfullly nursed her own six children, Marta's goal in working with mothers is to serve as a source of enouragement to those who are struggling. When not serving in an intepreter capacity at MilkWorks or for Lincoln Public Schools, Marta also assists with MilkWorks' pump management.