Child Saving Institute
Samara West, PLMHP, currently serves as a Therapist at the Child Saving Institute since September 2022. Prior to this role, Samara worked as a Behavior Technician II at the University of Nebraska Medical Center from August 2021 to September 2022, and as a Behavioral Health Technician at Associates in Counseling and Child Guidance from December 2020 to April 2021, where interventions for children and adolescents were provided. Samara also has experience in coaching and sports leadership as a Graduate Assistant Volleyball Coach at Westminster College (PA) from August 2018 to May 2021 and Head Volleyball Coach at TopSpin Volleyball Club from November 2018 to April 2020. Additional experience includes a Child Support Specialist/Enforcement Worker position at Young Williams PC and a Visitation Specialist/Family Support Worker role at Capstone Behavioral Health. Samara completed a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Youth from Westminster College (PA) and a Bachelor's Degree in Child, Adult, and Family Services from Iowa State University.
Child Saving Institute
Child Saving Institute (CSI) was founded in 1892 and has been dedicated to the needs of children and families in the greater Omaha area for over 131 years. The mission is "responding to the cry of a child", but it is the vision that guides us as we work to give the children we serve safe, happy childhoods. CSI's vision is that "all children have homes where hope is kindled and dreams can be achieved". CSI's programming is diverse, but so are the needs of today's children and youth. Services address the prevention, intervention and healing from child abuse, neglect, and abandonment. Programs include Early Childhood Education, In-Home Support for families struggling to stay together, Foster Care, Mental Health Services including Pediatric & Adolescent Therapy, parent support and education programs, an Emergency Shelter, and adoption for older children and youth. Thanks to the generosity of many donors, annually the organization serves over 2,500 kids and families each year.