Meet Our Leadership Team
Ms. Michaela Jackson
Program Director
Phone: 531-299-8655
Email: michaela.jackson@ops.org
I am excited about returning to the Alternative Education Team as the Program Director for the 21-22 school year. This is my 25rd year as an educator in the Omaha Public Schools. I have served in many roles including, Assistant Principal at Beveridge Magnet School, Dean of Students at Blackburn, and Special Education teacher at multiple locations in the district. I earned my MS in Educational Administration from UNO and my BS from College of St. Mary. I am an Omaha area native. I have four children and three grandchildren. My passion is to advocate, provide and invest in the lives of young people to help them to achieve their goals.
Ms. Shawna Tate
Assistant Program Director
Phone: 531-299-6239
Email: shawna.tate@ops.org
Hello! My name is Shawna Tate, and I am in my second year as a Dean of Students at Blackburn Alternative. Prior to this role, I served as a Resource Specialist for Gateway to College and before that, a science teacher for 10 years at Westside Middle School. I am interested in the power of connection and the impact it can have on life. My goal in my current position is to work collaboratively to provide a unique and individualized learning experience that fosters academic growth and lifelong learning while working towards our ultimate goal, Operation Graduation. One thing that I love about OPS is the diversity and strong community partnerships. I am excited to be on this journey and absolutely love what I do! #OPSPROUD
Mr. Paul Franklin
Dean of Students
Phone: 531-299-5378
Email: paul.franklin@ops.org
I have served students in public and private schools for 16 years, and moved to Omaha Public schools on a permanent basis in 2016. I have also volunteered, worked, and taken part in several extra-curricular programs that have provided opportunities for growth to students of all ages in the Omaha metro area.
Ms. April Morris
Dean of Students
Phone: 531-299-7454
Email: april.morris@ops.org
I am a product of the Omaha Public Schools, a graduate of Omaha Central, EAGLE PROUD! I taught Elementary Physical Education my first year and a half of teaching and then went back to school to earn my Master of Arts in HPER with an emphasis in Pedagogy, minor in Health Education and an Endorsement in Educational Administration. In 2004 I was hired at Blackburn Alternative Program as the Human Growth and Development and Physical Education Instructor. As of the 2024-2025 school year, I am a Dean of Students at Blackburn Alternative and I currently coach volleyball and powerlifting for Omaha Public Schools.
Mrs. Missy Lassek (Mrs. B)
Phone: 531-299-2820
Email: Melissa.Lassek@ops.org
My name is Melissa Lassek, also known as Mrs. B. I have worked in education since 2017 and have been the counselor at Blackburn since 2024. I have a masters degree in counseling from Creighton University.
Ms. Lakeisha Bonam
Social Worker
Phone: 531-299-6217
Email: lakeisha.bonam@ops.org
Born and raised in Omaha, NE, Lakeisha Bonam is a product of Omaha Public Schools. Proudly graduating from Omaha Northwest in 1990 and later furthering her education in her hometown. Graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1995 and University of Nebraska Omaha in 2002.
Lakeisha Jokes by saying she is the "Gladiator of Education", working with children helping to serve one baby at a time. Lakeisha served in the nonprofit arena for over 20 years. She worked as a Case Manager and Intake Supervisor with the State of Nebraska Child Protective Services prior to coming to Omaha Public Schools in 2005. She currently serves as the School Social Worker and according to her, is right where she is supposed to be!!
In addition to being very active in her community, Lakeisha works tirelessly to empower youth and help them become the best versions of themselves.