Meet Our Leadership Team
Ms. Michaela Jackson
Program Director
Phone: 531-299-8655
Email:
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:
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. Fred Starks
Dean of Students
Phone: 531-299-9450
Email:
Hello! My name is Fred Starks. I am excited to be part of Omaha Public Schools and Blackburn High School as the Dean of Students for the 2026-2027 school year.
I am a former OPS student and a graduate of Omaha North High School. I earned a bachelor's degree in Business and Sports Management from Bellevue University and a master's degree in Education from the University of Nebraska-Kearney. I have over 10 years of experience supporting students, families, schools, and community partners. My most recent role was with the Avenue Scholars program, where I served as a teacher and career coach. I also taught as an Adjunct Professor at Metro Community College.
I believe every student has the potential to succeed when they have someone who believes in them and helps them see what is possible. My goal is to build meaningful relationships, create opportunities, and empower students to take ownership of their future.
I look forward to continuing to support OPS students and families and to contributing to the success of the Omaha community.
Mr. Paul Franklin
Dean of Students
Phone: 531-299-5378
Email:
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. Marquita Lambert
Dean of Students
Phone: 531-299-9445
Email:
Hello! My name is Marquita Lambert. I currently serve as the Dean of Students at Blackburn Alternative Program and have been connected to Omaha Public Schools throughout my life—from attending OPS and graduating from Central High School (EAGLES!!) to beginning my career with the district in 2011. Over the years, I have served OPS students and families in various capacities, giving me a unique perspective and deep commitment to the district. I earned my bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and my master’s degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. I am passionate about building meaningful relationships with students and helping them recognize their potential and succeed.
Mrs. Missy Lassek (Mrs. B)
Phone: 531-299-2820
Email:
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.