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Key People

Please feel free to email us at lynettes.angels122115@gmail.com

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Steven and Emily Earnest

Steven and Emily are proud parents of their two boys, Jayden (12) and Brecken (8) who are our world.
Emily is a cosmetologist and owner of salon E in Hickman and Steven is a Senior Claims Specialist with State Farm Insurance.
Lynette Earnest was our Aunt and the inspiration for the foundation after she suggested we adopt a family for Christmas in lieu of our families White elephant gift exchange one Christmas. Lynette was battling cancer herself but she was still always thinking of others.
After Lynette passed away we all just knew we had to keep her wonderful giving spirit alive through continuing to give back, and continuing to think of others no matter what we are going through in our own lives in Lynette's honor.

Nate and Bridget Kreifels

We are the proud parents of 4 kids.  Elana, Paisley, Brexton and Hazel enjoy helping us with this organization almost as much as we do.  Bridget is a stay at home mom and Nate is  CEO of Gastroenterology Specialties in Lincoln.  When I met Lynette in 2007, she quickly became one of my best friends.  She had a contagious spirit that always encouraged a fun time.  On top of that, she had heart of gold. Lynette was one of those people that no matter what challenge she was facing, she was always thinking about someone else and how she could make someone else smile. We are so proud to be part of Lynette’s Angels and to be carrying on her legacy through this amazing organization. She taught us to live everyday with love in our hearts and a smile on our face.

Kathy Collingsworth

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I am a proud husband of Keri and father of two girls, Skyler and Londyn. Keri and I have been personally impacted by cancer, in 2003 Keri lost her mother to ovarian cancer and my mom recently underwent a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer.  I have seen firsthand the incredible impact of Lynette’s Angels and am grateful to be part of an organization dedicated to helping others during the holiday season

June 01, 2008, Kathy Collingsworth and her family suffered a tremendous loss from a drowning of their 2 1/2-year-old son, Joshua. Joshua was out of their sight for mere minutes and passed away three days later. With the help from family, friends and faith, they were determined to not
let this happen to another family.  In doing so, Kathy and her husband turned their tragedy into advocacy by creating JCMF (Joshua Collingsworth Memorial Foundation)-Josh the Otter and Float 4 Life in 2008.  The Float 4 Life aquatics facility and Josh the Otter offices are located on 16th and Yankee Hill and serves Lincoln and other surrounding communities, by educating children and adults about water safety via literacy and providing the physical side with the back float lessons. Since the creation of “Josh the Otter”, hundreds of thousands of children have been introduced to Josh the Otter in all 50 United States, Canada, Jamaica, Bahamas, Japan, Brazil,
Australia and even Pakistan. Over 6000,000 copies of the book have been distributed. There are 88 mascot suits and hundreds of hand puppets of Josh the Otter being utilized. The Float 4 Life program has trained over 10,000 children, and trained instructors throughout the Untied States.

 

Kathy is the Co-Founder/Director of the JCMF Children’s Charities-Josh the Otter (Joshua Collingsworth Memorial Foundation) and Float 4 Life National Training Center. Kathy and her husband have worked extensively on developing a program to keep children safe in and around water with the Josh the Otter book and the lifesaving drowning prevention materials and campaigns, not only in Nebraska but also around the world.


She is currently Past President of Lincoln Giving Spirits Evening Rotary Club that her and husband Blake chartered and started July 2018. With the help of Lincoln Giving Spirit’s and the JCMF foundation, Life Jacket Loaner Stations are currently saving lives by providing life jackets to those in need at local lakes in Nebraska.  Kathy was a previous Rotarian of Lincolns Club 14 downtown and is an honoree member of
Rotary clubs in Florida.


Serving on the Junior Achievement board for 13 years she won the honored and highest award with the Bronze Award for her dedication to her community and work with the organization. She serves on the Nebraska Children’s Home Society board emeritus and continues to volunteer
actively in her community. 

 

Kathy retired from over 30 years of working as a Nail Technician and educator with the first School established for Nail Technicians in Lincoln. Kathy was the owner of Unique By Design and Interior Decorator but she is now dedicated her life to her passion of water safety, and raising her wonderful son Connor with her husband Blake.

 

Kathy believes that together we a make a difference every day by being kind to one another. You will never know when you’ll need a hand up, giving will always be more important than getting.  Together We Will Save Lives is Kathy’s motto.

Justin Tritch

Stephanie Westberg

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Stephanie Westberg is a mental health therapist and local business owner with her husband Karl Westberg.  They have 2 wonderful boys together.  Stephanie became involved with Lynette’s Angels through friends they were blessed to meet through their children.  Lynette's Angels has always had a special place in her heart and the mission she holds dear after having many family and friends affected by cancer

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