Meet Our Leadership Team
Dr. Kimberly Jackson
Principal
Email: kimberly.jackson@ops.org
I am Dr. Kimberly N. Jackson. I have been in Omaha Public Schools since 2020, beginning my time in the district as the principal of Morton Middle School. I have been principal of Northwest High since 2021. I am passionate about helping staff and students reach their full potential. I am proud to be a Husky.
Degrees and Certifications:
Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIUE)
• Doctor of Education, Educational Administration, 2016
• Superintendent Endorsement, 2014
• Educational Administration, 2008
National Louis University
• Master of Human Service Counseling, 2006
Bradley University
• Bachelor of Science, Political Science and Education, 1998
Dr. Panyoua N. Yang
Assistant Principal - Data Processor
Email: panyoua.yang@ops.org
My name is Dr. Panyoua N. Yang. I have been in the district since 2002 and in Northwest since 2021 and held various positions: Assistant Principal-Activities, Dean of Students, GATE Facilitator, Instructional Facilitator, and Vocal Music Teacher. I am excited to be an Assistant Principal-Data Processor for the Husky Nation. Please, contact me at any time.
Degrees and Certifications:
University of Nebraska at Lincoln, 2022
• Doctor of Education, Educational Administration
• Superintendent's Certification, 2019, PK-12
Concordia University, 2013
• ESL/ELL Endorsement, PK-12
University of Nebraska at Omaha, 2008
• Master of Science, Educational Administration and Supervision, K-12
Lesley University, 2007
• Master of Education, Technology
University of Nebraska at Omaha, 2001
• Bachelor of Music, PK-12
Mr. Andrew Webb
Assistant Principal - Athletics
Email: andrew.webb@ops.org
I am the Assistant Principal-Athletics here at Northwest. I love attending activities and athletic events and showing support to the wonderful students here in Northwest. I completed my teaching degree from UNL in 1997, have a master’s degree from Lesley University, and earned my Administrative Endorsement from Wayne State College. Most of my career in the Omaha Public Schools has seen me right here in Huskyland. It’s a great day to be a Husky!
Degrees and Certifications:
Wayne State College, 2017
• Educational Administration Endorsement, 7-12
Lesley University, 2007
• Master of Education, Technology
University of Nebraska at Lincoln, 1997
• Bachelor of Science, Business Education, 6-12
Mr. Kristopher Kahlandt
Assistant Principal - Activities
Email: kristopher.kahlandt@ops.org
My name is Mr. Kris Kahlandt, I am the Assistant Principal-Activities at Northwest. I have been in the district since 2005, and at Northwest since 2021 and held various positions: Transition Room Teacher, English Teacher, Football Coach, Wrestling Coach, Lacrosse Sponsor, Dean of Students, Assistant Athletic Director, and School Support Liaison. I am proud to work with our great Husky staff, students, and families.
Degrees and Certifications:
Concordia University, 2016
• Master of Education, Educational Leadership and Administration 7-12
University of Nebraska at Omaha, 2013
• Master of Science, Secondary Education with an Emphasis in Improvement of Instruction 7-12
Hastings College, 2005
• Bachelor of Arts, Secondary Education 7-12
• Bachelor of Arts, English
Mrs. Teresa Bender
Curriculum Specialist - Pathways
Phone: 531-299-8819
Email: teresa.bender@ops.org
My name is Teresa Bender. I am the curriculum specialist that oversees the 12 career pathways and the Title 1 budget at Northwest. I also support various content areas, including science and all pathway courses.
Degrees and Certifications:
University of Nebraska - Onaha, 2023
• Work-Based Learning endorsement 9-12
University of Nebraska - Omaha, 2018
• Principal endorsement 7-12
Midland University, 2015
• Master of Education, Leadership in Teaching and Learning
University of Nebraska - Omaha, 2010
• Master of Science, Secondary Education, emphasis in science education
Univeristy of Nebraska - Omaha, 2006
• Bachelor of Science, Secondary Education
• Middle level general, middle level science, middle level social studies
Mrs. Michele Rivera
Curriculum Specialist - Early College
Phone: 531-299-5952
Email: michele.rivera@ops.org
My name is Michele Rivera. I am the curriculum specialist that oversees our Early College program in partnership with Metro Community College. I also support advanced academics at Northwest, including dual enrollment and AP courses.
Mrs. Olivia Bishop
Curriculum Specialist - Freshman Academy
Phone: 531-299-5911
Email: olivia.bishop@ops.org
My name is Olivia Bishop. I am the curriculum specialist that oversees the Northwest Freshman Academy. I also support various content areas, including English, Reading, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, and World Language. Prior to this position at Northwest High, I was a teacher and instructional facilitator at Morton Middle School. As an OPS graduate myself (Central 2010), I am a proud educator and advocate for the Omaha Public Schools. I am passionate about high-quality instruction, professional learning communities, and student success. Go Huskies!
Degrees and Certifications:
Midland University, 2022
• Master of Education, Educational Leadership and Administration 7-12
• Principal Endorsement
University of Nebraska - Omaha, 2018
• Master of Science, Reading
• Reading Specialist
University of Nebraska - Omaha, 2014
• Bachelor of Arts, Secondary Education 7-12
• Minor in English
Mr. Zachary Simon
Curriculum Specialist - ADR
Phone: 531-299-9070
Email: zachary.simon@ops.org
My name is Zach Simon. I am the curriculum specialist who oversees testing at Northwest, such as the Pre-ACT, ACT, and ELPA. I also support various content areas, including Physical Education, JROTC, business, social studies, and math.
Degrees and Certifications:
Doane University, 2023
• Master's Degree - Education Specialist
Doane University, 2020
• Master of Education, Educational Leadership and Administration
Nebraska Standard Administrator's Certificate
• Principal (7-12)
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2012
• Bachelor of Science, Business Education
• Business, Marketing, Info Tech (7-12)
• Work-Based Learning (9-12)
Dr. Tyrie Fant
Dean
Phone: 531-299-9103
Email: tyrie.fant@ops.org
My name is Dr. Tyrie Fant. I am the Dean for all 11th grade students for the 2024-2025 school year
Mrs. Keli Reid
Dean
Phone: 531-299-8373
Email: keli.reid@ops.org
My name is Keli Reid. I am the Dean for all 10th grade students for the 2024-2025 school year. I am also the assist girls wrestling coach.
Degrees and Certifications:
University of Nebraska at Omaha, 2024
• Master's Degree- Educational Leadership
• Principal Certification (7-12)
University of Nebraska at Omaha, 2018
• Master's Degree- Secondary Education
University of Nebraska at Omaha, 2012
• Bachelor's Degree, Secondary Education
Mr. Nicholas Lovell
Dean
Phone: 531-299-4095
Email: nicholas.lovell@ops.org
My name is Nick Lovell. I am the Dean for all 9th grade students for the 2024-2025 school year. I am also one of the assist athletic directors.