Our PTO
Executive Board Members for 2024-25
President: Kelly Van Haitsma
Kelly has been active with the PTO for seven years and on the board for four. Kelly is married to Jason who is an electrician for OPPD. She has two children, Jack is 11, in 6th grade at BSMS and Emma is 9 and in 4th grade at Pine Creek. Kelly works full time as a nurse at Lakeside Hospital. When not busy with her kids and work, Kelly loves baking, plants, watching sports, going to the movies, crafting and reading.
Vice President: Staci Keith
This is Staci’s third year on the PTO board, with previous positions as the Student and Staff Coordinator. Staci is married to Brice and has three children, Paxton is a sixth grader at BSMS, Lillie is in 3rd grade and Bri is in 2nd grade at Pine Creek. When Staci isn’t busy with her job at UNMC, she is running kids around to sporting events and volunteering at the concession stand for Bennington sports!
Treasurer: Nicole Colwell
This is Nicole’s first year as the PTO treasurer, but she has played an active role in planning and volunteering for the PTO. Nicole has been married to her husband Craig for 12 years. They have 4 kids; Grayson is in 4th grade, Savannah is in 2nd, Amellia starts Kindergarten this year all three at Pine Creek and Mia is their toddler. They have 2 dogs, Rocky and Skye. Nicole is an accountant by day and a busy mom always. Craig works in home remodeling and construction. They enjoy camping, spending time outside and cheering on the Huskers!! Nicole also enjoys crocheting and crafting with her Cricut which keeps her very busy!
Secretary: Katie Fricke
This is Katie’s first year as part of the PTO board. She is married to Josh and has two children, Jordynn is 13 and will be a freshman at BHS and Jackson is 7 and in second grade at Pine Creek. Katie keeps busy working as a nurse practitioner, attending the many sports activities for the kids and crafting. She loves high noons and a good time!
Fundraising Coordinator: Christina Randall
Christina is originally from Omaha, she moved to Bennington in January 2023. This is Christina’s first year on the PTO board, but she has been an active volunteer at Pine Creek. She is married to Eric who is originally from Oklahoma. They have three children Hazel is seven and in 2nd grade at Pine Creek, Lillianna is four, and EJ is three. Christina works for the Downtown Omaha Improvement District as their Communications Director. For fun, she enjoys riding and working horses!
Staff Support Coordinator: Jessica Beeson
This is Jessica’s first year on the PTO board, but she has been an active volunteer for the PTO! She had lived in Bennington for 6 years with her husband Joe and 5 children, Coralyn is 10 in 5th grade, Lukas and Olivia are 8 in 3rd grade all three at Pine Creek and Kanan & Decker are both 4. Jessica has a master's degree in educational psychology and has dedicated her career to early childhood education.
Community Support Coordinator: Nikki Kean
Nikki has been an active participant in the PTO for the past few years and a part of the board for two. She is married and has three children, all at Pine Creek this year! Jackson is in 4th grade, Drake is in 2nd grade and Colbie starts Kindergarten this year! When not busy with her children, Nikki likes to garden, read and enjoy a great glass of wine!
Student Support Coordinator: Cristella Torres
This is also Cristella’s first year on the PTO board, but she too has been an active volunteer since moving to Bennington. She is originally from Texas, but her family lives in Nebraska now. She has 3 daughters that she tries to keep up with, but when not busy with her girls, she enjoys traveling, running, cooking, and art projects.
Past President/Advisor: Sarah Schulz
Sarah has been involved with the PTO since her oldest was at Pine Creek, and most of those years were spent in various positions on the PTO Board. Sarah is the Executive Director of HRAM, a local membership association for HR professionals. She is married to Nick and has two children. Nicholas is a freshman at Bennington High School, and Olive is a 5th grader at Pine Creek. She enjoys reading, traveling, family movie nights, and volunteering at her children’s school and her church. She is an avid Husker fan and enjoys cheering them on any chance she gets.
Board members serve a two year term and are crucial to the operations of the PTO. It's a great way to meet people, contribute to the success of the staff and students at Pine Creek, and have fun!