Overview of the Children’s Nebraska Advocacy Team -  2026 Spring Webinar Series

Jessica Boger is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Children's Nebraska. Jessica graduated from Midland University in 2016 with a bachelor's degree in psychology. She then attended UNO where she graduated in 2021, earning a master's degree in social work. Jessica has worked in the field of child welfare since 2015. She began her career as a Family Support worker, went on to be an Initial Assessment worker for the state of Nebraska, and then spent time as an intake worker at the Child and Abuse Neglect Hotline. Jessica completed her practicum at Children's with the Children's Advocacy Team (CAT Team) in 2021 and became a member of the CAT Team in 2022. 

Jessica is the main Social Worker for the CAT and Foster Care Clinic, but she also provides coverage in other areas of the hospital as needed. She is a source of support for team members throughout the hospital regarding concerns for child abuse and neglect to ensure the concerns are addressed appropriately. Jessica assists in ensuring Children's Connect accounts for state wards are up to date and maintains data related to child abuse/neglect concerns identified by Children's Nebraska. She is a member of the Child Protection Peer Network which includes Medical Social Workers from across the United States.  

Kristi Aldridge is a board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Children’s Nebraska.  Kristi earned her bachelor’s degree (BSN) in 2021 and her Master’s degree (MSN) in 2005, both from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She has been certified by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board since 2005.  Kristi has been working as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner for 20 years in a variety of areas. She has been working at Children’s Nebraska with the Children’s Advocacy Team since 2016 working with children and families when there are concerns for abuse and/or neglect. 

On a state level, Kristi sits on the Nebraska Serious Injury and Near Fatality Committee as well as the Child Death Subcommittee. She serves as a member of the Foster Care Review Board. She sits on several Multidisciplinary Teams who review cases of child abuse and neglect. She is a member of the Governor’s Commission for the Protection of Children. 

Laurie Berglund is a highly accomplished Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Children’s Nebraska in Omaha, Nebraska. She currently serves as a leader in the Foster Care Program and is an active member of the Children’s Advocacy Team, where she focuses on providing comprehensive, trauma-informed care for children in foster care. 

Laurie holds a Master of Science in Nursing and is board certified as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care (PNP-PC), a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC), a Pediatric Mental Health Specialist (PMHS), and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Certified (PMHNP-C). She is also a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE), reflecting her commitment to clinical excellence and mentorship in nursing education. She earned her Pediatric Nurse Practitioner degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and her Family Nurse Practitioner degree from the University of Massachusetts, Boston. To better serve the complex mental health needs of foster youth, Laurie completed her PMHNP through Mount Marty University. 

One of only three nurse practitioners in Nebraska certified as a Pediatric Mental Health Specialist, Laurie brings a unique and essential skill set to her practice. She participates in Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings and collaborates with community partners through Project Harmony, helping bridge healthcare and social services for vulnerable children. With a career centered on advocacy, collaboration, and clinical excellence, Laurie is dedicated to ensuring that foster youth receive the highest quality of holistic care—addressing both their physical and mental health needs.