Administration  

(Please direct all inquiries to the attention of Ms. Rhonda Taylor.).

Mary J. Goodwin-Clinkscale, Th. D., Ed. D. - Administrator
Dr. Goodwin-Clinkscale (Dr. C) founded the GBT Children's Academy in 2006. Dr. C directed and provided consultation on every aspect of the Academy's development and design from building reconstruction, landscaping and design to the Academy's curriculum, policies and procedures, and the organization of employees and volunteers.  As a result of her efforts and dedication, her vision came to fruition. In April 2007, Dr. C received the United Way of the Midlands 2007 Leota G. Norton Community Service Award, a high honor bestowed upon one volunteer each year for outstanding community service rendered.  A native of Arkansas, Dr. C is the mother of five sons and grandmother to 16 children.  Dr. C welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with individuals and organizations who wish to contribute to the development and well-being of our youth.

In February 2010 during Black History Month, Dr. C received the 2nd Congressional District Honor and Recognition as an African American Trailblazer in Nebraska. U.S. Rep. Lee Terry presented her with this Congressional History award and read her accolades into the Congressional Record in Washington, D.C.  Click here to read more about this local and national honor.

Rhonda Taylor - Program Director
Ms. Rhonda joined our Administrative Team in September 2010 as our Program Director.  She has over 17 years of experience working with families and children.  She worked for Omaha Public Schools as a Classroom Paraprofessional and OPS Liaison between students, parents and the school. She held a volunteer position as Unit Director for the Boys and Girls Club and was the Program Coordinator for the Presbyterian Outreach School of Arts Program, both contracted through AmeriCorps VISTA. She also worked within the social service field for Salvation Army MASS Family Services, where she was the Adopt-A-Family and Rent Assistance Coordinator.  While her experience also includes nearly 10 years in the insurance industry, she has most enjoyed her roles that served families and children in close, personal ways.

Debbie Clute, B.A. - Assistant Director
Ms. Debbie joined the Administrative Team in November 2010. She previously volunteered over four years at the GBT Children's Academy and the GBT Academy of the Arts (http://www.gbtacademyofthearts.org/).  She worked over 10 years as Senior Client Services Representative with Central States Indemnity.  She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication from UNO in 2000.  Her passion is to work in the non-profit arena and have a positive influence on young people.  She desires to give back to the local community where she has been positively impacted by many role models throughout her life.  She looks forward to working with parents, children and staff to face the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for what is the beginning of a mutually beneficial association.

Nancy L. Clute, M.A. - Program Director Emerita
Mrs. Clute was the Program Director at the GBT Children's Academy from inception until her retirement in August 2010. She taught Kindermusik for 17 years to families with children, newborn to age seven, and continues to lead the Music classes here at the Academy, including ABC Music & Me. She has taught for more than 1,000 families in her music studio and childcare centers of Omaha and Council Bluffs. Prior to this career, she operated a licensed daycare home for 15 years when her four children were young. Having earned her Bachelor's Degree, Mrs. Clute taught first and second grade in the elementary school. After receiving her Master's degree, she taught as a part-time instructor at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Her husband is a Sociology Professor at UNO. Bottom line, she loves teaching and working with children. Some of her hobbies include gardening, sewing, music, and reading.

Current Staff

Please visit the individual classrooms for staff bios.

Staff Members, please visit the Resources page for more information.

Prospective Staff Members & Volunteers

The GBT Children's Academy Staff and Volunteers work together to create a child-focused, inviting learning environment.  Our staff fosters children's positive self-concept by supporting individuality, independence, self-help and the ability to make good choices. We strive to project a professional, polished appearance as child developers. Our aim is to support a positive relationship among the staff, volunteers, parents and children with team meetings, continuing education, personal development opportunities, and our Open Door Policy.

If you are interested becoming a staff member or volunteer with the GBT Children's Academy, please contact us. For more details, please see the job descriptions for a Level I Teacher and a Level II Teacher. To apply for employment, please print and submit the following items: Application, Child Abuse/Neglect Registry Check, and Felony/Misdemeanor Statement .  (Please direct all inquiries to the attention of Ms. Taylor.)

The Academy respects the confidentiality of all participants and promotes a smoke/drug free environment that is healthy and safe for everyone. The GBT Children's Academy is a continuously rewarding experience for all.