Amanecer, Inc.

Meet the Amanecer Board

Laura Sanchez

Founder & Executive Director

Bio

Laura Sanchez is a licensed clinical social worker and therapist with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals and families through life’s most complex challenges. Since beginning her career in 2008, Laura has worked extensively with children, teens, and adults, providing therapy, case management, and leading macro-level initiatives aimed at improving community systems.

As the founder and Executive Director of Amanecer Inc., Laura guides the organization’s mission to expand access to culturally responsive mental health care and social services in Omaha. Drawing from her background in trauma treatment and systems-focused care, Laura ensures that Amanecer’s services are rooted in evidence-based practices while remaining client-centered and community-driven.

Her leadership has been recognized at the state level; in May, she was honored with the Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN) Ambassador Award for her dedication to expanding the behavioral health workforce and addressing mental health needs in Nebraska’s underserved communities.

In addition to her executive role, Laura also serves as clinical director for Amanecer’s sister practice, providing supervision and mentorship to provisionally licensed therapists and overseeing staff development.  Laura continues to focus her work on building strong, ethical teams and ensuring that both clients and clinicians have the support and structure needed to thrive.  

Beatriz Pedro-Simon

President

Bio

Beatriz believes that quality mental health care should be within everyone’s reach. She works with Amanecer to expand access to culturally competent care and provide essential resources for Nebraska’s underserved populations. With a strong understanding of the community’s needs and challenges, she aims to help build a spare where everyone feels valued and supported.

Candice Sortino

Vice President

Bio

Candice joined the board of Amanecer in 2024, bringing her passion for mental health advocacy and her deep roots in the Omaha community to the organization. As a mental health therapist, she is dedicated to improving access to culturally competent care for underserved populations in Nebraska.
Drawn to Amanecer’s mission of empowering communities through education, advocacy, and mental health support, Candice is excited to be part of a team creating meaningful change. In her role as Vice President, she helps support program development, community outreach, and strategic planning as the organization continues to grow.

Roman Sanchez

Board Memeber

Bio

Roman is a bilingual PLMHP/PCMSW. He provides therapy to individuals, couples, and families. Roman is passionate about helping people to pursue and achieve their goals. Roman has worked with various populations in the field of social work, including
working with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Roman joined Amanecer, Inc. because he believes in continuing to advance accessibility of mental health services for underserved communities.

Noelle Landon

Board Member

Bio

Noelle “Noelia” Landon is a PLMHP in Omaha, NE where she lives with her husband and two dogs. She currently works in a mental health setting, with children through senior citizens aged individuals, families, and couples who speak English and Spanish. She brings years of experience working in and with non-profits, ranging from direct care roles working with youth and families, to member and volunteer database management, to administrative support of the executive team. She joined Amanacer because of her shared desire to increase access to quality care and continue reducing the stigma towards mental health car. She is passionate about bridging the gap between the dream and the reality, and getting there by doing what works and makes sense within the vision and values of Amanacer.

Haley Elder

Board Member

Bio

Haley Elder is an MSW student at UNO. At Amanecer, Inc., she utilizes her journalism and marketing background to connect with the Omaha community while building social work and therapy experience. She shares in the mission of making mental health services accessible for all, and wants to make sure her community has all the information they need.

Sanjuanita Murguia

Treasurer

Bio

Sanjuanita is a bilingual PLMHP/PCMSW therapist. She works primarily with adults seeking support through difficult life transitions, challenging life experiences, and complex and difficult matters. She has unique experience working with Spanish-speaking individuals, culturally diverse adolescents and adults, and immigrant and refugee individuals. Sanjuanita joined the Amanecer board in October 2025 bringing in board and work experience in nonprofit operations and leadership particularly serving Latino and immigrant families. Her previous experience grants her first-hand insight into the complex challenges and experiences often impacting mental health, relationships, and family dynamics of immigrant and mixed-status families. Sanjuanita’s personal and professional values are aligned with Amancer’s mission and values and is enthusiastic about bridging the gap in mental health resources in our state. 

Kassandra Nolasco

Board Member

Bio

Kassandra Nolasco is a dedicated MSW/MPA graduate student with a strong passion for serving underrepresented communities, particularly Latino and Spanish-speaking populations. As a first-generation college graduate, Kassandra brings lived experience, cultural humility, and a deep commitment to equity and social justice. Kassandra’s long-term goal is to become a therapist who can continue empowering youth, especially those impacted by systems of oppression and trafficking.

Interested in joining our team or supporting our mission? Contact us today!

Case Managers

Evette Francisco-Cortez 

BSW Case Manager

Bio

Evette is a BSW student at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She is expected to graduate in December of this year. Evette is inspired by her own experiences and has a passion for helping others; she is committed to advocating for communities and creating positive change. 

Krisanna Lopez

BSW Case Manager

Bio

Rosamaria Gomez

MSW Case Manager

Bio

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Our Mission

Amanecer, Inc. is dedicated to improving mental health care in Nebraska by minimizing disparities in the availability and access to quality mental health services for the underserved Latino population. We strive to empower individuals through culturally competent care, community education, and advocacy.

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