Principal CK, who started at Bryan High in 1999, is a passionate and committed leader of our school. His varied roles across Omaha, coupled with his special bond as a former teacher at Bryan High, gives him a unique understanding of our city's educational landscape. His commitment revolves around fostering academic excellence in a nurturing and inclusive environment, supporting every student's potential success. Thanks to his leadership and the dedicated school community, Bryan High, also known as Bear Country, is a place where students thrive and prepare for the future. His love for Bryan High is profound and unwavering.

Academic Director, Q, T-V (10-12)

Melissa Gates has been a staff member with Bryan High since 2003. Her career at Bryan High School began as a student teacher in 2002. In the Fall of 2003, Melissa Gates assumed her teaching position in the Social Studies department where she remained for ten years. In the fall of 2013, Melissa Gates transitioned into the role of Dean of Students where she remained until accepting the position as Bryan High's Data Processor/Academic Director. Melissa Gates is a proud Bryan High Alumni, who enjoys spending time with her family and the outdoors.

“The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.” – Plutarch

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR, R (10-12)

Mr. Murtaugh has been with Bryan High School since 2019-2020 school year. Prior to joining the Bryan team, he was a teacher/ coach at Central and Burke High, Dean of Students and Burke High, SSL at Burke High and Beveridge Middle and K-12 Physical Education/ 7-12 Human Growth and Development Supervisor for OPS.

Activities Director/Academies Director, N-P (10-12)

Mr. Cunningham has been with Omaha Public Schools since 1999 and has served as the Assistant Principal and Activities Director at Bryan High since 2013. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Technology Education, a Master of Science in Educational Counseling, and certificates in Educational Administration and Supervision and Building Construction. Mr. Cunningham began his teaching career in Griswold, Iowa in 1993.  From there, he relocated to Tucson, Arizona, where he taught and coached for the Tucson Unified School District from 1994-1998. Mr. Cunningham moved to Panama and worked for DODDS (Department of Defense Dependents Schools) from 1998-1999. He then joined Omaha Public Schools, where he has worked as a counselor, district facilitator for MTSS-B, and now as an assistant principal.  “It is a privilege and honor to serve the students, families, and community partners of Bryan High School. GO BEARS!” 

BEARS Team and F-K, W-Z (10-12)

Mrs. Sasha Cervantes is a Bear alum who has been a Dean of Students with Bryan High School since 2020. Cervantes' career in education began in 1999, when she joined the Omaha Public Schools as a Minority Intern and later an English as Second Language Paraprofessional. She is proud to have earned her teaching degree through the Para to Teacher Career Ladder program. Mrs. Cervantes is proud to have followed in her family's footsteps as educators in both Mexico and the United States. 

Gold Team and A, B, C, O (10-12)

Mr. Jason Dworak, a proud 2005 graduate of Omaha Bryan High School, is glad to be back serving as Dean of Students. Having grown up in a nearby neighborhood, he began his career in education at Gateway Elementary before returning to Bryan in his current role. Jason is dedicated to building strong relationships with students, staff, and families and is committed to creating a positive and supportive school environment where all students can thrive, grow, and achieve their full potential. He is honored to give back to the school and community that helped shape him.

GREEN Team and L, M, S (10-12)

Mr. Nesbitt has been with OPS for 17 years working in both the Middle school and High School setting as a math teacher. He is now transitioning to becoming a Dean to support more students through their education. He has been with Bryan High School for 10 years and looking forward to many more. He thinks that education and learning are two key parts to success. Taking the opportunities provide and using them to grow as a person. He loves spending time with his Family and Friends and he has lived in Nebraska most if his life and loves the area. 

Math, Science, Music 

Mrs. Ignowski has been with Omaha Public Schools since 2012. Ignowski is a proud OPS Alumni and began her career at South High School teaching science and coaching cheerleading. She then transitioned to the Omaha Virtual School Program where she enjoyed a unique environment that fosters learning for diverse students. Mrs. Ignowski then transitioned to Benson High where she taught science, supported the Mentors Program, and co-sponsored Student Council. She was a member of the Bilingual Leadership Preparation Program, holds a Masters in Literacy, and an ESL endorsement. She is currently taking graduate coursework at UNL. Jennica is thrilled to join Bear Country and continue her leadership.

Special Education, Art, PE, JROTC

Mr. Brannen has been at Bryan since 2003.  In the 19 years he has been at Bryan he has taught social studies, study skills, and co-taught social studies, English, and science. He has also coached various sports- football, girls and boys basketball, baseball and golf.

"Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else." -Margaret Mead

English, ELL, World Languages

Ms. Peterson, as a lifelong student of language and culture, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as the Curriculum Specialist for English, ESL, and World Languages at Bryan High. Ms. Peterson's journey began in 2001 as a high school English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher in Lexington, Nebraska, and evolved to encompass various roles, including teaching at South High and serving as the ELA Lead Teacher for OPS. Her passion for language acquisition research led her to earn a Master’s degree in Language Teaching and a TESOL certification, equipping her to support the diverse population of multilingual language learners at Bryan High.

An inclusive and compassionate leader, Ms. Peterson has been instrumental in fostering an environment that celebrates the rich cultures and languages within the Bryan community. Her commitment to promoting inclusivity for language learners includes serving as adjunct faculty at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where she occasionally teaches education classes on language acquisition and strategies for teaching and supporting English Learner (EL) students.

As an experienced educator who has served in a variety of professional roles in various schools, Ms. Peterson often says that joining the Bryan community truly felt like finding her “home,” leading her to dedicate almost half of her career to her work at Bryan High. She is proud to work with the Bryan staff and students, and her leadership ensures that Bryan High continues to grow, adapt, and provide an inclusive educational environment for future generations of Bears.

Social Studies, Academic Data Representative, Test Site Coordinator, Freshman Academy

Mrs. Kaminski-Doloto has been with Omaha Public Schools for 16 years working in multiple diverse settings. Kaminski-Doloto began her career at South High School. During her years at South High School, she taught numerous courses, including ESL 3-4/5-6 Reading, ESL Social Studies 1-2, US History, Human Geography, Economics, and Modern World History. Kaminski-Doloto then took over as the EL Department Chair at Central High School. Through this position, Kaminski-Doloto oversaw building and supporting the programming of all the English learners both inside and outside the classroom. Kaminski-Doloto is excited to now be a bear and looks forward to building support and opportunities for students, families, and teachers. Kaminski-Doloto enjoys traveling, being outdoors, and spending time with her family and friends.

Business, CTE, FCS and Academies Specialist

Mrs. Miller been at Bryan since 2003. 10 years as a Family and Consumer Science Teacher before becoming a curriculum/academy specialist. Current role as curriculum specialist includes the career education departments and college and career academies.

Instructional Coach, Advanced Academics Coordinator, and Proactive Outreach Programs Coordinator

Jennifer Cuddy has been with Bryan High School since 2004. She taught a variety of English and Reading classes during her teaching tenure, including English 1-8, Poetry Study, Creative Writing, AP Language, AP Literature, and Literacy Skills. Cuddy enjoys the variety of her current roles and the opportunities she’s provided to work with all students and staff. When she's not with her Bryan family, she is cherishing time with her spouse, Charlie, four children, Josie, Jacquie, Penny, and Cash, and their dog, Darby.

Director of Counseling

Jeanne Simmons is a passionate educator with a unique blend of experiences as both a math teacher and a school counselor. Mrs. Simmons is a native to Omaha who began her teaching career in OPS in 1996 as a math teacher at Omaha North. After completing her master's degree in School Counseling at Creighton University, she moved into a school counseling position at Omaha Northwest in 2004. When given the opportunity, she then made the transition to school counseling director at Omaha Bryan in 2010. During her time at Bryan, she also completed her master's degree in educational leadership also at Creighton University.

Mrs. Simmons brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our school community. With a strong foundation in mathematics as well as social-emotional needs of learners, Mrs. Simmons inspires students to think critically and problem-solve. Mrs. Simmons is dedicated to fostering a positive school culture that promotes inclusivity, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.

Mrs. Simmons transitioned into the role of a school counselor because she was driven by the desire to support students not only in their academic pursuits but also in their personal and emotional development. Mrs. Simmons is committed to guiding them through the crucial decision-making processes that shape their educational journey and future endeavors.

As our Director of School Counseling, Mrs. Simmons wants Bryan to play a pivotal role in shaping the future leaders, scholars, and well-rounded individuals who will make a positive impact on our greater community.