Dr. Ortega considers himself a life-long learner and believes he works in the greatest profession that allows him both the possibility for continuous learning as well as the opportunity to influence and change students' lives through education. He has earned five college degrees and held numerous roles in K-12 education in both urban and suburban schools.

Academic Director, V-Z (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, GOLD Team, K-L (10-12)

Mr. Murtaugh has been with Bryan High School since 2019-2020 school year.

Activities Director/Academies Director, M-O, Q (10-12)

BEARS Team, E-J (10-12)

Mrs. Sasha Cervantes 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 at Highland Elementary as a Minority Intern and English as Second Language Paraprofessional that allowed her to participate in an early Para to Teacher Career Ladder program. Her first teaching position was in 2005 at Marrs Magnet Center where she taught in the Dual Language program. In 2018, she moved into a position as an EL Resource/Dual Language Lead Teacher at Jackson Elementary. Mrs. Cervantes is proud to come from a family of educators from both Mexico and the U.S. Mrs. Cervantes spare time is spent traveling, camping and boating with her husband, daughter and dog.

GOLD Team. A-D (10-12)

Mr. Montoya has been with Bryan High School since 2021. He began his career as a Spanish teacher and athletic coach before becoming a Dean of Students and Assistant Athletic Director. Mr. Montoya has worked in both large and small school districts, most recently coming to Omaha Public Schools from Bellevue Public Schools.

GREEN Team, P-U (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. 

Special Education, Art, PE, JROTC

Mr. Brannen has been at Bryan since 2003.  In the 18 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 has worked in OPS since 2004, and at Bryan High since 2012. A Bellevue, Nebraska native, she is an avid traveler and loves to study languages, cultures, and brain research.

Social Studies, Academic Data Representative, Test Site Coordinator, AP/DE Coordinator 

Dr. McWilliams has been a Bryan Bear since 2002 when she started her career as an English teacher. Over the last 20 years, Dr. McWilliams has not only taught but also had the pleasure of working with student council. Their mission has been to celebrate all that is wonderful about Bryan High School. In 2021, she completed her doctorate degree by researching the importance of "School Identity," which she aims to apply to her beloved school!

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.

Literacy Coach, AP and Dual Enrollment Coordinator, Academic Intervention Coordinator, and National Honor Society Sponsor

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. 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.

“Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope. It is a tool for daily life in modern society...Literacy is, finally, the road to human progress and the means through which every man, woman and child can realize his or her full potential.” ~Kofi Annan

This is Mrs.Clements' 11th year in education, and her second year at Bryan High.She has previously taught elementary and middle school, but loves the high school setting the most! She is excited about her new role this year and supporting the Freshman Academy teams. When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their son, Cameron, coaching volleyball, watching sports, and reading.

Mrs. Simmons has been at Bryan since 2010 as school counseling director. Previously, she was a records counselor at Northwest from August 2004 - 2010. Prior, she was a Math teacher at North High School from August 1996 -2004
"Do or do not, there is no try" - Yoda