Omaha saw more than 100 nonfatal shooting victims in 2019. These survivors are left with physical, mental and emotional trauma. The chances of violent re-injury or retaliation are high, causing untold damage to individuals, families and communities.
But with the right people at the right time, a hospitalization can be a lifeline. When the experienced team of ENCOMPASS Omaha sees a patient with a violent injury, they advocate for and support the victim throughout recovery. The team helps victims of violence heal from physical and emotional trauma by empowering them with skills, community-based services and educational opportunities.
As a hospital-based violence intervention program, ENCOMPASS Omaha works to reduce violence in the community. Meet our team members and see why they dedicated to the work.
TiShara Wardlow, MS
TiShara has over 15 years of experience working with children and families, including previous roles at Girls Inc., Boys Town, Kids Can and the Omaha Early Learning Center. She is also a former Girls Inc. board member. With a master’s degree in criminology and criminal justice, she is passionate about reducing community violence, supporting reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals, and building strong communities through resilience and trauma-informed practices. Tishara is currently pursuing her second master’s degree in social work at the University of Nebraska Omaha. She is the proud mother of two beautiful daughters, a reading and podcast enthusiast, fashionista, and a budding at-home horticulturist. A mini social scientist, TiShara can make you laugh and, on occasion cry with you. Her mission is to build a better framework through meaningful connections, language and grounded confidence in the many communities that she serves.
Alberto Gonzales
Alberto (Beto) is a violence intervention specialist who brings more than 30 years of experience in violence prevention and intervention efforts in the Omaha community. As a "credible messenger," he understands firsthand what it feels like to be a victim lying in a hospital bed after being violently injured and looking to make a change for a better life. Alberto meets with patients before they are discharged, and offers ongoing supportive services in their recovery journey. His role helps break the cycle of violence that many patients know all too well.
Melissa Inzauro MSW, CSW
Melissa obtained her master's degree in social work from the University of Nebraska Omaha in 2021. She began her healthcare career in 2011 as a CNA and is now a medical social worker. Born and raised in North Omaha, Melissa is proud of her roots, graduating from Central High and becoming a mother to her son, Kahlil, who she had at 17. She has firsthand experience navigating the limited resources for low-income, single parents. Melissa is passionate about equitable access to healthcare and the fair delivery of services. She is skilled at meeting individualized needs and advocating for each participant within the Encompass Program while empowering them to make choices that will lead to success.
Ashley Raposo, MPH
Ashley is the Violence Intervention Program Supervisor. She is dedicated to providing holistic support for survivors of violence, ensuring they receive not only medical care but also the resources and counseling necessary for healing and long-term stability. By collaborating with healthcare providers, social services, law enforcement, and community organizations, Ashley helps create an integrated network of care that extends beyond the hospital setting. Her work empowers individuals to break cycles of violence and trauma.
Charity Evans, MD, MHCM, FACS
Dr. Evans is a trauma surgeon who has invested most of her career in violence prevention and intervention in Omaha. After years of seeing young individuals injured by violence, she decided to tackle this public health issue from a medical perspective. As director, Dr. Evans oversees the ENCOMPASS Omaha program and advocates for change at both the medical and academic levels.
Ashley Farrens, MSN, MBA, RN
Ashley is an experienced trauma program manager with a diverse background in emergency department nursing, trauma program management, and violence intervention leadership. Dedicated to patient care and trauma-informed practices, she has focused her career on improving clinical outcomes and supporting individuals affected by violence. Ashley's expertise in coordinating trauma services and leading initiatives has made her a key figure in enhancing care delivery and safety within her community.
Jennifer Burt, PhD, LP
Dr. Burt is a pediatric psychologist specializing in violence prevention and trauma. She works at the integrated behavioral health clinic at Children’s Physicians in Dundee, where her expertise in the psychological effects of trauma informs her trauma-informed care approach to caring for victims of violence.