Executive Director

Brenda Helget is the Executive Director of A Time to Heal. She has 25 years of fundraising experience, along with 30 years in nonprofit work including Methodist Hospital Foundation and UNMC’s College of Medicine. She helped raise funds for Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center and the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.

She received her Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) status in 2004 and a Certificate in Fundraising Management from UNO in 2003. Helget also holds certification from Indiana University’s Fund Raising School. She has presented fundraising and nonprofit lectures nationally for The Chronicle of Philanthropy and at the Association of Fundraising Professional’s International Conference.

Director of Programs

As Director of Programs, Emily Densberger is responsible for overseeing all A Time to Heal programs, outreach and partnerships with health providers, education planning for our annual conference/events and measuring the impact of our services. Emily previously worked for RTG Medical for nearly seven years as a recruiter, compliance specialist and training/talent development coach. Her expertise in talent development, strategy, and enhancing the participant experience will bring valuable insight to ATTH’s mission of supporting survivors and caregivers as they navigate their unique journeys.

Program Manager

Kathy Leidal is our Program Manager and responsible for helping survivors to determine the right program for them, maintaining and enhancing our programs and supporting our education events. Previously, Leidal worked for Mayo Clinic as the Community Engagement Specialist in Albert Lea, MN. She collaborated with community stakeholders, implemented programs, and participated in initiatives to improve community health, and address the social determinants of health. Leidal is a graduate of Walden University in Minneapolis.

Executive Assistant

Renae Vermaas is our Executive Assistant and provides support for the Executive Director and our entire office, including managing accounts payable, processing donations, directing our social media, helping plan our conference and fulfilling office needs. Renae was previously Program Director/Assistant to the Executive Director at Millard Public Schools Foundation, where she prepared communications and reports, streamlined processes and implemented efficiencies, maintained accounts payable and receivable, and provided support in many other areas. In addition to these many talents, she is also a licensed realtor.