Meet Our Leadership Team
Ms. Leah Kastrup
Principal
Phone: (531) 299-1260
Email: leah.kastrup@ops.org
Hello! I am the PROUD principal of Conestoga Elementary School. I received my Bachelor's degree at the University of Nebraska Lincoln and my Master's degree at the University of Nebraska Kearney. I am originally from Ruskin, NE where I grew up on my family's farm. I am happy to serve as the leader of Conestoga and partner with our wonderful families. With over 20 years in education, my goal is to create a safe space where every child feels known, loved, and inspired to be their best. Please reach out anytime—my door is always open.
Ms. Francie Smith
Instructional Facilitator
Phone: (531) 299-1260
Email: francie.smith@ops.org
Upon graduating from UNO in 1999 she found a home at Conestoga. Currently she holds the title of Instructional Facilitator, but she has served as a 4th grade, 5th grade and 6th grade teacher.
Ms. Gretchen Moffatt
Guidance Counselor
Phone: (531) 299-6891
Email: gretchen.moffatt@ops.org
Hi my name is Gretchen Moffatt, and I am the School Counselor at Conestoga Elementary. I have been with Omaha Public Schools since 2001. I have taught a variety of grades in the elementary setting and have been a school counselor since 2016.
I support students social emotional learning through whole group classroom guidance lessons, small group counseling sessions, and individual counseling sessions. Each class will see me every once in a ten-day cycle for guidance class. We focus on a variety of skills from leadership skills, social emotional regulation, drug prevention, career readiness, growth mindset, to bully awareness and prevention.
I use a variety of approaches in my individual counseling sessions. My main therapy is called solution focused brief counseling. This approach leads students to create their own solution and goal in brief time frame. This allows students to get back into the classroom as soon as possible with the necessary tools to be successful. I also practice a cognitive behavioral model which helps individuals understand how our own thoughts create our feelings.
I also lead small group sessions with groups of students working towards the same goal. We focus on a variety of skills like problem solving, conflict resolution, friendship, anger management, anxiety, growth mindset, etc. Small groups range from 6 to 8 weeks and are done on a need’s basis.
I am also a family support to guide families to outside resources. I can get families connected to outside counseling resources and other therapies.
Mr. Allen Ladd
Social Worker
Phone: (531) 299-1260
Email: Allen.Ladd@ops.org
My name is Allen Ladd, and I am the school Social Worker at Conestoga. This is my 7th year in the School Social Worker role, and 1st year at Conestoga! My role is to be a link between the student, home, school, and community by providing direct and indirect services. I work to promote and support students’ academic, social and emotional success and growth. A few things that are a part of my role are: meet with students both individually and in groups (social skills, emotional regulation, friendship skills, etc.), refer families to community resources, help families learn how to best support their student and follow school policies, skill building, crisis assessment and interventions, and be an overall support to all in the building. I love working with kids and seeing the growth they can make when they face their fears and adversity. It’s an honor to be here at Conestoga Elementary, and I look forward to working with each family here that may need my supports. Please feel free to reach out to me.