About Us

We are focused, driven, and value-oriented.

Our experienced consultants are committed to helping organizations realize their visions and maximize their impact. Our core values guide the work we do so we can help make communities great places to work and live.

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Team

Meet Your Consultants

Amy McFeely, PhD, Co-Founder of Category One Consulting
  • Amy earned her PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, her MA in Experimental Psychology from the University of Toledo, and her BA in Psychology from Mercyhurst University. At C1C, she has partnered with many diverse organizations to understand their areas of strength, identify their areas of opportunity, and ultimately maximize their impact. She is most excited about using data, analytics, and evidence-based practices to support organizations in the accomplishment of their missions. Prior to founding C1C, Amy served as an Insights Data Analyst at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska and as a Talent Analytics Project Leader at ConAgra Foods. She enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as reading, traveling, and being outdoors.

Sara Roberts, PhD, Co-Founder of Category One Consulting
  • Sara received her PhD and MA in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and her BA in Psychology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Since starting C1C, she has had the honor of supporting countless organizations across a variety of sectors to support their research, facilitation, and effectiveness needs. She truly enjoys meeting clients where they are at, tailoring her approach to meet their needs, and partnering with them to achieve their goals whatever they may be. Prior to founding C1C, Sara served as the Director of Talent Analytics at ConAgra Foods and as a Research & Evaluation Specialist at the Omaha Public Schools. In addition to work, Sara also loves traveling to new places, checking out live music, hanging out with her pup Winston, and organizing just about anything that can be organized.

Chris Fitch, MS, Organizational Consultant for Category One Consulting
  • Chris obtained his MS in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and his BS in Psychology from Iowa State University. During his time at C1C, he has assisted a wide variety of organizations in the areas of program evaluation, meeting facilitation, compensation analysis, and organizational development. He is especially passionate about partnering with clients in the education and homelessness spaces. Prior to joining the C1C team, Chris served as a Research & Evaluation Specialist at the Omaha Public Schools and as a Manager at Hy-Vee Inc. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing and spending time with his wife, Joanna, and their daughter, Maddie.

Clayton Juarez, PhD, Organizational Consultant for Category One Consulting
  • Clayton earned his PhD and MA in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and his BA with a double major in Psychology and Religious Studies from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. He is dedicated to using scientific methods, data analytics, and data visualization to support schools, nonprofits, and other organizations in advancing their missions. Prior to joining C1C, Clayton worked at Heartland Family Service as a Program Evaluation Consultant and later as the Director of Evaluation & Analytics, overseeing the agency's electronic health record and data warehouse. He also served as a Human Resources Analyst at ConAgra Foods. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, playing games, and spending time outdoors with his wife, Sarah, and their daughter, Eliana.

Laura Haile, MS, Organizational Consultant for Category One Consulting
  • Laura obtained her MS in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from St. Cloud State University and her BS in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. While working at C1C, she has partnered with organizations to conduct program evaluations, employee surveys, and strategic plans to help increase their impact and create better workplaces. She has enjoyed getting deeper insights into various industries and working with organizations that serve the most vulnerable within our communities. Prior to joining the C1C team, Laura worked as an Organizational Development Assistant at Hennepin County and as an Assessment Consultant at BTS. Laura also loves traveling with her husband, Dag, cuddling with her two cats, and thinking of hobbies she will never start.

Payge Japp, MA, Organizational Consultant for Category One Consulting
  • Payge earned her BS in Psychology as well as her MA in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She is currently pursuing her PhD in the same field. Prior to joining C1C, Payge worked as a doctoral research fellow for the Army Research Institute, studying team interactions and team composition among Army Soldiers. She also served as a Consultant for the Center for Applied Psychological Services, contributing to projects on turnover, training assessments, and evaluation methodologies. In her free time, Payge enjoys reading, running, crocheting hats, and spending time with her two cats, Baby and Bean.

Sanaa Kripal, MA, Organizational Consultant for Category One Consulting
  • Sanaa received her MA in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and her BA in Psychology from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. While working at C1C, she has worked with a variety of organizations to assist with areas such as program evaluation, strategic planning, and organizational development. She enjoys using evidence-based practices to help clients address their needs, meet their goals, and realize their visions. Prior to joining the C1C team, Sanaa served as an Assessment & Evaluation Associate for the Service Learning Academy and as a Consultant for the Center for Applied Psychological Services. She also enjoys traveling, reading, and watching movies with her husband Joe.

Shannon Winter, BS, Brand Design Consultant for Category One Consulting
  • Shannon earned her BS in Graphic Design from the Art Institute of California at San Diego after studying Fine Arts at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. She collaborates with C1C to develop design solutions, including branding, websites, social media assets, and other visual deliverables. She founded Hierarchy Designs, her own design consultancy, while living in Spain and South Africa, partnering with organizations such as SNHU’s Global Education Movement and Kepler. She previously worked in advertising and design agencies, creating for brands like Toshiba, Bolthouse Farms, Keystone Resorts, Pearl Izumi, BCBG Max Azria, AMC Theaters, and Kraft. Outside of work, she enjoys cycling the endless gravel seas around Omaha and adventuring with her two children, Chloe and Owen.

Our Focus

We Are Client & Community Focused

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Mission

We partner with organizations to help realize their visions and maximize their impact.

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Vision

We strive to be an organization that helps make communities great places to work and live.

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Purpose

We help organizations become so extraordinarily impactful they are in a category of one.

Values

The Philosophy That Guides Our Work

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Impact Oriented 

We believe in transformational change and strive to be a positive force in our community. 

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Integrity Driven 

We aim to exceed expectations and always act with respect, objectivity, and accountability. 

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People Focused 

We go above and beyond to fulfill the needs of our clients and the people they serve. 

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Data Informed

We ground our work in research, analytics, and evidence-based practices to maximize impact.

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Equity Centered

We seek to elevate marginalized voices and promote equitable rights and opportunity for all.