About Us

Our Story

Atkinson Children and Families Coalition, Inc. is a Federal 501 (c) (3) Non-profit Organization focusing on creating community growth with parents, partners, and providers. In July of 2020, Atkinson Children and Families Coalition (ACFC) partnered with Nebraska Children and Families Foundation (NCFF) to become a Communities for Kids (C4K) community. The mission of Atkinson/Holt County C4K, and ACFC, is to redefine quality childcare and build support for our youngest community members. Creating a sustainable childcare infrastructure that focuses on quality educational and emotional development, is important for our community. Atkinson Children and Families Coalition and Atkinson/Holt Co. C4K are committed to this process and welcome all who support this vision.

Team Members

Mikelle Stoltenberg

Atkinson Early Childhood Community Coordinator

I became a part of Atkinson/Holt County Communities for Kids when the initiative began and accepted the coordinator position in May 2022. I will strive to elevate the conversation around childcare and continue to support quality care in our community. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to build an infrastructure to support our youngest community members and their families.

Amanda K. Sindelar

City of Atkinson Economic Development Director,

President of Atkinson Children & Families Coalition, Inc.

I was hired as the Atkinson Economic Development Director in October 2019. Prior to that, I worked in journalism for around 20 years. The last newspaper I worked at was the Holt County Independent in O’Neill. My family includes my husband Don Sindelar, co-owner of Green Valley Irrigation; our five children and four grandchildren. I am the daughter of Dan and Joan Greger of Stuart. I also am a member of the Atkinson Community Foundation Fund advisory committee.

Melissa Polinoski

The majority of my life has been spent educating and caring for children, whether baby-sitting as an adolescent, leading youth groups, sports teams, tutoring, or being a public school teacher. I received my bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, and spent the majority of my career in the public school system. My family has lived in Atkinson for seven years, and enjoy being outdoors and nature. I believe that all children are the most important part of our lives, our community, and our future. I look forward to working with parents, providers, and partners to ensure the best emotional and educational opportunities for our youngest community members.

Samantha Sholes

I moved from Omaha to Atkinson with with my family in the summer is 2020 after accepting a new job. We struggled to find childcare and I saw firsthand how much of a need there is in Holt County, which prompted me to join this group. I am a family medicine physician at West Holt Medical Clinic and live my husband and 2 year old son. We are excited to be having another baby in October.

Becky Lieswald

Becky was born and raised in Holt County and returned to Atkinson after graduating college. Her and her husband, Brett, have two wild and ornery boys, Rory and Riggs. She has been a licensed in-home childcare provider since November 2013. Her passion for children has motivated her to be active with C4K to promote quality childcare and solve capacity issues within our community.

Brooke Farewell

I work professionally as a Mortgage Specialist at a local community bank, while also prioritizing my family needs as a homemaker. After becoming a mother myself, I developed a passion for advocating for the youth in our community. It’s exciting to find a focus for that passion through Atkinson Children and Family Coalition, Inc.

Tonya Hytek

I was born and raised in Atkinson, returning after college. I work for Family Services, where I work with Child Care Providers. I have worked with Family Services for the last 21 years. I have always had a passion for the youth in our community. I was a Girl Scout Leader and Foster Parent. I am excited to be helping with the Atkinson Children and Family Coalition.