Board Bios
Mo Bailey, President
Mo Bailey of Norfolk, NE is the Director of Grace Community, an inclusive faith community, and an Empowerment Coach. Mo is known for her public speaking skills and is often invited to emcee events in her community. As spiritual director, coach, and public speaker; she believes in the power of story to connect, heal, and inspire people. Mo’s purpose in life extends beyond her professional roles. She deeply values creating safe spaces where all people feel worthy of belonging. Her work with CASA, the Norfolk Area Diversity Council, and Norfolk Area Pride is her way of trying to make her corner of the world a better place. Mo lives with the three loves of her life: her wife, Angie; their mutt, Myla; and their mini doxie, Oaklie. Mo and Angie co-facilitate the High School and Jr. High Peer Groups through Norfolk Area Pride.
Chelsea Schutter, Vice President
Chelsea Schutter, LMHP, CPC is a therapist in Norfolk, NE. Her practice, Sea Change Therapy Services, specializes in LGBTQ+ services. She is also an adjunct instructor at Northeast Community College teaching Psychology classes. Chelsea moved to Norfolk in 2020 after living in Lincoln, NE for 5 years. Prior to that Chelsea lived in Baltimore, MD. Before opening her practice, Chelsea worked for the State in both the court and prison systems. Being a native of a small Minnesota town, Norfolk felt like “coming home”. Chelsea is passionate about helping people live their most authentic life whether that be through therapy, education, or community involvement. She lives with her spouse, Erin, and their three feisty felines (Edgar, Korra, and Remi). Chelsea and Erin co-facilitate the Adult Peer Group through Norfolk Area Pride.
Angie Bailey, Secretary
Angie is an IT Asset Management Specialist. In 2020, she moved to Norfolk from Sioux Falls, SD, the largest city in SD with an established Pride organization and LGBTQ+ community. Angie immediately became involved in Norfolk Area Pride, which helped her adjust, make new friends, find a safe place and feel like she belonged in a new community. Angie also facilitates the organization's youth peer groups, alongside her wife, Mo. Angie strives to help individuals in the area feel like they can be their authentic selves and live in a safe community where they feel a sense of belonging. Angie is married to Mo Bailey, who is the current President of the board. They have one miniature dachshund, Oaklie and a mutt, Myla. Mo and Angie co-facilitate the High School and Jr. High Peer Groups through Norfolk Area Pride.
Daniel Vosburg Jr, Treasurer
Daniel is a workaholic that can be found either working from home as a Senior Software Engineer, working for the City of Norfolk, or working at his family’s store - V’z Oddz and Endz. Daniel moved to Norfolk against his will with his family when he was 6 months old. Although he has visited and lived in a few bigger cities he has always found Norfolk’s size, peace n’ quiet, and ability to drive through in 15 mins homey. Daniel is proud to be a part of Norfolk Area Pride as it reminds him of what his mother, Raylee Vosburg, taught him when he was little, everyone matters no matter their shape, size, color, religion nor who they love.
David Cockrum, Director & Founder
David is a physician practicing in Norfolk, NE. He came to Norfolk in 2017 after retiring from 20 years of military service. David was acutely aware of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” approach to the LGBTQ+ community as he served under that model for many years in the military. David recognized the need for an organization in Northeast Nebraska that would provide a safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community as well as an opportunity to reach out to Northeast Nebraska in general. In fall 2019, David gathered some LGBTQ+ friends and allies and River Valley Pride was established. After formal incorporation, the name was changed to Norfolk Area Pride to better reflect the region that it serves. David is married to Scott Gober who is also a current member of the board. They have two little ones in the form of very spoiled felines, Lucy and Ethel.
Adrienne Kusek
Adrienne joined the Norfolk Area Pride board in 2021. Originally from Yankton, SD, Adrienne works as a design engineer at Vulcraft. She is engaged to her partner Ki and they are pet moms to dog, Riley, and cats, Isis (Egyptian goddess) and Xena (princess warrior). Adrienne is a self-proclaimed lego connoisseur and LOVES the inclusive environment that Pride creates.
Dawn Phelps
Dawn is a wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and ally. Taking to heart Jesus' command in the gospels to "Love one another," she strives to follow His example of communing with and supporting marginalized people. She lives in Norfolk with her family. Dawn co-facilitates the Parent Peer Group through Norfolk Area Pride.
Tiff Tichota
Tiffany Tichota was born and raised in South Korea the 1st decade of her life, she then came to Norfolk via adoption, stayed until high school graduation and came back after 20 years living in and around Minneapolis, MN most of her adult life. She owned and operated one of the largest professional photography studios there with her gay partner and ex husband, and was active in the LGBTQ community for over 10 years, volunteering at the Minnesota Aids Project as well as photographing some of the top drag queens and other LGBTQ dignitaries in Minneapolis. After selling her business, she has studied yoga and meditation at the Himalayan Institute in Pennsylvania, which lead her to energy work via Access Consciousness and is now a certified Access Bars Practitioner and Facilitator. She resides in Norfolk with her husband Joe and their out and proud Pansexual Nonbinary teen Kiran. She enjoys having fun, standing up for human rights, traveling, experiencing new things and people, reconnecting with her Korean culture, watching K-Pop videos and K-Dramas.
Sue Weaver
Sue is a small business owner and proud mama bear. She joined the board in 2020 and also co-facilitates the Parent Peer Group with another board member, Dawn Phelps. Sue lives in Norfolk with her husband, Steve.
Jen Ippensen (she/her)
Jen Ippensen (she/her) is originally from Worms, Nebraska and has lived and worked in many places, from New York City to large and small towns in middle America; she now resides with her family in Norfolk. Jen spent many years as an English/Language Arts educator, competitive speech coach, theatre director, and more before taking on her current role as Director of Library Services at Northeast Community College. She co-founded Vast Literary Press in 2021 where she is co-editor-in-chief of Vast Chasm Magazine, a publication dedicated to exploring the expansive human experience and celebrating complex, diverse voices. She is a teaching artist and a writer of literary fiction, creative non-fiction, and the occasional poem. In all these endeavors, Jen strives to create community, support truth and understanding, and help people feel welcome, safe, and respected.
Stella Ippensen (she/her)
Stella Ippensen (she/her) is a bi student at Norfolk High School where she in involved in many activities, including: Theatre, Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Choir, Robotics, and taking Honors classes. In her free time she enjoys being gay, making bracelets, spending time with her dog, Scout, and volunteering to help local organizations. Stella attends the monthly Pride teen peer group and is excited to be the first youth board member.