Course Listing - by Instructor

Chris began her career as a Registered Nurse in adult and neonatal ICU and then spent 25 yrs. in Hospital Administration. After leaving the hospital setting, she became the owner of a health care company. Both of these experiences led her to a career in insurance. As a nurse she worked with Medicare, Medicaid and many different insurance companies assuring the patient they received the proper benefits for their episode of care and as a small business owner she was responsible for assuring her employees received the best health, dental, and vision plans available.

Chris also spent time volunteering for the State of Nebraska’s SHIIP Office where she would educate clients on all aspects of Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Part D Plans, and state subsidies available to help with financial problems, and to provide support during the decision-making process.

As the owner of Flaxbeard Insurance Advisors, Chris focuses on health insurance for every age group and represents many insurance companies so her clients are able to choose the one that best fits their needs.

Christine was born and raised in Omaha, NE. She is married to Gary Flaxbeard and they have 3 adult children.

Vernetta Kosalka is an award-winning hospitality professional specializing in event planning, event design and hospitality management education in Omaha, NE. Kosalka graduated from College of Saint Mary in 2003 with a dual degree in Business Administration and CIM and later received her Master's in Organizational Leadership in 2007. With over thirteen years of experience, she has garnered respect from her peers and continues to give back to the Omaha community through volunteering on the Omaha Police Officers Ball Committee benefitting Special Olympics Nebraska, being an Advisory Board Member of the Ralston Area Chamber of Commerce and serving as the Special Events Committee Chair.

Divine W. Shelton, MPA, MA (he/him/his) serves as a Public Health Project Coordinator for CityMatCH. This Omaha, Nebraska, native attended Creighton University receiving his Bachelor of Art in Philosophy. Divine went on to Saint Louis University where he earned a Dual Masters in Public Administration and Political Science.

While in St. Louis, Divine worked on retention programs to retain black male students at Saint Louis University and Lincoln Universities. He served in various capacities during his seven years in St. Louis from: working for a large housing non-profit, city government, and a youth homeless shelter.

Prior to joining CityMatCH, Divine served on the St. Louis staff of United States Senator Claire McCaskill of Missouri where he gained experience working in public policy, government, federal grant, community outreach, day to day operations of high profile programs, negotiation and program implementation.

Divine joined the organization in 2019, and looks forward to learning from the staff at CityMatCH while seeking health equity for disenfranchised and marginalized communities nationwide.

In his spare time Divine spends time with his family, enjoys running with his husky, and lifeguarding.