Gini loves the outdoors, and she believes some of the most profound insights in her experience have come to her while hiking. She has learned how beneficial it can be to combine personal insights with her formal education in order to synthesize unique solutions for her clients.

Gini has extensive experience in human capital, specializing in executive coaching. She feels privileged to work with top executives to maximize growth potential and/or remediate performance challenges, and has successfully facilitated turnarounds for executives facing career derailment. She also provides expertise to businesses, helping them plan critical succession issues. Gini utilizes strong analytical abilities to facilitate organizational development and growth issues through a variety of assessment techniques, including organizational surveys, focus groups and assessments. Because each organization is unlike any other at any given point in time, her challenge is to find the unique key which will drive the desired change. Gini compares this work to that of a whittler or stone mason who believes the form is hidden in the raw material; it is her job to help reveal the form, the answer, the truth for each organization.

Gini has also conducted extensive research and has authored many articles. She has been a presenter at the Midwest Psychological Association Conference, Society for Industrial & Organizational Psychologists Conference, M Financial University, M Marketing Meetings, AALU, SHRM and the Governor’s Summit on Workforce Development. She has taught strategic leadership, leadership skills, organizational behavior and organizational consulting in the MBA and EMBA Programs at the University of Nebraska-Omaha

Her interpersonal and leadership skills, coupled with a comprehensive knowledge of human behavior, facilitate professional growth in clients. Her unique organizational insight and analytical ability provide clients with the fresh perspectives needed to maximize the growth potential for their organizations. Gini says there is deep gratification in helping people create better work environments with higher productivity and more balanced lifestyles.

Gini is a member of several professional organizations, including the Society of Consulting Psychologists, American Psychological Association, Society for Industrial & Organizational Psychologists, Human Resource Association of the Midlands and the Society for Human Resource Management. She currently serves on the Board of Heartland Family Services. When Gini is not busy coaching or collaborating with her colleagues to create successful outcomes for clients, you can often find her wearing hiking boots and dreaming of the day she will be able to introduce her granddaughter to the joys of hiking.

Contact Information
e-mail: vcollins@ssgi.com |  phone: 402.964.5602  |  fax: 402.963.4085

Professional Certifications

• Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)

Education
PhD of Philosophy  |  Industrial & Organizational Psychology
University of Nebraska-Lincoln  |  Lincoln, NE

Masters of Science  |  Industrial & Organizational Psychology
University of Nebraska-Omaha  |  Omaha, NE

Masters of Counseling
Austin Peay State University  |  Clarksville, TN

Bachelor of Science  |  Psychology
University of Maryland  |  College Park, MD

Paula’s one tough lady, from her Harley bike to her exercise routine, she knows how to push herself! She literally carries this work ethic and drive to succeed with her into the office. This upbeat, positive attitude rubs off on other Associates around her, creating a positive vibe in our Human Capital division.

Paula has more than 25 years of experience in human resource professional and leadership positions. She assists clients with total reward strategies, competitive market analysis, human resource compliance (including Affirmative Action plans and HR audits), assessment and optimization of internal HR business processes, and human resource system integrations, deployments and conversions. Her diverse background results from work in various industries, including financial services, oil and gas, consumer products and technology.

Paula has a strong practitioner point-of-view regarding day-to-day human resource operations and strategic planning processes. She has extensive experience in full-life-cycle project management methodology, global human resource and payroll systems conversions, merger and acquisition human resource integration and the development and implementation of compensation programs.

As a principal, Paula has honed her skills by conducting job analyses, writing job descriptions, conducting compensation market analyses for both executive and non-executive positions, and developing pay structures along with short- and long-term incentive plans. Paula also assists clients with HR compliance, through the development of Affirmative Action Plans. And, through the HR Assist® program, Paula provides professional advice and support that allows smaller organizations to staff their human resource functions at an administrative level.

Paula is active with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and a member of its local chapter, the Human Resource Association of the Midlands (HRAM). Paula’s other professional affiliations include the American Payroll Association (APA) and IHRIM – the leading professional association for knowledge, education and solutions supporting the Human Resource Information Management community. She is also involved in World at Work, a non-profit organization focused on global human resource issues. Its affiliate organization, World at Work Society of Certified Professionals, is the certifying body for the prestigious Certified Compensation Professional (CCP).

Contact Information
e-mail: ppeacher@ssgi.com |  phone: 402.964.5548  |  fax: 402.963.5555

Professional Certifications

• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)
• Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)

Education
Associate of Arts  |  Accounting
North Iowa Area Community College  |  Mason City, IA

As an avid skier, Merle is well acquainted with fresh powder and moguls. As a psychologist, he is well acquainted with ego bumps. As a Principal for SilverStone Group, Merle takes the same dedication he has for skiing and translates it into increasing the effectiveness of people in the workplace based on proven psychological and management approaches. With experience in the fields of psychology and management consulting, he helps organizations hire the best, develop their leaders and create great work cultures.

Merle has developed his consulting skills by managing a wide range of projects over the last ten years. He handles individual assessment, 360° feedback and leadership coaching. At the organizational level, he manages employee engagement surveys, implements culture change initiatives and provides succession planning and selection services. Merle also facilitates strategic planning. Merle says it’s the variety of his work that he enjoys most. Every project provides a new challenge and the opportunity to work with exceptionally bright people to solve important problems. He feels privileged to collaborate with clients who are excited about and value the services he loves providing.

Merle received a PhD in Consulting Psychology from Alliant International University, with research interests in global leadership, personnel selection validation and employee engagement. Merle is active in both his professional and local community. He is a graduate of Leadership Omaha. Merle is President of the Zeta Psi Omicron Alumni Board and he is President of his homeowners association. He is a member of HR People & Strategy, the Society of Consulting Psychology, the Society for Industrial/Organizational Psychology and SilverStone Group’s Wellness Activity Group (WAG). Merle has served on the WAG committee for six years and is currently chairperson. WAG mentors associates in developing and maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. His leadership roles and his experience with our wellness plan are invaluable to his clients.

Dr. Riepe’s knowledge of human behavior and systems, his expertise in assessment and his experience in facilitating change enable him to provide innovative, practical and principled consulting services that are crafted to meet clients’ critical needs. Merle’s relentless commitment to a successful outcome is what separates him from the rest. Although Merle is dedicated to his work, he makes time to hit the slopes at one of his favorite ski resorts. If you see him at the lodge, he is likely to strike up a conversation with you, whether it’s about moguls or egos!

Contact Information
e-mail: mriepe@ssgi.com |  phone: 402.964.5515  |  fax: 402.963.4085

Professional Title

• Organizational Psychologist

Education
PhD of Philosophy  |  Consulting Psychology
Alliant International University |  San Diego, CA

Master of Science  |  Consulting Psychology
Alliant International University |  San Diego, CA

Bachelor of Science  |  Psychology
Nebraska Wesleyan University |  Lincoln, NE

Danielle considers herself mom to Remington and Fletcher, but the two soft-coated Wheaten Terriers have had to share her attention lately. That’s because Danielle welcomed a baby girl, Vivienne, into the world last August. Through all her parenting experiences – new and old – she has learned the importance of consistency and discipline. These two qualities translate easily into Danielle’s work as a senior Human Capital consultant with experience in measuring organizational culture, performance management, selection systems and outplacement services. 

As a Senior Consultant, Danielle takes a holistic approach to her work to help people perform their best ensuring businesses thrive. Her expertise includes leadership and organizational development via management training, executive team building, and individual coaching. She also assists clients with the development of selection and performance management systems as well as leveraging organizational culture and facilitating outplacement services.

Danielle’s passion for developing leaders and helping organizations stems from her experience in the field, as well as her thorough understanding of best practices. Her clients can count on her to effectively implement cutting-edge and conventional methods to assist with their Human Capital needs. Danielle serves as adjunct faculty for various universities in the Omaha community teaching Organizational Psychology and Advanced Statistics. She is also an elected member of the steering committee for the Omaha Women’s Fund Young Professional Circles Group. Danielle is a member of the Society of Industrial Organizational Psychology and Applied Psychological Science where she presents her research findings and collaborates with others in her field.

When Danielle is not working, teaching or attending class, she enjoys spending time with her babies (all three of them). There’s nothing like a little dog and baby breath to help her relax at the end of the day.

Contact Information
e-mail: dcrough@ssgi.com |  phone: 402.964.5546  |  fax: 402.963.4085

Professional Certifications

• Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)

Education
PhD of Philosophy  |  Industrial & Organizational Psychology
University of Nebraska-Omaha|  Omaha, NE

Master of Arts  |  Industrial & Organizational Psychology
University of Nebraska- Omaha |  Omaha, NE

Bachelor of Arts  |  Industrial & Organizational Psychology
University of Minnesota |  Minneapolis, MN

Whether she’s running, working in her garden, fishing or skiing, Ashley enjoys spending time outdoors. She also likes spending time with her boxer, Hank, on walks. Ashley admires Hank’s curiosity for life, but it can sometimes get the best of him. He recently demonstrated this when he managed to chow down 17 hot dog and hamburger buns while left unattended for a short period of time. Hank keeps Ashley on her toes, which helps her stay prepared for what the consulting industry brings her way!

As a Human Capital Consultant, Ashley is dedicated to meeting client needs and helping them see the big picture in their organization. Her background in industrial/organizational psychology, coupled with her common sense approach and ability to balance science and practice, prove to be crucial in her work as a consultant. Ashley brings her outside perspective to help numerous clients, including those in education, financial services, healthcare, non-profits, production and utilities.

Ashley has experience in analyzing and documenting jobs, which serve as the foundation of many key organizational functions such as hiring, training, compensating employees and managing their performance. Her experience includes work environment scans and audits, as well as organizational design, restructuring and succession planning projects. On a regular basis, Ashley conducts research and analyzes data to answer questions and examines best practices and industry trends to help clients see how their policies and practices compare. She provides recommendations accordingly.

She is a Certified Compensation Professional, as well as a Global Remuneration Professional. Ashley’s education and experience in compensating and rewarding employees have helped her to focus clients on the importance of their total rewards strategy, which includes compensation, benefits, work-life, performance and recognition, and development and career opportunities.

She routinely provides clients with compensation recommendations to help them attract, motivate and retain talent. Furthermore, Ashley encourages a pay for performance culture and has helped clients design incentive plans to motivate desired employee behaviors that lead to positive organizational outcomes. Her analytical ability, critical-thinking skills and attention to detail prove very useful in helping clients with their compensation needs. 

Ashley is working towards her PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Her research interests include policies and practices regarding workplace flexibility and work-life fit, which pertains to making work “work” for both employers and their employees. She is a member of the Society for Industrial/Organizational Psychology and World at Work.

Contact Information
e-mail: athomalla@ssgi.com |  phone: 402.964.5409  |  fax: 402.963.4085

Education
Master of Arts  |  Industrial/Organizational Psychology
University of Nebraska-Omaha  |  Omaha, NE

Bachelor of Arts |  Psychology
University of Nebraska-Lincoln  |  Lincoln, NE

As an avid snowboarder and wakeboarder, there’s never a dull moment with Joel! His drive and enthusiasm shows even when he’s working with clients. Joel is passionate about his work and professional development, and he tries to convey that same excitement to clients and individuals he comes in contact with.

Joel brings five years of experience in the field of industrial/organizational psychology. From managing employee selection processes to conducting advanced statistical analyses, Joel has developed a strong background in research and implementation within Human Capital.

At SilverStone Group, Joel enjoys the fast-paced environment where he’s able to manage different projects with a variety of clients. He believes the Human Capital team has wonderful chemistry and he enjoys working as a team. With Joel’s educational background and expertise, he prides himself on being able to quickly satisfy clients’ needs, while at the same time delivering high-quality, heavily-researched and empirically-supported products and solutions. He’s an extremely focused individual with a talent for efficiency. Joel knows how to go the extra mile – or put in that extra hour of effort – to ensure clients receive products and services that he knows will help them build a better business.

Joel is a member of the Society of Industrial/Organizational Psychologists and the American Psychological Society. He continues to seek further knowledge and research while pursuing his Doctorate degree. When he’s not working, studying or boarding, you can likely find him spending quality time with his wife, Amanda, and daughters Marianne and Olivia.

Contact Information
e-mail: jbutler@ssgi.com |  phone: 402.964.5554 | fax: 402.964.5555

Education

PhD of Philosophy | Industrial & Organizational Psychology
University of Nebraska-Omaha | Omaha, NE

Master of Arts | Psychology
University of Nebraska-Omaha | Omaha, NE

Master of Business Administration
University of Nebraska-Omaha | Omaha, NE

Bachelor of Science | Psychology
Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw, GA

Cindy really cares about the people she works with — In fact, she considers them family (which is a good thing). As the go-to person for SilverStone Group’s Human Capital Consulting Team, Cindy is often called upon to make travel arrangements, field dozens of client calls, assist with client work and keep everyone’s schedule up-to-date. In short, she’s an organizational whirlwind, dynamic problem solver and proactive client advocate. Plus, she’s just darn nice to work with.

With 15-plus years of experience in the Human Capital division and over 30 years in business, Cindy’s experience includes survey input and report generation, compensation market analysis and affirmative action program analysis. Her professional skills are definitely a true asset to SilverStone Group.

 Cindy enjoys the client interaction and variety her job offers. Her interpersonal and management skills, along with a values-based approach to business and client work, provide her with the tools needed to contribute to the growth of the organization.

 Cindy serves on SilverStone Group’s Wellness Activity Group Committee (WAG), which is dedicated to helping Associates develop and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Cindy keeps her life active by golfing, jogging, biking and any other outdoor activity you can think of. After raising two active children, Cindy currently enjoys life as a grandparent.

Contact Information
e-mail: ctully@ssgi.com |  phone: 402.964.5549  |  fax: 402.963.5555