Staff Spotlight: Amy Proffitt - executive secretary at the Science Focus Program

November 14, 2025

Every week, we shine a spotlight on one Lincoln Public Schools staff member! This week, meet Amy Proffitt, executive secretary at the Science Focus Program.

“Amy is the heart of our program. She is organized, proactive, and thoughtful in all she does and SHE DOES A LOT. Whether working as nurse, hostess, attendance, recruiter, or office professional, her positive attitude and smile are always present.” - Hunter Shellhase, Science Focus Program Campus Supervisor

In a few sentences, briefly describe your role at LPS.
I am the executive secretary at the Science Focus Program. Because we are such a small program, I am the only office professional. So I do many of the roles that would be multiple people at the larger high schools. I am the executive secretary, attendance secretary, registrar, bookkeeper, payroll, health tech, etc. I love the variety in the role and every day brings something new to learn and a new adventure.

How long have you worked for LPS?
I've been working at LPS since the fall of 2008. I began my career at Lincoln Southeast and moved to the Science Focus Program in 2017.

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
I love working with students and families. I originally set my goals to be a teacher, but once I started working at LPS and SFP, I found this role to be very rewarding.

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
Because we are such a small community of learners, I am able to build meaningful relationships with our students and families. I strive to create a safe, welcoming and stable environment for all of our students and staff every day.

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
I grew up in Lincoln and attended Ruth Hill Elementary, Pound Middle School, Southeast High School (LSE) and was even part of the inaugural class at Arts and Humanities Focus Program my senior year of high school!

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
After graduating from LSE, I attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln for two years and began working towards my Bachelor of Arts degree in fine art. I transferred to Colorado State University my junior year and graduated with a BA in fine art and art education. I moved to Idaho after college and taught art to elementary students via the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho. I also coached soccer for a few seasons at Bonneville High School in Idaho Falls, Idaho. I wanted to continue working in education when I returned to Lincoln, so LPS was the natural choice.

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
There is so much to love about Lincoln. I love the small town feel in a larger city, and I love that Lincoln is inclusive. I love the city parks and bike trails, the Lincoln City Libraries, Husker sports, the various seasons and weather, LPS and so much more. I didn't fully appreciate Lincoln until I lived away for a few years. I really missed the Lincoln community and have not regretted returning and raising my family here.

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
I have loved reading books all my life so it is really hard to pick one! I will say, I was most excited to share the Harry Potter series with my daughter. I was hooked on the series beginning in high school and reread the books many times over into adulthood (which is unusual for me.) I love that the series has helped foster a love of reading for not only myself and my daughter, but so many other people as well.

Share a shout out to a former teacher who impacted your life.
There are so many teachers in LPS who hold a very special place in my heart. I've even had the honor and joy to work with many of them in my professional career at LPS. But my sixth grade teacher, Barbara Estergard, was a very special teacher to me. She was so warm, caring and nurturing. Her incredible creativity, humor and heart made it a joy to learn in her classroom every day. She was exactly what I needed in a teacher at that point in my life.

Do you know a LPS staff member we should feature for Staff Spotlight? Fill out this form to nominate them!

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