Marlene Knerl

Marlene grew up in a little mountain town in southern Oregon, about 18 miles from the coast. The population of her hometown was 600 people and she estimates that at least a quarter of the residents were her own relatives! She remembers the fun and freedom of getting to roam and play through the whole town and surrounding countryside. 

After relocating to Nebraska from Oregon, Marlene earned her Master’s in Community Counseling from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She chose to work in the family services field because her dream is to advocate for families in need and help them create stable home environments where children receive the love and care they need. 

Marlene’s own family includes her husband, two sons, three daughters and many precious grandchildren. In between her work with Compass and spending time with her family, she also makes time to play with and care for all the animals and pets in her life! Marlene enjoys construction projects and is currently restoring an old barn. She also rides dirt bikes and is hoping to get her own go-kart someday.