Amber

Hello! My name is Amber! I’m from a little itty-bitty town in Nebraska called Loomis. Home of the Wolves! I’m a sophomore at UNK studying communication disorders. I hope to use my degree to become a speech language pathologist. Before I start my school day I absolutely LOVE to get a Symphony White Mocha and a cinnamon roll! They are A-MAZING! Other than school and work, I love to snuggle up with a good book and read the day away!

Mandie

Hi, I’m Mandie I am a senior psychology/pre-nursing major, health science minor at UNK. Being able to work at Baristas is such a privilege because I have loved coffee for a while now and used to pretty much live here my first few years of school. I love talking to people as well as being able to make a variety of good drinks. Usually I just get regular coffee when I come, but I love jamo’s with 2 shots of espresso or caramel rocket chai’s. Outside of school and work, I love being at the gym or baking something yummy

Steph

Hi! My name is Steph and I’m a student at UNK. I’m from Ames, Iowa, so I ended up in Kearney so I could study language interpretation and translation as an official major. I’m also in the Pride of the Plains Marching Band and the UNK Wind Ensemble, but I still find time to see my favorite people at my favorite coffee shop almost daily. My favorite drink would have to be the one I made up: a strawberry smoothie topped off with milk to make it extra smooth–yum!

Jasmine

Hello Everyone! It is good to be back at Barista’s! In case you didn’t know I am from the “original crew” in which I spent the the first 5 years of Barista’s creation manning the bar and developing our Barista Select Wine Dept.  After getting married and finishing college my husband and I enjoyed a brief sorjourn to Lincoln where I managed The Lodge at Wilderness Ridge before coming back to Kearney and working at UNK as the Assistant Director of Dining  Services. Neither of those jobs inspired me the way our staff and customers do. I am so happy to be back where I belong working with such a great team.  I look forward to seeing you in the shop – so stop by for a delicious cup of coffee and my smile!

Chelsea

Hi! My name is Chelsea and I’m a junior at UNK. My major is Elementary Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood Development. I hope to teach in my own Kindergarten or First grade classroom one day! I enjoy running, DIY craft projects, and snuggling up with a good book. My love affair with Barista’s began at first sip (of my favorite drink, carrot cake chai, that is) and I’ve been hooked ever since! I’m blessed to work at the greatest place on Earth with the greatest barista family a girl could wish for. I look forward to chatting with you soon!

Jordan

Hey! My name is Jordan and Barista’s is my home away from home. Whether it’s for a quick cup of coffee before class or a protein shake after a workout, I always seem to find myself back at Barista’s Daily Grind. I’m in my senior year of classes at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. I’m an Exercise Science student working towards minors in both Biology and Psychology. My dream job would be practicing physical therapy in a town much like Kearney. As you can guess, most of my free time is spent studying for school, but when I’m not studying you can usually find me at the local CrossFit gym. My favorite drink is a latte. There’s something special about our shots of espresso mixed with some creamy steamed milk.

Sara

Hi! My name is Sara and I love everything about coffee! It is what got me through college, and now just starts my day off right with a smile! I like my coffee piping hot no matter how hot it is outside.  Aside from my life at Baristas, I have a dog named Jude whom I completely ADORE and love spending my free time with! He is by far my best friend . When I’m not working, there is a good chance you will see me in the drive through with Jude hanging out the window waiting for a treat! Baristas is such a special place, the memories I have made here, whether it be with co-workers or a close friend catching up on old times, I am just so pleased to be a part of it! My home away from home!

Mike

Hey everyone, my name is Mike!  I have been a part of Barista’s Daily Grind since 2006!  It was a privileged to serve alongside Cathy, Steve and Ryan.  I have learned so much from thier experience and passion.  This fun and fast paced job has fueled me through my 6 year undergraduate degree at UNK.  I finally received my Undergraduate in History with a minor in French in May of 2012.   As many of you already know I eat, sleep and breath Barista’s so I hope to continue my lifelong love affair with this staff and great community!

Kari

Hey I’m Kari! I am brand new on campus this year, and now to Baristas as well.  I have a double major in English and Philosophy, but I also love music.  My favorite drink is a white mocha with cookie dough and macadamia nut. I can’t wait to meet all of you!

Katherine

Hi, my name is Katherine and I am a Kearney native. I enjoy acting, singing and playing the flute. Because of my interest in the arts, I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from UNK. Having the opportunity to share my talents with others is something is I truly enjoy. After living in the Gibbon area for some time, my husband Nolan and I recently decided to move back to Kearney. Being a veteran barista, I am happy to be back & join the team again!

Lewen

Hi, my name is Lewen and I am pretty new to the Barista’s team and I’m loving every minute of it! I was born in Kearney but I am actually from Hill City a small town in northwestern Kansas. This is my third year at UNK where I am majoring in social science education with an emphasis in political science. I like to keep things simple so my favorite drink is coffee with cream, you can not go wrong with a classic cup of coffee.

Leah 

Hi, my name is Leah! I’m not in school now, but was about 9 years ago when I took the CCC Hastings program on Culinary Arts/Resaurant Management. So as u can guess I love to cook and try new foods. My husband and I also love to travel. We have been to nearly ever state in the US and a couple of countries! I have been called a “coffeeholic” by some. My favorite drink in any weather is multiple shots of espresso with ice and only 1 oz of water. Sometimes I will add a shot of flavor and almond milk. Another favorite on cold days is the Mexican mocha, so sweet and spicy. Oh and a small 4 shot Peppermint Breve is amazing too. Just too many to choose from. Hope to meet you soon and learn what your favorite drinks are! (Picture to follow)

Josh

The military man, served 9 years with 2 overseas deployments to two different war zones. On his second deployment in Afghanistan, as the chaplain assistant for a cavalry and infantry unit, Josh showed his passion for coffee after spending his own money to open up a shop in the base chapel. Since he didn’t have any previous barista experience josh had to teach himself (with a little support and help from Ryan Dennhardt and the Barista’s family). Josh is a senior at UNK where he studies philosophy and history, he plans to go to graduate school for counseling in either Denver, Portland or Seattle. Fitting to his major, Josh loves craft beers, a good scotch (Macallan’s 12 year and Lagavulin 16 year) and of course a cigar or pipe joined with a solid book. To top it off, Josh loves to watch and play soccer, as well as cycling and skiing. (Picture to follow)

Alex (Picture to follow)