THE WAYS TEAM
Lisa NielseN
Owner | Visionary | CEO
Lisa is the driving force and visionary behind WAYS Interiors. From a solo venture into a dynamic collective team of ten talented women, she’s cultivated a firm celebrated for creativity, collaboration, and excellence.
Her passion for design is matched by her dedication to building a supportive and empowering workplace culture, one that has transformed WAYS into the thriving, forward-thinking firm it is today. With clear vision and unwavering commitment, Lisa inspires the team to push creative boundaries while fostering collaboration and nurturing talent. Her leadership continues to shape both the company’s future and the beautiful, personalized spaces they create.
Lisa excels at crafting stunning, functional homes tailored to busy professionals. From the first spark of a vision through to the final installation, she is devoted to ensuring every project’s success and delivering homes that clients love to live in.
Outside the office, she thrives when hosting in her home and spending time with her family. She’s rarely seen without a smile, and always has a new book or Audible queued up, feeding her passion for continuous learning.
Favorite Things: Family, boating, great vino, and creating amazing spaces.
Ashley dickes
Operations Director
Ashley is the steady hand and operational backbone of the firm. With a background in corporate Operational Excellence, executive management, and information mapping, she brings structure to the creative, making sure everything runs seamlessly while empowering the team to do their best work.
She leads with a deep, inside out knowledge of all things WAYS, owning our processes, refining our workflows, and ensuring our team is always equipped to deliver at the highest level. She’s the go-to for big-picture planning, day-to-day execution, and everything in between. She strives to make sure every project, person, and system is supported, so that bold ideas can come to life without a hitch.
When she’s not at the office, you’ll likely find Ashley out in her cutting garden, dreaming up a new home project, or working on a painting. She and her husband of 20 years share a love for travel and are always on the hunt for their next great adventure around the world.
Favorite Things: Photography, art, globe-trotting, fine dining, and her two Mini Schnauzers (Grigia & Gunner).
Amy thomas
Finance Director
Amy is the financial anchor at WAYS Interiors, expertly managing the financial details of client projects to ensure budgets stay balanced and payments flow smoothly. Her keen attention to detail and proactive approach keep the financial side moving forward, helping turn design visions into reality without delay.
Beyond numbers, she plays a critical role in shaping WAYS’ financial strategy and long-term stability. As part of the leadership team, she helps to maintain transparent communication and ensure financial processes run efficiently. Her collaborative mindset and problem-solving skills make her a trusted team member.
As a respected leader, Amy supports the growth and well-being of the team, fostering our WAYS culture. Her steady presence helps maintain the balance between creativity and business operations, allowing WAYS Interiors to thrive.
Amy’s idea of a perfect weekend includes cozy time with her family, a good book in hand, and a glass of white wine, usually enjoyed on a perfectly styled WAYS sofa, of course. She brings that same love of comfort and order to the way she manages the firm’s finances: with care, clarity, and a steady hand that helps keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
Favorite Things: Starbucks, family, running The Special Spaces charity with her husband, reading, and wine.
April alford
Operations Assistant
April supports the team across social media, product ordering, and delivery coordination, helping ensure both day-to-day operations and client-facing moments run smoothly. Organized and adaptable, she manages behind-the-scenes logistics while keeping the office polished, prepared, and client-ready.
With a natural ability to balance structure and flexibility, April approaches each task with a thoughtful, can-do mindset. From coordinating vendor and client deliveries to supporting installs and keeping details on track, she plays an important role in maintaining both efficiency and consistency across projects.
April is also the creative voice behind WAYS’ social media presence. She curates content, shares project highlights, and offers an authentic look into the work and culture of the firm, helping reflect the personality and polish of WAYS beyond the space itself.
Outside of work, April has a passion for skincare and enjoys sharing her knowledge with the team. A dedicated planner and list-maker, she brings that same organized, intentional approach to everything she does.
Favorite Things: Skincare and makeup, photography, and singing!
annie neal
Project Manager
Annie plays a key role in keeping projects organized, documented, and moving forward. Thoughtful and detail-oriented, she brings consistency and clarity to every phase of a project, earning the trust of both clients and trade partners through her steady, reliable approach.
In her role as Project Manager, Annie is focused on execution and follow-through. She keeps timelines on track, communication clear, and details accounted for, all while maintaining a calm, positive presence. A natural problem solver, she approaches challenges with creativity and practicality, helping projects move smoothly from start to finish.
Outside of work, Annie’s favorite place to recharge is in the stands cheering on her kids at volleyball and baseball games. That same energy and commitment show up in her work each day, where she brings organization, momentum, and a can-do attitude to every project she supports.
Favorite Things: Family, home improvement and DIY, art, hanging out in her backyard, and a good Sauvignon Blanc.
Breanna cortinas
Lead Interior Designer
Breanna brings a strong foundation in interior design to the WAYS team, paired with a signature style that is both artful and approachable. Known for her eclectic sensibility, she has an eye for layered textures, bold art, and storied pieces, approaching each project with creativity, intention, and a touch of the unexpected.
She especially enjoys diving into tile and countertop selections, where materiality and personality come together in thoughtful ways. Breanna is passionate about helping clients craft spaces that feel deeply personal while remaining functional and livable.
Outside of design, Breanna enjoys exploring national parks, catching live music, and championing rescue pups. A self-proclaimed expert couponer, she also has a knack for uncovering Omaha’s best hidden gems—bringing that same curiosity and resourcefulness into her design work.
Favorite Things: Large Coke's from McDonalds, my nail lady, Veronika, and my two dogs Nola and Lily.
Mckenzie clark
Interior Designer
McKenzie brings a deep understanding of our process, culture, and clients to her work. Her steady growth within the team has made her a go-to for delivering well-rounded, thoughtful designs and staying ahead of every detail from concept to completion.
She’s known for her calm, consistent presence and her ability to manage projects with care, creativity, and precision. Whether she’s sourcing just the right piece or collaborating closely with clients, McKenzie brings a grounded, people-first approach to every design.
McKenzie has a knack for finding the magic in the everyday. She’s often out and about discovering Omaha’s newest hidden gems, supporting small businesses and drawing inspiration from the charm, creativity, and character she finds along the way. That same eye for detail and originality shines through in everything she creates at WAYS.
Favorite Things: Rainy days, road trips, old houses, thrifting, and iced coffee.
JOZLYN ZANDT
Interior Designer
Jozlyn brings a fresh perspective and vibrant energy to every project. Her interior design voice leans toward bold choices, unexpected patterns, and the occasional pop of animal print, adding personality and confidence to the spaces she helps create.
She plays a hands-on role throughout the design process, supporting both clients and the design team with everything from thoughtful space planning to styling and installation. With a focus on merging function with flair, Jozlyn works to ensure each space feels intentional, layered, and inviting.
Always positive and endlessly curious, Jozlyn brings creativity, warmth, and a collaborative spirit to the team. Outside of work, she enjoys hands-on projects, meaningful time with loved ones, and recharging in nature—experiences that continue to fuel the fresh ideas and energy she brings to every design.
Favorite Things: Spending quality time with family and friends, hanging with her dog Winston, gardening, a good DIY project, and lake days!
HOLLY HILLYER
Design Assistant
Holly supports the design team as a Design Assistant while also working independently on select projects. With a natural eye for detail and an intuitive approach to design, she contributes across the design process, assisting with project development and helping bring ideas to life in a way that feels thoughtful and approachable.
Holly is known for her humor, heart, and ability to bring lightness to even the busiest days. Her positive energy and collaborative spirit make her a pleasure to work alongside and a strong cultural fit within the team.
Whether collaborating with designers or managing her own project work, Holly brings enthusiasm, creativity, and care to everything she does. A happy go-getter by nature, she’s always excited to share her latest finds and inspirations, adding warmth and personality to the work she’s involved in.
Outside of the studio, Holly enjoys spending quality time with her kids and brings that same sense of joy and dedication to her family life as she does to her work.
Favorite Things: Family, girl friends, shopping, lake life, discovering the little things that make a space feel like home, and a good horror movie with popcorn.
KYLIE MCQUEEN
Design Assistant
Kylie joined the team initially as a temporary intern and quickly made a lasting impression through her kind nature and genuine willingness to help wherever needed.
In her role, Kylie supports the team with a range of administrative and day-to-day office tasks, helping to keep operations running smoothly. From staying organized behind the scenes to maintaining a welcoming, well-kept workspace, she plays an important role in keeping the office in tip-top shape and supporting the wider team.
Favorite Things: Sushi dates, listening to Taylor Swift on late night drives, anything the color pink, a nice warm bubble bath.
MAddy wells
Design Assistant
Maddy supports the design team across a variety of projects by contributing and drawing on her existing experience past design experience, her knowledge of hard selections, and trade-related work.
Thoughtful and kind by nature, Maddy has quickly proven herself to be a fast learner and a strong team player. Her willingness to contribute and adapt has allowed her to make an impact early on, assisting with design tasks and supporting the team to deliver creative outcomes efficiently. Maddy has settled into the role with ease, assisting across design tasks and project support, and is steadily becoming a trusted part of the design process.
Favorite Things: Strolling the aisles of TJ Maxx, a good 2000s romcom, and a crisp Dr.Pepper.