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About Modern

Hello!

Modern HR Collaborative partners with growing organizations to build thoughtful, people-centered HR systems that support both the business and the humans inside it. We believe structure and compliance don’t have to feel corporate or impersonal. They can be clear, supportive, and aligned with the relationships that make your organization strong.

Founded by Steph Ledbetter, Modern blends more than 20 years of HR experience with a modern, approachable style. We help founder-led teams move from informal, founder-carried people management to intentional, sustainable structure, creating clarity around roles, expectations, communication and accountability while protecting the culture that makes you unique.

At our core, we help leaders create structure without losing heart, so your people strategy supports growth, strengthens trust, and keeps your organization both compliant and deeply human.

Modern HR Collaborative

The Modern HR Collaborative team
Steph Ledbetter, founder and CEO

Founder & CEO

Steph Ledbetter, MA

I founded Modern HR Collaborative to fill a critical need: giving smaller organizations access to the kind of strategic HR partnership usually reserved for large companies. With more than 20 years in HR, I specialize in aligning people strategy with business strategy, driving meaningful growth, strengthening leadership capacity and building organizations where culture and performance move in the same direction.

I grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska, and have deep roots in this community. My approach is practical, strategic and deeply people-focused. I partner with founders, executives and boards to build scalable HR frameworks, elevate leadership practices and create real alignment between people, processes and long-term goals, so they can grow with confidence and purpose.

Outside of work, I’m a wife and a mom to two daughters, and we live on an acreage just outside Lincoln. My family is a big part of why I built Modern the way I did. I believe people do their best work when they’re cared for and have room for a full life outside of it.

20+ years in HR · MA in Organizational Leadership, Gonzaga University · Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Nebraska Wesleyan University · Executive development · Organizational design · Strategic planning · Culture transformation · Leadership coaching

Meet the team

The people behind your people strategy.

You’re not hiring a faceless service. You’re partnering with real people who will know your business, your leaders and your culture.

Steph Ledbetter, MA

Steph Ledbetter, MA

Founder & CEO

As Founder & CEO, I lead Modern’s vision and the strategy behind every partnership. I started Modern because I saw too many growing organizations doing HR alone or getting the cold, check-the-box version of it. I believe HR should be the opposite: relationship-first, focused on finding a way to say yes, and there for people through real life. Today I work alongside founders, executives and boards to build HR that grows with them.

My superpower
Seeing the people side and the business side at the same time, and finding the path that works for both.
Why people work
When people are cared for deeply, they give more to the work. I’ve seen it over and over, and it’s the reason Modern exists.
Off the clock
I’m a Lincoln, Nebraska native, married and a mom to two daughters.
Bailey Holien

Bailey Holien

Director of People & Culture

As Director of People & Culture, I partner with leaders and organizations to navigate the people side of their business with clarity, confidence and a human-centered approach. I provide strategic HR guidance across employee relations, compliance, performance, compensation, organizational development and day-to-day people operations, while building trusted partnerships with clients and their teams.

My superpower
Connecting with people in a genuinely human way. I lead with curiosity and care, and I build relationships where people feel heard, understood and comfortable being themselves. That trust is the foundation for everything else I do!
Why people work
I believe work should be a place people actually want to be, surrounded by strong, collaborative relationships. When people feel cared for, they’re motivated to bring their best. And when they’re seen as a whole person, not just another employee, they feel safe, welcome and set up for success!
Off the clock
You’ll usually find me outside with my Great Dane, Nova, walking the trails around a nearby lake or exploring a new hike. I also love experimenting in the kitchen and creating my own recipes!
Melissa De Jesus

Melissa De Jesus

HR Project Manager

As HR Project Manager, I partner with clients to strengthen their people operations and bring structure to their HR initiatives. I lead projects, streamline processes and provide thoughtful HR support that allows leaders to focus on their people and business priorities.

My superpower
Bringing clarity, organization and momentum to complex projects. I naturally see how the details connect to the bigger picture and know how to keep priorities moving forward.
Why people work
I believe great HR is built on genuine relationships. I enjoy creating an experience where clients feel heard, supported and confident knowing they have a thoughtful partner invested in their success.
Off the clock
I’m a proud mom of two who enjoys outdoor walks, exploring new restaurants, trying viral social media recipes and discovering my next favorite meal.
Tala Roque

Tala Roque

Marketing & Communications

As Marketing & Communications, I bring the Modern brand to life across every channel. I build and manage our website and social media, design our graphics and videos, and shape campaign ideas from first concept to final post. I also lead our outreach and the resources that connect us with new leaders, making sure everything we share feels as thoughtful and human as the work we do with clients.

My superpower
Saying yes to the unfamiliar. I approach every new task with an open mind, dive in, and give it my all, so no project is ever too new to try.
Why people work
Work is how we grow. Every skill we build makes us better at what we do and better able to give back to the communities around us. And as we contribute, we learn from others too, so when we keep improving ourselves, everyone around us gets better with us.
Off the clock
You’ll find me on the pickleball court, at the table for board game night, or binge-watching my latest favorite show with a roasted hojicha milk tea in hand. I’m also a proud cartoon geek!
Ella Schenk

Ella Schenk

Business Assistant

As Business Assistant, I provide organized, dependable support that keeps client projects, communication and daily operations running smoothly. I turn HR documentation and administrative details into clear, polished work, from preparing client materials to keeping timelines and files on track. Behind the scenes, I make sure nothing falls through the cracks, so our team can stay focused on what matters most: delivering thoughtful, high-quality results for every client we partner with.

My superpower
Working behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly. Every day brings a fresh opportunity, and I love organizing and planning so our team always has a strong, polished foundation to build on.
Why people work
We work to put the talents we were given to good use. People are meant to belong to a community that looks out for its members and shares a common purpose.
Off the clock
Dance fills most of my year. Outside the studio, I’m usually out for a run, trying a new recipe in the kitchen or enjoying a girls’ night out!

Interested in joining us? Introduce yourself

How we show up

Our values aren’t a poster. They’re how we work.

Connection

We lead with relationship. People are the heart of what we do, and trust is the foundation of every partnership.

Nimble

Growing organizations move fast. We adapt with you, meeting each season with practical, right-sized solutions.

Polish

Thoughtful, well-crafted work in everything we deliver, from a single policy to a full HR system.

Grounded

Steady, honest and calm guidance, especially when the situation is hard.

Steph at her desk, smiling

Life at Modern

We practice what we partner on.

Our team runs on the same things we help clients build: clear expectations, real trust and honest, caring conversations. We go to each other first, celebrate each other’s wins and treat feedback as a way to grow together.

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Your next step

Let’s get to know each other.

Book a complimentary consult and we’ll talk through where your organization is today, where you want to go, and which partnership fits.

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