Steven Zahm@ Kathy
RE: How do I add a search widget or shortcode to my home page to search this staff directory?
You’ll want the Widget Pack. It includes a search widget that can be placed in the theme’s sidebar or embedded in a page with a shortcode. Alternatively, or in addition to, all the premium templates includes search above the directory.
RE: Does the search use all fields?
The search will search the fields enabled on the Connections : Settings admin page under the Search tab.
RE: I’d like to include some hidden fields in listings, such as common misspellings and nicknames, that will be searched, but won’t show up in peoples’ listings.
Sorry, there is not such a feature built in. You could add this to the entry’s notes field and then not display the notes field but let the search return results found in the notes field.
I hope I have answered your questions thoroughly. Let me know.