Executive Staff

As an ADSD deputy administrator, Jill Berntson is responsible for oversight of programs that provide community-level resources to assist seniors and people with severe disabilities and their families in helping them to live as independently as possible. Prior to her appointment as deputy administrator, Jill has worked for DHHS as a social worker for child protective services and elder protective services and providing case management for recipients of community-based care services; as social work supervisor and social services manager; and most recently as the social services chief for the Elder Rights Program. During her tenure with DHHS, Jill has worked with national experts to develop best practices related to elder protective services and the advocacy for older adults. Her experience working with older adults spans over 21 years. Jill holds Bachelor’s degrees in social work and psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Lisa has over 17 years of state service, of which 15 ½ years has been within Developmental Services and Behavioral Health under the Department of Health and Human Services, primarily serving in Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement roles. She has also worked as an Executive Branch Auditor in the Division of Internal Audits under the Governor’s Finance Office, and was most recently the Agency Manager of Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health where she was responsible for a 30-bed inpatient Psychiatric Hospital and Outpatient Behavioral Health Services. In August 2017, Lisa was appointed Deputy Administrator of Developmental Services for the Aging and Disability Services Division. She is responsible for statewide developmental services provided through Desert Regional Center, Rural Regional Center and Sierra Regional Center. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Master’s Degree in Business Administration and is Green Belt certified in Lean Six Sigma.

Rique Robb serves as Deputy Administrator over Children’s Services for ADSD and is responsible for all Nevada Early Intervention programs serving children from birth to three and the Autism Treatment Assistance Program. Rique has experience in the development and implementation of community-based programs ensuring children with special needs have a full, inclusive community living experience. She brings an understanding of the management and delivery of communication access services to persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, and persons with speech disabilities. Prior to her appointment as the Deputy Administrator, Rique began her state career in 2012 at the Department of Health and Human Services, Director’s Office, working with community partners and other state agencies on the expansion and implementation of a respite support system for families caring for persons with disabilities. Rique has served as the Executive Director of the RAVE Family Foundation, Director of the Nevada Commission for Persons who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing or Speech Impaired, Chief of Disability Services for the Department of Health and Human Services, Specialist over the Differential Response (DR) and Family Resource Centers (FRC) programs and over 30 years’ experience working with children and individuals with disabilities. She is a strong leader and a caring advocate for the vulnerable populations of Nevada.

 

Homa Sayyar Woodrum serves as Advocacy Attorney for the ADSD, where she specializes in elder and disability rights.  Homa has been licensed to practice law in the State of Nevada since October of 2007. Homa graduated from the William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada Las Vegas in May of 2007 with her Juris Doctorate. Prior to law school she earned her BSBA in International Business at UNLV and has lived in Nevada since July 2000 after relocating from Wasilla, Alaska.

 

Elder law practice found Homa as a law clerk and later as an associate attorney. Prior to joining ADSD, she represented protected persons, guardians, family members, and more in guardianship as well as probate courts. Though the State Bar of Nevada does not certify any attorney as an expert, Homa's past cases include numerous matters involving financial exploitation, physical abuse, and isolation of older persons in the civil arena, including trials. Her legal background also includes time as an adjunct professor at UNLV's William S. Boyd School of Law, recognition for extensive pro bono service, as well as a history of disability rights advocacy and public speaking.

 

Homa relocated to Northern Nevada and left private practice to assume the role of Chief Advocacy Attorney at ADSD in January of 2017. Her goals include balancing current protective measures and services with lifespan advocacy to ensure self-determination and autonomy as well as access to justice for Nevadans served by ADSD and those who care about and for them.

 

 

Jennifer has been with the Department of Health and Human Services since 2003; beginning her career in the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services. During her time with the Welfare Division she was an eligibility supervisor, quality control specialist, and program specialist. In 2010, she transitioned to the Division of Health Care Financing and Policy where she held the roles of Chief of Provider Support and Chief of Long Term Services and Supports. Within these positions, Jennifer had oversight of numerous programs including Home and Community Based Services, Personal Care Services, Home Health, Transportation, and facility care. In October of 2017, Jennifer was appointed Agency Manager of Quality Assurance for the Aging and Disability Services. She is responsible for program and systems improvement to ensure the delivery of quality services through sound, data-driven decisions and actions. She also holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Winona State University.