Executive Staff

Dena is a fourth generation Nevadan, raised in Lake Tahoe. She graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a degree in Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations. Dena began her career with the state as an eligibility worker for the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services in their Elko office in 2001.  She has served in various roles within the Department of Health and Human Services before being appointed the Administrator of ADSD in August of 2017. 

Rique was born and raised in Nevada. She began her state career in 2012 at the Department of Health and Human Services, Director’s Office. She worked with community partners and other state agencies on the expansion and implementation of a respite support system for families caring for persons with disabilities. In 2017 Rique was appointed Deputy Administrator and is responsible for children’s services, aging services, and disability services. She brings over 30 years of experience working with children and individuals with disabilities.

 

 

 

Jessica graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a degree in Health Science.  She worked as a community provider supporting people with disabilities for over 12 years, before beginning her state career in 2010 at Rural Regional Center in the quality assurance department.  In July of 2019, Jessica was appointed a Deputy Administrator of ADSD.  She is responsible for home and community-based services for older adults, individuals with physical disabilities, and individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, as well as the state-run Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (ICF/IID). 

 

Jennifer has been with the Department of Health and Human Services since 2003, beginning her career in the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services.  Since that time, she has also been with the Division of Health Care Financing and Policy. In 2017, Jennifer was appointed Manager of Quality Assurance for the Aging and Disability Services Division. She is responsible for program and systems improvement to ensure the delivery of quality services through sound, data-driven decisions, and actions. 

Nikki is a 5th generation Nevadan who has over 25 years of experience, spanning in both the public and private sectors. She has held leadership roles with Southwest Airlines in several of their key cities. In 2012, Nikki began her career with the State of Nevada in the Office of Governor Brian Sandoval. She worked as the Constituent Service Officer handling constituent inquiries, as well as the Boards and Commissions Program Officer assisting with gubernatorial appointments. She brings strong leadership roles to ADSD and knowledge of building relationships with the public, media, and other agencies.

Jennifer is a native Nevadan, a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, and Gonzaga University School of Law.  Before joining the state, she worked for various legal aid organizations providing advocacy for seniors and vulnerable adults, including extensive work defending individuals under guardianship proceedings. She has the distinction of having argued a case in front of the Nevada Supreme Court.