Executive Staff
The Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD) helps all of Nevada's elders and adults and children with disabilities or special health care needs to live independent, meaningful and dignified lives in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs.
Dena Schmidt, Administrator
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 Robb, Deputy Administrator of Aging and Disability Services
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, 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. She
brings over 30 years’ of experience working with children and individuals with
disabilities.
Jeff Haag, Deputy Administrator of HR, Fiscal Services, & Information Technology
Jessica Adams, Deputy Administrator of Developmental Services
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 Frischmann, Manager of Quality Assurance Division
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 Haag, Public Information Officer
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.