Executive Staff

  Dena Schmidt serves as the Administrator for ADSD and is responsible for oversight of Lifespan Services to ensure the provision of effective supports and services to meet the needs of individuals and families. Dena began her career with the state in 2001. She has held various positions within the Department including Medicaid Program Specialist, during the implementation of the Health Care reform, Chief of Supportive Services for the Division of Aging and Disability Services, and Deputy Director where she was responsible for managing the Director’s office programs, Department legislative coordination and oversight of health policy and program coordination across the Department’s five divisions.
Dena is a fourth generation Nevadan and graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a degree in Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations. Dena serves as a member of Governor Sandoval’s Interagency Council on Homelessness, Council on Developmental Disabilities, and has been actively involved in creating the Health Information Technology and Data Analytics team to improve data driven decision making across the Department.

 

Lisa has over 20 years of experience supporting and advocating for individuals with intellectual, developmental and psychiatric disabilities.  She started state service in August 2000, primarily serving in Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement roles within Developmental Services and Behavioral Health under the Department of Health and Human Services. She has also worked as an Executive Branch Auditor in the Division of Internal Audits under the Governor’s Finance Office, and as 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 (DRC) to include DRC’s state-run Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ICF/IID), Rural Regional Center (RRC) and Sierra Regional Center (SRC).  She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a Minor in Women’s Studies, 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.

Nikki Haag serves as the Health Program Specialist and Public Information Officer for ADSD. She is the division’s communications contact for media relations, social media, and health policy research. 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.