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 overseeing children's services. She brings over 30 years of experience working with children and individuals with disabilities.

Appointed as Deputy Administrator in October 2022, Ellen oversees the division’s fiscal, human resources, information technology, and policy development activities. She joined the Department of Health and Human Services in 2008, and since then has served in a variety of fiscal and analytics roles including Deputy Director of Fiscal Services and Actuarial Economist for Nevada Medicaid. Her focus is building teams to provide effective and efficient administrative support for the division’s programs that serve Nevada’s elders 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 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).

Jeff was appointed as the Agency Manager in May 2022 and is responsible for overseeing the Community Based Care (CBC) and the Planning, Advocacy, and Community Services (PAC) units. Prior to his current role, Jeff served as a Social Service Chief with ADSD for 10 years. Before migrating to Nevada, Jeff worked in the Kansas health and human services field working with children in need of care and juvenile offenders. Jeff has a passion for serving his fellow Nevadans and working with others to make a difference for families across the great State of Nevada.

Carrie Embree was appointed in 2018 as the Governor’s Consumer Health Advocate and is responsible for the Office for Consumer Health Assistance. She is a 5th generation Nevadan raised in Reno and graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a degree in Social Work. Prior to her appointment, Carrie served in numerous positions within Community Based Care and most recently, as Chief of Adult Protective Services advocating for the expansion of Elder Protective Services to a full Adult Protective Services program serving vulnerable adults and persons over 60 years of age.

Miles Terrasas serves as the Public Information Officer and Legislative Liaison. He leads statewide communications, including public relations, media relations, and public records management, while also coordinating the divisions legislative activities. Miles ensures that ADSD communications remain clear, consistent and in line with the division's objectives.

Shauna Brennan is the Nevada Attorney for the Rights of Older Person, Persons with a Disability, and Intellectual Disability or a Related Condition by Governor Lombardo (term May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2028). Shauna is an experienced attorney passionate about protecting the legal rights of older persons and persons with a disability or related condition. A long time Nevadan, Shauna calls Henderson home. Shauna has lived experience with disabilities, as her two daughters’ dyslexia has presented opportunities for exceptional advancement and personalized learning. Shauna finds inspiration from Helen Keller, a true overcomer and role model for leading with different abilities.