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).

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.

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, a Nevada resident since 2016, started his state service in June 2018 with the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Welfare and Supportive Services. Miles held various positions including Administrative Assistant, Executive Assistant, and Management Analyst. Currently, Miles takes on the dynamic position of Public Information Officer. In this capacity, he serves as the tribal and legislative liaison but also oversees public records, communication strategies, public relations, constituent services, and media relations.

Biography coming soon.