UWSN's Early Childhood Education & Literacy Community Conversation

Samuel L. Rudd
President & CEO
United Way of Southern Nevada

With over 30 years of experience, Samuel L. Rudd has a wealth of expertise in operations, financial management, and non-profit management across diverse industries. His professional journey consists of leadership roles in both the non-profit and financial sectors.

Throughout his career, Sam has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills by successfully guiding teams to exceed their goals. His coaching acumen, creation of incentive programs, and implementation of cutting-edge technologies have effectively eliminated roadblocks hindering success, propelling his team members to flourish. Sam has extensive experience in mentoring, training, and building high-performance teams. His unwavering dedication to building a community in the workplace shines through in his interactions, exemplifying his genuine passion for people. Read more…

Julie Houchins
Senior Director of Early Education
United Way of Southern Nevada

Julie A. Houchins has been an integral part of our community for many years, demonstrating unwavering commitment to the advancement of early childhood education through her role as the Senior Director of Early Education at United Way of Southern Nevada. Her passion for this cause shines through in every aspect of her work, as she tirelessly develops and advocates for UWSN’s early childhood programs, including the impactful Nevada Ready! State Pre-K program.

Christina Vela
CEO – St. Jude’s Ranch

Dr. Christina Vela, DPP has more than two decades of professional and progressive human and social service experience that includes developing and administering foster care, homeless and supportive services to children, youth, transition age-youth and their families. She has worked at the non-profit level as the Executive Director and the Chief Program Officer for St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, a Manager for the Clark County Department of Family Services, Social Services Program Specialist for the State of Nevada and a Program Specialist for the Federal Administration for Children and Families-Children’s Bureau in Washington DC. More recently, Christina has been the Coordinator for the State of Nevada Coalition to Prevent the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children.

Christina holds her Doctorate in Public Policy and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. She is a proud alumnus of Emerge Nevada, Leadership Las Vegas Class of 2013, Jameson Fellows and Clark County Leadership Academy.

Denise Tanata, J.D.
Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Advisor – The Children’s Cabinet

Denise Tanata, J.D. is a private consultant and serves as the Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Advisor for The Children’s Cabinet. Denise has been working in the field of child advocacy in Nevada since 1998. She has extensive experience conducting applied research and policy analysis on children’s issues, with an emphasis on translating research and data to improve policy and practice.

Denise’s current projects are focused on improving Nevada’s early childhood system including the development of the First 5 Nevada website and eligibility portal, establishing a comprehensive governance structure, conducting fiscal and policy analysis, and facilitating the First 5 Nevada Leadership Academy, among others.

She previously served as the ECCS Director at The Children’s Cabinet, Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Alliance, and Executive Director of the Nevada Institute for Children’s Research and Policy (NICRP) in the School of Community Health Sciences at UNLV. Denise has a BA in Women’s Studies from UNLV, with a minor in Sociology and received her Juris Doctorate from the William S. Boyd School of Law.

Nicole Thomas
Director of Education Policy, Kenny Guinn Center for Policy Priorities – University of Nevada Reno

Dr. Nicole J. Thomas is the Director of Education Policy at the Kenny Guinn Center for Policy Priorities. She is a mixed methods researcher whose expertise resides at the intersection of education and psychology, and her work focuses on how complex systems within social-ecological contexts shape student learning and identity formation. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and an M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Dr. Amanda Haboush-Deloye
Executive Director, NV Institute for Children’s Research and Policy – University of Nevada Las Vegas

Dr. Amanda Haboush-Deloye is the Executive Director of the Nevada Institute for Children’s Research and Policy under the School of Public Health at UNLV. Amanda has been with NICRP for almost 20 years working on topics related to early childhood education, mental wellness, and child welfare. Being a Las Vegas native, Amanda aims to remain in Nevada and work with NICRP to create a healthy community where families and children are a priority.

Jamelle Nance
Early Childhood Policy Director – Children’s Advocacy Alliance

Dr. Jamelle Nance currently serves as the Early Childhood Policy Director at the Children’s Advocacy Alliance, bringing over a decade of experience supporting children and families through direct service, program leadership, and equity‑centered community initiatives. Jamelle began her career working in the juvenile justice system — an experience that deepened her understanding of how early childhood experiences shape lifelong outcomes.

Motivated to address challenges at their root, she transitioned into working within the early childhood sector with a holistic, family‑centered approach. Grounded in public service, Jamelle is committed to empowering families through education, advocacy, and community partnership. Her greatest joy is being a mother of two and creating meaningful memories with her family.

Patti Oya
Director (retired), Office of Early Learning & Development – Nevada Department of Education

Patti Oya is a dedicated early childhood advocate and the former Director of the Office of Early Learning & Development at the Nevada Department of Education, retired in June 2025. Throughout her career in state government, Ms. Oya was charged with developing and implementing a comprehensive early childhood education system to ensure that all children from birth through third grade have access to high-quality early care and education. During her tenure, she concentrated heavily on expanding universal pre-kindergarten across Nevada and championed collaboration among school districts, community partners, and stakeholders.

She possesses expertise in strategically implementing statewide early childhood initiatives, addressing equity and access issues in system design, managing complex budgeting and contracting processes, and leveraging diverse funding streams to optimize program outcomes.

Currently, Ms. Oya lends her system-level knowledge to advocacy efforts aimed at establishing a consolidated Nevada Department of Early Childhood. She remains committed to streamlining state agencies to create a more efficient, unified, and impactful early childhood infrastructure that ensures future success for every young child in Nevada.

Shannon Bilbray-Axelrod
Policy & External Affairs Director – The Children’s Cabinet

Shannon Bilbray-Axelrod is the Policy and External Affairs Director at The Children’s Cabinet, where she leads legislative and public policy efforts focused on early childhood, child care, and family support. She works with policymakers and stakeholders across Nevada to advance initiatives that help children thrive and strengthen communities.

Jenna Weglarz-Ward
Associate Professor UNLV College of Education

Jenna Weglarz-Ward, Ph.D., is an associate professor in early childhood/special education at UNLV and research coordinator at the Lynn Bennett Early Childhood Education Center. Her scholarship focuses on the inclusion of young children with disabilities in community settings through family-centered practices, with over 30 publications and 100 national presentations. She serves as the principal investigator for projects focused on strengthening professionals’ skills in equity and inclusion and has been awarded over $4 million in external funding. She has been a consultant for the U.S. Office of Child Care and Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation.

She serves on Nevada early childhood-related councils, including the Nevada Pyramid Partnership, Nevada Part C Interagency Coordinating Council (chair), and the Nevada Early Childhood Advocacy Council and national organizations, including the Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children (serving as past-president) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children. She was formerly a Fred Rogers Inquiry Educator Fellow, National Center on Pyramid Model Innovations Fellow, and Office of Special Education Program Intern. She completed her Ph.D. in special education at the University of Illinois, with a focus on early intervention/early childhood special education.

Marissa La Croix
Education Program Supervisor – Nevada Department of Education

Marissa La Croix is the Education Program Supervisor for Nevada Ready! State Pre-K at the Nevada Department of Education. In her role, she collaborates with state Pre-K leaders and national organizations to advance quality and access as Nevada works toward universal Pre-K. She holds a Master of Science in Equity and Diversity in Education from the University of Nevada, Reno, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from the University of Phoenix, Las Vegas.

JoAnn Trujillo
QRIS Quality Excellence Coach
The Children’s Cabinet

Joann Trujillo is a Quality Excellence Coach at The Children’s Cabinet. She has worked in early childhood education for 21 years and is affiliated with the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Originally from California, Joann enjoys dancing and gardening.

Beth Hart
QRIS Coach Family Childcare – The Children’s Cabinet

Beth Hart is the Accreditation Council Chair for the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC), providing leadership and strategic direction for the Council that shapes accreditation policy and quality standards for family child care nationwide. She brings 20+ years of experience as the owner and operator of a family child care business, grounded in deep, day-to-day understanding of home-based early care and education.

Beth also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), reflecting her lifelong commitment to promoting high-quality, developmentally appropriate care and learning for young children. In her role as Council Chair, she advocates for excellence, equity, and continuous improvement in the field of family child care accreditation.

Howard R. Giles, M.A. M.Div.
Mental Health Counselor, Nevada Department of Human Services

Howard is a Southern Nevada native. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He also serves as a Mental Health Counselor and Child Care Consultant with the Nevada Department of Human Services, where he supports the social and emotional health of infants and children in daycare settings by working collaboratively with caregivers and staff to provide guidance, insights, and interventions.

Howard met his spouse, Erin, while attending the Church Divinity School of the Pacific, where he earned a Master of Divinity. They were married in 2003 and have six children.

Aliy Bossert
Managing Director – Early Literacy Support – Teach For America

Aliy Bossert brings 15 years of experience in early childhood and elementary education in Nevada, serving as a Pre-K to 2nd grade classroom teacher, program leader, literacy coach, and school administrator. Her work has focused on advancing evidence-based language and literacy instruction, developing teacher capacity, and creating systems that help all students thrive.

Aliy is currently the Managing Director of Early Literacy Support at Teach For America Nevada. She holds a B.A. from Stanford University and a M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education from University of Nevada, Las Vegas, as well as an Endorsement in English Language Acquisition and Development. Outside of work, Aliy loves reading and going on outdoor adventures with her dog, Rosie.

Lisa Habighorst
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer – Spread the Word Nevada

Lisa Habighorst is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Spread the Word Nevada, the state’s largest children’s literacy nonprofit. A passionate advocate for educational equity, Lisa has dedicated over two decades to ensuring that every child in Nevada, regardless of background, has access to books, literacy support, and the opportunity to thrive through reading. Before founding Spread the Word Nevada in 2001, Lisa spent 12 years as an educator, teaching elementary and middle school mathematics. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Oregon State University and a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Under Lisa’s leadership, Spread the Word Nevada has grown from a grassroots effort into a statewide force for change, serving over 1.5 million children across Nevada. Her strategic direction has supported the distribution of millions of books, the implementation of literacy programs, and meaningful partnerships with schools and communities throughout the state. Lisa has also successfully raised millions of dollars in support of the organization’s mission, helping ensure program sustainability, expansion, and long-term impact for children and families.

Doris Guvar
Managing Director, Alumni & Community Impact – Teach for America

Doris V. Guvar is an impact-driven leader with over 10 years of experience in nonprofit organizations, charter and traditional school districts. She envisions and executes strategic plans cross-functionally and in partnership with community stakeholders to realize a shared vision of educational equity in Nevada. Doris currently serves as the Managing Director, Alumni & Community Impact at Teach For America Nevada.

She holds a BA in Political Science and Public Affairs from the University of Florida and a M.Ed in Educational Policy & Analysis from Harvard Graduate School of Education. In her downtime, Doris enjoys spending time with family and friends, going on walks with her four dogs, and snuggling up with a good book.

Maximillian Jansen
Volunteer Engagement Manager – United Way of Southern Nevada

Maximillian Jansen is the Volunteer Engagement Manager at United Way of Southern Nevada. As part of the Community Volunteer Engagement team, he oversees UWSN’s United Readers program, which includes managing and communicating with off-site employees who work directly with students in Las Vegas schools.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Adolescent Education from the State University of New York at New Paltz. He went on to become a classroom teacher, working with students at Lealands High School in Luton, England, and Orr Middle School in Las Vegas, Nevada. After leaving the classroom, Maximillian was drawn to nonprofit work as a way to support the community from a different perspective. He later served as Director of Special Programs at The Pride Tree before joining the UWSN team in 2023.

Maximillian is a driven and goal-oriented professional who is passionate about contributing to something bigger than himself and strengthening his community. Creative, organized, and adaptable, he brings more than nine years of successful experience across the public and private sectors, with a strong background in program management, community engagement, and connecting people to meaningful opportunities.

Jordan Sommaggio
CEO & President – YMCA of Southern Nevada

Jordan Sommaggio is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of Southern Nevada. His YMCA journey began 14 years ago as a Summer Camp Counselor, and he has since advanced through multiple leadership roles, including leading the Y’s largest Youth Development department and quadrupling annual fundraising as Director of Development. Guided by the principle “be who you needed when you were younger,” Jordan brings a mission-driven, forward-thinking approach to expanding access, opportunity, and long-term community impact across Southern Nevada.

Cynthia Duffy
Owner – Children’s Learn & Play, LLC

Cynthia Duffy is the owner of Children’s Learn & Play LLC, an early learning center dedicated to inspiring every child to learn and grow. Through her work, Cynthia helps foster a loving, nurturing, safe, and home-like environment where children can build confidence, independence, and school readiness. Children’s Learn & Play supports the whole child’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development through fun, educational early learning experiences and strong partnerships with families. Cynthia’s commitment reflects the organization’s goal of enriching children’s lives, encouraging lifelong learning, and serving as a role model for child care excellence in the community.

Louiza Nacer
Director & Owner
Little Hearts Learning Academy

Louiza Nacer is the Owner and Director of Little Hearts Learning Academy in Las Vegas, where she has provided care and early childhood education since 2012. Little Hearts serves children from six months to 12 years old through childcare, early learning, before- and after-school programs, and summer camp.

Louiza helps create a child-centered environment focused on fun, learning, creativity, and meaningful play. Her approach supports children’s social, emotional, educational, and developmental needs while encouraging creativity, individuality, self-confidence, and school readiness. Louiza also values strong partnerships with families and works closely with parents to better understand and support each child’s growth.

Kathy Yoder-Bass
Principal & Owner
The Hills Preschool #1 & #2

Kathy Yoder is Principal of The Hills Preschool 1 & 2 and The Hills Foundation, with affiliations including ECAC and the Nevada Head Start Association.

She is dedicated to serving young children, families, and educators through leadership, advocacy, and high-quality learning programs. Her work focuses on creating inclusive, nurturing environments, expanding access to quality early education, and connecting families with the support they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

Danielle Munao
Director of Grant Development – United Way of Southern Nevada

Danielle Munao is the Director of Grant Development at United Way of Southern Nevada. She has worked in the nonprofit field in Southern Nevada since 2001, with experience in direct service, case management, program management, leadership, and grant development. In 2019, she transitioned into full-time grant development, where she helps identify funding opportunities, develop proposals, coordinate program information and data, review budgets, track deadlines, and prepare reports for awarded grants.

Danielle’s work supports programs that address early education, literacy, basic needs, food security, housing stability, senior support, disaster preparedness, and community resiliency. She is known for translating community needs, program goals, outcomes, and impact into clear, fundable proposals. Danielle earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Ball State University, graduating summa cum laude, and earned the Grant Professional Certified credential in December 2025.

Jessica Russell
Ready to Learn Coordinator – Vegas PBS

A member of the Vegas PBS staff for over 25 years, Jessica has helped expand the station’s childhood health and education initiatives. As RTL Coordinator, she oversees and implements all Ready To Learn outreach programs and activities, including the coordination of family workshops focusing on literacy, health and mathematics in the community.

Jessica earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and two master’s degrees in Technology and Literacy Education from UNLV. She is the recipient of two Pacific Southwest Emmy Awards for her work as producer and writer on two original Vegas PBS children’s programs, The Vegas PBS KIDS Writers Contest Presented by Janice Haupt Allen and Vegas PBS STEAM Camp.

Ashley Couch
Preschool Director – Durango Hills YMCA

Ashley Couch is the Preschool Director at the YMCA of Southern Nevada. In her role, she leads and oversees a diverse Nevada Ready! Pre-K and tuition-based preschool program at the Durango Hills YMCA, serving 57 families in the Las Vegas community. She is responsible for program operations, staff development, and strategic community partnerships that strengthen the program’s impact. Through the HighScope curriculum, Ashley supports social-emotional growth, kindergarten readiness, and family engagement, helping build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success. She graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Teaching at Moorpark College.