
Get to know our scheduled topics and speakers:
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Meeting the Future: Hope for People With Down Syndrome through research breakthroughs
Hampus Hillerstrom, President and CEO, LuMind IDSC
Education:
MS Economics, University of St. Gallen,
MBA, Harvard Business School,
MS Health Science & Technology, Harvard-MIT Division of Health Science and Technology (HST)Hillerstrom has a corporate background in developing novel treatments for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other protein misfolding diseases.
As CEO of LuMind IDSC, Hampus provides the vision and direction for the organization, and supports the talented and dedicated team as they work to serve the Down syndrome community.
Hampus is familiar with disability and special needs since he’s had an arm prosthesis since birth, which never stopped him from skiing and golfing! Hampus and his wife, Lianor, are raising sons Oskar and Sebastian. Oskar, who has Down Syndrome, helps Hampus experience LuMind IDSC’s mission every day.
Fun fact! Hampus was born in Sweden, grew up in Switzerland, and has lived in 7 countries throughout his life.
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Their Tomorrow Starts With Our Choices Today - Who will care for my child if I can't?
Jennie Dopp, ChSNC, Caring Tide
Jennie is a Chartered Special Needs Consultant (ChSNC) and Director of CaringTide, where she helps families impacted by disabilities navigate estate planning, financial strategies, and family support services. A dedicated advocate and philanthropist, Jennie has spent two decades working within the disability community, both professionally and as a mother to a 24-year-old son with multiple disabilities.
Her expertise spans disability systems, benefits planning, and advocacy, shaped by her ten-year tenure as Executive Director of a global nonprofit supporting families affected by a rare chromosome duplication, as well as her work in business development and transition curriculum creation. Through this work, Jennie has developed a deep understanding of the challenges families face and the resources they need to thrive.
Passionate about connecting families with critical support, Jennie believes in empowering them with knowledge and tools to navigate complex systems.
Fun Fact! When she’s not advocating for marginalized communities, she enjoys spending time with her family, relaxing at the beach, reading, movies, and indulging in anything chocolate.
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How to Advocate for Your Child and Better Health Outcomes
Rebeka Acosta, BCPA, CCHW , Executive Director | A+J Patient Advocacy
Rebeka is Nevada’s first Board Certified Patient Advocate and founder of A+J Patient Advocacy. After a 15-year career in healthcare administration, she welcomed two children with complex medical conditions, and was unpleasantly surprised at the difficulties she faced navigating the pediatric healthcare system. After fighting insurance, traveling for medical care, and paying out-of-pocket for a lot, Rebeka was determined to share her knowledge and experience with other families in need. She believes that much can be accomplished when individuals, systems, and policies are in alignment and that our shared human experience is enough to move the needle forward.
In 2023, she was honored as a Vegas Stronger Champion by KTNV Channel 13 and won Pediatric Advocate of the Year at the Healthcare Advocate Summit. Rebeka maintains licensure through the Patient Advocate Certification Board and Nevada Certification Board, as well as completing advanced training with Region V Public Health Training Center, Intellus Worldwide Health Literacy Center, and the X Centers at Health Advocate X.
Rebeka lives in the Las Vegas area with her husband, teens and two Great Danes.
Fun Fact! Rebeka has a green thumb and far more houseplants than are necessary!
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Cancer and Down syndrome: sharing the good news!
Dr. Waseem Alhushki serves as the Director of Oncology at Cure 4 The Kids Foundation, where he has been a dedicated physician since 2013. His current clinical focus is in pediatric oncology, with particular expertise in solid and rare tumors, including challenging and atypical cancer presentations in children and adolescents.
Dr. Alhushki began his journey in pediatric hematology/oncology at King Hussein Cancer Center in Jordan. He completed his pediatric residency at Wayne State University/Children’s Hospital of Michigan—earning the Outstanding Continuity Clinic Resident Award—and went on to fellowship at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where he conducted research on the impact of weight loss in improving outcomes for obese children with leukemia.
In 2024, he was honored as Healthcare Professional of the Year by the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation, and recognized as a Top Doctor by VEGAS INC / Health Care Quarterly, reflecting his commitment to patient-centered care and clinical excellence.
Outside of oncology practice, Dr. Alhushki has volunteered with Operation Smile on cleft repair missions, and led youth health and development programs with UNICEF and UNFPA. He enjoys reading, skateboarding, and playing guitar.”
Fun Fact! He speaks both English and Arabic fluently.
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Powerful Advocacy Gets Results
Stephanie Wynn
Stephanie Wynn is the founder of Wynn Advocacy. For almost two decades, The Wynn Advocacy team has helped parents navigate the complex world of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) with clarity, confidence, and results. Our expertise spans Special Learning Disabilities, including Dyslexia, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Stephanie offers trusted guidance, practical resources, and clear next steps to help you create an IEP that truly supports your child’s needs. Whether you’re preparing for your first meeting or looking to strengthen an existing plan, you don’t have to do it alone.
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Services You May Not Know About for Adults with DD/IDD
Jennifer is the Director of Education Institute at Nevada Senior Services, which provides a comprehensive range of health, education, and social services for those facing the challenges of chronic disease, disability and aging.
Nevada Senior Services operates the Adult Day Care Centers of Las Vegas and Henderson in addition to Caregiver Support Programs, Respite, RAMP Home Modifications, Hospital 2 Home, and the Care Partner Institute.