Combined General and Teen/Adult Conferences

Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry

Spend a little time with some special canine friends who are trained to give comfort and a helping paw.

The dogs will be available at the end of lunch and through the last break for lots of pets!

Keynote Speaker

Hampus Hillerstrom, M.S., MBA President and CEO, LuMind IDSC

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.

General Conference

Connor Fields, Motivational and Inspirational Speaker

Connor is a three-time Olympian, two-time World Champion, and Olympic Gold Medalist in BMX . At the 2021 Tokyo Games, he suffered a severe crash resulting in life-threatening injuries, requiring extensive rehabilitation.

Connor emphasized focus on resilience and gained new appreciation for the importance of mental health through his recovery. He is now a keynote speaker, the host of PBS's "Outdoor Nevada," and an Emmy award winning NBC sports BMX commentator. His inspiring story has been featured on The Today Show, Sports Illustrated, and in Vanity Fair.

Connor motivates audiences with his journey, emphasizing the importance of even the smallest decision to prepare an audience to answer their own “Now what?”

Fun Fact! Connor is the only American to win Olympic BMX Gold.

General Conference

Mark Nunes, M.D., FAAP
Director of Genetics, Genomics, and Metabolism | Cure 4 The Kids Foundation

Dr. Nunes is Nevada’s first full-time family geneticist and has a family member with Down syndrome.

In his clinical practice he sees families, children, and adults with genetic disorders.

Dr. Nunes is board-certified in both Pediatrics and Clinical and Molecular Genetics. Before moving to Nevada, he served as Director of Medical Genetics and Metabolism at Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera, California.

Fun fact! Dr. Nunes was born in England to a U.S. Air Force airman and a base Librarian, and was raised in Hawaii and Northern California.

Combined General and Teen/Adult Conferences

Jeffrey Trower, Director | Drum Connect Las Vegas

Make the rhythm of the Down syndrome community be heard, as we share our musical collaboration with each other. Coming together as a community in this fun exercise of combining each individual’s unique beat will provide connection and promote a sense of belonging for all who participate. Local drum circle pro Jeffrey Trower will lead us in this interactive session to close out the day with all general and teen/adult conference goers. For all abilities. NO DRUMMING EXPERIENCE NEEDED.

General Conference

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.

General Conference

Lina Patel, PsyD | Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine

Dr. Patel is the Director of the Down Syndrome Behavioral Health Collaborative, a virtual clinic providing tele-behavioral health services to children, teens and young adults with Down syndrome in the state of Colorado. She provides consultation with schools, parent training regarding the management of challenging or unsafe behaviors, toilet training, desensitization to medical devices (such as hearing aids and CPAP), and evaluation for dual diagnoses, including autism. She has worked with hundreds of individuals with Down syndrome.

You will learn:

1. Learn how to evaluate current skills

2. Develop an understanding of how to create a personal plan for teaching independence.

3. Evaluate your current support system and what additional support may be helpful

FUN FACT! Dr. Patel is the coauthor of “Potty Time for Kids with Down Syndrome: Lose the Diapers, Not Your Patience”.

Teen/Adult Conference

Nyetta Abernathy, M.Ed, BCBA, LBA | Owner, Creative Learning Therapies

As a behavioral analyst for Southern Nevada children who have autism and/or other behavioral needs, Nyetta uses all forms of art as bridges to connection and to promote expressive and receptive communication.

As an active Board Member for Down Syndrome Connections Nevada, Nyetta serves the Down syndrome community as a leader who brings creativity and her professional/business acumen to the organization.

Nyetta has two children, one through adoption; both are autistic. She and her family are active in their faith community, where she also serves in leadership.

Fun fact! Nyetta’s creation of a 3D art piece for the Mondays Dark event for Down Syndrome Connections garnered spirited bidding at the silent auction.

General Conference and Teen/Adult Conference

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!

Teen/Adult Conference

Teri London Corcoran, Inclusive Dance instructor | Straight Up Abilities

Teri London Corcoran has dedicated over 20 years to the art of movement, performing and choreographing on stages around the world. A dancer, aerialist, choreographer, actor, and yoga instructor, she has built a career defined by versatility, creativity, and passion. Her professional journey spans international performances and collaborations, bringing her unique energy and artistry to audiences across diverse settings. Beyond the stage, Teri has devoted herself to teaching, sharing her knowledge and inspiring the next generation of performers. As a dance teacher with Straight Up Abilities, Teri empowers her students through movement, sign language, and the joy of performance. Seeing her students shine in costumes, grow in confidence, and celebrate their individuality is one of the most rewarding parts of her work.

Fun fact! Teri is the instructor for the Monday night class sponsored by Down Syndrome Connections.

General Conference

Dr. Waseem Alhushki, Director of Oncology | Cure 4 The Kids Foundation

Dr. Alhushki 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.

Beginning 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.

General Conference

Stephanie Wynn, Special Education Advocate | Wynn Advocacy

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.

General Conference

Jennifer Ruiz, Director of Education Institute | Nevada Senior Services

Jennifer is enthusiastic about educating and supporting both family and professional caregivers.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in human services and currently working on her master’s in human services with a specialty in nonprofits. She specializes in communication with an experience of 15 years in customer service.

She has led the Health education department for 4 years and has educated hundreds of families and professional caregivers.

Nevada Senior Services 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.

Fun fact! When she is not educating, you will find her hiking in the mountains or reading.

Teen/Adult Conference

GiGi’s Playhouse Las Vegas

The Goals for GiGi’s Kitchen classes:

• Increase healthy eating habits, • Increase kitchen safety awareness , • Increase food preparation skills, • Increase self-confidence and social skills , • Increase quality of life

GiGi's Playhouse offers FREE therapeutic, educational and research-driven programs to individuals of all ages with Down syndrome, including cooking skills and friendship building activities.

The mission of GiGi’s Playhouse is to increase positive awareness of Down syndrome through national campaigns, educational programs, and by empowering individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community.

The vision of GiGi’s Playhouseis to see a world where individuals with Down syndrome are accepted and embraced in their families, schools, and communities.

Fun fact! The Las Vegas location in Henderson was the 59th location opened.

General Conference

David Stewart, M.D. | Cure 4 The Kids Foundation

Dr. Stewart is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon serving the Las Vegas community since 2005. He graduated from Brigham Young University in molecular biology with Summa Cum Laude honors and received his medical degree from the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He completed orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch and a pediatric orthopedic surgery fellowship at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

He has been practicing in Las Vegas since 2005 and joined Cure 4 The Kids Foundation in 2022. Dr. Stewart's subspecialty interest is in treating children with complex medical conditions, including Trisomy 21. He enjoys working with children and strives to provide each with excellent care.

Fun fact! Dr. Stewart also sees adults with special needs at two locations in both the east and west valley.