Combined General and Teen/Adult Conferences

Love on A Leash

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

Sean Smith, Ph. D., University of Kansas

Sean J. Smith, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Kansas. He is also the Past-President of the technology division for the Council for Exceptional Children, Innovations in Special Education Technology (ISET), and member of the Board for the National Down syndrome Congress. Dr. Smith’s research interests focus on innovations and technology solutions to support struggling learners and those with disabilities.

General Conference

Tracy Brown- May

Tracy Brown-May is the Chief Administrative Officer at Opportunity Village and a sitting member of the Nevada State Assembly, representing Assembly District 42. She brings more than two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership and disability advocacy, with a strong record of public service in the Nevada Legislature. Since her appointment in 2021, Tracy has served on key legislative committees, championing bills related to the state budget, workforce development, inclusive housing, healthcare access, and the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

At Opportunity Village, she leads advocacy, communications, community engagement, human resources, and risk management, ensuring that organizational values translate into real-world outcomes for Nevadans with disabilities.

General Conference

Andre Sam, Executive Director | Disabilty and Special Needs Project

Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor (APMA)

Andre Sam focuses on easing the complexities of future planning for individuals with disabilities and their loved ones. His core topics include:

• Special Needs Trusts and Wills

• Guardianship and alternative planning

• Navigating government benefits like SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and Medicare

• Budgeting and transition planning

General Conference

Eric Doran, MS | Center for Aging Research in Down Syndrome, University of California, Irvine

Eric Doran serves as chief community liaison and leads research participant recruitment for the Center for Aging Research in Down Syndrome at University of California, Irvine. For over 25 years, he has held various roles within the Center and currently helps to lead the Center’s clinical and research activities. He holds a master's degree in Genetic Counseling from UC Irvine. Mr. Doran’s research interests are focused on furthering our understanding of development and aging in people with Down syndrome, with an emphasis on the biological relationship between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s diseas

General Conference

Anne Fiala | Project Manager, DS-Connect Registry at the Linda Crnic Institute for Down syndrome.

DS-Connect is an NIH-funded initiative to expand Down syndrome research and connect individuals with Down syndrome and their families to the research community. Anne has over 20 years of experience working in a formal capacity within the disability field, but she has spent almost her entire life experiencing a passion for inclusion and a deep love for people with disabilities. She is the proud mother of Onyx and Goldie, as well as auntie to a large and loving crew of nieces and nephews including Lyddie who was born in 2019 with Down syndrome.

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.

Teen/Adult Conference

Kassidy O'Connell | UNLV Project F.O.C.U.S. | B.S. Human Services

Kassidy O'Connell’ serves as program director for UNLV’s Project FOCUS, a postsecondary education program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In her work with Project FOCUS, Kassidy has the privilege of watching students not only thrive in the college environment, but grow into their independence as young adults.

Teen/Adult Conference

Luke Krueger

Connect26 Conference Committee member and student at UNLV Project F.O.C.U.S at UNLV, Luke is a proud Rebel and a drummer in the pep band.

Luke graduated from Faith Lutheran High School and is pursuing a hospitality certificate at UNLV.

Teen/Adult Conference

GiGi’s Playhouse Las Vegas

GiGiFIT is a free, progressive fitness and physical therapy program created by GiGi's Playhouse specifically designed for individuals with Down syndrome of all ages.

GiGiFIT programs combine physical therapy with a strong fitness focus and an ultimate goal of success and improved movement. GiGiFIT was created in collaboration with skilled Physical Therapists who work specifically with individuals with Down syndrome. The GiGiFIT programs are designed to address common issues for individuals with Down syndrome including hypotonia, excessive joint laxity, and decreased balance.  

Every GiGiFIT program is safe, effective, and progressive. GiGiFIT helps participants build strength, endurance, power, joint stability, balance, and movement control. GiGiFIT empowers participants to be more independent and confident in their abilities while improving their overall health and wellness.   

 GiGiFIT’s program curriculum may be geared towards individuals with Down syndrome, but its mission goes beyond that. GiGIFIT is meant to instill pride and confidence into all people through fitness and healthy lifestyle choices.  

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.