For The Love Of Down Syndrome
About Us
Meet the Team
Our dedicated team of experienced professionals are always on the ball, utilizing their unique skills and passion to move the work of our nonprofit organization forward. We’re always pushing ourselves to stay ahead of the curve and striving to perfect our programs. Meet some of our incredible leaders below.
Board of Directors
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Peter retired from the Jamaica Police Department and migrated to the United States in 1983. He continued his career in law enforcement by joining the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) in 1988. While serving as a police officer, Peter attended the University of La Verne, California, where he graduated Cum Laude, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration. He is also a graduate of the LAPD West Point Leadership Program, the FBI National Academy, and Texas A&M Engineering Extension (TEEX). When he eventually retired in 2018, he held the rank of Captain, and Commanding Officer of the Criminal Gang-Homicide Division.
Peter’s involvement as an advocate for the Down syndrome community started with the birth of his daughter, Sophia, in November 1998. Prior to relocating to Las Vegas in 2018, Peter participated in various activities sponsored by Down syndrome organizations in Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside Counties. However, Peter and his wife, Belinda, were primarily involved in the development, support, and sponsorship of programs for “Up for Downs,” a subsidiary Down syndrome organization of DSA/LA, which later evolved into the Inland Valley Down Syndrome Association. In the 20 years that Sophia was a member of that organization, Peter was involved in the planning, coordination, and/or sponsorship of their annual Buddy Walk event and other programs/activities. When Peter made Las Vegas his home, he continued his involvement, advocacy and support for persons diagnosed with Down syndrome, initially through DSOSN, and later with Best Buddies. Peter is happy to return to DSOSN, where he has continued his advocacy and support for not only persons diagnosed with Down syndrome, but also for all persons in the broader intellectual and developmental disability community.
Linda moved to Henderson from California in 2003 where she met and married her husband of 18 years. Together they traveled extensively, but mostly treasured their time trout fishing in Utah. She is now a widow with a son, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. After an extensive career in Health Care management, Linda retired and has devoted her time to volunteering for non-profit organizations. Prior to retirement, Linda spent nine years as Chief Administrative Officer for a prestigious medical practice in Las Vegas. She was also the VP of Billing and Compliance Manager for a department at UCLA School of Medicine. Most recently, she served as Secretary/Treasurer for the Sandy Peltyn Foundation, and produced the Gala Event for the Senoras of Excellence Senores of Distinction. In her free time, Linda enjoys reading, playing with her dog, Beau, and volunteering for the DSOSN, where she currently serves as the Board Secretary, with additional responsibilities as the Executive Administrator for the FOTL Planning Committee.
An innovative, flexible, ethical, profit and performance focused professional executive and entrepreneur with proven management and leadership skills in all aspects of the lodging industry. Adept in developing and executing strategic and business plans with the full participation of all stakeholders. Capable of effectively tackling complex, multi-faceted problems across a wide range of environments. Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills, allowing for effective communication of ideas and concepts to a wide audience. Acknowledged as a highly organized, articulate professional who knows how to develop and maintain excellent working relationships with boards, associates and customers.
Jamie Jackson moved to Las Vegas in 2020, and her first endeavor was to volunteer for a candidate who was running for the Las Vegas City Council. After the candidate won her seat on the city council, she appointed Jamie to serve as a volunteer on the Community Development Recommendation Board (CDRB). In addition to the CDRB, Jamie volunteers for AARP during the tax season by facilitating AARP members to have their tax returns completed by a tax professional. Jamie also works part-time by teaching a virtual business class for “New Economics for Women.” While volunteering for the CDRB, Jamie was introduced to the DSOSN, and she was drawn to the organization because her brother is diagnosed with Down syndrome. Jamie holds a bachelor's degree from the University of La Verne, and an MBA with an emphasis in nonprofit management from the American Jewish University. Jamie is married with two daughters who live in North Carolina and Washington DC. In addition to her role as Vice Chair on the Board of Directors, Jamie serves as the Chair for the FOTL Sponsorship Subcommittee, and provides oversight for all matters relating to grants and fundraising strategies for the Organization.
GENERAL BOARD MEMBERS
Jeremy is a native Nevadan that has lived in Las Vegas for over 35 years. He and his wife, Mical, have been married for 10 years and together have nine children and two grandchildren, with a 3rd on the way. William, Jeremy’s 18-year-old son, was born in Las Vegas and diagnosed with Down Syndrome while still in the womb. Jeremy is the proud owner of Express Home Services, an HVAC, plumbing and electrical service company with locations in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. Jeremy is an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. On the weekends, you will find Jeremy at any variety of sporting events, supporting his children.
Ernest is a graduate of Western Governors University and holds a Master of Science Degree in cyber security and information assurance. Ernest lives in Las Vegas and enjoys spending time with his wife and four sons, helping to coach their soccer and basketball teams. Ernest is a man of many talents and currently owns/operates a small trucking business (GrassRoots Trucking), and is a Cybersecurity/IT infrastructure consultant. Prior to moving to Nevada, Ernest lived in Minnesota and worked with adults with disabilities. He had a passion for helping adults with disabilities in Minnesota, and he brought that same passion for service with him here to Southern Nevada, which is evident in his volunteer services to the members, supporters, and friends of the DSOSN.
Dr. Schmidt graduated from Nevada State College in 2007 with a BSN. For over 10 years she worked as an RN providing care to patients of all ages in hospice facilities, group homes, assisted living facilities, post-acute rehab, and private residences. Her area of interest was mainly hospice until graduating in May of 2017, from National University, with an MSN specializing as a family nurse practitioner. Dr. Schmidt then worked as a family nurse practitioner, seeing patients of all ages, in a clinical setting. In 2021, she earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Walden University. She is nationally certified with the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board and dedicated to providing accessible, compassionate, and excellent quality of care to all Nevadans. Dr Schmidt is also the President of the local chapter Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc (a national professional nursing organization).
Dr. Michelle Johnson hails from Highland Park, MI. She is the Director of Nursing Education for the Nevada Board of Nursing. She oversees all RN, LPN, and CNA programs for the Board of Nursing and is editor of Nevada Nursing News. In addition, she is the chair of the Education Advisory Committee for the Nevada State Board of Nursing. She is the 2023 recipient of the Nevada Nurses Foundation’s “People’s Choice Award” for Director of Nursing of the Year. She has worked as a Chief Nurse Administrator for Hawaii Pacific University as well as the Chair of Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Programs there. She has been a pediatric nurse practitioner for 27 years and an RN for 31 years. Dr. Johnson has a niece who is diagnosed with Down syndrome, and is honored to serve the Southern Nevada intellectual developmental disability community as a member of the DSOSN Board of Directors.
Salvatore (Sal) is a seasoned IT Professional with over 23 years of experience in the industry. With a strong background in computer repair, he has worked with some of the top companies in the field and has a reputation for delivering results. As a driven and detail-oriented professional, Sal is dedicated to ensuring that every project he is assigned receives the highest level of quality and meets the needs of his clients. He brings that same sense of responsibility to his position as a DSOSN Board member. When not working, Sal enjoys coaching bowling and volunteering with Special Olympics. Now, as a Board member, Sal has assumed responsibilities for the DSOSN Recreational Bowling Training League.
Our Staff
