Terri A. Clark
By Callie Thomas
A good photographer has the ability to look at any scene in an everyday setting and focus on the smallest detail, a detail that turns out to be a spectacular subject that might otherwise have gone unnoticed and uncelebrated. As it turns out, 89052 resident Terri Clark has that gift. While not a photographer by trade like her husband Keith, Terri focuses on her mission of seeing to the unmet needs of the children and youth of our community by directing her attentions into every resource that can change the lives of thousands of children each day.
Clark began her career in healthcare management with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation, where she had the opportunity to help start a dental outreach program for children who didn’t have access to dental care. As the throngs of children came through the mobile dental bus, she began to see the suffering that was going on right here in Las Vegas. But dentistry wasn’t the only problem that needed fixing. Clark often encountered school principals and nurses who had asked if she knew of any other outreach efforts that addressed basic needs such as vision care, clothing, food, counseling, medical care and immunizations. She was overwhelmed by the amount of need versus so few resources.
Clark learned of and began work with an organization called Communities In Schools of Nevada (CISN) in 2006 to research, develop and establish the state’s northeastern affiliate. Her hard work paid off when Communities In Schools of Northeastern Nevada launched in 2007, with Terri as the Executive Director. In 2011, Terri relocated from Elko, Nevada back to Vegas and became CEO for the Communities In Schools state office. She shares her journey, accomplishments and what inspires her to make a difference in the youth of our community.
Why are you passionate about Communities In Schools?
“I believe that this program is the solution to the crisis in education our state faces. This is exactly what the schools had been asking for and the solutions are provided on campus to give students the support they need to graduate. I see the impact that our staff makes in the community and I know someone is better off because we are there.”
How does CISN help?
“We are actively engaged with policy makers, school staff, parents and business partners to ensure that CISN services are extended to as many K-12 students as possible and that those students have access to college.”
You had some incredible results that first year in rural Nevada.
“We helped 2,998 children get immunizations and people of all ages get whooping cough vaccines. We also formed a hunger prevention committee to feed breakfast to kids who qualified for free and reduced breakfast programs. We even went beyond breakfast to solve the issue of hunger on the weekends by connecting students to backpacks of food. Last year, the program served over 34,000 breakfasts and handed out 4,100 backpacks of food.”
You were recently named one of the top ten “Women Who Mean Business” by the Las Vegas Business Press. What do you think makes you successful?
“I’d have to attribute it to my incredibly supportive family, which includes my husband of 30 years and our children Christopher, Rebecca, Rachel, David and Stacie; my faith in God; my father, who taught me the power of hard work; and an engaged board of directors at CISN who take the work to heart, along with a team that really believes in the work we do.”
How do you unplug after a busy day?
“I find math problems particularly distracting. But I might have to cut my enthusiasm for the subject as my son said, ‘Sorry Mom, no math homework tonight, but maybe I can get some tomorrow.’ ”
Tell us something about you that you think others in the community might not know?
“I love pulling off a great practical joke, but be warned, if you play a practical joke on me, I will retaliate and it will be big.”
Michael DiAsio
By Callie Thomas
“Age is strictly a case of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” – Jack Benny
There’s a funny thing about aging; as you grow older, it’s easier to remember what you did twenty years ago than it is to remember what you wore the day before. Aging seems to be a growing trend in the community and Southern Nevada. The U.S. Census Bureau reported in their 2010 study that the number of seniors has grown in the past decade due to aging baby boomers, with 14.4% of people in Clark County over the age of 62, and the post-World War II generation has now reached age 65. The need for specialized elderly care continues to rise as our residents age, and 89074 resident Michael DiAsio has taken a personal approach to assisting maturing residents and their families through the Visiting Angels care giving business, which is a family business for DiAsio.
Although there are a total of 225 caregivers among the two locations, DiAsio’s wife Jackie and three of their children and their son-in-law work in the offices. Each day, they help an average of 450 seniors who need assistance with the activities of daily living such as personal hygiene, meal preparation and light housekeeping. They partner with other health care professionals such as the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and provide in-home care for many individuals who suffer from memory loss issues such as Alzheimer’s disease.
DiAsio has not only committed himself to serving the needs of the aging through his business, but he also assists on caregiving committees in an advisory capacity and has most recently become involved with the Clark County Alzheimer’s Action Network, who intends to make Alzheimer’s disease a community priority and provide high quality care and services for those who need it most. Michael DiAsio gave us some insight into how Alzheimer’s disease is affecting our community and why he’s passionate about improving the quality of life for Southern Nevada seniors.
Visiting Angels, which is the largest senior care giving franchise in Southern Nevada, is very involved in the care and treatment of Alzheimer’s patients.
“Yes. Believe it or not, in the last ten years, our caregivers have served more than 1.5 million hours of in-home care across the Las Vegas Valley. This includes care for those with Alzheimer’s disease. It is as devastating for those it affects as for their families and friends.”
Can you tell us more about the disease and how it occurs?
“Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia and accounts for 60-70 percent of all cases. Alzheimer’s and other dementias are progressive, degenerative illnesses that attack the brain. They affect people’s abilities, impacting on all aspects of their life and upon others in their lives, particularly those who care for them.”
According to statistics, the numbers of those affected are rising.
“Yes. In Nevada, it is expected that by 2025, there will be twice the number of people with Alzheimer’s disease that there were in 2000. In the U.S., someone develops Alzheimer’s disease every 69 seconds.”
The services of your company and the work you are doing with the Clark County Alzheimer’s Action Network seems to be more important than ever.
“Yes, it is very important, as I think that Alzheimer’s will be the ‘disease of our generation.’ Every month, CCAAN (with some 40 medical and charitable leaders) makes progress on developing strategies for educating the healthcare community and the public. We as a society need to work together to ‘get our arms around it’ to improve everyone’s quality of life. The first meeting was last November. In addition to making Alzheimer’s disease a priority for the community, we are collaborating to promote a cure and educate the public on how to modify their lifestyle to reduce their risk of obtaining Alzheimer’s.”
Why is it important for you to give back to those in need?
“I’ve always had a strong desire to improve whatever I’m involved with and help others solve problems. Having a loved one with Alzheimer’s and caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s is extremely difficult and stressful to the family. Additionally, this disease is becoming more prevalent at a rapid pace. It is important to improve the lives of every individual we touch, which in turn improves the entire community. We are all in this together.”
What would you say you are most passionate about in your life?
“My family and friends. Italians outgrow clothes, not people.”
There does seem to be a common thread with family throughout your life and your business. How do you personally unplug after what must be a very busy day?
“A glass of Chianti and an old movie like Diner.”
Jodie Matsuura
By Callie Thomas
“Be kind… It’s the new cool.” – Josh Stevens Foundation
It began in Hawaii, where a simple visit from one of her husband’s friends from his hometown of Las Vegas ended up awakening a lifelong passion and new home for 89123 resident Jodie Matsuura. It so happened that this “friend” was on a recruiting trip in Hawaii for the Clark County School District and promptly saw what many students would soon learn about Jodie Matsuura: that she’s a woman passionate about children who would guide them with her compassion and understanding and who would make an indelible impression on their lives.
The now 22 year resident has experienced a long history as a counselor with CCSD and has imparted her knowledge and guidance with many elementary school children who have since grown up within the community and taken with them fond memories of Matsuura and her attitude of gratitude and kindness. She continues to spread the word in her current position at Louis Wiener Jr. Elementary School. Throughout her career, she has had an opportunity to become associated with many outreach organizations that have become important partners at the school, but the one that is nearest to her heart is the Josh Stevens Foundation, which inspires children and adults to “be kind … be the difference.” She is proud that in this age of test scores that teaching students to be responsible and respectful citizens is as much a priority as academics at the school.
This noteworthy neighbor gives us some insight into her work, her mission of putting kindness into action and why driving in the car with her may include a unique musical performance.
How did you get involved in the Josh Stevens Foundation?
“Several years ago, I had the privilege of meeting a remarkable man named Drew Stevens who shared his heartfelt mission to turn the tragedy of his son Josh’s untimely death into something meaningful. One of the gifts Josh left behind was a legacy of kindness. Louis Wiener Jr. Elementary School is one of many that now partner with the Foundation to promote and celebrate kindness borne in the heart of a child through the Be Kind Program.”
How has the Foundation made an impact on the kids at your school?
“Our entire school community has embraced the mission with students and adults being the difference on a daily basis. We have students who jump to the aid of others without hesitation and who treat those with special needs with such dignity. One student wrote friendly letters to every child in his class and his teachers! Kindness and respect are two of our school expectations and the Foundation helps us to promote and encourage that.”
You have two daughters. Do you use your counseling skills at home with them?
“Probably more than I realize. We have been blessed with two very different individuals, but both are kind-hearted, intelligent and driven to use the gifts they have been given to make a difference. I’m proud to be their mom and they still allow me to be seen in public with them… most of the time!”
One of your accomplishments was being selected as a Nevada School Counselor of the Year in 2008.
“It was a very memorable day; I had no idea that I had been nominated that year, much less selected for the honor. I was attending the Nevada School Counselor’s Association conference, and that day I had planned on forgoing the luncheon and meeting my family for lunch instead. But I was walking past the banquet room and spotted a yummy chocolate cake that was calling my name. Needless to say, it was a good thing I stayed. It was a humbling day and definitely an accomplishment I did not achieve on my own.”
What would you say is something you think your friends might not know about you?
“I like to sing with the radio but usually don’t know the lyrics to songs, so I make up my own. My family likes to point that out, but I think they secretly enjoy my version of the songs better.”
Chef Pete Ghione
By Callie Thomas
Who would have known that, on average, people consume approximately 150 pounds of sugar each year. Resident and Chef Pete Ghione does. The award winning chef ditched his high powered position managing a staff of 650 people at the Rio All Suite Hotel & Casino, where they feed 16,000 people a day, to pursue a career in healthy eating and helping a worldwide audience fight cancer with a fork.
It is estimated that 1.6 million people will be diagnosed with invasive cancer in 2012 alone. Half of men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed in their lifetime. Chef Ghione switched culinary gears, finding that he was able to impact people’s lives by sharing his knowledge and expertise to not only educate people about healthier eating but to work with cancer patients and others by turning meals into opportunities to improve health and increase chances of preventing and fighting the disease. He also works with the help of UNLV and their facilities to provide free cooking demos to the public to teach them about healthy ingredients, cooking methods and staving off cancer.
His efforts are showing results. For the past two and a half years, he has been working with a lung cancer survivor who was given only a 2% chance of living and who is currently going on six and a half years since that diagnosis. Could a new food regime be the catalyst? Chef Ghione certainly gives us food for thought. In fact, he talks about his passion for sharing what he knows through his website www.cancercuisine.com, how he’s personally committed to helping others, that just because something is organic doesn’t always make it good for you and why drinking green tea should become an important part of your everyday lifestyle.
What’s the difference between preparing dishes for guests at a major casino and what you’re currently cooking up for your clients?
“I was really proud of running the food division of a major casino at the age of 26, being a silver medalist in the world culinary Olympics in Erfurt, Germany in 2004 with Team Las Vegas, but it wasn’t until I started to impact people’s lives that I thought I found something special and became so connected to eating healthy.”
What’s it like helping others and seeing spectacular results?
“Helping desperate people change their lives for the better is amazing and could never compare to any paycheck from a Strip casino.”
You’ve had amazing results with a lung cancer survivor.
“Yes, he’s been cancer free for the past two years, which is the longest he’s been healthy since he was diagnosed the first time. He swears the only thing he’s changed in his life is his diet, so I’m very proud to be a part of his very rare success story.”
How can food fight cancer?
“Studies have shown that cancer growth is increased with the consumption of sugar and ingredients such as white flour, white rice and fruits and vegetables known to be high glycemic. Sugar is a flammatory and avoiding it will decrease inflammation in the body and significantly reduce the fuel that stimulates cancer growth.”
Is organic always best?
“Using organic ingredients prevents inflammation caused by conventional ingredients that contain petroleum based fertilizers and pesticides. Foods like corn and watermelon may be organically grown but are still high in sugar.”
What’s the benefit of green tea?
“It’s been found to have a compound that inhibits the growth of cancer cells.”
What prompts your passion for helping others?
“I think I get that from my mother, who just passed away. She was a registered nurse in a pediatric office for 23 years. It was a passion of hers to help others.”
How do you unwind after a busy and sometimes intense day?
“Spend time with my two year old daughter or get on a Harley. Come along if you can keep up. Don’t ask where we’re going because destinations are limitations.”
David Alleman
By Callie Thomas
In the movie Field of Dreams, legendary actor James Earl Jones reminded us in his signature booming voice that, “The one constant through all the years… has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time.” Americans have an ongoing love affair with baseball which has persevered throughout the decades as evidenced in the faces and hearts of children as they receive their first mitt or step up to bat for the first time. The love of the game has also been a constant for resident David Alleman since he was a boy. This busy attorney concentrates on his corporate clients during the day, handling real estate and commercial transactions at Kolesar & Leatham, but still finds time to engage in his passion for the game by coaching in Summerlin South Little League. He currently serves on its Board of Directors as “Umpire in Chief,” but he especially enjoys being called “coach” by the kids in the league.
It’s a particularly rewarding undertaking for Alleman, as all three of his boys play baseball in Summerlin South Little League, and he personally coaches two of his sons’ teams. However, he finds it equally as gratifying to give other children the same rewarding experiences. The father of four (he and his wife Skye also have a two year old daughter) proudly teaches life lessons through the game that he hopes kids will take with them into adulthood. Alleman gives us his take on making a difference by being a mentor and why a day at the ball park really is “all that” and a box of Cracker Jack.
How important is it for you to be a role model to your kids and those in the community?
“I remember great mentors I had growing up, not only in sports but also in organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America and my local church, and recognize the even greater importance for youth today to have people who will take an interest in their lives and development.”
Was your father influential in getting you involved in sports as a kid?
“Growing up, I played baseball, basketball, soccer and volleyball. As a young boy, I actually remember being nervous about playing kid pitch baseball. Fortunately, my very patient father encouraged me and helped me stay involved. As a result, I ended up playing and enjoying the game through high school and have several fond memories of being on the field with friends with whom I remain close to this day.”
So you wanted to share that experience with other kids in the community?
“It’s really rewarding to help young children learn to play America’s pastime. There’s always something fun and exciting about putting on a clean uniform and taking a clean field, which I remember doing often.”
It appears you’ve made an impact on your players as well as your own kids.
“I originally got involved with Summerlin South Little League so that I could spend time with my boys and enable them to have the same experiences I had, but the reward of influencing several kids’ lives has made it completely worth it.”
Through the game, the kids also learn a bit more about life situations?
“Most certainly. Sports truly are a microcosm of real life. There are so many facets of the game, including interacting with teammates and coaches, that will prepare kids for their lives after baseball. I’ve helped kids work through their own fear of stepping into the batter’s box. I have also helped kids deal with winning and losing seasons, each presenting different challenges. Regardless of the situation, baseball, like most team sports for youth, helps children to learn life lessons about hard work, achieving goals, overcoming fears, handling success and failure, sportsmanship and leadership in a fun, competitive environment.”
What’s it like to know that some of your past players still follow the league?
“It’s a great feeling when they approach me at the fields and still call me coach.”
Loren Slocum
By Callie Thomas
Ever wonder if you can truly “have it all?” While there may be a never ending list of novels and movies where the hero or heroine inevitably ends up with the perfect life, there are an equal number of naysayers that find it hard to believe they could ever reach nirvana. But if you ask 89135 resident Loren Slocum if she believes that she can have it all, you’ll get a resounding “yes.” Loren has a “sunshiny” personality and is a distinguished international speaker, author and media personality, life coach and mom of three (a teen, a tween and a toddler), so she’s walked the talk to support her position.
Some would say she gained that perspective through her 23 years as the International Crew Director for world renowned business life strategist Tony Robbins, but that’s only part of it. She’s traveled the world inspiring, coaching and helping others through her writing and speaking engagements. The six year Las Vegas resident has entrenched herself within the community in hopes of making a “massive difference” and helping those in need as a founding board member of the annual Las Vegas St. Jude fundraising event and by creating a charitable platform for assisting several local programs called Do the Right Thing.
Her passion for life is only superseded by her passion for helping others and empowering women to realize their natural gifts, stay true to who they are and utilize the resources around them. While Loren Slocum happily juggles many balls in the air, she is eager to talk about her work, why she’s constantly “reinventing” herself and how she can be better than she was the day before.
So you actually met Tony Robbins by making baskets at his house?
“Yes. In 1989, I had the privilege of showing up at his home to help with a Basket Brigade, where we assembled baskets for the needy. Six months later, I was asked to work for the company, organizing events around the world and developing the International Crew Director position, which I have done for the past 20 years. Tony inspired me to find my gifts and share them through writing and speaking.”
Your efforts have paid off. You’re an international author of two books. What was your goal in writing them?
“I wrote The Greatest Love because I wanted women to celebrate the gift of being a mom and have the life they want. Life Tuneups was inspired by the thousands of women I’ve met over the years and helping them get back to the core of who they are as women and as themselves.”
You keep reinventing yourself. What inspired you to run a marathon?
“I wanted to run a marathon, but I’m not a runner. In order to accomplish this, I needed to do it for a cause. They say mile 20 is the hardest. I wrote the names of people that inspired me and ran a mile for each. I chose to do mile 20 in honor of the woman who was my roommate at the event, whose daughter was at St. Jude’s having a cancer treatment that weekend. I had no idea that six months later her daughter would become the featured child for our fundraising event and had made an amazing painting that was auctioned that night. Of course, I had to buy it so the experience came full circle.”
What do you love most about being involved with St. Jude?
“It helps with so much research for kids with life threatening diseases around the world.”
Through Do the Right Thing, you’re back to your roots making baskets?
“Each Thanksgiving, we make baskets for needy families in Vegas. Thirty of us took care of 100 families and over 250 homeless people last year. We do projects every month. It might be a birthday party at a school for Title 1 Hope Kids, sponsoring an After School Allstar graduation or just assembling baskets we give to a needy person we encounter. Seeing people light up lights me up.”
Dr. Joseph Adashek
By Callie Thomas
When’s the last time you heard of a doctor that makes house calls? The closest you’ll probably come to that is watching a Turner Classic Movie comedy starring Doris Day. What about a doctor that makes flight calls? Now there’s an idea—speedy service for sure. Resident Dr. Joseph Adashek is a board certified OB/GYN physician, a board certified Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist and an Associate Clinical Professor of the University of Nevada School of Medicine who just happens to have a passion for flying. Mix it all together and you’ll get a compassionate, caring and nurturing doc that volunteers his time to ferry patients with serious medical conditions and their families by plane to receive vital treatment through a nonprofit organization called “Angel Flight.”
It’s easy to consider Dr. Joseph Adashek an angel of sorts because of his devotion to taking care of women and children and his concerted effort to help support many local organizations throughout the community. He and his family are involved with Planned Parenthood and Dr. Adashek sees patients through the Shade Tree women’s shelter. In addition, he supports the efforts of the March of Dimes and the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and his eight year old daughter has contributed hair for the St. Baldrick’s organization, a program that helps to conquer childhood cancer. Whether he’s delivering healthy babies or coming to the aid of high risk women, he’s been honored with a long list of awards that include being named “Top Doctor” several years in a row and the Nevada Cancer Institute’s Vegas Dozen in 2010. Dr. Adashek makes an indelible difference in the community, one patient at a time, and he talked with us about his personal style of doctoring, his love of flying and the women he’s devoted to at home.
Have you always wanted to be a doctor?
“All I’ve ever wanted to do was be a doctor. I literally live my dream each and every day of my life. I truly feel like I am the luckiest person in the world.”
Your patients feel lucky having you as their doctor. You really take care of them.
“When my father was dying of cancer, we waited every day for the doctor to come visit him. He was almost like a ‘number.’ I never wanted to be that type of doctor. I treat each patient like they are my sister or wife. I give them my cell number and come in on weekends and nights to see them. I never want them waiting all day just so I can pop my head into their room and say hello.”
You’ve taken that commitment to your patients to the skies. When did you first get interested in becoming a pilot?
“I’ve always wanted to be a pilot and take flying lessons. My wife saw it on a ‘to do’ list early in our marriage, so she gave me the gift of a few lessons. I loved it, so I continued with my training. I started out obtaining my Private Pilot Certificate and went on to obtain my Instrument Rating. I now own a high performance airplane and try to fly at least once a week.”
When did you decide to become involved with Angel Flight?
“I remember reading an article about it and thought that it would be a perfect charity for me to devote my time and energy. I can really make a difference and I see the immediate effect that I have for these people. Since I love to fly, it doesn’t feel like I’m going out of my way. Flying patients (usually cancer patients for chemotherapy or radiation) and their families is incredibly rewarding and they are so appreciative.”
Speaking of family, tell us about your wife and daughter and how you make them feel special.
“Yes, my wife Sharon and daughter Sydney. Every Friday is Daddy-Mommy-Daughter night and every Saturday is Mommy-Daddy date night. These are my favorite nights of the week.”
Jackie Evon
By Callie Thomas
If you’ve lived in the Las Vegas area over the last couple of decades, you’ll probably remember a local hot spot called Z’Tejas, where everyone met for after work drinks and south of the border fare with a Texas twist. It was not only the place to mix and mingle but also a place for great hospitality. If you ever paid them a visit, you may have run into Jackie Evon, who began her work in the food and beverage industry as a manager at one of their locations. That experience gave her the opportunity to get a leg up on her career, and she eventually moved on to show off her people skills at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar in Summerlin. That was ten years ago, and Evon is still running the restaurant as Operating Partner and remains happy to say that she loves coming to work each day and interacting with her guests.
It’s most likely that passion for customer service and meeting new people that has inspired Jackie to become involved in community organizations that make a difference. She finds herself drawn to groups that involve kids and programs that give them every opportunity to learn and grow, and she has been able to combine her interests by lending support to a charitable program where industry professionals help mentor young boys and girls seeking to learn more about the food and beverage business. Jackie shows that same enthusiasm for Project Mentor, a program of Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas that fosters career enhancing skills, and her dedicated involvement in other organizations has given her an opportunity to lend a hand by coordinating activities for our youth in need.
Your time at Z’Tejas gave you a great start meeting people in the community.
“I worked there for over five years and really got to know the Las Vegas community and all the great locals that frequented the restaurant.”
Was that the catalyst for getting involved in the Mentor Program with Boys and Girls Club?
“I was first introduced to this fabulous program when we hosted last year’s graduation ceremony for the Project Mentor kids at Fleming’s. I was really affected by their enthusiasm and wanted to think of a way to continue working with the Boys & Girls Clubs in this capacity.”
You give the kids an opportunity to learn from the pros?
“We host several on-site educational tours and lessons. They are introduced to real professions in a career that interests them and invaluable hands on job training in a real restaurant environment. We hope the experience has a positive impact on their individual futures.”
Have you been involved in other children based charities in the community?
“I’ve worked with Par for the Cure and Make a Wish Foundation as I really enjoy getting to work one on one with the children. I’m very passionate about getting involved in different fundraisers and community events. Living in Las Vegas for almost 20 years, I can honestly say I am proud to be a part of such a wonderful community.”
By the way, congratulations on being awarded the Woman of the Year Award by the Boys and Girls Club at the Steak and Burger Event.
“Thanks! It was really a special moment for me this past year, and I have been so grateful to build a relationship with not only the board of governors who dedicate their time to the Boys and Girls Club, but most of all with the children of the community.”
Speaking of children, you’ve just become a new mom?
“Yes, my daughter Blake Sydney is two months old now. My husband and I call her our ‘miracle’ baby! The passion I have for my job and my family gives me the excitement and energy to give it my best and give it my all every day.”
Rebekkah Bodoff
By Callie Thomas
It has been said that with faith, there are no questions; without it, there are no answers. That’s the message according to the Chofetz Chaim, a book on the Jewish laws of speech written by Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan. However, it seems that the questions have been answered for 89123 resident Rebekkah Bodoff, who has enough faith and confidence in her abilities to make a difference and lend her “voice” on behalf of those that cannot speak for themselves.
Currently completing her last year of law school, Bodoff has had the opportunity to extern for the Honorable Gloria J. Sturman while also serving as an Educational Surrogate Parent Advocate through the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada. Each day, Rebekkah finds an opportunity to share her faith, passion and commitment to fight for the rights of others in the community, ensuring that legal services are accessible to all and that children with disabilities are able to gain the appropriate special education they need to succeed in life.
As an Educational Surrogate Parent Advocate, Rebekkah and other staff members provide advice, training, advocacy and legal representation in the area of special education, which requires that a parent, relative or surrogate have the opportunity to be involved in the educational process of children with disabilities. Bodoff has a special affinity for helping children who are unable to help themselves, which stems from living through and understanding her own sister’s learning disability and the challenges involved in getting her the services she needed. She has chosen this work in honor of her sister and continues to support the cause with tenacity and love. Rebekkah took some time to share her experiences, her proudest accomplishments and the special bond she shares with children in need throughout the community.
Would you say that fighting for what you believe is a trait that runs in your family?
“If it weren’t for my parents’ commitment to fighting for my sister’s education, she never would have gotten the services she needed. It’s given me a huge incentive to help other students who may be convinced they are failing or not good enough to get the services they need to be successful in school, graduate and become a productive, responsible adult. Foster kids have it hard enough. They deserve to get what they’re constitutionally guaranteed: access to an education that will prepare them for the adult world.”
You seem to have a natural ability with children. We hear you are the “go to” babysitter for your friends.
“When one of my closest friends went into labor, I was asked to watch over her other four children for three days. I had been proud that I could actually do the bath and bedtime routine, but I learned that the true accomplishment was to get them up, dressed and ready for school. I was successful at getting three of the kids to school, but only two backpacks made it there!”
You’re passionate about our community. What does giving back mean to you?
“Communities aren’t stagnant; they’re organic wholes that need participation and engagement. Communities bond us and become integral parts of who we are—not just where we live.”
What do you treasure most about living in Las Vegas?
“For me, it’s the day-to-day of Las Vegas. It’s being with friends who make up the community. They’re the families that run the Yeshiva Day School and the Las Vegas Kollel. It’s being in their kitchens, babysitting their kids, seeing the students playing in the park Wednesday afternoons. This is my Las Vegas.”
If you weren’t in your present career path, what other job would you like to do?
“I’m destined to be an advocate. I think I would end up being an advocate anywhere, anyhow.”
Bruce Rowe
By Callie Thomas
If there were a single piece of advice or life inspiration that 89074 resident Bruce Rowe would pass along to others it would be to just “press on.” Simply put, success in life is not about talent, genius or education. “There is nothing more common than unsuccessful men with talent,” Rowe says. “The world is filled with unrewarded genius, and education does not provide guarantees, either.” Instead, persistence and determination are the essential ingredients that have led to a successful and fulfilling life for Rowe and for the countless others throughout the community that he has quietly supported with his unwavering efforts.
Rowe is a natural leader with charity toward others seemingly in his DNA. His leadership skills are continually put to the test in his position as Senior Vice President of Strategy & Customer Consulting for Bally Technologies. Rowe’s career in the gaming industry spans over 30 years, and he has created a successful body of work through the variety of positions he has held and the sixteen casinos he has helped to open. He also puts his skills to use in the community to assist others. Rowe, his father and grandfather were all in the Atlantic City Rotary Club, marking the first time three generations of local Rotarians had served the organization. He also grew up around scouting, with three generations of Rowe men having also served as Scout Leaders.
His passion and talent have been best put to work through his efforts as a Board Member of the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation (NCCF). Rowe also served as Chairman of the Board of The Caring Place, whose mission is to provide services to those who struggle with cancer. We had an opportunity to talk about Rowe’s aspirations, his support of charity organizations and what he believes makes him successful.
What first attracted you to become involved in The Caring Place?
“My best friend in life died of cancer at a young age. At the time and where he was, there was not a support network to care for his family and children, who too were diseased by cancer in a different way. When I was asked to be a founding member of The Caring Place, there was a chance to make this journey, which all of us will face in some form, a bit more tolerable and understandable. I have seen this come to fruition and the effects it has on those we serve and also how fulfilled the people are who serve them.”
The Caring Place organization recently merged with NCCF. What brought about the union?
“There was such an obvious benefit to combining the services provided to the children by NCCF and those provided to adults by The Caring Place. There are no cost programs and services to support, educate and empower those who have or have had cancer, their family members, friends and caregivers.”
You’ve also been heavily involved in scouting. Growing up, you were a scout too?
“Yes, but when I was a scout, most boys came from a home with a mother and father. When I became a leader, more than half the boys had no father at home. As leaders, we had moved from augmenting what fathers taught at home to being surrogate for those who did not have that influence at home.”
Of your accomplishments, what makes you most proud?
“Three things come to mind: my family—my wife Sheral and our kids Christopher and Courtney (they live here in Vegas – yea!) and knowing that their values, faith and hearts will always guide them; seeing all the people I have had a chance to work with and mentor achieve great things; and the personal values I have learned in church, scouts and from my parents that I live by every day.”
