NDVS Leadership – Program Specialists

For more information on Suicide Prevention click HERE

Amanda Kehrer is a U.S. Navy veteran who serves as the Education and Employment Program Specialist for NDVS. She oversees the department's programs regarding benefits and services in the areas of employment and education for Nevada's veterans. She also conducts  outreach events to support transitioning military members returning to civilian life through the department's Nevada Veterans Transition Assistance Program (NVTAP).

Contact: kehrera@veterans.nv.gov 

For more information on Education and Employment, click HERE. For more information on NVTAP, click HERE.

Zaconia Turner is the Healthcare Program Specialist for NDVS. She oversees the department's outreach and education regarding exposure risk and assessment. She also oversees the department's programs aimed at supporting survivors and caregivers. Additionally, she manages the Veterans in Care (VIC) recognition program. Learn more about VIC HERE.

For information on Health and Wellness click HERE

Zaconia Turner may be reached at turnerz@veterans.nv.gov

I was born in Athens, Greece, and came to the United States as a toddler. I settled in Las Vegas 45 years ago and have watched it grow in leaps and bounds! I graduated from UNLV with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management. I am married to a Marine Corps veteran and am a mother to three fur babies and one feathered baby. We love to go hiking, fishing, and being one with nature. I have worked in the healthcare industry and in different government sectors including Welfare, Gaming Control Board, and NDVS. My passion is serving others, especially the veteran and senior populations. I love meeting people and hearing their stories. I always say, “Never judge a book by its cover” because you never know what shoes they’ve walked in. If you see me about town, please stop me and say “hello,” I would love to meet you.

Maria Mandaleni-Orozco may be reached at mandalenim@veterans.nv.gov

Samm is originally from Vallejo CA. She spent most of her formative years in Lake County before relocating to Chico in Butte County to pursue her college education. She moved to Sparks in February 2020. Professionally, she comes to us from Nevada DHHS, has worked as a prevention educator, medical assistant, health and safety supervisor, and grant writer/manager. In her free time, she stated that she has “3 dogs, a million creative and not at all chaotic hobbies that my fiancé adores”.

Samm will be leading our newly forming FRN Opioid Grant team from the Reno HQ office. 

Samm Warfel may be reached at warfels@veterans.nv.gov