NDVS Leadership – Program Managers

This position oversees suicide prevention and mental health programs for veterans throughout Nevada, including the Governor’s and Mayor’s Challenges.

Contact: Greena@veterans.nv.gov

For more information on Suicide Prevention click HERE

Helena Otero is the Education and Employment Program Manager for the Nevada Department of Veterans Services, where she determines barriers that veteran students are facing in their perspective educational programs and creates/implements solutions.

In this role, Helena is responsible for planning and coordinating the Nevada Transition Assistance Program for veterans living or moving to Nevada amongst other tasks.

She has had a diverse employment history since she separated from the Air Force in March of 2013. She earned her Associate of Science in Social and Behavioral Science from Yuba Community College in Marysville, CA in July 2017. In December 2020, Helena graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Concentration in Management.

Helena is currently enrolled in LSU – Shreveport’s Online MBA with a Concentration in Data Analytics program. It has been a goal of Helena to earn her Master’s degree and she is excited to be on her way to accomplishing that goal.

Since her time in the service, Helena has always wanted to help other veterans and their families in some capacity. She is married to an Army retired veteran and understands the struggles of moving and picking up your entire life. Helena is grateful since she is able to help veterans throughout Nevada as the Education and Employment Program Manager for NDVS.

Contact: oteroh@veterans.nv.gov

For information on Benefits and Services click HERE

Rachel Jelenic is the Veterans Healthcare Champions Program Manager for the Nevada Department of Veterans Services. She joined NDVS as an intern in 2019 and now oversees healthcare programs for veterans throughout Nevada. These programs include outreach on military health exposures, presumptive conditions, telehealth, caregiving, adaptive sports, and benefit connection. She specializes in open communication, relationship building, and resource connection throughout her programs. In her free time, Rachel enjoys exploring new places and spending time with her friends and family.

Rachel is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health. She is currently working towards her Master in Public Health degree emphasizing in Social and Behavioral Health.

Contact: jelenicr@veterans.nv.gov

For information on Health and Wellness click HERE

For more information on Women Veterans click HERE and for Minority and Unique Veterans click HERE

Toni Washington is currently a Veterans Service Officer and the LGBTQIA+ Program manager for the State of NV Department of Veterans Services.

Toni is an Army Veteran, Deacon in the United Church of Christ in the Northern California Nevada Conference, and an activist who has served the homeless and LGBTQ community; those most marginalized in church and society. She attended Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley California where she received two certificates. One in Theological Education and Leadership and the other in Gender, Sexuality, and the Bible.

Toni is also a member of Nu Tau Beta Fraternity Inc., a non-collegiate Greek organization for masculine of center women based in Atlanta, a member of Women Veterans of Nevada (WVON), and National Association of Black Military Women (NABMW).

Contact: washingtont@veterans.nv.gov