Honorees

Jocelyn Arias-Flores, M. Ed., CCC-SLP is an Outpatient Clinician at Valley Health Specialty Hospital and a Part-Time Clinical Supervisor for Nevada State University. She received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Nevada State University. Her work allows her to support communication, cognitive, and swallowing difficulties in people of all ages. The services provided aim to ensure adequate safety and independence, as well as, maximizing quality of life and reintegration through client-centered care.

Her training in modified barium swallow studies allows her to assess client swallow function and curate a client-centered treatment plan. As a certified VitalStim provider, she safely provides neuromuscular electrical stimulation to treat dysphagia. Serving as a SPEAK OUT® provider, she works alongside patients with Parkinson’s and related disorders to retrain and maintain their speech and swallowing abilities. In addition, she is also a Certified Lingraphica Technology Specialist, collaborating with clients and caregivers to understand and implement speech-generating devices to support total communication. Lastly, in December of 2024, she collaborated with NSU Associate Professor, Dr. Andre’ Lindsey to present a poster at the yearly American Speech-Language Hearing Association conference with a focus on TBI, PTSD, and Functional Memory and Attention.

As a bilingual supervisor, she strives to guide her students in reducing barriers to care while providing culturally and linguistically responsive services at the RiteCare Clinic. Ensuring clients and their families maintain their linguistic identity while addressing and optimizing their communication needs.

In her free time, she enjoys completing 1,000-piece puzzles, reading books, going to concerts, and napping with her dog. More recently, she had the opportunity of traveling to explore other Latin American countries to learn about their traditions, language, food, and history firsthand. Participating in daily interactions with the local community and immersing herself into their culture allowed her to appreciate and learn the rich dialects, accents, and expressions. She hopes to further deepen her appreciation for the beautiful language and the unique cultures, while continuing to empower communication across all stages of life.

Giselle Gradilla is a proud Chicana first-generation graduate of Nevada State University. She currently teaches 10th grade Pre-AP English at Equipo Academy. Her pedagogy is deeply rooted in the Yucatec moral code of Lak’ech Ala K’in (roughly translated to, “you are my other me, what I do onto you I do onto myself, if I treat you kindly I treat myself kindly”). She serves the community she grew up within, working blocks away from her childhood home and is motivated to empower and be empowered by her students who navigate physical and metaphorical Nepantla (in-between) struggles and triumphs. This is of course guided by her groundbreaking experience as a former Nepantla student (and current Nepantla alumn) at Nevada State. Mrs. Gradilla is a humble recipient of Equipo Academy’s 2025 respect and humility award and looks forward to seeing her students go out into the world as the change makers and sophisticated intellectuals she knows they will become.

Miuriel Reyes is a passionate and dedicated Spanish teacher at Sandy Searles Miller Academy for International Studies, where she brings language to life and helps her students build a genuine appreciation for culture and connection. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Nevada State University in May 2022, followed by her Master of Education in English Language Learning from UNLV in May 2024. Always striving to grow, she is currently pursuing her Bilingual Endorsement at Nevada State University. In recognition of her heart, commitment, and impact, she was named a 2026 Teacher of the Year honoree.

Miuriel believes deeply in the power of lifelong learning – not just for her students, but for herself as well. She embraces change with an open mind, seeing it as an opportunity to reflect, grow and become an even better educator. Her classroom is a space where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired to take risks and learn from one another.

Her connection to the school community runs deep. Since 2015, Miuriel has been a familiar and trusted presence at Sandy Miller. First as a room parent, then as a substitute teacher, and now as a full – time educator. She has also spent over four years supporting the school’s folklorico group, helping students celebrate their heritage and build pride in their cultural identities.

Miuriel impact goes far beyond academics. Through her warmth, dedication, and leadership, she creates meaningful relationships and leaves a lasting impression on everyone she works with.

Lizbeth Rodriguez is a dedicated third-grade teacher at Myrtle Tate Elementary School within the Clark County School District. A graduate from Nevada State University (2018), she also earned her bilingual endorsement, strengthening her ability to support multilingual learners. She has built her career at a Title I school serving students of historically marginalized communities. Her instructional approach is grounded in culturally and linguistically responsive practices, ensuring that students of diverse backgrounds and abilities receive an inclusive education. Over time, her passion for equity in education deepened, leading her to pursue a master’s degree in Educational Policy and Leadership, which she completed in May 2025. She also recently completed the Aspiring School Administrators Program with the Clark County School District and aspires to transition into a school or district leadership role within the next three to five years.

Throughout her career, Rodriguez has demonstrated a strong commitment to both students’ success and community engagement. In addition to her role as a classroom teacher, she serves as a cheer coach and after-school tutor, extending her impact beyond the instructional day to support students and families in her community. She has fostered inclusive environments by serving as a Special Olympics liaison and partnering with the Kiwanis Club of North Las Vegas to promote student involvement in philanthropy and civic responsibility. She is also a strong advocate for students receiving special education services, ensuring their needs are met through intentional, inclusive practices. Among her most meaningful accomplishments is her work in mentoring circles, where she supports educators in sustaining their professional growth and well-being, as well as developing research-based and experiential learning opportunities that expand how students engage with content beyond traditional methods.

Rodriguez’s impact extends beyond her classroom. She has influenced fellow educators to remain in the profession by advocating for systems that support teacher wellness and effectiveness. Her students benefit from an asset-based approach that honors their cultural and linguistic identities, empowering them to thrive academically and socially. Guided by her core values, she remains committed to creating and sustaining culturally responsive environments where every student is valued and supported.

Briana Sodaro is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS). She graduated with her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Nevada State University (NSU) in 2021.

Briana currently works at the Nevada Community Enrichment Program (NCEP), a post-acute comprehensive neurorehabilitation program. She treats individuals experiencing aphasia, motor speech disorders, cognitive-communication disorders, and dysphagia secondary to acquired and traumatic brain injuries (ABI and TBI), as well as other neurological diagnoses.

During her time at NCEP, Briana has helped individuals with aphasia and acquired apraxia of speech obtain speech-generating devices to improve communication of their wants, needs, ideas, and medical information, while increasing meaningful participation in daily life. She also leads a weekly aphasia support group, providing a safe space for individuals with language disorders to socialize with others facing similar challenges, reduce isolation, practice language skills, and build confidence in their communication abilities.

As part of an interdisciplinary team, Briana collaborates with occupational and physical therapists to help individuals return to work and other meaningful activities following brain injury by evaluating work environments and participating in community outings.

Since 2024, Briana has supervised and mentored multiple graduate students from Nevada State University and other out-of-state universities, helping them gain valuable clinical experience and develop into well-rounded speech-language pathologists.

Briana has also volunteered at Nevada State University to assist with the Aging Simulation class, giving undergraduate students insight into the challenges experienced by older adults, including language disorders, hearing impairments, visual impairments, and mobility deficits.

Established in 1956, the Clark County School District (CCSD) is the number one choice for families and students. As the nation’s fifth-largest school district, we educate 280,000 students – offering a variety of nationally recognized programs, including Magnet Schools, Career and Technical Academies, and Advanced Placement programs. CCSD educates 64 percent of the students in Nevada and works closely with community partners and business leaders to educate students to compete in a global economy.

Established in September 1956, the Clark County School District (CCSD) is the number one choice for families and students. As the nation’s fifth-largest school district, we educate 280,000 students – offering a variety of nationally recognized programs, including Magnet Schools, Career and Technical Academies, and Advanced Placement programs. CCSD educates 64 percent of the students in Nevada and works closely with community partners and business leaders to educate students to compete in a global economy.

Jhone Ebert brings over three decades of experience, passion, and proven leadership to her Superintendent of the Clark County School District (CCSD) role. A longtime Southern Nevada resident and former CCSD educator, Superintendent Ebert has dedicated her career to ensuring that every student—no matter their background or zip code—has the opportunity to succeed in school and life. Ebert has coined CCSD the Destination District, a five-year commitment to transforming our schools into supportive, safe places where learning sparks joy and students are prepared to build a home, a life, and a future.

For more than 20 years, the Nevada State University School of Education has partnered with the Clark County School District to provide high-quality clinical placements for teacher, speech-language pathology, and school psychology candidates. Together, we prepare skilled, compassionate professionals who are ready to support the success of CCSD students from day one.

The Las Vegas RiteCare Clinic and the Nevada Scottish Rite Foundation have joined together to expand the capabilities of our Nevada State University clinics. Through the Scottish Rite Foundation and their continuous generosity, patients of all ages receive free speech therapy services provided by Nevada State University graduate clinicians. Additionally, the clinics serve as training sites for future speech-language pathologists.

The Nevada State on-campus and RiteCare Clinics are specialized facilities dedicated to diagnosing and treating communication disorders and difficulties related to speech, language, voice, fluency, cognition, and swallowing. Additionally, we have ongoing partnerships with the Adult Daycare of Henderson and the Nevada State Early Childhood Education Center, which provide our students with even more hands-on and unique experiences. Our clinics often provide counseling and support for individuals and their families to help them better understand and cope with their communication challenges.

Bob was raised in Little Falls NY, received his undergraduate degree in accounting from Ithaca College and moved to Las Vegas in 1977 to attend UNLV where he obtained his MBA. He held CPA and CFP licenses. Professionally, Bob was the Finance Director for the City of Henderson, Director of the Accounting Department for the Clark County School District and the financial planner for members of the Clark County Teacher’s Association. In 1996, Bob and his business partner, started Paragon Asset Management Company which was acquired by Mellon Bank (now Bank of NY Mellon) in 2004. Bob retired in 2011.

In 1969, Alison and her family moved to Las Vegas where she attended Ruby Thomas ES, Orr JHS and Valley HS. It was in her freshman year that a fieldtrip to Helen J. Stewart Special School ignited her passion for children with special needs. Alison graduated from UNLV with degree in special education (minor in severe disabilities). She returned to UNLV and received her MS in Rehabilitation Counseling and later obtained her license in school and program administration. Professionally, Alison was a specialized program teacher, transition counselor, district-wide administrator for transition services and ultimately returned to Helen J Stewart as Principal. Alison retired in 2006. In 2014, she created Our Giving Circle, a philanthropic women’s group who has donated to over 30 local, small charities.

While working, Bob served on many boards of local not for profits, including: Henderson Community Foundation (founding member), Friends of the Henderson Libraries (founding member), Southern Nevada Water Authority Issues, St Rose Dominican Hospital Finance, and Henderson Chamber of Commerce (legislative and other committees).

It was their appreciation of the community which afforded them so many opportunities, that in 2012, Bob and Alison formed the Kasner Family Foundation, a 501c (3). Together, with the Board of Directors, many local not for profits have received grants and donations to increase their capacity to serve and support individuals living in Southern Nevada. The Smith Center Student Performances, Future Smiles, Eye Care 4 Kids, Get Outdoors Nevada, Helping Hands of Henderson, Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation, Spread The Word Nevada, CARE Chest, Grant A Gift Autism and Nevada State University are just some of the recipients.