CAC Members
Robbin Vasquez
I am a Native Nevadan and have two boys, ages 11 and 15. My youngest son is on the autism spectrum. My passion is teaching special education and working with amazing people who have exceptional abilities. I have three degrees in education: a B.S. in both Elementary Education and Special Education and a M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction. I collect music and enjoy attending live music events. I enjoy serving on CAC because it allows me to meet many dedicated people from so many different backgrounds who are all working to better our community.
Gerald O’Brien
My name is Gerald O’Brien and I am a member-at-large on the board of directors for the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Nevada. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology earned from the University of Nevada Reno in 1997. I also represent NAMI on the Disability Awareness Coalition and on the CAC. I have an interest in educating the public on the nature of mental illness and overcoming the stigma of mental illness.
Joseph Galata
An Arts and Media Education Specialist and a Grief-Bereavement Specialist, I have worked with well over 20,000 children, teens and adults. Raised in a culturally disadvantaged family with a sibling who had a developmental disability, I witnessed first hand both the difficulties and triumphs an impoverished and uneducated family experiences with disability. As a key note speaker, workshop facilitator, performer/producer and storyteller, I have presented in over 20 countries, always telling the story of my sister Linda, ” a angel who was mentally challenged but not spiritually challenged” and who for 33 years was married to Nelson “a man with a developmental disability and a sense of humor and loyalty that made him a genuine humanitarian.” I am currently the Executive Director of Sierra Association of Foster Families.
Elizabeth Downie
My name is Elizabeth Downie. I was born to George and Joyce Downie on June 23 1964. I was born in Reno, NV. I was born with no muscle tone. I have two older siblings. My brother Craig is 3 years older than me. My sister Theresa is 16 months older than me. I started school at Brown Elementary School and then I went to Roger Corbet Elementary School in Special Ed. When I was in 5th grade I went to Hunter Lake and was in regular classes. I went to Swope Middle School, also in regular classes. I went to Reno High in Special Ed and regular classes. I graduated from High School in 1985 at age 21. Theresa married John Auld in 1991 and I was their maid of honor. I went to classes at the Center for Independent Living. I moved out on my own in 1993. I went to work at High Sierra Industries in 1994-1998. I went to work at WARC in 1998-2003. I worked as an AmeriCorps*VISTA member for 3 years on the People First of Nevada Self-Advocacy Project. I went back to High Sierra from 2006-2009. I’m now working at Alpha Productions. Ever since I became involved with AmeriCorps*VISTA, I have enjoyed helping people with disabilities, especially people that are worse off than me. I think I can help a lot being on the CAC.
