MEET OUR STAFF
Denise Tanata Ashby, J.D.Executive Director
Denise received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Women's Studies, with a minor in Sociology from UNLV. She received her Juris Doctorate from the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV in May 2003. Denise has worked at the NICRP since 1998, starting out as a project assistant. Since then, she has served in the positions of Project Coordinator, Policy Analyst, Associate Director and now, Executive Director. Denise's research interests include all facets of child welfare and well-being, with a particular emphasis on data driven policy which will positively impact the social well-being of children and their families. Current and past projects have focused on the areas of child welfare, abuse and neglect, juvenile justice, prevention of child fatalities, youth mental health, youth suicide and early childhood education.
Denise.Tanata@unlv.edu
Tara PhebusSenior Research Analyst
Tara received her Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Sociology and Business Administration from Doane College in Crete , Nebraska in May of 2002. Tara received her Master of Arts Degree in Sociology at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2007. Tara has designed and conducted research on the impact of adolescent mood disorders on the family from both a provider and parent's perspective. As a graduate student she has worked as a teaching assistant for social statistics in the Sociology department, as well as a research assistant at the Nevada Institute for Children's Research and Policy. In her current position, she has worked on various projects regarding children's issues including: teen pregnancy, child death review, and assessment of suicide risk for incarcerated juveniles, child abuse and neglect, and girls in juvenile justice.
Tara.Phebus@unlv.edu
Kari WolkwitzResearch Analyst
Kari received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology in 2001 and her Master of Public Policy degree in 2004 from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. For several years, Kari evaluated areas of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), using microsimulation modeling to assess the impact of legislative changes on SNAP eligibility and participation. She also has experience in evaluating state Medicaid policies, as well as policies affecting family caregivers and long-term care and home and community-based services. As a graduate student, she worked as a teaching assistant for statistics and sociology courses. Kari is interested in child food security and nutrition, juvenile justice and incarceration services, youth homelessness, and general social welfare policy.
Kari.Wolkwitz@unlv.edu
Amanda HaboushResearch Analyst
Amanda Haboush received her Masters in Psychology from the University of Nevada Las Vegas, and is currently working on her doctoral degree. Her background places an emphasis on research regarding mental health in adolescents and adult, and older adult populations. As a research analyst, she has worked on research projects regarding children's physical health, mental health, and educational improvements as well as children's advocacy initiatives. Her current research interest also include cultural competent research practices and initiatives. Being a Las Vegas native, Amanda aims to remain in this city and work with NICRP to create a healthy community where families and children are a priority.
Amanda.Haboush@unlv.edu