Nevada PEP
Nevada PEP is excited to be celebrating 25 years of supporting families. We will continue to strengthen families through education, empowerment and encouragement activities. Take the journey, as we highlight a few of our many accomplishments. Together we are building stronger families for a better community!
1995
Nevada PEP's First Logo
“PEP the Turtle” was developed by parents who wanted
to share the message of slow and steady progress for
kids to be successful.
to share the message of slow and steady progress for
kids to be successful.
1996
Nevada PEP’s First Home
Nevada PEP's first home was a small office with 3 desks
and 1 telephone line. Karen Taycher started Nevada PEP,
and 25 years later she continues to provide strong
leadership as the Executive Director. Her passion is
helping families which was the reason PEP was born 25
years ago.
and 1 telephone line. Karen Taycher started Nevada PEP,
and 25 years later she continues to provide strong
leadership as the Executive Director. Her passion is
helping families which was the reason PEP was born 25
years ago.
1997
PEP's Board Members
(From Left) Phyliss Lee, Alexia Conger, and Craig Wetzel
1998-1999
The PEP Team
Nevada PEP “Shining” team (from left) Flo Laroy, Robin
Kincaid, Stacey, Caroline, Karen Taycher, Gillian Wells,
Juanita Matz
Kincaid, Stacey, Caroline, Karen Taycher, Gillian Wells,
Juanita Matz
2000
Nevada PEP's Second Logo
In 2000 Nevada PEP developed its 2nd Logo to
incorporate what P.E.P. stands for: Parents Encouraging
Parents, Parents Educating Professionals, Professionals
Empowering Parents
incorporate what P.E.P. stands for: Parents Encouraging
Parents, Parents Educating Professionals, Professionals
Empowering Parents
2001
An Inspirational Visit From Rudy Ruettiger
Nevada PEP was treated to an exclusive visit by Rudy
Ruettiger. Rudy is a motivational speaker and author.
Rudy struggled all through school and discovered in
college that he had dyslexia. He became famous for
playing three plays in a football game: a kickoff, an
incomplete pass, and on the third play (the game's final
play), he sacked Georgia Tech quarterback Rudy Allen.
He was carried off the field by his teammates following
the game, the first player in Notre Dame history to do so.
Ruettiger. Rudy is a motivational speaker and author.
Rudy struggled all through school and discovered in
college that he had dyslexia. He became famous for
playing three plays in a football game: a kickoff, an
incomplete pass, and on the third play (the game's final
play), he sacked Georgia Tech quarterback Rudy Allen.
He was carried off the field by his teammates following
the game, the first player in Notre Dame history to do so.
2002
Helping Out At The Las Vegas Marathon
Nevada PEP’s Team volunteered at the 2nd Las Vegas
Marathon, welcoming the runners crossing the finish line
and handing out medals for participating.
Marathon, welcoming the runners crossing the finish line
and handing out medals for participating.
2003
Sam And Retta
Sam Lieberman, Nevada PEP’s Board Chair and Retta
Dermody, our Director of Programs and Services for the
Satellite office.
Dermody, our Director of Programs and Services for the
Satellite office.
2004
Third Annual Baldy Bash
Nevada PEP held the 3rd Annual Baldy Bash, a
fundraising event showcasing Southern Nevada's finest
first responders raising funds to increase awareness for
Nevada PEP.
fundraising event showcasing Southern Nevada's finest
first responders raising funds to increase awareness for
Nevada PEP.
Our TOP Baldy With Trish Leavitt
Our TOP Baldy was Legendary basketball coach Jerry
Tarkanian who coached the UNLV Runnin' Rebels from
1973 -1992.
Tarkanian who coached the UNLV Runnin' Rebels from
1973 -1992.
Visit From Paula Goldberg
Nevada PEP welcomed Paula Goldberg, Executive
Director for the PACER Center, when she stopped by for a
visit. PACER is the Parent Training and Information
Center in Minnesota.
Director for the PACER Center, when she stopped by for a
visit. PACER is the Parent Training and Information
Center in Minnesota.
2005
Fourth Annual Baldy Bash
In October of 2005 Nevada PEP held its 4th Annual Baldy
Bash at the Luxor Hotel and Casino. Nevada partnered
with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, North
Las Vegas Police Department, and Henderson Police
Department.
Bash at the Luxor Hotel and Casino. Nevada partnered
with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, North
Las Vegas Police Department, and Henderson Police
Department.
Visit From John Hager US Department
of Education
of Education
Nevada PEP welcomed Secretary John Hager of the Office
of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services to
Nevada PEP to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Secretary
Hager took a tour of Nevada PEP and learned about the
services we provide in the community.
of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services to
Nevada PEP to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Secretary
Hager took a tour of Nevada PEP and learned about the
services we provide in the community.
2006
Visit From Donna Fluke, Coordinator National
Coalition of Parent Centers
Coalition of Parent Centers
Nevada PEP visited with Donna Fluke from the National
Coalition of Parent Centers. Donna has been a strong
advocate for children with disabilities and has made a
difference for children in her career.
Coalition of Parent Centers. Donna has been a strong
advocate for children with disabilities and has made a
difference for children in her career.
2007
Sixth Annual Baldy Bash
The Baldy Bash was held at the Luxor Hotel and Casino.
2008
Operation Baldy Bash Goes To Iraq
During the 7th Annual Baldy Bash Nevada PEP received a
call from a Dad who was stationed at Nellis AFB. He
wanted to be involved in the Baldy Bash, however he was
in Iraq at the time, and asked if they could have an
“Operation Baldy Bash” and collect donations and buzz
in Iraq. We had over 25 of America’s finest buzzing for
Nevada PEP.
call from a Dad who was stationed at Nellis AFB. He
wanted to be involved in the Baldy Bash, however he was
in Iraq at the time, and asked if they could have an
“Operation Baldy Bash” and collect donations and buzz
in Iraq. We had over 25 of America’s finest buzzing for
Nevada PEP.
2009
Nevada PEP’s Third Logo
Nevada PEP adopted our current logo in 2009. With our
new tagline “Strengthening Families with Education,
Empowerment, Encouragement”
new tagline “Strengthening Families with Education,
Empowerment, Encouragement”
Senator Reid Meets With Nevada PEP
(From Left) PEP Supporter Clifton Whitehurst, PEP Board
Members Sam Lieberman, and Trish Leavitt, Senator
Harry Reid, and Nevada PEP Executive Director Karen
Taycher.
Members Sam Lieberman, and Trish Leavitt, Senator
Harry Reid, and Nevada PEP Executive Director Karen
Taycher.
2010
Nevada PEP’s New Home
Nevada PEP moved to a larger building with more space
and a bigger training room for families. We were
honored to have Judge Michelle Leavitt perform the
traditional honor of cutting the ribbon. Sam Lieberman
our Board Chair officially welcomed everyone. We were
honored to receive a personal visit from Congresswoman
Dina Titus.
and a bigger training room for families. We were
honored to have Judge Michelle Leavitt perform the
traditional honor of cutting the ribbon. Sam Lieberman
our Board Chair officially welcomed everyone. We were
honored to receive a personal visit from Congresswoman
Dina Titus.
A Welcome To Washington Breakfast
With Senator Harry Reid
With Senator Harry Reid
Since the late 1990s, Senator Reid has hosted a weekly
“Welcome to Washington” breakfast for Nevadans at the
Capitol. Our Executive Director attended many of these
“Washington Breakfasts”. Senator Reid always welcomed
Karen and always spoke of Nevada PEP in high regards.
“Welcome to Washington” breakfast for Nevadans at the
Capitol. Our Executive Director attended many of these
“Washington Breakfasts”. Senator Reid always welcomed
Karen and always spoke of Nevada PEP in high regards.
Visit from Dina Titus
We were honored to receive a personal visit from
Congresswoman Dina Titus.
Congresswoman Dina Titus.
National Coalition of Parent Centers Reception
Congresswoman Shelly Berkley energizes families at the
2010 National Coalition of Parent Centers Reception on
Capitol Hill.
2010 National Coalition of Parent Centers Reception on
Capitol Hill.
2011
PEP’s First Bullying Prevention Walk
Nevada PEP held its first Bullying Prevention walk at
Tivoli Village to raise awareness about bullying
prevention in our schools.
Tivoli Village to raise awareness about bullying
prevention in our schools.
2012
Celebrating Unity Day
Every October Nevada PEP celebrates Unity Day. On
Unity Day people come together, in schools,
communities, and online, to send one large ORANGE
message of support, hope, and unity. The goal is to show
that we are united against bullying and united for
kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.
Unity Day people come together, in schools,
communities, and online, to send one large ORANGE
message of support, hope, and unity. The goal is to show
that we are united against bullying and united for
kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.
2013
Celebrating Bullying Prevention
In September Nevada PEP held its 2nd Annual Run Walk
Roll Against Bullying. The Emcees, Steph MacKenzie from
97.1 and television personality, Nathan Tannenbaum did
an amazing job. This event helps to raise awareness in
communities about Bullying Prevention. The event took
place at Tivoli Village in Las Vegas and on the grounds of
IGT in Reno.
Roll Against Bullying. The Emcees, Steph MacKenzie from
97.1 and television personality, Nathan Tannenbaum did
an amazing job. This event helps to raise awareness in
communities about Bullying Prevention. The event took
place at Tivoli Village in Las Vegas and on the grounds of
IGT in Reno.
2014
Nevada PEP’s First Poker Run
In May, Nevada PEP partnered with Rollin Bonz and
Broken Bonez motorcycle riding club on it first ever
Poker Run to raise awareness and funding for Nevada
PEP. The event was great fun, with approx. 100 bikers all
riding for Nevada PEP. The Poker Run ended at the
famous Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings, Nevada. The
Pioneer Saloon has a rich history and heritage of the old
mining towns, Hollywood of yesteryear and the Wild
West!
Broken Bonez motorcycle riding club on it first ever
Poker Run to raise awareness and funding for Nevada
PEP. The event was great fun, with approx. 100 bikers all
riding for Nevada PEP. The Poker Run ended at the
famous Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings, Nevada. The
Pioneer Saloon has a rich history and heritage of the old
mining towns, Hollywood of yesteryear and the Wild
West!
A Visit From Mrs. Nevada
In February 2014 Lavetta Schneider was crowned Mrs.
Nevada USA . We were honored to have her visit Nevada
PEP. She volunteered at PEP and made Bullying
Prevention her platform.
Nevada USA . We were honored to have her visit Nevada
PEP. She volunteered at PEP and made Bullying
Prevention her platform.
2015
Nevada PEP Celebrated Its 20th Year
Helping Families
Helping Families
Nevada PEP was recognized by Senator Harry Reid, and
was officially on the Congressional Record.
was officially on the Congressional Record.
2016
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day
In May, Nevada PEP partnered with PeaceLove Studio
and created beautiful artworks. PeaceLove empowers
people to share stories and create expressive art, with a
purpose of creating peace of mind through expressive
arts experiences.
and created beautiful artworks. PeaceLove empowers
people to share stories and create expressive art, with a
purpose of creating peace of mind through expressive
arts experiences.
2017
ADA Celebrates 27yrs
Nevada PEP celebrated the passing of the Americans
With Disabilities Act (ADA). The act was signed into law
by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990. The ADA
prohibits the discrimination of people with disabilities
and guarantees they have the same opportunities
everyone else.
With Disabilities Act (ADA). The act was signed into law
by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990. The ADA
prohibits the discrimination of people with disabilities
and guarantees they have the same opportunities
everyone else.
2018
PEP Glow Zone Charity Winner
Famous BMX rider Ricardo Laguna and his team went up
against some pretty stiff competition in the Ninja course
at Glow Zone, but came away victorious. Glowzone
donated $500 to his charity of choice, Nevada PEP.
against some pretty stiff competition in the Ninja course
at Glow Zone, but came away victorious. Glowzone
donated $500 to his charity of choice, Nevada PEP.
2019
9th Annual Run Walk Roll
Nevada PEP held the 9th Annual Run Walk Roll Against
Bullying event on the UNLV campus. Tyler Corder, from
Findlay Automotive Group, was the presenting
Corporate Sponsor. Tyler has been the voice of Findlay
Automotive Group and a positive influence in the
community. Findlay Automotive Group has supported
this event since its inception!
Bullying event on the UNLV campus. Tyler Corder, from
Findlay Automotive Group, was the presenting
Corporate Sponsor. Tyler has been the voice of Findlay
Automotive Group and a positive influence in the
community. Findlay Automotive Group has supported
this event since its inception!
2020
25 Years Of Helping Families In Nevada
Nevada PEP has served Nevada for 25 years.
From a humble office with three desks, to the Nation's
Capital, we will continue to Educate, Empower, and
Encourage our families.
From a humble office with three desks, to the Nation's
Capital, we will continue to Educate, Empower, and
Encourage our families.
