Irish Person of The Year Nomination Approved By SADOE Board
Lisa Ruggerio is a respected Nevada community leader, licensed clinical social worker, public safety consultant, and former elected school board trustee. During her tenure, she championed student well-being and strengthened school safety initiatives. Ruggerio earned both her Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work degrees from UNR. She is nationally recognized for her expertise in school-community collaboration and safety strategy. As a consultant, she partners with law enforcement and community agencies to develop coordinated, trauma-informed approaches to public safety and crisis response.
She works closely with veterans, supporting their transition, wellness, and connection to critical mental health resources as a licensed clinical social worker.
A proud Nevada native, Ruggerio’s commitment to service is rooted in deep family heritage. Her maternal great-great-grandfather immigrated from Ireland and established the historic Hogan Hotel in Austin, Nevada.
Danielle Onderdonk serves as SADOE’s Secretary and has been a member for over a year. She also was our raffle coordinator last year which was one of the most successful ones we have had. Onderdonk is an International Exchange Coordinator and also boards dogs. She is a former leasing consultant and food and beverage manager.
A San Diego native, she has lived in Reno for over 20 years and has two grown children with her partner Greg.
She has overcome challenges from a brain aneurism which left her temporarily blind and partially deaf. She is respected by her fellow board members recording minutes of sometimes very lively board meetings.
Onderdonk’s Irish ancestors from County Mayo. To her being Irish means feeling connected to the music, camaraderie and legends of the Emerald Isle.
This award has been bestowed in the past upon Denny Healy, Jr., Con Galvin, Geno Oliver, Joe Smeltzer, Danny McGinley, Hugh Lantz, Patrick Martin, Ross Salmon, John Reeves, Janine McGinley, Pat Lantz, Noreen Neely, John McCarthy, Charles Neely, Bettylou Reed, Sherri Simmons, Mike Steedman, Pat Jewitt, Archie Redmond, William Puchert, Greg Harrington, Lisa Arteaga, Mark Sullivan, Kathleen Eagan, Jeremy & Eve McNeil, Chris Moreland, Judi Shanahan, Brittney Hardiman, John Callan, Courtney Meredith, Jan Brady, David Bobzien, Donald Abbott, Doyle Stewart, Erin Breen, Paul Beaten, Michael DelOstia, Cindy Ainsworth, Fran Tryon and Richard Dalton.