Meet the Team

Hello! I'm Melissa Davis, Chief Philanthropy Officer at NHS, bringing over 15 years of fundraising mojo from both the political and non-profit worlds. My mission? To craft strategies that not only secure crucial funds but also get tails wagging to help pets in need!

I joined NHS in 2023, adding my dynamic fundraising flair from Carson Tahoe Health, Veterans Guest House, and Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern Nevada. I've got a knack for connecting passionate donors with impactful projects, having raised over $22.5 million. Plus, I proudly sport my Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification, earned after double majoring in Political Science and Speech Communications at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Being at NHS isn't just a job; it's a calling that combines my career expertise with my deep love for animals. I find immense meaning in helping pets find their forever homes and ensuring they receive the care they deserve.

As a native of Reno, my early fundraising journey took me across 10 states and 13 cities in two years, igniting my passion for nonprofit work. I boomeranged back to my beloved Reno-Tahoe in 2015. Surrounded by majestic mountains and sagebrush, Home (Truly) Means Nevada to me.

When I'm not rallying support for NHS, you’ll catch me cheering for Nevada football, globe-trotting with my mom, or enjoying cozy nights with my husband, Randy, our sassy Pomsky, Olive, and cute (NHS Alumi) kitten, Martini.

Hey there! I'm Kylene Daschofsky, Medical Director here at Nevada Humane Society (NHS). My role is a true labor of love, overseeing all veterinary operations across NHS and our Carson City branch. From strategic planning to day-to-day medical and surgical care. On top of all that, I continue to work alongside our amazing staff performing surgeries and providing medical care to the pets in our care. I ensure that every furry patient receives top-notch treatment in a positive environment.

My journey into veterinary medicine started at Washington State University, where I earned dual Bachelor's degrees in Neuroscience and Clinical Psychology before completing my Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Following that, I deepened my expertise with a Shelter Medicine Specialty Internship at San Diego Humane Society and became licensed to practice here in Nevada. My commitment to fear-free practices underscores every procedure I oversee.

With over a decade in animal shelters, my passion for animal welfare runs deep. At NHS, I don't just see it as a job; it's my chance to make a meaningful difference in countless lives. Yes, it's demanding, but the rewards of seeing animals thrive and find loving homes make it all worthwhile.

On a personal note, my home is a lively sanctuary for NHS alumni—Jax the dog, Tiki Bean the cat, and Chester the guinea pig. When I'm not championing animal care, you'll find me soaking up the serene beauty of Lake Tahoe—whether hiking, paddleboarding, or simply lounging on the beach. And on my downtime, I love nothing more than unwinding with my pets and significant other, indulging in games and guilty pleasure TV shows.

Hi there, I’m Dr. Fitz and I am so excited to be the Director of Nevada Humane Society’s Department of Community Medicine & Surgery. My team is tiny but mighty. We work in collaboration with other departments, animal welfare organizations, community cat caregivers, and pet owners. This department is focused on providing accessible spay/neuter and preventative care services to help keep pets healthy and with the families who love them.

I have been passionate about animals my whole life with many pets including dogs, cats, chickens, goats and horses. I started volunteering at a humane society in 2001 during college. This made a huge impact on me and my understanding of the pet overpopulation problem and how difficult it can be to keep pet families together. I graduated from Oregon State University, College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008. I have worked across the country in different roles, but my work in providing accessible veterinary options and spay and neuter services is what I am most proud of.

I moved to Reno in 2025 to launch the Community Medicine & Surgery Department. I share my life with Keeva the cat, and amazing dogs Hamster, Sprout and Beans. In my spare time I love to knit, read and cook, all with at least a few animals around. I look forward to exploring the Reno area and getting to know all that it offers.

Hiya! I’m Jennifer Spurr, Director of People and Culture here at NHS. My journey here began in December 2022, and my mission is clear: I strive to craft effective HR strategies, ensure compliance, and develop an enticing total rewards program. This way, our incredible NHS team can focus wholeheartedly on caring for pets, finding them forever homes, and ultimately saving lives.

My HR adventure kicked off in California in 2011, where I spent three and a half years as an HR assistant for a nationwide mortgage company. Alongside this, I pursued my passion for Interior Design, earning my Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2012. From 2017 to 2021, as IAM Manager for an international company, I spearheaded a successful HR software overhaul and integrated multiple systems, streamlining onboarding and offboarding processes for over 4,000 employees. Certified in Human Resources Management from the HRCI Learning Center and an active member of SHRM and NNHRA, I’m dedicated to staying at the forefront of HR innovation and best practices.

Combining my love for supporting people with my passion for animal welfare at NHS has been incredibly fulfilling. Whether guiding seasoned veterans or newcomers to the field, I’m here to empower our team to make a meaningful impact. Outside of NHS, you’ll find me enjoying quality time with my fiancé and our two adopted cats, Lorne and Meadow, who we lovingly welcomed into our lives from NHS. With two remarkable adult sons in Northern California and a daughter proudly serving in the U.S. Air Force, I cherish every moment, especially during our frequent travels to visit them.

Hi! I’m Tatum Sutliff, Client Services Director at Nevada Humane Society! My role revolves around overseeing our dedicated Client Services Team, who handle everything from Animal Adoptions to Animal Surrenders and our Animal Help Desk. My team plays a pivotal role in making this mission possible by actively supporting and assisting members of our community.  They're truly the heart of our organization, committed to delivering top-notch customer service.

I joined NHS back in October 2022 as Adoptions Manager and quickly rose to my current role. With a double major in Sociology and Psychology from the University of Nevada Reno, my passion for customer service blossomed during my college days, where I learned how important a positive and helpful attitude can make or break a customer’s experience. Post-graduation, I delved into managing volunteers at Renown Health, as the Pet Therapy Manager, managing 300 volunteers and their furry companions. It was there I witnessed firsthand the profound impact animals have on people's lives, especially during tough times.

Nevada Humane Society has allowed my work experience and passions to flourish. I love helping people and animals and have found immense gratitude being part of a team that works so hard to ensure we are not only helping animals, but our community as well.  

When I'm not wrangling clients, staff and animals at NHS, you will find me spending time with my 3 dogs, Hank, Bevin and Pancho, and Cat, Marcel, tending to my many plants, riding my motorcycle, thrifting, or enjoying all the watering holes the region has to offer.

Hello! I’m Julia Carney, Marketing Manager at the Nevada Humane Society. With a background in marketing, public relations, and communications, I’m excited to connect with our community and help share meaningful stories about the pets, programs, and people that make NHS special.

I earned my degree in Communication Studies from Cal State San Bernardino and bring experience working in higher education and the fire service.

When it comes to marketing, I’ve done a bit of it all, specializing in social media management, strategy, and community engagement. I truly enjoy finding creative ways to develop content that resonates with people.

I’ve always had a love for animals, and being able to support the NHS mission makes this role especially meaningful to me.

While originally from Southern California, I’ve enjoyed getting to know the area and am excited to call Reno home!

Outside of the office, you can find me spending time with my boyfriend, watching the newest movie, making home-made lemonade, and taking our dog, Oreo, to the park.

Howdy! I'm Brittney Fallon, Clinic Manager here at Nevada Humane Society (NHS). My role is all about ensuring our clinic runs like a well-oiled machine, overseeing the staff, and making sure every pet receives top-notch treatment.

With over 15 years of experience as a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) with an Associate's degree in Veterinary Technology, I bring a wealth of expertise to our team. I'm passionate about patient care and empowering our staff to reach their full potential.

At NHS, I'm privileged to be the voice for the voiceless, advocating for animals who need our help the most. Whether it's coordinating treatments, supporting our incredible team, or fostering a compassionate environment, every day is a chance to make a difference.

On a personal note, I hail from Louisiana—a place close to my heart, especially when it comes to whipping up delicious Cajun cuisine. Outside of work, I cherish my role as a wife of 17 years and a proud mother of three, alongside our furry family members—two dogs and two cats. With their boundless energy and strong sense of loyalty, I definitely embrace the spirited traits that define huskies, both in and out of the clinic.

Greetings! I’m Cherry Hastings, your go-to Cat Team Manager at Nevada Humane Society! I make sure our whiskered friends get all the love they deserve. From adoptions to cozy shelter setups, I’m on a mission to find every cat and small animal their purr-fect match.

Before diving into the world of adorable furballs, I spent 30 years as a surgical nurse, patching up humans with the same compassion I now pour into our fluffy residents. Retirement brought me here, and let me tell you, it’s been an adventure!

I joined NHS in 2016, and have been leading the amazing and dynamic cat team since 2020. I strive to ensure every meow and tail wag gets the spotlight it deserves. Plus, I’m Fear Free Certified, so you know your fur babies are in safe paws.

Personally, I’ve welcomed two mischievous orange cats into my home thanks to NHS—let’s just say, they keep me on my toes, just like the internet memes promise! When I’m not matching whiskers with new families, you can find me daydreaming about sailing—something I got hooked on during the two years I lived in St. Thomas with my late husband, Dr. Chris Hastings.

Hi! I'm Christina Mitchell—though everyone calls me Tina! As the Carson City Clinic Manager and a Licensed Veterinary Technician at NHS, my days are all about ensuring top-notch veterinary care and creating positive experiences for our clients and their beloved pets.

With 28 years under my belt as an LVT, I've cared for critters of all shapes and sizes, from the tiniest mouse to majestic giraffes. One of my fondest memories? Bonding with an orangutan at the Phoenix Zoo—it was truly unforgettable! My journey started at the Long Medical Institute in Phoenix, AZ, where I honed my skills before bringing my expertise to Nevada with my LVT license in hand.

My passion for shelter work ignited back in the 80s at the Arizona Humane Society, and it's a flame that burns brighter than ever here at NHS. I'm dedicated to ensuring every furry friend in our care receives the medical attention they deserve, helping them find their forever homes.

At home, I have my very own zoo to manage—a delightful chaos of animals that keeps me on my toes when I'm not at the clinic.

Hello, hello! I’m Brett, proud Dog Staff Manager at Nevada Humane Society. My team and I are all about the animals, especially the pups! It’s our mission to ensure every dog in our care gets top-notch treatment while they wait for their forever family to find them. We’re here to give them love, attention, and the best possible start before they head off to their happily-ever-afters.

Before I joined the NHS team, I spent nearly 5 years working in animal welfare at a local clinic. I absolutely loved my time there. Helping animals and constantly learning new ways to improve as a caregiver and as a dog owner. Every day was a chance to grow, and I’m so grateful for that experience.

Now, let me introduce my two four-legged besties: Buster and Ludo. Buster is my main man. I found him all alone in a California desert when he was just about 9 months old. Fast forward over 10 years, and he’s still by my side as the best dog I could ever ask for. We’ve been through so much together, and I feel incredibly lucky to have him in my life. Ludo’s story is just as special, but I’ll save that one for another day!

When I’m not at NHS, you might find me out adventuring with friends and family or just chilling at home with my pups, gaming away. Whether it’s cuddles on the couch or exploring the great outdoors, life with my dogs is always an adventure, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Hey There! I'm Morgan, Client Services Manager at NHS, where I lead our exceptional team in connecting thousands of pet parents with their perfect furry companions. Whether it's guiding someone through the adoption process or providing compassionate support to those facing the difficult decision to surrender a pet, I'm here to ensure every interaction is filled with empathy and understanding.

My journey to NHS began in 2023, following a career path rooted in campaign politics and education. From orchestrating high-stakes events for gubernatorial candidates to crafting impactful legislative policies, my professional life has been dedicated to championing causes I deeply believe in. Teaching A.P. Human Geography to inquisitive 9th graders and managing operations at PALS Chess Academy were pivotal experiences that enriched my perspective and prepared me for the dynamic challenges of animal welfare.

Proudly waving the maize and blue flag, I earned my degree in Political Science from the University of Michigan—Go Blue! Joining NHS has allowed me to merge my passion for advocacy with a profound love for animals, finding fulfillment in making a tangible difference in their lives.

Life has taken me across the map, with each of the past four years spent calling a different state home. Now settled in Northern Nevada with my partner Abby, our lively labrador mix Padfoot, and the spirited cat Margot, I've discovered a true sense of belonging and community. Beyond my role at NHS, you'll often find me exploring the great outdoors of the Reno-Tahoe area. Whether I'm pounding the trails on a morning run, cycling through picturesque landscapes, or hiking to hidden vistas, adventure is my constant companion. Abby and I are avid explorers, always seeking out new trails and vistas to savor.

Hi! I’m Ryan, the high-spirited and fun-loving Facilities Manager at NHS. I bring years of experience from multiple industries, with my latest being in the non-profit world. As Facilities Manager, my goals are to maintain a high-functioning and safe environment for all staff and animals within our facilities.

I joined NHS in 2023, with experience in warehousing, general maintenance, and hotel hospitality. Combining all my skills and experience, I fell in love with the idea of helping maintain professionalism in Facilities Management and the betterment of NHS in a whole.

I have a soft spot for the crusty little dogs of the world and having the ability to do better by them warms my heart! Understanding that non-profit animal care is a passion industry, I thoroughly enjoy the work we do at NHS helping animals find their fuurever homes!

With a desire to learn, I regularly push myself to pursue any opportunity that I can. From building motorcycles and trucks to exploring the outdoors, Reno has provided the perfect home for my hobbies and family. Having 3 dogs, Hank, Bevin, Pancho and our cat Marcel, there is never a dull moment in our household, nor do we miss any opportunity to have fun!

Hi there! I’m Stephen Szostek, Behavior & Transfer Manager at Nevada Humane Society — and I believe every dog deserves to have their day (and I want to be there when they do!).

With more than a decade of experience in animal welfare, I’ve worked in nearly every corner of the shelter world. I earned my B.A. in Psychology from Northern Arizona University and later became a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). That mix of education and hands-on experience allows me to bridge the gap between canine behavior and human understanding.

My goal is to build a behavior and transfer program rooted in compassion, collaboration, and education — creating systems that not only save dogs’ lives but also support the people dedicated to that mission. I’ve seen firsthand how profoundly a dog can change a person’s life, and I believe dogs shouldn’t be expected to act like humans; they should be allowed to be dogs in a human world. It’s our responsibility to meet them halfway, guiding them with kindness, structure, and understanding so both species can thrive together.

Outside the shelter, life is full (and joyfully chaotic) thanks to my incredible wife, our daughter, and our two Jack Russells. If I had to describe myself as a breed, I’d say I’m a Jack Russell in human form — curious, energetic, and endlessly enthusiastic. I love sports, game nights, Batman movies, and late-night Lord of the Rings marathons, and I bring that same curiosity and passion to the work I love every day.

Hey there! 

My name is Ivor Harvey and I'm one of the Dog Team Assistant Managers at Nevada Humane Society! While at work you can catch me running visits, taking dogs to the yard, cleaning kennels, and leading a group of motivated individuals to care for the animals in our custody. My top priority is giving the best care for the animals while they're here and helping match them with the perfect adopters. If you can't find me, just follow the singing you hear throughout the halls!

I'm new to the Animal Welfare field, but started my journey with Nevada Humane Society in May of 2023. Having a bachelor's degree in journalism and an associate's degree in graphic design, I decided in early 2023 that I needed to find a career path that felt more fulfilling and brought more purpose to my life. I found that here! I have been able to grow and learn in this position which has allowed me to get a better understanding of dogs and their behaviors in the shelter environment.

If I'm not at work (or pet sitting for shelter staff) you can definitely find me cooking up recipes I found online or doing some sort of outdoor activity. Growing up with a dad who is a fish and wildlife biologist, I spent a lot of my childhood outside hiking, backpacking, and enjoying nature. This is still true today! Nevada is one of the lucky states that experiences all four seasons, and I'm here to take advantage of that!

Hello! I'm Holly, and I couldn't be more thrilled to be serving as the Assistant Manager of the Reno Cat Team here at NHS. My role is all about supporting our incredible Cat Team and ensuring our furry friends receive top-notch care and the purr-fect amount of attention.

I've been deeply involved in animal welfare for over 5 years now, initially focusing on dogs. As a certified dog groomer, adoption counselor, and intake coordinator, I learned the ropes and found my passion. But my journey took a delightful turn when I delved into the world of cats, becoming a foster coordinator, and embraced the wonderful world of Fear Free and other educational programs to deepen my understanding of feline behavior and care.

My love for animals runs deep – it's a passion that started early on. Even as a teenager, I spent time volunteering here at NHS with my mum, and that experience shaped my path to working here. Now, I get to wake up every day knowing I'm making a difference in the lives of these amazing creatures.

Born and raised in Northern Nevada, this place holds a special spot in my heart. When I'm not busy at the Reno Campus, you'll find me out in nature, exploring the desert or hiking through the trees. Weekends are for camping trips under the stars or casting a line in a tranquil fishing spot. At home, you’ll always find me with my two cherished cats (and Proud NHS alumni), Venus and Cicero, by my side.

Hi there! I’m Maddison, Client Services Assistant Manager at NHS, where I help lead our amazing Client Services team through heartfelt adoptions, and assisting our community with finding resources available to them. Every day is a little different, but one thing stays the same—the incredible kindness and dedication our team brings to helping both people and pets.

I joined NHS in late 2024 as a Client Services Lead after working in custom design and customer service. It didn’t take long for me to realize that animal welfare was a passion I hadn’t discovered yet. Trading in custom closets for helping furry friends and their families turned out to be one of the best career changes I could have made! Since then, I’ve learned so much about the important work shelters do and how we can advocate for animals who can’t speak for themselves.

Being part of the NHS team has opened my eyes to how many lives a shelter can touch—both two-legged and four-legged. Seeing the passion everyone here brings to our programs and our community reminds me every day that I ended up exactly where I’m meant to be.

When I’m away from NHS, I love spending time with my family and my cats, Yoshi and Mushu. You’ll usually find me cheering on my daughter at her extracurricular activities, catching the latest movies at the theater, reading a new book, trying out new recipes and restaurants, or taking weekend trips to California.

Hey There! I'm Dr. Skylar Koll, Associate Veterinarian here at Nevada Humane Society. You'll often find me in our bustling clinic, where I'm dedicated to performing spay/neuter surgeries, doling out vaccines to keep our community's pets healthy, and providing compassionate care to all the animals under our roof.

Originally hailing from the Northeast, I proudly graduated from UCONN before venturing west to Kansas State for my veterinary studies. Initially drawn to surgery, my passion took a turn when I discovered the profound impact I could make in shelter medicine. It's incredibly fulfilling to be both the caretaker and advocate for animals who haven't yet found their forever families.

Working at Nevada Humane Society allows me to fulfill this passion every day. Whether it's spaying kittens & puppies or ensuring comfort for our senior companions, each furry friend holds a special place in my heart. Witnessing our pets find loving homes thanks to our vibrant community is truly heartwarming.

Outside of the clinic, you'll catch me exploring the beauty of Nevada, hitting the slopes in winter, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, and enjoying quality time with my own fur-baby, Crowley. Can't wait to continue this journey with you all and share more tales of joy and healing!

Hey there! I’m Dr. Dorie Leftwich, an Associate Veterinarian here at NHS, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be part of this incredible team. My journey in veterinary medicine began as a volunteer at an animal shelter, and from there, my passion for helping animals grew immensely. Seeing pets find their forever homes, surrounded by people who truly appreciate them, is one of the most rewarding experiences I can imagine.

I hold an Associate of Science degree with an emphasis in Community Health Science from TMCC and a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Science with a minor in Microbiology & Immunology from UNR. I continued my education with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ, and am currently pursuing a Master of Public Health degree from the same institution.

Born and raised in Northern Nevada, Reno will always be my home, even though I've explored other states. When I’m not busy caring for our furry friends, you’ll likely find me whipping up some spicy dishes for friends and family. Fair warning—bring some milk or Tums if you visit, as my cooking is unapologetically spicy! I also love traveling, so you might catch me sipping on a smoothie on a sunny beach somewhere.

Hola! I am Dr. Viviana Reitinger, and I originally hail from the beautiful country of Colombia. I immigrated to the United States as a young child, growing up in The Bronx, NY. Prior to becoming a veterinarian, I served in the US Army and was a licensed ultrasound technologist for over 5 years. I am a proud graduate of Colorado State University where I obtained both my undergraduate and DVM degrees.

Prior to joining the NHS family, I worked in private, corporate, and mobile veterinary medicine, however none of these jobs were as rewarding as working for a non-profit organization. I truly make a difference in the lives of animals every day and I cannot imagine doing anything else.

During my free time I love to travel, going to the theater, visiting museums, meandering around Virginia City, or swimming in Lake Tahoe. I also love to work on diamond paintings, puzzles and tending to my collection of houseplants when relaxing at home.