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Meet The Team

Leadership

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Executive Director

Simi Balter

With over 20 years of dedicated service in the nonprofit sector, Simi Balter has spent the majority of her life’s work fostering the invaluable connection between humans and animals. Simi’s expertise in nonprofit leadership includes cultivating strong community partnerships and engaging stakeholders to drive meaningful change. Throughout her career, Simi has demonstrated a commitment to strategic planning, fundraising and program development.  Her expertise and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in driving the mission of Pet Network forward. Simi’s passion for creating a better world for pets and the people who love them continues to inspire her work and the community she serves and beyond.

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Director of Community Medicine

Dr. Nicholas Robl, DVM

​​Dr. Nick Robl completed his D.V.M. at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2013 following an M.A. in Biological Anthropology from Kent State University in Ohio. He has experience practicing veterinary medicine in a variety of settings including private practice, sanctuaries, shelters, and clinics across the United States. Dr. Robl has a strong background in veterinary surgery, dentistry, internal medicine, exotics, and specialized orthopedic procedures. He has also performed research and wildlife veterinary work around the world including work in Indonesia, Cambodia, Rwanda, D. R. Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Colombia, Peru, Brazil and Suriname.

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Hospital Medical Director

Dr. Marlène Tremblay, DVM, PhD.

Dr. Tremblay received her D.V.M from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2013 followed by a Public Health & Epidemiology Research Internship. She received a PhD in epidemiology and data science from Utrecht University in 2019. Dr. Tremblay has worked as a veterinarian at a variety of shelters and non-profit organizations. Her interests include surgery, behavioral medicine, and helping animal welfare organizations implement data-supported strategies. Her goal is to integrate population medicine with individualized medicine to optimize outcomes in shelters.

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Director of Operations

Katie Millonzi

​With over a decade of experience in animal care and shelter operations, Katie is passionate about enhancing animal welfare through industry best practices. Her educational background includes a B.S. in Biological Science from Alma College and a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Zoo and Aquarium Studies from Western Illinois University. She has held leadership roles in various animal welfare organizations, including Mountain Humane and PAWS Chicago, where she led teams, implemented new efficiencies, and improved overall animal care and management.

Management Team

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Marketing & Development Manager 

Sybile O'Neill

Sybile O'Neill, a longtime Tahoe local, combines her extensive marketing experience with her passion for animal welfare at Pet Network Lake Tahoe. With a deep commitment to the Tahoe community, she works to elevate Pet Network’s mission, supporting initiatives that benefit animals in need and connecting people with opportunities to make a meaningful impact.

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Animal Care and Client Services Manager

Bradley (Brad) Steelmon

Bradley has been with Pet Network for four years, growing from Client Services Representative to Client Services Supervisor before stepping into his current role. He is especially passionate about adoption work and client experience, has completed extensive training in animal care and adoption counseling with a focus on the Adopters Welcome approach, and has taught adoption courses through Maddie’s University. Bradley continues to further his education, always looking for better ways to support animals, adopters, and the community.  

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Volunteer and Foster Manager

Aria Overli

Aria brings over a decade of experience in volunteer management and is committed to connecting individuals with meaningful opportunities that strengthen communities and enhance quality of life. She resides in Reno with her husband, daughter, and two cats, and helps run a community garden in her yard. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Arts in Cultural Anthropology, which have shaped her strong emphasis on the critical role people play in advancing effective and compassionate animal welfare practices. She earned her Certification in Volunteer Administration in April 2026, strengthening her dedication to engaging and supporting volunteers.

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Medical Services and Operations Manager

Jules DiGiovanni

Jules DiGiovanni oversees shelter medical operations at Pet Network Humane Society, bringing dedication and expertise to the health and well-being of animals in Pet Network’s care. With a strong background in animal care, Jules plays a vital role in ensuring each pet receives compassionate and high-quality medical attention, supporting Pet Network’s mission to save lives and enrich the community through responsible and comprehensive care.

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Admissions Manager

Christina Mackey

Christina Mackey has been dedicated to animal welfare since 2016 and brings a broad, hands-on understanding of shelter operations and animal transfers to Pet Network. She first joined the organization in 2021 and returned as Transfer Coordinator after expanding her experience before stepping into her current role as Admissions Manager. Christina works closely with partner shelters to thoughtfully evaluate animals from overpopulated facilities and coordinate their transition into Pet Network’s care. She also oversees the owner surrender program, ensuring each animal is met with compassion, transparency, and respect. With a strong focus on Northern Nevada and partnerships extending to California, New Mexico, and Hawaii, Christina is proud to celebrate and strengthen the connections that help save lives.

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Behavior and Enrichment Manager

Rachel Dickinson

A proud New Englander, Rachel was born and raised in Connecticut and is a graduate of the University of Maine. She has been working in the animal rescue and sheltering world for over 15 years and has volunteered for animal shelters since she was 8-years-old.  Rachel believes that the human-animal bond is of the utmost importance and is passionate about Humane Education. Rachel received her CPDT-KA in 2015 and is a strong advocate for positive reinforcement and science-based animal training.

Board of Directors

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Board Chair

Alan Wechsler

 

Alan Wechsler is the Chair of the Pet Network Board and has been an active Board member since February 2018. Alan is an attorney who founded and owns a local law firm, Mountainside Law. He and his wife have two children and an energetic border collie mix rescue. Alan is passionate about dogs and cats, and is strongly committed to Pet Network’s mission of rescuing adoptable animals and connecting them with loving families.

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Board Treasurer

Sukeshi O'Neal

 

Sukeshi has had a career spanning both the for-profit and non-profit sectors, with a diverse range of experiences and accomplishments.

 

As a Principal at Bridge Ventures, she has been involved with a portfolio of companies and real estate assets, demonstrating her expertise in finance and management across various industries. Her previous role as managing principal at Kokoro Exhibits highlights her leadership in the entertainment and attraction industry, showcasing her ability to drive success in a competitive market.

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Emeritus Board Member

Beverly Keil

 

Beverly Keil is a retired business executive whose career with The Washington Post Company spanned over two decades and included positions as VP Human Resources, CEO weekly newspaper group, CEO tech magazines, and CEO Kaplan Education Centers. Upon retirement Bev became a non-fiction author with books about pets and sports. Her most popular work, Diary of a Dumpster Pup, chronicles how Pet Network saved the lives of abandoned newborn puppies.  Bev has been a Pet Network volunteer since she moved to Incline Village over twenty years ago. She has served on the Board of Directors as Chair and Treasurer. She shares her home with spouse Doug, also an author, and four Pet Network special needs rescue cats.​

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Vice Board Chair

Denise Menzies

 

 

Denise Menzies and her husband have three daughters and have had a home in Incline Village for over 25 years. Denise is an educational advocate, and consultant. Trained in Ethics instruction, Denise works as a mentor and college advisor for first-generation and underserved students in the Lake Tahoe basin. 

 

A former commercial film producer, Denise is a member of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and an active Rotarian. She and her family have two adopted dogs from Pet Network, Mercedes and Sir Winston Churchill. 

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Secretary

Kim McClain

 

Kim has lived in Incline Village, Nevada, for seven years. She has been married to Chris McClain for 38 years, and they have three grown children, two grandchildren, and a Golden Retriever named Juno. Kim has been a lifelong volunteer in her community and is proud to be a part of the Pet Network Humane Society. 

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Board Member

Elsa Paterson

 

Elsa is dedicated to making lasting and meaningful change in the well-being of both humans and animals. Her inspiring work focuses on enhancing the lives of companion animals and empowering veterans with disabilities, emphasizing the healing power of the human-animal bond and the transformative effects of this connection.

 

She shares this beautiful life with her husband, their three children, and three rescue pets. Together, as a family, they find balance in nature and enjoy exploring the outdoors at any chance they get.

Apply Today

If you are interested in this unique opportunity and contributing to our lifesaving work please email a cover letter and resume.

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