Ron Hurle

Interim Executive Director

Dr. Carly Bennett

Shelter Veterinarian

Dr. Carly Bennett graduated from University College Dublin in 2013. When High Country Humane opened in 2019 as the municipal shelter for Coconino County, she proudly accepted the full-time veterinarian position.

Dr. Bennett’s passion for shelter medicine began long before she became a veterinarian, and her deep commitment to the animals and people of this community continues to motivate her everyday.

Outside of the shelter, you’ll likely find her spending time with her pigs, goats, chickens, and her two Heeler dogs.

Sedrick Cap

Director of Philanthropy

I believe that every animal deserves a champion, and my role is to help our community become exactly that. As Director of Philanthropy, I lead the strategic fundraising efforts that turn our community’s incredible generosity into the care that saves lives every day. I’ve been fundraising in the Flagstaff area for over a decade and I love using that experience to move the needle for the animals and people in our region.

I’ve called Flagstaff home since 2015 and am committed to helping Northern Arizona thrive, serving on local boards and advisory councils. My passion for this mission is personal: my two dogs, Gus and Meggie, are both proud High Country Humane alumni. Knowing that our work gives pets like them a second chance at a happy life is what keeps me inspired every single day.

Samantha Johnson

Director of Shelter Operations

My journey in animal welfare began with a simple passion for finding the perfect ‘forever home’ as a cat adoption counselor. That experience sparked a career-long commitment to animal welfare that led me through the fast-paced world of veterinary medicine and into my current role.

I find my greatest joy in supporting our incredible team. Whether I’m training our newest members or collaborating with our managers to refine our protocols, my goal is always the same: ensuring every pet receives the highest standard of care possible, and that our team has fun doing it.

I’ve called Flagstaff home for eight years now. When I’m not at the shelter, you can usually find me recharging in nature, either relaxing by the creek or exploring a new hiking trail. I’ve added a dog, a cat, and an axolotl to my own animal collection from High Country Humane!

Megan Boyer

Director of Strategic Projects

When I joined High Country Humane in 2021 as a member of the Dog Team, I never imagined how much this organization and the people in it would become such a meaningful part of my life. I quickly fell in love with animal welfare and the work we do for our community. I’ve been fortunate to grow through several roles at HCH, including Foster & Transfer Manager, Shelter Manager, and Director of Operations. Now, in my role as Director of Strategic Projects, I’m excited to bring everything I’ve learned along the way into building lasting community partnerships, creating new initiatives, and working toward long-term goals that benefit animals and people across Northern Arizona.

I’ve lived in Flagstaff since 2017 and truly love this community and all that Northern Arizona has to offer. One of my favorite parts of working at High Country Humane is getting to work alongside so many dedicated and compassionate people and being part of a community that cares so deeply about animals. I’m excited to keep finding new ways for this organization to grow, connect with our community, and make a lasting impact.

Outside of work, you can usually find me reading a good book, traveling, or spending time with my dog Ozzy and two cats, Halo and Ravioli.

Eva Wilson

Marketing and Social Media Manager

Having been with High Country Humane since 2019, I’ve been fortunate to grow alongside such a young yet AMAZING nonprofit organization. I began my journey doing cat care and adoption counseling, then spent several years working with our medical team as a veterinary technician. During that time, I also took on social media responsibilities, which eventually led me into my current role in marketing and social media. Being involved in so many areas of the shelter has given me a well-rounded perspective that helps me tell the stories of our animals and the work happening here every day.

I’m extremely passionate about animal welfare and love highlighting these special pets, helping them find loving homes, and showing our community what happens here at High Country Humane.

If I’m not running around the shelter helping out wherever I can, I’m most likely out hiking, traveling, or enjoying nature.

Alana Cheek

Medical & Foster Manager

My passion for making a difference in the lives of pets and the people who care for them led me to a career in animal welfare starting back in 2019. Through experience in pet daycare/boarding, wildlife medicine, and shelter medicine, my love for this work has always surrounded a commitment to compassionate care and I am honored to be a part of an organization that radiates these values.

Since joining High Country Humane as a veterinary technician in the summer of 2025, I have grown into the position of Medical Manager where I am dedicated to creating an environment where every animal feels safe and comfortable on their journey to healing. I believe that exceptional patient care starts with a strong, compassionate team that lifts each other up and feels proud of the work they do every day. My goal is to help guide our staff, foster heroes, and our community to feel inspired and empowered to continue providing the best care we can for our animals in need.

While not in the clinic, you can find me trying out a new DIY craft, foraging through thrift stores, exploring the outdoors, or hanging out with my 2 cats, Bugs and Violet, and leopard gecko, Figgy Pudding.

Brandy Porter

Finance & Administration Manager

California born and raised, I moved to Flagstaff for the beautiful weather and to be closer to family. In 2024, I started working with High Country Humane. Since then, I have had the privilege to work with an amazing staff and learn so much! Growing up, I knew I wanted to work with animals, I may not be working hands-on with animals now, but I love being able to support the staff and lend a helping hand whenever someone needs me!

Sydney Macdonald

Development Manager

I joined the High Country Humane team in 2026, bringing a background in environmental education, event planning, and community engagement, along with a passion for connecting people to meaningful causes. I recently earned my master’s degree focused in Community Economic Development from CU Boulder, and I’m excited to bring my experience in building relationships and developing programs to my work in animal welfare.

As the Development Manager, I focus on growing support for High Country Humane through fundraising, community partnerships, and creative new opportunities. I enjoy finding ways to bring people and organizations together around our mission while developing programs and initiatives that help make a lasting impact for the animals and community we serve.

When I’m not at the shelter, you can usually find me on the water, trying out a new sport, or curled up on the couch crafting with my cat, Kaibab, who was proudly adopted from High Country Humane.

Melanie Israel

 Cat Care & Community Cat Manager

Amanda Braun

Canine Care Manager

Shelby Olivier

Customer Service Manager

Ezekiel Vallin

Community Engagement Manager