MEET OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM

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.

Megan Boyer

Director of Operations

I joined High Country Humane in 2021 as a member of the dog team and discovered my love for animal welfare. With High Country Humane, I was able to grow into a leadership role, becoming Foster and Transfer Manager in 2023. In January 2025, I stepped into the role of Shelter Manager.

I love working alongside such dedicated and empathetic individuals as well as belonging to such an incredible community in Coconino County.

Samantha Johnson

Shelter Manager for Butler Campus

My journey in animal medicine 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 as Medical Manager.

I find my greatest joy in supporting our incredible medical team. Whether I’m training our newest technicians or collaborating with our veterinarian to refine our protocols, my goal is always the same: ensuring every patient 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 clinic, 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!

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.

Alana Cheek

Medical 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.

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.

Shelby Olivier

Customer Service Manager

Melanie Israel

 Cat Care & Community Cat Manager

 
Melanie oversees several core programs at High Country Humane, including cat care operations, the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program, and owner surrender services for cats. She works closely with staff and community partners to provide compassionate, effective care while expanding access to lifesaving resources for the community.
 
A part-time Flagstaff resident for more than 20 years and full time for the past three, Melanie began working in animal welfare after settling permanently in the area. Her time living in Arkansas, Texas, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and California has shaped her grounded, adaptable approach to working with both people and animals.

Amanda Braun

Canine Care Manager

Sydney Macdonald

Events and Education Manager

I joined the High Country Humane team in 2026, bringing a background in environmental education and event planning, along with a passion for connecting people to meaningful causes through community outreach. I recently earned my master’s degree focused in Community Economic Development from CU Boulder and enjoy combining my experience in community engagement with my love of animal welfare to create meaningful adoption events and educational programs.

One of my favorite parts of my role is educating children about animal welfare and inspiring the next generation of advocates. 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.

Ezekiel Vallin

Community Engagement Manager