MEET OUR TEAM

Tresban Rivera

Executive Director

Tresban is a passionate and innovative leader who has found her way back to her first love – animals- after a long and successful career in education.

Throughout her professional journey, she has been driven by a commitment to service, leadership and building strong community connections.

She is excited to bring together her love of people and animals in service to our Coconino County community, where she works to support the mission of the shelter and make a positive impact for both animals and those who care for them.

When she is not at the shelter, Tresban can be found spending time with her two rescue dogs, Missy and Luna.

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

Shelter Manager

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.

Sedrick Cap

Philanthropy Manager

 

Samantha Johnson

Medical Manager

Eva Wilson

Marketing & Social Media Manager

Having been with High Country Humane since 2019, I have been fortunate to be able to grow with such a young, yet AMAZING organization. The love & care poured into every pet is inspiring, and I’m lucky to be part of this team. I’m extremely passionate about animal welfare and love being able to highlight these special pets, helping them find forever, loving homes! AND showing our community what really 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! 

 

Heather Bergstresser

Foster & Customer Service Manager

Here at High Country Humane, my goal is to support foster families, adopters, and community members with compassion and care. My focus is on creating a welcoming, supportive experience while helping people and animals navigate each step of their journey. I believe that small moments of kindness lead to meaningful outcomes for everyone involved.

Reyna Butler

Events & Education Manager

I have lived in Flagstaff for 9 years and have a background in education and outreach. I love this position because I get the best of both worlds- interacting and connecting with my local community while helping animals find their forever loving homes!

Melanie Israel

 Cat Team 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.