MEET OUR LEADERSHIP 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

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

Medical Manager

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!

Eva Wilson

Marketing & 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. Plus, every single one of my pets came from HCH: two dogs and two cats!

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.