Meet Us
Staff
Debbie Strickland, Executive Director – Debbie received her BA degree in business administration from Sacramento State University. After graduation, Debbie worked in project management, administration, business development, sales, account management and customer service. Prior to being the executive director at NNCCF, Debbie worked as a board member and co-founded the Keaton Raphael Memorial for 13 years, where she served as a childhood cancer advocate. In 2003, the Reno Gazette-Journal awarded Debbie with a Citizen of the Year award for her outstanding dedication in her efforts to help families in the fight against pediatric cancer. Debbie lives in Reno with her husband, Steve, and their two children. When not working, Debbie loves enjoying the outdoors with her friends and family. As executive director for NNCCF, Debbie is responsible for developing and managing donor contributions, developing strategic alliances, creating a stable business environment and managing community relations, all in an effort to provide advocacy and assistance for local families afflicted with childhood cancer.
Lizzie Dalton, Programs and Services - Born and raised in Reno, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Dalton graduated from Galena High School and received her BS degree in conservation biology from the University of Nevada, Reno. Prior to working at NNCCF, Lizzie worked as the executive director at the Keaton Raphael Memorial, where she served as a childhood cancer advocate, focusing on family assistance and fundraising for financial assistance and research dollars. Lizzie lives in Reno with her husband, Patrick, general manager of the Rapscallion Seafood House, their two children and two dogs. When not working, Lizzie loves to ski, backpack and spend time with friends and family. At NNCCF, Lizzie is responsible for implementation of all programs and services, focusing on assisting families to ease their cancer journey.
Leslie Katich, Programs and Services - After graduating with a degree Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Weber State University, Leslie spent several years teaching school in Utah’s Jordan School District. During her tenure, she spent time developing language arts programs to compliment students’ individual learning styles with an emphasis in higher-order thinking skills and curriculum to inspire and accommodate individual needs and learning patterns. Leslie’s daughter, at the age of 17, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. When her daughter completed therapy, Leslie continued in the fight against childhood cancer by joining the staff of NNCCF. When not working, she enjoys spending time in the kitchen, playing piano and cheering her kids on in sports. Leslie and her husband are the parents of four amazing children. With her firsthand experience with dealing with childhood cancer, Leslie is responsible for assisting families as they journey through their own trials of the disease. She aids in the process of implementing NNCCF’s programs and services and always has a voice for the child.
Board of Directors
Dan Buhrmann, President
Matt Clafton, Vice Presdient
Doug Roberts, Treasurer
Shirley Folkins-Roberts, Secretary
Cariann Champagne, EC at Large
Joel Grace, EC at Large
Amy Riley, EC at Large
Steven DeLong
Kyle Larkin
Meagan Noin
Pat Schlosser
Christy Smith
Taylor Wondries
Dr. Robin S. White
Donna Breen, Emeritus
Melba Holderman, Emeritus
Renate Neumann, Emeritus
Ginny Wiswell, Emeritus
Advisory Board
Kyle Christensen
Hon. Barbara Finley
Becky Haase
Amy Harvey
Larry Harvey
Dr. Caroline Hastings
Jan Johnson
Eric Lerude
Dr. Marcia Lu
Jeff Millar
Debbie Smith
Tia Speirs
Carolyn “Lina” Tanner
Dr. Jonathan Tay
Bradley Woodring
John Worthington