After retiring from the University of Nevada, where I spent the last 20 years working in the Athletic Department as the Assistant Athletics Director of Marketing and Promotions, I knew that my next stage in life was working in the Northern Nevada community that I love helping to make a difference.

Ask me about:
Ask me about my husband and children, they are my everything. When I am not working I love to spend time with them on the golf course, working out, traveling, or even just barbequing in our backyard.

What I think is Amazing:
Laughing till it hurts.

Something quirky about me:
I love a project. I really think if I can Youtube it then I can do it.

My Role Model:
My parents are my role models. My Dad was such a hard worker, he took a night job to support the family when this was the only job he could find and my mom was the glue that held the family together. Their influence have molded my life.

My Favorite Quote:
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” - Anaïs Nin

My name is Brigette and I have a passion for cancer patient advocacy. This all started back when I was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 28, I felt alone and overwhelmed as I went through my treatment. Those feelings of isolation are something I didn’t want anyone else to experience, this is where my journey and life-long passion for advocacy work began. I have been working with local non-profits for the past 10 years and absolutely LOVE what I do. When I am not in the office I am quenching my thirst for adventure by exploring the world with my husband and son.

Ask me about:

My years as a Wildland Firefighter and Wilderness Ranger.

What I think is amazing:

I love to find the magic in life, those little moments of complete awe.

Something quirky about me:

I love to dance and often find myself in my pajamas rocking out in my living room. I think I have some pretty sweet dance moves – when no one is looking.

My Role Model:

My grandfather. He recently passed away at age 94. What I admire most about him is he lived his life to the fullest and always stayed curious. He never assumed and always took the time to sit down, talk, laugh, and tell stories.

 

My Favorite Quote:

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.    –Helen Keller

Lizzie has been a dedicated advocate for the northern Nevada childhood cancer community since 2006. Born and raised in Reno, she received her Bachelor of Science degree in conservation biology from the University of Nevada, Reno. Before working at NNCCF, Lizzie was the executive director at the Keaton Raphael Memorial. Here she served as a childhood cancer advocate, focusing on family assistance and fundraising for support and research. In 2012, Lizzie was recognized as the University of Nevada’s Outstanding Young Alumnus of the Year for her efforts in the fight against childhood cancer.

Lizzie lives in Reno with her husband, Patrick, and their two children.  When not working, she loves skiing, backpacking, road trips, the beach, watching Chicago Cubs games, and spending time with friends and family.

As the director of grants at NNCCF, Lizzie is responsible for conducting the full range of activities required to research, prepare, submit, and manage grant proposals to private and corporate foundations.

Why I started working at NNCCF:

I was ready for something new, something unique, and something that would make a positive difference in the lives of local families. I was born in Reno, love this community, and want to make it a better place to live.

About me:

When I was a kid, I wanted to be the first female Major League Baseball player or Jane Goodall’s protégé.

Ask me about:

Childhood cancer support services, raising twins, backpacking, car camping and info about skiing around Lake Tahoe.

What I think is amazing:

Nature and the human body.

Something quirky about me:

I can list all 50 US states in alphabetical order. Thank you Mr. Mobley my 5th grade teacher!

My role model:

My awesome mom! She is a fun-loving, beautiful and strong woman who has always been there for my family and me. She has taught me the importance of family, friends, independence, adventure, education, helping others and so much more.

My favorite quote:

“Live Happy” – Kristin Katich Sumbot

Kelly was born and raised in Reno, NV, and grew up on a ten-acre ranch in Red Rock with a zoo of animals – loving every minute of it. She had many hobbies and kept busy babysitting the local kids, rounding up ferrets, making local short films with her sister and acting in the high school theater program. While Kelly obtained her BS in Human Development and Families Studies at the University of Nevada, Reno, she lead teaching at Purple Door preschool, served and bartended at Great Basin Brewery, volunteered as a “Big” for Big Brothers Big Sisters and fell in love with giving back to the community.

Now she is making an impact in the lives of children with cancer as the Programs and Services Coordinator for NNCCF. As the Programs and Services Coordinator she assists in the implementation of NNCCF’s programs, including planning family events and “No More Chemo” celebrations. She still happily resides in Reno with her sweet, hunting-obsessed boyfriend and her silly beagle, Bella.

Why I started working at NNCCF:

I dedicated myself to this job because it allowed me to serve many children and families who need a little extra love, laughs, and support in their life. In the same vein, it also allowed me to work alongside other genuinely kind, fun individuals who only wish to help others as well. NNCCF truly is one big family.

About me:

I’m an old soul with an inner nerd, who believes in true love, embarks on many adventures, throws a wicked Frisbee, jigs to bluegrass, enjoys a good beer, and most importantly loves spending much of her time with friends, family, and her doggo.

Ask me about:

Movies, music, beer, and travel. And go! 🙂

What I think is amazing:

Human strength, resilience, and compassion.

Something quirky about me:

I am a Disney obsessed, theater geek. I was voted most likely to win an Oscar in High School and starred in a few short films in college.

My Role Model:

My parents. No doubt. They are my best friends. They are the most forgiving, supportive, compassionate people I know. They surprise and inspire me daily.

My Favorite Quote:

“We will run and scream, you will dance with me, we’ll fulfill our dreams, and we’ll be free, we will be who we are, and we’ll he’ll our scars, sadness will be far away.” – Mumford & Sons

Stacy was born and raised in Southern California.  She attended Santa Monica College and the Community College of Southern Nevada and worked as an Administrative Assistant for many years. She married her husband Ron and moved to Las Vegas where they lived for ten years, started a family, and moved to Reno in 2006 where they’ve had a blast raising their three sons.

Why I started working at NNCCF:

After volunteering for this amazing foundation over the years, and seeing the incredible impact they make on our community and the families they serve, I wanted to be a part of the wonderful team at NNCCF on a regular basis.

About me:

I love to spend time with my family, cooking, attending sporting events, traveling and walking with our rescue pitbull, Macie and Labrador Retriever, Ruby.

Ask me about:

How it’s possible for a full-time mom of 22 years to go back to work

What’s amazing to me:

The continuous support of our northern Nevada community and the impact they make on the families we support

Something quirky about me:

My friends know me as a kidder who loves everything about the 70’s (no kidding!).

Cheyenne was born in Klamath Falls, Oregon. She relocated to Reno, Nevada in 2009 to attend The University of Nevada, Reno. Her nieces are her passion and definitely influenced her love of children. While Oregon still has her heart, she finally identifies as a Nevadan and is excited to strengthen her northern Nevada roots.

Why I started working at NNCCF :

With previous experience in fundraising NNCCF feels like the right home and opportunity for a new career path. The possibility of making a difference in anyone’s life is incredible, but I am excited to have the opportunity to positively affect the community that has welcomed me so warmly.

About me:

I am a proud dog momma and love sports, especially hockey! When I’m not at work you can catch me at a local brewery or out in nature probably hiking. I am a sucker for live music and good vibes.

Ask me about:

craft beer and my daschund!

What I think is amazing:

Our planet will always surprise me. Along with its beauty, no two places are the same and there is still so much to discover.

Something quirky about me:

I am obsessed with all things Harry Potter. It was the first series that made me realize reading can be fun. I even have a tattoo on my foot to represent my love of the series.

My role model:

Definitely my parents. They are the most resilient and reliable people in my life.

My favorite quote:

“You’re not necessarily supposed to believe it…You’re just supposed to believe in it.”
― Daniel Wallace, Big Fish

Joan and her twin sister were born in San Francisco and raised in the Bay Area. She graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a BA in education with a Major in Physical Education and minor in Art. She continued at UNR earning a MEd in Secondary Education and an MA in Counseling and Guidance. Joan taught a year at Herlong High School in California and taught 35 years at Procter R. Hug High School, retiring in 2006.

Joan retired from teaching and began volunteering with NNCCF in 2009. Though she's technically "not on the payroll" we consider her staff. At NNCCF, Joan produces donor receipts and thank yous and helps at events when she can. She is a staple to our team and we don't know what we'd do without her!

Why I started volunteering (working) at NNCCF:

After a couple years of retirement, I realized I missed having a routine, helping others, and just being in a social atmosphere. I was lucky when a friend of mine suggested I apply to volunteer at NNCCF. Truly, my lucky day. In my 10 years, NNCCF has more than doubled in staff and office space. I am the oldest member of the staff but the others make me feel young. What a warm, caring, and generous group I get to be a part of.

About me:

When I'm not at NNCCF you can find me painting with my Botanical Buddies, making snuggle buddies for care packages, or trying to keep up with our grandson. I am a short, little tenacious person. If there is a problem or something is broken I won’t stop until I solve or fix it.
Helping others is rewarding to me.

Ask me about:

What an older person can add or offer to a group of young professionals.

What is amazing to me:

When our children, clients, come to the office almost always smiling and laughing, and my knowing what they have or will be going through in treatment.

Something quirky about me:

I like to vacuum. Yes, it gives me time to exercise, think, and accomplish something all at once.

My role model:

My parents.

My favorite quote:

"A friend is a gift you give yourself." - Robert Louis Stevenson

Anne grew up in Michigan and Ohio before moving to Southern California in high school.  She graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a degree in marketing.  She and her husband are parents to 3 boys and a girl.  They have lived in Graeagle, CA, San Juan Island, WA and New Zealand before moving back to Reno in 2002.

Why I started working at NNCCF

Now that my children have grown and flown, I was ready to find an outlet to make a difference and positively make an impact on others.  After volunteering with NNCCF through the years, I knew the staff was amazing and the children, along with their families are incredible.  I feel so fortunate to be a part of this foundation.

About me

I love spending time with my family and visiting my children in Nashville,  Sonoma, CA and Oxford, Mississippi.  When I’m home, you’ll find me hiking with my yellow lab, Koda and camping and fishing with my husband.

Ask me about

Living in New Zealand.

What I think is amazing

My children

Something quirky about me

I regularly use Google and YouTube to figure things out and find creative ideas.

My favorite quote

“You’ll never be bored when you try something new.  There’s really no limit to what you can do.”  – Dr. Suess

Jessica was born and raised in Reno, NV where she graduated from Wooster High School and the University of Nevada, Reno. When she's not working she enjoys watching the Green Bay Packers, skiing at Mt. Rose, traveling the world and spending time with friends and family.

Ask me about:
My dogs, my husband, and all my adventures around the world!

What I think is Amazing:
Our planet and everything it has to offer.

Something quirky about me:

I love adrenaline! Whether it's bungee jumping, skydiving, paragliding, or shark-cage diving I am always ready to try new things.

My Role Model:

My mom is the real MVP.

My Favorite Quote:

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." -Lao Tzu