Born and raised in Reno, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Dalton graduated from Galena High School and received her B.S. 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 dedication and efforts in the fight against childhood cancer.

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

As the grant specialist 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 on 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 was pretty sure I was going 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

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. Though she's technically "not on the payroll" we consider her staff. At NNCCF, Joan inputs all donor transactions into our database, 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 eight 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

Shirley has been a dedicated advocate for children with cancer since 2003. After knowing a family personally impacted by childhood cancer, she became one of the co-founders of NNCCF and served on the Board of Directors for 15 years. As an advocate for the organization, she led the creation of a bill to submit to the Nevada State Legislature which sought money for childhood cancer and submitted testimony before the committee, resulting in $60,000 in funding in the 2007 session. During the formation of the organization, Shirley provided oversight of daily operations, establishment and management of operating budgets, and development and implementation of fundraising events annually. Shirley has led teams of Nevada families to Washington D.C. to advocate for childhood cancer research funds, is a member of the Rotary Club of Reno, the Board of Directors for REMSA, and is the Nevada Team Leader and Childhood Cancer Advocate for CureSearch. As Interim Executive Director, Shirley oversees direct family assistance, programs and services, events and day to day operations of the organization.

Shirley earned her Juris Doctor from the McGeorge School of Law at the University of the Pacific and her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Davis. Shirley became a member of the California Bar in 1993 and the Nevada Bar in 2010 and has practiced with private firms in both states.

Whitney Pomi is a Nevada native and originally from Churchill County. She attended the University of Nevada, Reno and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in 2008. Whitney has an extensive background working with children and families. She started her career working at Renown and after four years moved to the county, then for the Child Advocacy Center for three years. She joined the NNCCF team in June and is a perfect fit! Whitney enjoys being outside, listening to music, good food and Friday night “family movie night” with her two daughters.

As the Director of Programs and Services, Whitney assists with family navigation through financial and emotional support and oversees the Family Assistance program and Inspire Scholarship program. She also provides support for families to cope with bereavement. Whitney and the Programs and Services team orchestrate family events and activities as well as manage holiday assistance through the Adopt a Family program.

 

Why I started working at NNCCF:

I adore children and families! As well, I heard that NNCCF was an amazing organization and I wanted to join the team.

About me:

I love to laugh… a true belly/soul laugh is the greatest gift you can give or receive.

Ask me about:

Anything, I enjoy learning or sharing what I know.

What I think is amazing:

Human beings! I think people are fascinating – how we interact, build, think, relate and change. The human journey is so unique.

Something quirky about me:

I love vacuum-lines in the carpet and I find them deeply satisfying.

My Role Model:

I’m blessed with too many to count.

My Favorite Quote:

“It always seems impossible until it is done.” - Nelson Mandela

Lisa studied Communications at San Jose State University.  Immediately after, she worked as a Sales Representative for a large electronics distributor in Silicon Valley.  After four years, Lisa transferred to the Raleigh, NC branch in order to relocate with her husband and family. Lisa lived on the east coast for twelve years both in Raleigh, NC and Windham, NH. Then eight years ago Lisa returned to the west to make Northern Nevada a home for her and her four children.  Lisa came from the east coast as a newly licensed Realtor and worked herself into the Real Estate community finding a lot of success, especially working in relocation services.  However, the down turn in the market then drove her to search for a new passion.  Lisa has found that passion at NNCCF.

At NNCCF, Lisa is responsible for the management and recruitment of corporate and community partners.  While creatively building mutually benefiting partnerships with our many community supporters, Lisa also implements our community awareness and advocacy campaign in our region.

Why I started working at NNCCF:

Unlike most of us, I do not come to the Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation with a cancer story. I was working with a recruiter and was told about the position and job description. I was so excited and I thought to myself ‘finally” a place I can hang my hat, so to speak. The rest is history, I often say I came and I saw and I’ve never looked back.

Ask me about:

Whether you are a community partner, a young person looking for direction, one of our clients with special needs or corporate sponsor I have an idea, opportunity or connection that I can bring to the table. I have found that I view my job and career as a garden and if it is constantly tended to and watered and the soil is nurtured and cultivated our NNCCF garden just grows and grows.

What I think is amazing:

I think the outdoors and places like Lake Tahoe, Yosemite and the Grand Canyon are amazing. The birth of new life is amazing. As I watch my children turn into young adults and wonderful people that give me a warm and wonderful feeling that could be called amazing.

Something quirky about me:

I love loud, cool, up beat music, I love laughing with my children. My son Christopher and I often lose it completely with humor and laughing.

Desiree grew up in Reno and left for college in Southern California. She swore she would never return, but after becoming a mommy of two, she is back! The pull of Reno and family couldn’t be resisted. Desiree married a Navy guy and spent three years living in Italy, and a few more years living all over the U.S until she finally settled down back where she started in good ol’ Reno. Desiree has a background in event production from the administrative angle and as a customer associate for a financial advisor.

Desiree is the bookkeeper at NNCCF and is responsible for reporting the financial status to the Board of Directors.

Why I started working at NNCCF:

I love NNCCF! My first introduction was as a family. My daughter was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma and we got to experience the love and support of the people here. There is nothing like it anywhere else and I am so honored to be able to go full circle and help others feel the love.

About me:

I am just a normal kind of girl who loves being outside, as long as I’m wearing buckets of sunscreen. I spend most of my time as a kid wrangler, but will read just about any book I can get my hands on.

Ask me about:

Travelling! I love all things exploring different cities and cultures. I spent a month backpacking through eastern and western Europe, along with many other shorter trips. I have checked over 25 countries off my bucket list.

What I think is amazing:

The resilience of kids and families. I am always floored when I see kids going through cancer, just being kids despite all the hard stuff. Go ahead and use that squirt gun on the Oncology doc!

Something quirky about me:

Just one thing…I am all kinds quirky!

My name is Jessica Langley, but you can call me Jess! I am a Native Nevadan who has always had a strong passion for giving back and helping others. Instead of pursuing a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, I chose to follow my heart and get involved in the non-profit community here in Reno after graduating from the University of Nevada, Reno with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology.  I absolutely love staying active and trying new things. When I’m not working, you can find me in the mountains with Leroy, my chocolate lab, or spending time with my amazing family and friends. I love smiling and spreading positivity wherever I go. After-all, life’s too short not to!

 

Why I started working at NNCCF:

I joined NNCCF’s team to be a part of something bigger than myself. Growing up I had multiple friends pass away from various forms of cancer. It is because of them that I started Love Your Melon at UNR and why I wake up each day excited and determined to be their advocate and to spread childhood cancer awareness.

Ask me about:

Anything! I love talking more than any human ever should.

What I think is amazing:

Our community and the people who live here. I am reminded daily of how kind, positive and amazing our community is. I feel so honored to serve them!

Something quirky about me:

I love strangers! I strongly believe that strangers are only friends I have yet to meet. I love listening to others’ life stories and finding a way to connect with them.

My Role Model:

My Mom! She has taught me how to give more than I receive, ALWAYS. For that I am incredibly grateful. She can light up any room she enters and makes friends wherever she goes. If I grow up to be half the woman and mother she was to me, I will have succeeded.

My Favorite Quote:

“Live a little, love a lot.” –Kenny Chesney

Angie Medina dedicated the last five years to helping our community and families in need, and worked for the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. Angie was born and raised in Reno and doesn’t plan on leaving, ever. While at the Food Bank, Angie worked as the Receptionist, Mobile Harvest Coordinator, and Volunteer Coordinator. Angie has a true passion for helping those in need and going above and beyond for our community.

 

Why I started working at NNCCF:

I started working for NNCCF due to my passion and desire of helping families in need. I will do anything and everything to put a smile on a child’s face.

About me:

I love spending my free time at Michaels Craft store.

Ask me about:

You can ask me about all Superheroes and Disney movies.

What I think is amazing:

I think it’s amazing how strong and intelligent children are.

Something quirky about me:

I love the smell of Play-Doh.

My Role Model:

My role model would have to be my son Dominick, he is always so happy, loving and energetic. His energy never dies!

 My Favorite Quote:

“It’s not where you start but where you finish that counts” – Zig Ziglar