Monse was born and raised in Reno, Nevada. She graduated from Truckee Meadows Community College, where she received her Associate of Arts in Business. She then transferred to the University of Nevada, Reno, and received her bachelor’s degree in International Business with a minor in Marketing.

As the events coordinator at NNCCF, Monse is responsible for assisting in the creation of fundraising and family events that directly support local children who are battling cancer.

When not at work, Monse enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going on walks, yoga, and weightlifting.

Why I started working at NNCCF:
At the beginning of my academic journey, I began volunteering for other nonprofit organizations which have instilled in me a deep sense of community responsibility and a commitment to making a positive impact. I have cultivated a strong passion for giving back particularly to those facing challenges due to language barriers. I believe that effective communication with individuals from diverse backgrounds is the cornerstone of establishing respectful and meaningful relationships. The opportunity to join NNCCF’s team resonates deeply with my values, and I am eager to contribute my expertise in bilingual communication to advance the organization’s mission.

Ask me about:
Horror movies, concerts, festivals, or all things music.

What I think is amazing:
Strong support systems, the human body, and strength.

Something quirky about me:
My eyes are two different colors (one is hazel, and one is brown.)

My role model:
My dad, he is the most supportive bestie on my team!

My favorite quote:
“From struggle comes strength.” – Josh Phelan

Holly is a native Nevadan with 22 years of experience in marketing, fundraising, and special events. She received her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Nevada, Reno, then went on to spend 20 years working in the university’s athletics department. She retired emeritus and started her new adventure as the director of programs and services at NNCCF in 2021, then was promoted to executive director in 2022.

As the Executive Director, Holly is responsible for developing and managing donor contributions, developing strategic alliances, creating a stable business environment, and managing community relations, all to provide advocacy and assistance for families facing childhood cancer.

When I am not working, I love to spend time with my husband and children on the golf course, working out, traveling, or even just barbequing in our backyard.

Why I started working at NNCCF:
After retiring from the University of Nevada, Reno, where I spent 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 to help make a difference in the Northern Nevada community that I love.

Ask me about:
Ask me about my husband and children, they are my everything.

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 has 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

Brigette brings more than 13 years of experience in healthcare, provider outreach, community outreach, nonprofits, cancer navigation, and patient advocacy. Brigette is a two-time breast cancer survivor and has learned first-hand the importance of the work that NNCCF does.

As the Assistant Executive Director, Brigette assists with NNCCF’s operations, while also managing all aspects of Programs and Services.

When not working, she is quenching her thirst for adventure by exploring the world with her husband and son.

Why I started working at NNCCF:
I have a strong passion for cancer patient advocacy. This started when I was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 28. Throughout my treatment, I felt alone and overwhelmed. Those feelings of isolation are something I didn’t want anyone else to experience, and this is where my journey and life-long passion for advocacy work began. I have been working with local non-profits for the past 13 years and absolutely LOVE what I do.

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 is no longer with us but lives on in everything I do. 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.

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. Due to her longevity with the organization, she is also the unofficial historian!

Lizzie lives in Reno with her husband, Patrick, their two children, and their always-entertaining golden retriever, Willie. She loves skiing, backpacking, road trips, the beach, the Chicago Cubs, and spending time with friends and family.

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. Above all, I wanted to help grow the support services for childhood cancer families so that no one would have to go through the difficult journey alone. Looking back, joining the team proved to be one of the best decisions of my life. I have witnessed unbelievable dedication from donors, staff, board members, and volunteers; I have learned about love and courage from patients and families; and I have gained amazing, life-long friends!

Ask me about:
Raising twins, backpacking, car camping, and skiing.

What I think is amazing:
Nature, the human body, chimpanzees, and gorillas!

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 ranch in Red Rock with a zoo of animals. She had many hobbies and kept busy babysitting the local kids, running AP class functions, 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 was a lead teacher 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 Manager for NNCCF. As the Programs and Services Manager, she assists in the implementation of NNCCF’s programs, including emotional and financial support, family events, bell ringing celebrations, the Inspire Scholarship Program, and the Hope for the Holidays program.

Kelly is happily married to her best friend Jake, expecting her first child, has three fur babies, loves to travel, be outdoors, live in the music, and create memories with her friends and family.

Why I started working at NNCCF:
I dedicate myself to this job because it allows me to serve children and families who need that extra love, laughs, and support in their lives. In the same vein, it also allows me to work alongside other genuinely kind, fun individuals who only wish to help others as well. NNCCF truly is one big family.

Ask me about:
Movies, music, 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, they are the most forgiving, supportive, and compassionate people I know. I have learned so much from them. 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.

As the Finance Manager, Stacy is responsible for assisting the bookkeeper with all facets of accounting for NNCCF and works closely with our donors.

Stacy loves to spend time with her family, cooking, attending sporting events, traveling, and walking with her rescue pit bull, Macie and Labrador Retriever, Charlotte.

Why I started working at NNCCF:
After volunteering for this amazing foundation over the years and seeing the incredible impact it has on our community and the families they serve, I wanted to be a part of the wonderful team at NNCCF regularly.

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!).

My role model:
Definitely my parents. They are the most resilient and reliable people in my life.

My favorite quote:
“Hugs can do great amounts of good, especially for children.””
— Diana, Princess of Wales

Cheyenne was born in Klamath Falls, Oregon. She relocated to Reno, Nevada in 2009 to attend The University of Nevada, Reno. Cheyenne has 14 years of experience in the customer service industry and has developed a talent for building immediate rapport with everyone she meets.

As the Marketing Coordinator at NNCCF, Cheyenne is responsible for coordinating and executing a variety of marketing activities and campaigns. Cheyenne is a proud dog momma, Auntie to three nieces, and a lover of sports, especially hockey! When she’s not at work you can catch her at a local brewery or out in nature, probably hiking. She is a sucker for live music and good vibes.

Why I started working at NNCCF:
With previous experience in fundraising, NNCCF felt 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. NNCCF provides the chance to enhance the lives of others and that is very important to me.

Ask me about:
craft beer and my puppies!

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 a minor in Art. She continued at UNR earning a MEd in Secondary Education and an MA in Counseling and Guidance. Joan taught for a year at Herlong High School in California and taught for 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 you letters, and helps at events when she can. She is a staple of our team, and we don’t know what we’d do without her!

When not at NNCCF, you can find Joan painting with her Botanical Buddies, making snuggle buddies for care packages, or trying to keep up with her two grandchildren. She is a tenacious person, if there is a problem or something is broken, she won’t stop until she solves or fixes it!

Why I started volunteering (working) at NNCCF:
After a couple of 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 14 years, NNCCF has more than quadrupled 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.

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 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 three boys and a girl. They have lived in Graeagle, CA, San Juan Island, WA, and New Zealand before moving back to Reno in 2002.

As the Programs and Services Administrative Coordinator at NNCCF, Anne is responsible for communicating and providing support to families, while also handling the processing and preparation of payment and reimbursement requests.

Anne loves spending time with her family and visiting her children in Nashville, TN, Sonoma, CA, and Oxford, MS. When not at work, you will find Anne hiking, camping, and traveling with her husband and her yellow lab, Koda.

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 were incredible. I feel so fortunate to be a part of this foundation.

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. Before joining the NNCCF team, she had 10 years of experience in customer service and event coordination. Her experience and passion, coupled with her positive, professional attitude, have made her an excellent asset to the NNCCF team.

As the Events Manager at NNCCF, Jessica is responsible for managing all aspects of NNCCF signature events.

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.

Why I started working at NNCCF:
NNCCF impacts the lives of so many families in our community who need support, and, while some days can be difficult, helping these families is the most rewarding thing I can do with my career. I am happy to dedicate my work to making a difference and love working alongside a group of people who strive to make every day a little better for someone else.

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