Stephani retired from law enforcement and felt that victims, survivors and witnesses of crime were left behind. Now she volunteers her time in helping people through traumatic experiences using elite therapy dogs. Stephani created the Courtroom Critters program, and it has grown exponentially in the first year.

Darlene specializes in working with children and children with special needs. She teaches children and adults how to safely approach dogs.

Janet is our AKC certified trainer, specializing in Therapy dogs, Facility dogs and Service dogs.

Marchelle writes: “My love of animals and desire to prevent cruelty to all animals led me to establish the Animal Kindness Foundation. This non-profit organizations' mission offers community programs focused on youth mainly promoting emotional learning programs that demonstrate and embody kindness, empathy, compassion, care and concern toward animals - the core principles of the Animal Kindness Foundation.

Once established, I then founded Nevada Paws - The Link to address and educate community organizations, including schools, about the connection between animal cruelty and domestic violence. Documented domestic violence often starts and ends with animal abuse in the home. Our community outreach initiatives aim to bring awareness to these issues by working alongside domestic violence shelters and residents to break the cycle.”

Rebecca received her doctoral degree in education from the University of California, Santa Barbara and trained in the area of children's testimony as a research fellow at the UCLA School of Medicine. Rebecca created the Kids' Court School in 2002, and has garnered national recognition as a model for children's courtroom education. It won a Bright Ideas award from Harvard University and received a U.S. Senatorial Commendation.

"That's really been my mission: to enable children to tell their story in court." Professor Nathanson.

Krystal is a law student at the Boyd School of Law studying business and commercial law. She has a passion for pro bono work; especially with the Kids Court School. Krystal has two Corgis, Peanut and Jack Jack. Krystal is excited to serve the community with Courtroom Critters.

Larry is a retired Civil Litigation defense medical malpractice attorney who represented all types of healthcare provides and facilities. Larry volunteered with the American Cancer Society by driving cancer patients to their chemo and therapy appointments. Now he volunteers his time along with his wife, Cynthia, with their Goldendoodle, Maggie May. They visit hospitals, police and work with children. Larry now serves as our newest member of the Board of Directors in May 2024.

Liz is an advocate of higher education and what it can do for a community. As a first generation Mexican American, she did not learn to speak English until the age of 5. Earning a dual bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology and then a Master’s Degree in Psychology, she brings 20+ years of professional field experience, initially working in social work with Cuban Migrants while living in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. This love for social work and education lead her to work with diverse populations including early intervention and school-aged children to homeless veterans living in the Las Vegas tunnels.

Liz has become a community advocate for Domestic Violence being a survivor herself and a victim of post-separation abuse. She is currently with the University of Nevada, Reno, Extension with the Hope for Family Resilience Team. Through research-based education such as the award-winning 40-Hour Hope Advocate Training, she believes systemic change is attainable in Nevada.

We welcome her as a board member in May 2024.

Contact:

https://extension.unr.edu/HOPE