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Meet The Team

Leadership Team

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Executive Director

Simi Balter

With over 20 years of dedicated service in the nonprofit sector, Simi Balter has spent the majority of her life’s work fostering the invaluable connection between humans and animals. Simi’s expertise in nonprofit leadership includes cultivating strong community partnerships and engaging stakeholders to drive meaningful change. Throughout her career, Simi has demonstrated a commitment to strategic planning, fundraising and program development.  Her expertise and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in driving the mission of Pet Network forward. Simi’s passion for creating a better world for pets and the people who love them continues to inspire her work and the community she serves and beyond.

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Director of Operations

Katie Millonzi

​With over a decade of experience in animal care and shelter operations, Katie is passionate about enhancing animal welfare through industry best practices. Her educational background includes a B.S. in Biological Science from Alma College and a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Zoo and Aquarium Studies from Western Illinois University.  She has held leadership roles in various animal welfare organizations, including Mountain Humane and PAWS Chicago, where she led teams, implemented new efficiencies, and improved overall animal care and management.

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Director of Veterinary Services

Dr. Marlene Tremblay

Dr. Tremblay received her D.V.M from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2013 followed by a Public Health & Epidemiology Research Internship. She received a PhD in epidemiology and data science from Utrecht University in 2019. Dr. Tremblay has worked as an Assistant Researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and as a veterinarian at a variety of shelters and organizations across Arizona and Utah including Best Friends Animal Society in Salt Lake City and Kanab. 

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She has experience practicing a variety of types of medicine including shelter medicine, internal medicine, critical care, emergency surgery, high volume spay and neuter, specialty surgery, behavioral medicine, and epidemiology. Her interests include surgery and helping animal welfare organizations implement data-supported strategies. Her goal is to integrate population medicine with individualized medicine to optimize outcomes in shelters.

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Director of Finance & Human Resources

Kimberly Highfill

Originally from Southern California, Kimberly Highfill has made her home in Nevada, bringing with her a wealth of expertise in finance and human resources. She holds a degree in Finance and Art History from the University of Maryland, where she developed a unique blend of analytical and creative skills. As Finance and Hr Director, Kimberly is committed to fostering a positive workplace culture while ensuring financial integrity and operational efficiency. She is a devoted pet owner, sharing her home with three dogs and a cat, who loves to be the center of attention. 

Management Team

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Marketing & Development Manager 

Sybile O'Neill

Sybile O'Neill, a longtime Tahoe local, combines her extensive marketing experience with her passion for animal welfare at Pet Network Lake Tahoe. With a deep commitment to the Tahoe community, she works to elevate Pet Network’s mission, supporting initiatives that benefit animals in need and connecting people with opportunities to make a meaningful impact.

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Medical Operations Manager 

Jules DiGiovanni

Jules DiGiovanni oversees shelter medical operations at Pet Network Humane Society, bringing dedication and expertise to the health and well-being of animals in Pet Network’s care. With a strong background in animal care, Jules plays a vital role in ensuring each pet receives compassionate and high-quality medical attention, supporting Pet Network’s mission to save lives and enrich the community through responsible and comprehensive care.

Board of Directors

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Chair

Alan Wechsler

Alan Wechsler is the Chair of the Pet Network Board and has been an active Board member since February 2018.  Alan is an attorney who founded and owns a local law firm, Mountainside Law. He and his wife have two children and an energetic border collie mix rescue.  Alan is passionate about dogs and cats, and is strongly committed to Pet Network’s mission of rescuing adoptable animals and connecting them with loving families.

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Treasurer

Scott Menath

Scott Menath has been an active board member with Pet Network since 2013. Being born and raised in Incline, he has been involved with the community for many years.Scott is an animal lover, he has a passion and dedication to serve this community as well as rescue as many animals as he can. He made the decision to move back to the Tahoe area in 2012 to raise his family: 2 children, 3 dogs, a cat, 2 goats, and several fish. He brings a passion and historical knowledge of the area and has served in several roles on the Pet Network Board. Currently Scott is the Treasurer of the Pet Network Board and very happy to be in this role.

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Board Member

Beverly Keil

Beverly Keil is a retired business executive whose career with The Washington Post Company spanned over two decades and included positions as VP Human Resources, CEO weekly newspaper group, CEO tech magazines, and CEO Kaplan Education Centers. Upon retirement Bev became a non-fiction author with books about pets and sports. Her most popular work, Diary of a Dumpster Pup, chronicles how Pet Network saved the lives of abandoned newborn puppies.  Bev has been a Pet Network volunteer since she moved to Incline Village over twenty years ago. She has served on the Board of Directors as Chair and Treasurer. She shares her home with spouse Doug, also an author, and four Pet Network special needs rescue cats.

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Vice Board Chair

Denise Menzies

Denise Menzies is a commercial film producer, business manager, consultant and a member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Denise and her husband, Australian Cinematographer Peter Menzies, Jr., have been Incline residents for over 25 years. An educational advocate, Denise is an Ethics Instructor and mentors high school students. She is on the Boards of the Rotary Club of Tahoe-Incline and the CYMBAL Foundation. Denise and her family have adopted several rescue animals, most recently “sassy” Mercedes from Pet Network.

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Secretary

Kim McClain

Kim has lived in Incline Village, Nevada, for seven years. She has been married to Chris McClain for 38 years, and they have three grown children, two grandchildren, and a Golden Retriever named Juno. Kim has been a lifelong volunteer in her community and is proud to be a part of the Pet Network Humane Society. 

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Board Member

Sukeshi O'Neal

Sukeshi has had an impressive career spanning both the for-profit and non-profit sectors, with a diverse range of experiences and accomplishments. As a Principal at Bridge Ventures, she has been involved with a portfolio of companies and real estate assets, demonstrating her expertise in finance and management across various industries.

 

Her previous role as managing principal at Kokoro Exhibits highlights her leadership in the entertainment and attraction industry, showcasing her ability to drive success in a competitive market.

 

Moreover, her commitment to philanthropy is evident through her founding of Bridge to College, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to supporting at-risk high school students in achieving their academic goals. Her involvement on multiple boards, including those of educational and community organizations, further underscores her dedication to making a positive impact.

 

Sukeshi's personal experiences as a parent to a son with special needs have also driven her to advocate for and address the needs of individuals with disabilities. Her involvement in spearheading a parent-supported organization and collaborating with affordable housing developers demonstrates her proactive approach to creating solutions for this community.

 

Her educational background, with a Master's degree in Nonprofit Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame and a Bachelor's degree from the University of California, Riverside, has equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in her endeavors.

 

Currently, Sukeshi is not only contributing to her community but also working on a book of short stories for mothers of those with special needs, showcasing her creative talents and dedication to supporting others facing similar challenges.

 

Overall, Sukeshi's multifaceted career and personal commitments exemplify her as a compassionate, driven, and impactful individual in both professional and personal spheres.

Advisory Board

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Veronica Bayduza

Ronnie Bayduza initially became involved with animal rescue in 1991 as a weekend dog walker with the SPCA in San Francisco.  Following retirement in 2014 and becoming a full time resident of Incline, she became an active supporter of Pet Network and currently serves on the Advisory Board. Ronnie and her significant other, Greg, live in Incline with Maxi, a rescued Beardie mix, who joined their home in 2015 and quickly managed to assert himself in all household decision making activities.

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Ted Ventresca

Currently President and Chief Operating Officer for CHEMEON in Minden, Nevada, Ted Kelly brings expertise in global brand development, multimedia/digital sales, marketing and communication strategies, team building, promotion and presentation to the Pet Network Advisory Board. Ted and his wife, Susan moved to Nevada in 2014 and adopted Bocce from Pet Network in 2017. Ted, Susan, and Bocce enjoy Kayaking. Ted collects vintage microphones, radios, mid-century furniture/art, and supporting the life-saving work of Pet Network.

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Christine Karnofsky

Christine Karnofsky has been a resident of Lake Tahoe since 1987. Christine is a landscape designer and is the owner of her business, Christine Karnofsky Landscape Design for the past 25 years. She was invited to join the Pet Network board in 2016 and continues on the advisory board. Christine chaired and worked with the Fur Ball Committee for the past 2 years in charge of the theme, decor and entertainment, including the 20th anniversary Fur Ball, The Roaring Twenties in 2019 and A Thank you to our Troops theme in 2020 focusing on training service dogs for our vets. Christine designed the landscaping for the Pet Network building. 

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Arielle Verinis

Arielle Verinis is a professional vocalist who has lent her voice to animal rescue for nearly two decades. She lives in Incline Village with her husband, baby and 3 rescue dogs. She has been a supporter of the Pet Network since 2015.

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Apply Today

If you are interested in this unique opportunity and contributing to our lifesaving work please email a cover letter and resume.

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