Our Staff At Heaven Can Wait

A lifelong animal advocate, Rachel Bergren is the Executive Director of Heaven Can Wait Animal Society where she is responsible for overseeing operations, development, strategic plan implementation, and the achievement of the charity’s vision, mission, and financial objectives.

Rachel’s vast experience in animal care and her passion for contributing to the community began at a young age. In 1995, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology from Texas A&M University then went on to receive a Master of Science degree in Biology from Western Illinois University in 2005.

Her expansive career launched in the early 2000’s in zoo and aquarium management, when she served more than a decade at the iconic Shedd Aquarium in Illinois. Next, she became Vice President of Education for Chicago’s famous Lincoln Park Zoo, honing her leadership and community skills at one of the most recognizable cultural institutions for animal welfare in the country.

After Chicago, Rachel moved to Sausalito, California where she worked at The Marine Mammal Center — the world’s largest marine mammal rehabilitation, scientific research, and education facility. And, most recently, she held the role of Executive Director for Get Outdoors Nevada.

Dr. Younanian is a 2016 graduate of Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, after completing her Bachelor's degrees in Biology and French at the University of Alabama in 2012. Relocating to Las Vegas shortly after receiving her degree, she spent her first seven years in small animal private practice before joining Heaven Can Wait full-time in 2023. She enjoys interacting with her clients and patients, and seeing the positive impact the organization has on expanding access to affordable veterinary care. When not at work, Dr. Younanian can generally be found outdoors, enjoying one of the area's many local hiking trails; or relaxing at home with her big, fluffy rescue cat, Philippe.

Annika was born and raised in Las Vegas. She graduated from CSN's Veterinary Nursing program in 2009. Upon graduating, she volunteered at Heaven Can Wait's feral cat clinic where she saw the importance of spaying and neutering your pets. She joined the Heaven Can Wait team soon after and couldn't imagine being a part of anywhere else. She loves spending time with her husband and daughter, traveling, and trying new foods!

Kristy has been fortunate to work in the animal welfare industry since 2006, where she’s worn many hats—from veterinary technician roles to client service, leadership, and operations. Her career has spanned a wide range of experiences, from small animal general practices to specialty and emergency clinics, and even the incredibly rewarding adventure of running her own clinic!   In 2021, Kristy made the exciting transition to the nonprofit side of animal welfare, a move that has allowed her to apply her wealth of experience in a way that brings deeper, more meaningful change to the community. This shift has reignited her passion, filling the gap she felt in her previous roles by helping her make an even greater impact on the lives of animals and the people who care for them.

Kelly, a Las Vegas native, has had a lifelong passion for animals—whether exotics or her cherished dog and cat companions. Early in her career, she worked as a veterinary assistant for eight years, during which time she found her soul dog, a sweet pup named Buddy. Her deep experience in animal wellness and her admiration for the powerful bond between humans and their companions inspired her to pursue a career that connects compassionate people with the animals and causes that need them most.   Kelly joined Heaven Can Wait in 2021 as the Community Engagement Manager and quickly fell in love with nonprofit work. Her focus on fundraising and building connections within the community became her top priority, and she became the Communications & Development Manager in 2024. In her free time, Kelly enjoys crafting, playing board games, dancing at shows, riding her onewheel, and road trips to the beach.

Nathaly, originally from Peru, spent time in Los Angeles before settling in Las Vegas, where she has lived for most of her life. A true animal lover, Nathaly is affectionately known as "the cat whisperer" by her colleagues for her incredible way with felines. Her journey with Heaven Can Wait began when she noticed a feral cat colony in her backyard and started volunteering with a trap-neuter-return program. Nathaly's passion for helping animals is deeply personal—she does it in honor of the pets she's lost, including her beloved Goldie. Her dedication and compassion continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the animals she cares for.

Iman has always had a deep passion for animals, bringing home kittens, birds, and lizards as a child. She realized her true passion was simply being around animals and giving them love. The most fulfilling part of Iman’s job is seeing cats and dogs recover and thrive after surgery, transforming into healthy, happy animals. Iman has two beloved dogs. Astro, a 4-year-old husky, is the sweetest boy she has raised since he was 9 weeks old. JuJu, an 8-year-old pitbull, was found abandoned in a parking lot, and is now a spoiled, happy dog. In her free time, Iman enjoys taking her pups to the lake, watching anime, and reading manga. She also has a passion for horseback riding, which she continues to enjoy whenever she visits her home in California. What Inspired you to work in the field? - I have always loved animals ever since I was a child bringing home stray kittens, birds and lizards. I knew at a young age that I wanted to be a veterinarian working with exotic and farm animals. As the years went on I understood that I didn't want to perform surgery on them, but to just simply be around them and show them as much love as possible. What aspect of your job brings you the most joy? - What brings me the most joy at my job is unorthodox to say the least, its seeing cats and dogs in the most horrible body condition and going through intense surgery and seeing them come out of it a whole different animal. Their pain and suffering is gone and they can now live a peaceful pain free life. Do you have any pets of your own? Tell us about them! - I have 3 dogs of my own, they are my babies I have a male husky named Astro hes 4  and he is the baby of the group and the sweetest boy you'll ever meet. I have had him since he was 9 weeks old. I have a pitbull named JuJu and she's 8 years old, she's a rescue dog, she was found in the home depot parking lot tied to a pole and she was there for hours. She had worms and wasn't in the best shape. 8 years later she is a spoiled fat girl. She is my entire heart and soul, I love her more than life itself. My oldest dog is named Queen. She's a german shepherd mix . She is 14 years old, she is also a rescue dog that was left behind in a house when the owner went to jail. I noticed her when I was younger and I used to sneak into the empty backyard and feed her everyday until I decided to take her for my own. She was a timid girl that was afraid of everything, now she is very outspoken and loves all new people and things. When you're not caring for animals, what do you enjoy doing? I used to enjoy horseback riding, I started when I was 4 years old and I used to own a horse of my own as well. I still ride whenever I'm back home in California, for now I enjoy playing with my dogs and taking them to the lake. I also enjoy watching anime and reading manga.

Kelli was born and raised in Las Vegas and graduated from CSN's Veterinary Nursing Program in 2013. She immediately joined the team here at Heaven Can Wait because of her strong interest in Trap-Neuter-Return and serving community cats. She has three cats of her own: Muffin, Yoda, and Kitten.

Elizabeth is a Las Vegas native who joined Heaven Can Wait in 2010. She's a cat and dog lover, and has one cat called Eric who she found as a park as a kitten. Fun fact: she's an identical twin! In her free time she enjoys karaoke and a game of pool.

Jane emigrated from England in 1998 after meeting her American husband who was based in the UK with the US Air Force. She loves cats and dogs, and has pets of her own at home. Jane started volunteering at HCW's Sunday Clinics several years ago. When a job opportunity came up, she jumped at the chance to join the team.

Born in Los Angeles, California, Veronica is a proud first-generation Mexican-American. She has always been fascinated by animals and has pursued her passion for helping them with unwavering dedication, despite her being allergic to them! With seven years of experience in the field, she’s known for her strong advocacy for the patients in her care, always ensuring they receive the highest level of compassion and attention. Veronica shares her life with two beloved dogs, Korra (also known as Korra-Lina) and Ruffus (Ruffiano). In her free time, she enjoys painting, designing and stitching up outfits, baking, and cooking. Her creativity and love for animals shine through in everything she does, both in and out of the clinic.

Born in New York, Kimberly enjoyed watching wildlife like bears and deer, catching snakes, chasing raccoons and skunks, and sometimes getting into a bit of trouble doing so. At age five, Kimberly moved to Boulder City, Nevada, where she grew up. She has always had a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals in her community. She began her veterinary medicine career at age 21 and became the first veterinary technician to work at Heaven Can Wait in 2009. Her deep love for animals and her passion for reducing shelter euthanasias inspired her to focus on spay and neuter programs, which she sees as her true calling. Kimberly is married to a wonderful man and is the proud mother of two beautiful daughters, Juliah and Alexzandriah. Her family also includes two dogs, Luna and Lt. Dan, and a cat named Beefy. In her free time, Kimberly enjoys fishing, off-roading, water sports, camping, traveling, and pretty much anything that involves the great outdoors. Her daughters share her love for animals—both volunteered with Heaven Can Wait for two years, starting when Juliah was 12 and Alex was 11, continuing the family’s commitment to animal welfare.

Kim, affectionately known as "Lil Kim" at the clinic, was born and raised in Las Vegas. Before earning her license from the College of Southern Nevada in 2023, she gained experience as an assistant and volunteer with Heaven Can Wait. Since she was a kid, Kim has always had a deep passion for helping animals. She is especially dedicated to ending the overpopulation of community cats and helping them live happier, healthier lives through her work.   At home, Kim shares her life with four beloved pets: Baby the cat, Lala the dog, Stevie the one-eyed corn snake, and Gregorio the iguana. In her free time, she loves playing video games with her husband and spending time with her family.

Jess was born in Santa Paula, California, and grew up in a small town in Virginia. She later moved to Las Vegas to pursue a career in theater and entertainment, where she worked for over 20 years, including a decade with Cirque du Soleil. Eventually, Jess decided to follow her other lifelong dream of working with animals. She was especially drawn to Heaven Can Wait’s TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) program and is proud to contribute to that important mission to help our beloved community cats.   At home, Jess enjoys life with her wonderful husband, two mischievous cats, a grumpy chihuahua, and two sweet little hedgehogs.

Wendy is a skilled licensed veterinary nurse and an expert cat cuddler. Before joining Heaven Can Wait Animal Society, she spent 10 years working in hospitality after completing culinary school. However, her true passion for animals led her to a career change during COVID, and she completed the Veterinary Nursing program at the College of Southern Nevada in 2023.   Wendy is deeply dedicated to ensuring that every animal receives the compassionate care they deserve, treating each patient as if they were her own. At home, Wendy and her husband have a full house, including their beloved pets: dogs Kiyoshi, and Kye; cats Rey, Remy, Merlin, and Marceline (a tripod); and their son, Dallan. In her free time, Wendy loves spending time with her family, traveling, exploring new restaurants, and attending concerts.

Julie was inspired by her first dog, Petunia, who was there for her through the highs and lows. Julie knew she wanted to work with animals, and when Petunia crossed over the rainbow bridge, it solidified her passion for helping them. Julie loves witnessing how deeply people care about their family pets, and the best feeling for her is when a pet parent comes to pick up their fur baby after surgery. The joy and relief they feel when they’re reunited after spending half the day apart is priceless!   At home, Julie has three dogs: Chavela, her senior rescue dachshund who loves lounging in bed all day, except when she hears her favorite treat bag; Rocky, her 5-year-old grumpy terrier who loves to cuddle with her; and Kovu, her mischievous 5-year-old pitbull who always finds his way into the trash. She also cares for a community kitty named Mr. Limping, who wandered into her life four years ago. After bringing Mr. Limping to Heaven Can Wait to be neutered, he continues to live his best community cat life.   In her free time, Julie enjoys listening to music, going shopping, and spending quality time with her close friends.

Jackie was born and raised in Las Vegas and a proud daughter of two Salvadoran immigrants. Before beginning her veterinary career, she honed her skills in the hospitality industry, where she worked her way up to front desk supervisor. As a first-generation college graduate, she proudly completed the Veterinary Nursing program at the College of Southern Nevada in 2024, having started her journey in the veterinary field in 2023.   In addition to her role at Heaven Can Wait, Jackie works at an emergency and critical care clinic on her off days, dedicating every single day of the week to helping, healing, and advocating for her patients. She shares her home with two rescue cats, Luna and Blue, who have been by her side since 2019. When she’s not caring for animals, Jackie enjoys traveling, discovering new cafes and restaurants around the city, and spending time with her best friend.