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.

Born and raised in Las Vegas, RaeAnna is an Army veteran, mom, and lifelong animal lover. Her journey into marketing began during COVID, when she discovered a passion for creativity, storytelling, and using social media to bring people and communities together. She brings experience across a variety of businesses and organizations and is excited to use those skills to help share Heaven Can Wait's mission and impact throughout Southern Nevada. Outside of work, RaeAnna enjoys concerts, road trips, painting, hiking, reading, and spending time outdoors. At home, she is a pet parent to Fitz, aka "Noodle," a blue heeler mix, Zoey, a Frenchie, Frankie, a Siamese cat, and Noah, a chatty tabby kitten who started as a foster and quickly became family.

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, working with them in various roles since 2006. She spent nine years as a veterinary assistant, gaining first hand experience in animal wellness. Her soul dog and inspiration, Buddy, helped shape her desire to build a career connecting compassionate people with causes that make a difference. Kelly joined Heaven Can Wait in 2021 as the Community Engagement Manager and quickly fell in love with nonprofit work. Her passion for fundraising ( and “friend-raising,” as she calls it), storytelling, and community connection led her to development, where she became the organization’s Development Director in 2026. Outside of work, Kelly enjoys volunteering with Best Friends Animal Society, live music, video/board games, theater, 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.

Fernanda recently relocated to Las Vegas to be closer to her family and begin an exciting new chapter. A proud UC Irvine graduate, her passion for helping animals truly ignited when she interned at the Orange County Zoo. From there, her interest in animal welfare grew along with her talent for supporting pets and the people who love them. After years in for-profit veterinary medicine, Fernanda felt called to work somewhere where her efforts could create a big, positive impact. She's excited to be part of a team where she can help families afford the essential care for their pets and support overpopulation prevention. Fernanda has 3 furbabies of her own; Sheila, her sassy 13-year-old schnauzer mix, and her cats Milky Way and Peaches. Together, her cats make the perfect pair of "Peaches and Cream." Fernanda admits she wasn't even a cat person before working in veterinary medicine! Now she has two and wouldn't have it any other way. Off duty, you can find her exploring new coffee shops, admiring architecture around Las Vegas, or indulging her nerdy side as a huge Star Wars fan who loves spending time at Disneyland.

Camme was born and raised in London, England. She began studying performing arts at the age of 4 and attended both The Legat School of Russian Ballet and Italia Conti School of Performing Arts until she was 16. After traveling for many years as a performer, she moved to Las Vegas in 2005 with a production company and has since split her time between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Although Camme grew up aspiring to be a ballerina, her heart has always been with animals, the environment, and helping those in need. Her love for animal rescue grew through volunteering and experiencing diverse environments. Today, Camme is a Veterinary Assistant working toward her Veterinary Technician license. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, swimming, taking doggies out for walks, or simply napping with her cats, Maggie, Bart, Rainy, and Reesy.

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.

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 second-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, and Stevie the one-eyed corn snake. 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.

Linda has been a dedicated volunteer with Heaven Can Wait since 2006, and she brings over four decades of animal welfare experience to the team. A former Jubilee showgirl turned animal hero, Linda has rescued and cared for more than 1,100 cats through her tireless TNR efforts, fostering, and adoption assistance. At the clinic, she is an indispensable member of the spay and neuter team by sterilizing surgical packs for surgery, training new volunteers, and helping keep operations smooth by providing whatever assistance is needed by the team. Her passion for community cats extends far beyond the clinic. Linda not only manages her own colony, but also provides food and support to five additional colonies. In 2024, she was honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Silver Award from the Governor's Points of Light Awards, recognizing her decades of service and lifesaving impact. She continues to inspire others through her compassion and unwavering commitment to making the world a safer and kinder place for animals and the people who love them. When she isn't caring for animals, Linda enjoys working out at the gym with her husband, cooking, and reading.