In 2013, after volunteering at a small local shelter with her daughter, Christy discovered that they shared a dream: to open an animal sanctuary. To show her daughter that dreams do come true, she put all her efforts into building a nonprofit organization dedicated to making the Las Vegas Valley a kinder place for pets. In typical Christy fashion, she dived into the issue of pet homelessness and has spurred the creation of many owner-support programs. “Keeping pets out of the shelter in the first place must be a primary focus of our work,” says Stevens. Before founding Hearts Alive Village Christy worked with her family for over 26 years leading a large format printing company, Pictographics.
“I’ve never worked harder in my life, but I love it. I’ve found my groove.”
~Christy Stevens
A Las Vegas native, Amy has spent the last 17 years creating positive change in the lives of Las Vegas animals. As the Nevada State Manager for the Anti Dog Fighting campaign, she promoted awareness, battled for stronger laws, and continues to speak out for the victims and the targeted breed so their voices are heard. Her involvement monitoring the lost and found pages along with shelter intake has resulted in countless dogs being reunited with their owners. And she has opened her home to foster puppies (including over 100 medical needs fosters), giving them a safe and nurturing place to grow until they are ready to be adopted. Amy holds a BA in Public Administration in Law Enforcement.
“I have always been passionate about the protection and welfare of the animals in my community,” she says. “Joining Hearts Alive Village has allowed me to dedicate my life to serving them.”
Gabby’s journey in marketing started with an internship at an agency during her high school years, which transitioned into a full-time marketing position upon graduation. By the age of 23, Gabby made a name for herself as an expert in marketing and strategy, quickly ascending to the position of Director. Fluent in American Sign Language, she is deeply involved within Deaf communities throughout the U.S. Gabby’s commitment to her community is evident through her involvement with groups like the Las Vegas Deaf Seniors, Nevada Black Deaf Advocates, and Nevada Hands & Voices. As someone who is hard of hearing with a rich background in advocacy, she provides a distinct insight into accessibility in her role at Hearts Alive Village. In her free time, Gabby enjoys traveling with her dog, Luna, meeting new furry companions at animal sanctuaries and connecting with Deaf communities nationwide.
Nikki Martinez is the Foster Mom behind @myfosterkittens on Instagram and brings nearly 15 years of dedicated experience in animal welfare and rescue to her role as Director of Feline Solutions. Her work has centered on advancing the care and outcomes for some of the most vulnerable feline populations, with a specialized focus on critical care and neonatal kittens.
Throughout her career, Nikki has developed and implemented effective strategies to support at-risk cats, ensuring they receive the medical attention, nurturing, and advocacy they need. Her leadership combines deep field expertise with an unwavering commitment to humane care, making her a respected figure in the animal rescue community.
Crystal Vaquera is a Licensed Veterinary Technician with more than 25 years of experience dedicated to the care, health, and well-being of animals. Throughout her career, she has worked in a diverse range of veterinary settings, gaining hands-on experience in patient care, client communication, and team leadership. Her career path has given her a deep understanding of both the medical and human sides of veterinary medicine.
In addition to her clinical work, Crystal serves on the Nevada Veterinary Medical Board of Examiners, where she plays a vital role in upholding professional standards and supporting the veterinary community. Her leadership and commitment to excellence reflect her belief in advancing the profession and ensuring the highest quality of care for animals across the state.
For the past 15 years, Crystal has dedicated her efforts to the nonprofit sector, where she has combined her technical background with a passion for service and advocacy. She is deeply committed to improving access to veterinary care, supporting underserved communities, and promoting education that fosters a stronger bond between people and animals.
Known for her passion and curiosity, Crystal is a lifelong learner who is always seeking opportunities to expand her knowledge and grow within the profession. She believes that veterinary medicine is not just about treating animals, but also about fostering compassion, resilience, and community.
Outside of her professional roles, Crystal continues to be a strong advocate for animal welfare and professional development, serving as a mentor and resource for colleagues entering or advancing in the veterinary field.
