About Our Staff
Our Staff
The staff at Heart's Companion are animal lovers first and foremost! We all have pets and all have experienced the loss of a treasured animal. Our staff are trained to walk you through the end-of-life journey of your precious companion and help you at every step of the way.
ANDY • Director of Operations
Andy Black grew up in Santa Cruz, California. He loves sports and the outdoors. Andy has an Associate of Arts degree from Cabrillo College, a Bachelor of Science degree with distinction in Criminal Justice Administration from San Diego State University, and a master's degree in Public Administration from San Jose State University.
Being extremely gregarious & loving helping those facing difficult times, Andy has volunteered for Circle of Life Hospice and was a member of their board of directors. Andy spends his time away from work almost 100% with his family. His wife Laura is his earth savior and as he says, "99% my better half". His daughter, Marina, is his little angel & his son, Tyler, is his little 'Huck Finn' hunting buddy. Andy's family also includes his dogs, Benelli & Betty and cat, Blue.
KRISTA • General Manager
Krista George grew up in Lovelock before moving to Reno. She has been helping people with their pets for many years, and welcomes the chance to bring this experience to Heart's Companion. In her spare time, she is an avid fisher-woman, collects local art, and spends time with her two chihuahuas, Pearl and Spike. When asked why Krista wanted to join the Heart's Companion Team, she replied: "I hope to be able to make this difficult time a little more calm and comfortable for the pet parents and their loved ones."
SIERRA • Customer Care Specialist
Sierra’s bio is coming.
ELISEO • Crematory Operator
Eliseo’s bio is coming.
TERRY • Customer Care Driver
Terry’s bio is coming.
GEOFFREY • Community Engagement
Geoffrey Shields likes to spend his free time skiing, hiking, mountain biking and being outdoors. He is inspired in life by waking up with a purpose and drive. Geoff is passionate about animals. In 7th grade Geoff wrote a letter and sent a hand drawn picture to the city of Fallon (where he lived at the time), asking if they would put in a dog park so that pets had a place to run and play in the city of Fallon. After Geoff submitted his plans, the dog park was built & opened later that same year to the delight of the pet parents of Fallon! He has continued this passion for pets into his adult life and is a huge asset to Heart's Companion.
CATHY GREEN, DVM • Veterinarian
Dr. Green’s love for animals began in her youth and by the time she graduated from high school she knew she wanted to dedicate her life to working with animals professionally.
Cathy is a 2nd generation, lifetime Reno local. She graduated from Reno High School and earned her pre-veterinary degree from the University of Nevada at Reno. After receiving her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Colorado State University in 1986, Cathy returned home to Nevada. She began her career as the on-staff veterinarian for the Nevada Humane Society.
Dr. Green is a pioneer in the local home euthanasia industry & brings her 20+ years of expertise to Heart's Companion. She works diligently and compassionately to help pet parents find a peaceful and humane solution to alleviate the suffering of their animal companions.
Cathy is a member of the Truckee Meadows Dog Training Club (TMDTC). She is also a member of the Sierra Rottweiler Owners (SRO, a non-profit club), which is befitting since she has Rottweilers at home.
SUSAN BROCKUS, DVM • Veterinarian
Dr. Brockus fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian when she graduated from Oklahoma State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, in 1985. Dr. Brockus also earned a Master of Public Health degree from University of Iowa, College of Public Health, in 2004.
Dr. Brockus has practiced companion animal and emergency medicine/critical care medicine for most of her career and has also worked in public health. During her years in practice, Dr. Brockus realized how important it is for clients to have compassionate euthanasia for their pet in the comfort of their home. Dr. Brockus has been providing home euthanasia since 2014 and she strives to tailor each home visit to the family and pet’s needs.
Dr. Brockus moved to Reno in 2006 and love being “out West." When she is not working, she enjoys running and spending time with her kitties.
DEBORAH ULLRICH, DVM • Veterinarian
Dr. Ullrich graduated from the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 1997 and has been working in small animal practice her entire career. Even though five of those years were spent at a feline only practice, so she has a special place in her heart for all pets.
She really values the opportunity to help pets pass with peace and dignity in the comfort of their own home, or one of their favorite places.
Dr. Ullrich moved to Nevada from northern California late in 2012. She and her family live in the beautiful Carson Valley and are very happy they made the move (needless to say, we are as well!). Furry family members include Nick (dog), PJ and Tom Cat (horses), and Blondie, Peach, Rosie, Connie, Trudy, Madge (chickens), and most recently a steer, Ferdinand.
In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and exploring the Lake Tahoe area and all Nevada has to offer. Additionally, Dr. Ullrich enjoys gardening and cooking. She believes you can never have too many cookbooks!
