Meet the driving force behind Arizona Small Dog Rescue! Our Board of Directors brings together a dedicated group of leaders and animal lovers who volunteer their time, skills and hearts to ensure the pups in our care get a second chance at happiness. Composed of passionate animal advocates, community leaders and experienced professionals, this dedicated group works tirelessly behind the scenes. From strategic planning to financial stewardship, their leadership allows us to rescue more dogs, provide critical medical care and advocate for animal welfare across Arizona.

If your passions align with our mission and you are interested in joining the Board of Directors, please submit your Letter of Intent and Resume to Board@azsmalldog.org for consideration.

Nichole | President

Nichole Collen serves as President on the Board of Directors at Arizona Small Dog Rescue. She brings over 20 years of experience in leadership, team development, process improvement, and hospital operations, along with a collaborative and people-focused approach to problem-solving. She is passionate about building strong teams, improving the client and patient experience, and contributing to organizations that make a meaningful difference in their communities. Nichole currently serves as the Hospital Manager at VEG ER for Pets in Phoenix, Arizona.

Nichole joined Arizona Small Dog Rescue in 2019, where she began fostering fearful dogs who needed an escape from the shelter environment and a safe place to learn to trust and love again before finding their forever homes. Her time as a foster strengthened her connection to the rescue’s mission and motivated her to take on a larger role in supporting its work, the dogs in its care, and the community it serves. That commitment ultimately led Nichole to step into the role of President in 2025. Nichole lives in Phoenix, Arizona.

Lora | Secretary

Lora El-Sheikh serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors at Arizona Small Dog Rescue, where she brings a background in operational excellence and governance to help guide the organization’s strategy and long-term sustainability. With more than 25 years of experience in the aerospace industry, Lora has led enterprise performance management, strategic planning, and cross-functional initiatives for organizations.

Lora joined Arizona Small Dog Rescue as a shelter volunteer and foster in 2023, opening her home to dogs in need of care before they find their forever families. That hands-on experience deepened her commitment to the organization’s mission and led her to join the board, where she applies her expertise in governance, planning, and data-driven decision-making.

She holds an MBA from Arizona State University, a Bachelors degree in Accounting, and a PMP certification. Lora lives in Phoenix, Arizona.

Bill | Treasurer

Bill Stevens serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors at Arizona Small Dog Rescue. He brings over 40 years of experience in the financial services industry, including leadership roles in financial planning, training and development, and broker-dealer and distribution growth. Bill is currently a financial advisor at WestPac Wealth Partners in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he works with business owners and individuals on asset protection, wealth management, and estate, business, and financial planning.

A lifelong dog owner, Bill and his family are passionate about helping animals in need. He joined Arizona Small Dog Rescue in 2026 and is committed to leveraging his financial planning expertise and extensive background leading large Fortune 500 firms to support the organization’s long-term stability and growth.

Bill holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and economics from Long Island University and a Master of Financial Services degree from The American College. He is also a Chartered Financial Consultant and lives in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Kathleen

Kathleen brings decades of leadership experience to the board, having spent her career managing medical groups before retiring. But her love of animals has roots far older than her professional life — she grew up on a farm in Iowa, where her appreciation for animals was, as she puts it, cultivated.

That lifelong passion found a natural home at Arizona Small Dog Rescue, where Kathleen has been donating her time, talent, and treasure for more than 15 years. Over the years, she and her husband Bruce have adopted 10 dogs and fostered countless more — a testament to the depth of their commitment to giving small dogs a second chance.

Kathleen and Bruce live in Phoenix with their current crew: Gina, Bentley, Miko, and Maleficent.