Verde Valley Leadership Class XIV members include Carl Shouse, Chris Hurtt, Chris Biggs, Jennifer Somit, Katie Cook, Leila Glass, Mathew Meili-Petzoldt, Nikki Allen, Melanie Lucas, Eric Sablehaus
I’ve called the Verde Valley home since 2001, when my family moved here to be closer to my grandmother after my mom’s second battle with breast cancer. I was fourteen at the time, and aside from a four-month internship at Walt Disney World, this valley is where I’ve grown up and built my life.
On my fifteenth birthday my family took me to Sizzler, and instead of asking for dessert I asked the manager for a job application. I got the job and worked there through high school before leaving for the Disney College Program. At Disney World I worked as a park greeter and at the kennels at EPCOT, which taught me a lot about customer service, teamwork, and how small interactions can make someone’s day better.
After returning home, I spent about twelve years working as a phlebotomist. I was really good at drawing blood and ran a patient service center on my own for years. My patients loved me, and I took a lot of pride in being able to help people feel calm and comfortable during something that can be stressful for many. For a long time, that work was a big part of my identity.
At age 31, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I ended up stepping away from work for about seven years while I figured out how to manage a new normal. During that time I discovered a creativity I didn’t even know I had. I began crocheting and eventually started a small handmade business called Nikki Stitches, selling pieces I made myself. It was a small venture, but it helped me rebuild confidence and reminded me that I was still capable of growing and trying new things.
When I was ready to return to work, I took a remote scheduling position with Northern Arizona Healthcare. It turned out to be a good reminder that I really enjoy working around people, I missed the daily interactions. While I was in that role, I finally finished something I had started years earlier and completed my Associate’s degree in General Studies. It took nearly twenty years to finish, but it’s something I’m incredibly proud of. Finishing it reminded me that it’s never too late to keep growing and challenging yourself.
In December I joined the City of Sedona as a Building Permit Technician. I’m still very new to the world of local government, but watching my husband Chris build his career with both Cottonwood and Camp Verde over the past seventeen years gave me a real appreciation for how much work happens behind the scenes to help a community function and grow. It sparked my interest in public service, and I’m excited to finally be starting my own path in that world.
Outside of work I still enjoy crocheting and making things by hand, and I hope Nikki Stitches will continue to grow when the timing is right. At home we share life with three dogs and a small flock of chickens. The Verde Valley has been home for most of my life, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to keep learning and growing in the community that raised me.
I’m originally from Anaheim, California, and moved to Arizona in 2008. I started my career in public service with the City of Cottonwood as a bus driver. After a few years, I moved into utilities and public works, where I spent 14 years as an inspector. That experience taught me the value of teamwork, attention to detail, and problem-solving in a
municipal setting.
Looking for a change, I joined the Town of Camp Verde as a permit technician in the Community Development Department—a decision that completely changed my career path. Today, I’m a plans examiner and planner, reviewing development proposals, ensuring compliance with codes, and working closely with residents, developers, and staff
to keep projects moving smoothly. I enjoy finding practical solutions to complex challenges and seeing projects succeed from start to finish.
I’m passionate about public service and continuous learning. The leadership academy is a chance to strengthen my skills in strategic thinking, collaboration, and community engagement. I look forward to applying what I learn to help my community grow responsibly while staying true to its character and values.
My name is Katie Cook, I was born in Cottonwood and grew up here in the Verde Valley where I have now lived most of my life. I am proud to be from the Verde Valley. I take pride in the work I do and the relationships I’ve built over the years. I enjoy working with others and creating environments where people feel supported and respected. I consider myself to be a natural leader, someone who steps in where needed, stays organized and follows through, not only at work but in my personal life as well. I am dependable and hard working. I value integrity, professionalism, and treating others with respect. Throughout my career in human resources, municipal service and hospitality leadership, I have consistently been drawn to roles that center around people. Whether supporting employees, assisting members of the public, or leading a team, I thrive in environments where communication, trust, and accountability matter. As I continue to grow personally and professionally, I remain committed to being involved, staying engaged, and using my skills to positively impact both my workplace and my community. I have developed a deep appreciation for this community and the people who make it special. I am proud of the path that has shaped me so far, and I look forward to continuing to learn, lead, and grow within the Verde Valley.
Leila was born and raised in Italy and travelled extensively. She has been calling Northern Arizona home for the last 12 years. As part of being a mom she is a great negotiator, making sure that everyone is happy in the end and has a smile on their faces.
Leila is friendly and a people person and is happy to help others. She is positive and will give you her undivided attention. She loves hosting people and making sure they are happy.
She loves her family and friends and enjoys sharing laughter and love with them. She is fluent in several languages, has an Italian PHD in Sociology and held a variety of different jobs from working on cruises to homeschooling. She also has experience in remodeling and some construction and has her real estate licence since 2018.
She loves working side by side with her husband running Blazin M and the
Clarkdale Caboose.
I’m a proud Arizona native, and the outdoors has shaped who I am from the very beginning. I was raised hunting and learning the land alongside my father and grandfather, and those experiences built the foundation I live by today discipline, hard work, respect for nature, and a strong moral code. The outdoors isn’t just something I enjoy, it’s a part of who I am.
I’ve always been driven when it comes to personal growth and development. I’m constantly looking to learn, gain knowledge, and improve myself in every area of life. That mindset has carried over into my professional career, where I’ve worked my way up through determination and a willingness to learn. I started with the City of Cottonwood as a Maintenance Worker and, through hard work and persistence, advanced into a role as an Inspector within the Engineering Department. That journey taught me the value of discipline, attention to detail, and taking pride in doing things the right way.
I believe strongly in leading by example. I don’t ask others to do anything I wouldn’t do myself, and I take pride in working hard, staying consistent, and helping others succeed. Whether it’s on a job site, in my career, or in everyday life, I try to be someone people can rely on and learn from.
Becoming a Freemason has been one of the most important decisions I’ve made in my life. I was drawn to the principles of brotherhood, self-improvement, and service, and I committed myself fully to that path. Through dedication and hard work, I became the Master of my lodge within four years. That experience challenged me to grow as a leader and as a man, and it continues to influence how I carry myself and serve others.
At the end of the day, I’m driven by the desire to make a real impact in my community. I believe in giving back, helping others, and building something bigger than myself. Everything I do whether through my career, my leadership, or my personal life is centered around purpose, service, and leaving behind a legacy I can be proud of.
I have served as Shelter Manager since 2022, bringing with me more than 36 years of hands-on experience in animal rescue, rehabilitation, and welfare advocacy. I hold an Associate’s Degree in Science along with multiple veterinary-related certifications, allowing me to combine formal education with decades of practical, real-world experience in shelter operations, medical coordination, and behavioral support.
Throughout my career, I have been driven by a deep commitment to protecting vulnerable animals and strengthening the communities that care about them. I believe leadership starts by example. I work alongside my team, not above them, and I strive to create an environment built on accountability, transparency, and compassion. From intake and medical oversight to staff development and community partnerships, I approach each responsibility with both structure and heart.
My leadership style focuses on collaboration and continuous improvement. I believe that strong organizations are built when people feel supported, valued, and united around a shared mission. I am passionate about developing systems that improve outcomes for animals while also empowering staff and volunteers to do their best work.
My passion and purpose is to guide animals in need to a brighter future. Every decision I make reflects that commitment—ensuring that each animal in our care receives not only proper treatment, but patience, dignity, and the opportunity for a second chance.
Animal welfare is not just my profession; it is my life’s work and calling.
I currently serve as the Assistant Shelter Manager at Verde Valley Humane Society, where I help lead daily operations and support both our staff and volunteer teams. My professional background is rooted in nonprofit work, with extensive experience in employee and volunteer management. That experience has shaped my leadership style — one built on communication, accountability, and leading by example.
In my role, I oversee critical operational functions including volunteer coordination, adoption support, surgical assistance when needed, and preparation of jurisdictional intake reports to ensure compliance and accurate reporting. I serve as a primary point of contact for our volunteers and work closely with our Volunteer Coordinator to maintain engagement and consistency. Balancing administrative oversight with hands-on animal care has strengthened my ability to adapt quickly, prioritize effectively, and remain steady in high-pressure environments.
Beyond my professional responsibilities, I have fostered nearly 20 puppies over the past decade and have partnered with local animal welfare organizations to help secure successful, long-term placements. These experiences have reinforced my belief that leadership is about stewardship — of people, of mission, and of those who rely on us.
I am passionate about building strong teams, improving operational systems, and ensuring that every animal in our care is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. I am seeking continued leadership development to expand my capacity to serve both my organization and my community at a higher level.
I am simple guy that enjoys hearing both side of a disagreement, continuing my education, pursuing athletic endeavors, tinkering on everything/anything, and eating my wife’s German chocolate cake. Most importantly, I am a father of a 11-month-old baby boy, a husband, and guy trying lead a full life.
I started my nursing career in Wichita Falls, Texas at United Regional Health Care Systems on the cardiac PCU in 2017 after having received my nursing degree from Vernon College. There was not a better place to start for me. I've carried lessons I learned from my time spent on 9W with me throughout my nursing career, above all it taught me to hold the standard high for my coworkers as the quality of care shown by the nurses at URHCS goes above and beyond.
In mid-2018 we moved our new little family to Scottsdale, AZ to be closer to family where I again chose to work on another cardiac PCU at HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center. Shea is where I began to step into leadership roles and learned how to be an effective charge nurse. In 2021 with the arrival of our second child I gave into wanderlust and began my journey as a travel nurse and signed on with Aya, first traveling to Clearwater, Florida , then to a little town called Cottonwood (which I remembered coming to a couple of times to escape the heat and busyness of Phoenix Metro). VVMC was a breath of fresh air, and honestly something about it reminded me of my first job. The nurses truly cared for their patients and the community.
Unfortunately, as a traveler, a year is the max we can stay anywhere. We loaded up the camper and moved across the country to Greenville, South Carolina where I worked for Prisma Health at the Greenville Memorial hospital on the Neuro stepdown unit. Towards the end of my time there I began to look at jobs again and saw a posting on the Aya website for another contract at VVMC and jumped on it. I started my second round as travel in April of 2024, later signing on as core, then as Charge on 2W.
I am married to my wife Bryce, and we have two boys named Ollie and Theo. Cottonwood is our home now, and I am so happy we decided to settle down here. We have found an amazing community and a village-like support system within our homeschool community here in the Verde Valley that I don't think we would be able to find anywhere else. As far as hobbies go outside of work, most of it revolves around doing outdoorsy stuff with my family and teaching my children. We love camping, fishing, and hiking. I also have a passion for music/music theory, music production, and anything guitar related.
Jennifer is a native Arizonan and was born and raised in Southern Arizona. Jennifer has spent nearly three decades working in architecture, engineering, commercial building construction, utilities and transportation and public works. She relocated to the Verde Valley in 2022 with her husband to work for the City of Cottonwood Public Works Department. In her current role as Public Works Project Manager, she is committed to improving the City’s pedestrian and transportation infrastructure having recently completed construction of a new roundabout and reconstruction of Main Street from SR-89A to the north city limits.
Although Jennifer has lived in other locations throughout, the state, her heart has always remained with the beautiful Verde Valley and considers herself fortunate to be able to call this place home. In her personal time, she enjoys music, film, culture, art and exploring the natural world.
