Serena Calder

Explorer of the great outdoors. Self-improvement nerd. Proudly plant-based.

Serena brings a variety of experience to SPCA-NN, including a Bachelor’s degree in journalism, almost a decade of experience in the outdoor industry, and experience working in animal welfare. She has guided trips in Alaska, worked in adventure therapy, and been a retail buyer in the ski and bike industry. She was also the sole proprietor of her own adventure company from 2017 to 2018.

Serena grew up in Canada and lived in Montana for eight years prior to relocating to Reno in early 2021.  Her involvement in animal welfare started while she lived in Montana and volunteered to foster a dog for a nearby rescue. She has also worked as a dog walker and worked for our coalition partner, Canine Rehabilitation Center and Cat Sanctuary, before starting with our organization.

In each of her roles, Serena has tuned into the dynamics that create positive partnerships between team members and organizations, and she feels she has found her niche as SPCA-NN’s Director of People & Culture. In 2024, Serena presented on “Culture and Value Exchange” at Humane World for Animals’ Animal Care Expo in San Antonio, TX. Serena strives to keep SPCA-NN a leader among animal welfare employers, creating systems that support success for individuals and mission outcomes.

When Serena isn’t saving the lives of homeless pets, you can find her exploring the wonders of the northern Nevada desert with her poodle mix and chihuahua, playing rec league sports, or skiing and snowboarding at one of our local mountains.