Faye Varias, DVM, MS
HumaneVMA Nevada State Co-Representative

A former journalist, Dr. Faye Varias reignited her childhood dreams of becoming a veterinarian when she started volunteering for the only animal shelter in Guam, her tropical island home. Since then, shelter medicine has been her passion as she completed her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at Western University of Health Sciences in Southern California and concurrently obtained her masters in shelter medicine from the University of Florida.

During veterinary school, she founded the Guam Spaycation program, which brought several volunteer veterinarians and veterinary students to Guam to give students a hands-on experience in a rural spay and neuter clinic while providing a much-needed service to the island community. Her dedication to animal welfare landed her several honors and awards in veterinary school, including an HumaneVMA Compassionate Care Scholarship award during her third year.

Dr. Varias joins the HumaneVMA as the Nevada State Representative in hopes of continuing her animal welfare advocacy on a bigger platform. Most recently, she is pursuing certification in veterinary forensics to strengthen animal cruelty laws and bring justice for victims of animal abuse.

In her spare time, she enjoys participating in endangered species conservation efforts, particularly those involving sea turtles and endemic birds of the Mariana Islands.

Lindsay Burgoon, DVM 
HumaneVMA Nevada State Co-Representative

Dr. Lindsay Burgoon serves as the Head of Veterinary Care at the Nevada SPCA, Southern Nevada’s original no-kill animal shelter, where she leads efforts to enhance the health and well-being of animals across the Las Vegas Valley. She earned her Bachelor of Science (BS) degree from Penn State University in 2007 (We Are!) and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Michigan State University in 2011 (Go Green!).

As an Air Force spouse, Dr. Burgoon has had the unique opportunity to practice veterinary medicine in a wide variety of settings across the country. Her professional journey has included work in general practice, high-volume spay/neuter clinics, wildlife rehabilitation, and shelter medicine. Through this diverse experience, she discovered her passion for shelter medicine while doing relief work and furthered her commitment to the field by pursuing a Certificate in Shelter Medicine from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.

For the past six years, Dr. Burgoon has focused on community-based veterinary care, dedicating herself to improving the lives of both pets and the people who love them. She brings a special interest in diagnosing and treating complex medical cases—though her favorite moments are celebrating successful adoptions. She is also an advocate for brachycephalic breeds, integrating airway surgery into her practice to enhance their quality of life.

Outside of work, Dr. Burgoon enjoys practicing yoga, reading, traveling, and spending time outdoors with her fighter pilot husband and three human children. Her home is shared with a spirited border collie, a turtle, and five fish.

To contact an HumaneVMA State Representative, please email [email protected].