About Us - Bed Bug Relief Foundation

Bed Bug Relief
Foundation

ABOUT US

Our goal is to take the stigma and shame out of bed bug infestations and to see a drastic reduction in the bed bug population in Northern Nevada. The Bed Bug Relief Foundation has created a 4-pillar approach to battling the silent epidemic of bed bugs here in Northern Nevada.

Our 1st pillar creates a forum where the difficult conversation of bed bug infestations can be openly discussed without shame and indignation. Our 2nd pillar educates the community about the true nature, life cycles and epidemic potential of bed bugs infestations in our community. The 3rd pillar is to provide financial support to those individuals who can not afford the financial burden of extermination. Our 4th pillar connects the recipient with local wrap around resource organizations in our community, for any further assistance they may need.

Mission

The Bed Bug Relief Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the awareness of the increasing and ongoing silent epidemic of bed bugs in Northern Nevada. Our goal is to provide information, advice, local resources and bed bug treatments to those individuals who cannot afford it on their own. By starting the difficult conversation, we will help combat the stigma of bed bugs, ease the financial burden, and address the emotional trauma that bed bugs can bring to individuals, their families and friends.

Jodi

BIO

Jodi has lived in Northern Nevada for 20 years. Most of this time has been spent in property management and residential real estate. Jodi has always been a part of the betterment of the community, serving on many boards, and volunteering her time and resources to Northern Nevada. Her current endeavor, owning a pest control company with her husband Chris, has allowed her to recognize the silent epidemic that Northern Nevada individuals are facing with the financial burden of a bed bug infestation. All of which has led to the creation of the Bed Bug Relief Foundation.

This foundation has been a passion she has been working on for many years to bring to reality. As someone who has always worked with people and their homes, she wants to stop seeing people traumatized by bed bugs.

Meet Our Board Members

Brian Cassidy

Brian Cassidy is the Owner of Junk King Reno. Junk King is both full service and DIY junk removal. Brian and his father launched the Reno location in 2015. Brian has since bought the business from his father where now Brian’s wife, Andrea (Andy), and he run the day to day operations. Brian is originally from Southern California where he was born and raised. After graduating from University of Southern California (USC, 2001), Brian moved to Manhattan Beach to start a 14 year carrier in the Employee Benefits industry. It wasn’t until 2014 that Andy and Brian decided to leave Southern California and head north to Reno, NV so they could raise their son, Harrison (10), in the great outdoors. When Brian is not working or spending time with his family, most chances you can find him on a golf course.

John Fierro

John Fierro is an entrepreneur and dedicated family man. He has been married to the same wonderful woman for 20 years and is the proud father of two boys. John began his career in insurance in 2006, where he worked in Minnesota until making the move to Reno, Nevada in 2009. He specializes in supplemental insurance and life insurance, and employs the use of modern technology to ensure accuracy and efficient customer service. His commitment to providing clients with tailor-made plans has made him one of the top producers in his field. Outside of his work, John loves to engage with clients by coaching kids' sports teams, attending concerts, and trying new restaurants. He is also an enthusiastic host and a lover of nature and the great outdoors. Inviting friends over for dinner or group hikes is one of his favorite activities. John's success and commitment to excellence both professionally and personally make him an excellent example for others.

Shirley Larkins

Shirley's passion for connecting with people drew her into real estate - and fuels her phenomenal success today. In just over 18 years she has helped 100's of sellers and buyers realize their home ownership dreams. Her expertise covers every phase of home buying and selling and every type of transaction - from the ultimate luxury homes to entry level condos. Her commitment to excellence includes staying on the cutting-edge of real estate education and earing advanced designations include Broker Salesperson, Certified Negotiation Expert. Shirley grew up here and graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno. She is an accomplished artist, graphic designer and source for TV news stories and radio interviews on real estate. She loves the neighborhoods, the schools and the market. Clients benefit from her attention to the details that smooth even the toughest, most complex transactions. Both buyers and sellers realize a win-win result, earning Shirley the reputation of being one of Northern Nevada's leading real estate professionals and was named as one of the Top 10 Sales Woman in Northern NV in 2018 and nominated again in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023!

Andrea Garrett

Andrea Garrett has been a resident of Northern Nevada since 2000, and has since raised 3 children, 18,19 and 22. She has been part of the business community as a power connector and networker. She loves the great outdoors, winter sports, snow skiing, snow shoeing and recently took up snowmobiling, summer and water activities, paddle boarding, hiking, boating, wake surfing, camping, archery hunter and animal lover, she is always open to new adventures! You will find Andrea out doing something that brings her joy, with her best buddy, Stella!

Rita Mireles-Bogarin

Rita has provided Members with lending solutions, financial counseling and product awareness since 2002. In addition to her background serving United Federal Credit Union Members, Rita has worked for various brokers and bankers in the Reno/Sparks community. She has submitted and processed residential and commercial mortgage loan applications, while researching and providing the best possible loan types and rates for her customers. Rita is a native of Nevada and resides in Reno with her husband and three children

Tinna Ostrom

Tinna is a local Sparks resident. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and come to you with years of local bookkeeping experience. She is an enrolled agent, admitted to practice before the Internal Revenue Service. Her time as an Auditor at the Nevada Department of Taxation gives her deeper insight into the needs of small businesses in our area. She wants to offer you personal service with a smile to help you grow your business and understand your financial position. Her reputation for integrity, hard work and community improvement represent her core Nevada values. She wants to give you the accurate information you need to make the best decisions for your business. She is equipped to handle all of your bookkeeping and tax preparation needs no matter how small or complex.

Josh Nelson

Josh is the owner of PuroClean of Reno, a local franchise in the property damage restoration business – cleaning up damage from water, fire, mold, biohazard and other stuff most people would rather not touch are the focus of the business. The best part of the business for Josh is helping people in their worst times, when their biggest investment has unplanned and unexpected damage. Josh worked in the ski industry for ~20 years prior to owning this business and learned the importance of relentless customer service working in the high pressure of a seasonal business. Josh was able to travel the world extensively during his time in the ski business and is now able to focus his effort and energy in the local community. When not helping clients and working with damaged properties Josh enjoys spending as much time outside as possible, skiing (snow and water), boating, camping, hiking, exploring, etc. Sharing all of these experiences with his wife (Alexis), kids (Zoe and Zane) and dog (Zippy).