Because every child deserves safety, dignity, and care
A Place to Begin Again
When 7-year-old Mia arrived at Austin’s House late one night, she carried nothing but a stuffed animal and the weight of uncertainty. Within hours, she had clean clothes, a warm meal, and someone gently braiding her hair before school the next morning.
At Austin’s House, that’s what we do - offer stability, compassion, and care to children in crisis, so they can begin to feel like kids again.
Because every child deserves safety, dignity, and care
A Place to Begin Again
When 7-year-old Mia arrived at Austin’s House late one night, she carried nothing but a stuffed animal and the weight of uncertainty. Within hours, she had clean clothes, a warm meal, and someone gently braiding her hair before school the next morning.
At Austin’s House, that’s what we do - offer stability, compassion, and care to children in crisis, so they can begin to feel like kids again.
Who We Are
Austin’s House is a 24/7 emergency shelter serving children from birth through age 18 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. We are the only facility of our kind in rural Northern Nevada, providing short-term placement in a nurturing, home-like environment until a safe long-term solution is found.
What We Provide
We care for up to 10 children at a time meeting their daily needs with dignity and compassion.
A Place to Land
Our trained caregivers are with the kids around the clock, offering structure, routine, and emotional support.
Back to Routine
Children continue attending their schools and participating in activities they enjoyed before placement, whenever possible.
Everything They Need
From pajamas and school supplies to doctor visits and therapy, we provide holistic support the moment they arrive.
A Community That Wouldn’t Look Away
Austin’s House began with a simple belief: no child in crisis should have to leave their community due to a lack of local shelter.
In the late 1990s, a group of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and concerned community members saw how children removed from unsafe homes were often sent far away. It wasn’t for lack of compassion—there just wasn’t a shelter nearby.
They came together to change that, envisioning a safe place where kids could stay close to their schools, case workers, and support systems.
Thanks to incredible community support, Austin’s House was incorporated in 2003, and by 2007, our 5,300-square-foot facility opened its doors. Every part of it—from the walls to the blankets—was made possible by generous donations.
Since then, we’ve served hundreds of children across Douglas County, Carson City, and rural Nevada, offering care, comfort, and stability when it’s needed most.
Our Staff
Our Staff is a team of compassionate, skilled professionals committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment for every child at Austin’s House. With a focus on care, support, and healing, they work around the clock to meet the emotional and physical needs of the children in our care.
Staff Supervisor
Moira Byrne
Primary Caregivers
- Lori Calloway
- Karri Couste
- Betsy Lytle
- Sarah Meehan
- Renee Millard
- Shannon Minder
- Sandra Tabaldo
- Raquell Valdez
- Pearl Watson
- Jann Young
Marla Morris
Executive Director
Why We're Called Austin’s House
In 2005, a local teen named Austin Kirby tragically died by suicide. His
passing sent shockwaves through the community, but out of that
heartbreak came a legacy of hope.
Austin’s family, grieving, courageous, and determined to make a
difference, became deeply involved in bringing the dream of a children’s
shelter to life. Their personal commitment, advocacy, and generosity
helped propel the project forward at a critical time. In recognition of
their support and in honor of Austin’s life, the shelter was named Austin’s
House.
Today, that name stands for more than just one person, it represents a
promise that no child in crisis will be left behind. That every child
deserves to feel safe, supported, and seen. That even in the darkest
moments, our community can come together to create light.
The Austin Kirby Foundation remains the shelter’s largest private donor,
helping ensure that Austin’s legacy continues to bring comfort, stability,
and care to children when they need it most.
Our Board
Our Board of Directors is made up of dedicated community leaders who volunteer their time and expertise to guide the mission of Austin’s House. Their leadership ensures we continue providing compassionate care and vital resources to the children we serve.
Susan Squires
President
Juan De Alba
Vice President
Joshlyn Jensen
Secretary
Rick Lusby
Treasurer
Timothy Provost
Monica Ross
Jill Brady
Sarah McCalla
Hall of Honor
This list is to honor those visionary residents of Douglas County who saw the need for a place for children to stay and be cared for while the adults worked things out. They banded together and served on the board of directors. Through their hard work, Austin’s House went from an idea to a full-fledged facility.
Some, like Linda Cuddy-Stieber and Terry Palmitier, were there from the beginning. Others got involved a little later and served to keep the organization afloat, and still others came along to continue the vision. Thank you all for your tenacity and service to the children and our community!
Left to right: Patty Clark (Austin Kirby Foundation), Terry Palmitiere, Linda Cuddy-Stieber
- Pat Anderson
- Jen Almeida
- Clelie Arroyo
- Sue Bennett
- Doug Bradshaw
- Cheryl Bricker
- Conrad Buedel*
- Sheila Byington
- Ernest Carey
- Marti Cheney
- Patty Clark
- Erin Clubb
- Chelsae Colbert
- Sarah Coverly
- Linda Cuddy-Stieber*
- Kathy Ellam
- Chris Ellison
- Irene Evans
- Karen Goode
- Ollie Hayden
- Kyle Holmstrom
- Paul Howell
- Caren Jenkins
- Jenni Johnson
- Jenny L. Johnson
- Cassandra Jones
- Pat King
- Sabrina Laney
- Wendy Lay
- Michael Lewis
- Alicia Main
- Jacquie Manoukian
- Jason Martin
- Danielle McGillivray
- Kathleen Miller
- Pete Nelson
- Barb Nicholas
- Diane Ortenzio-Cooling*
- Terry Palmitier*
- Jim Pandl
- Tom Pfoh
- Ron Pierini
- Natasha Powell
- Pam Pugliese
- Gary Pyle
- Doug Ritchie
- Debra Ross
- Monica Ross
- Dina Salvucci
- Ron Santi
- Vicki Sauer-Lamb
- David Shriver
- Darin Skilling
- Danny Villalobos
- Kristin Wyatt
- Pam Wise
- Jennifer Yturbide
* Denotes a past president of the board.