Our Staff

Amy McCracken, Executive Director

amy@ral.org
804.379.0046 x112
Passion: Storytelling
Joined RAL: May, 2010
Favorite RAL alumni: Perry! I fell in love with a little dog named Perry who reminded me of a dog I had when I was little. I think we all love every animal that we get—even the grouchy cats (like Bruiser) or the crazy dogs (like Duncan). Old scraggly animals are just as easy to love as the cute fuzzy puppies and kittens.   
Best part about the job: Seeing animals go home!
When not at RAL, Amy can be found: In my pajamas at my dining room table writing or working a puzzle. I may also be spotted at the gym or at Kuba Kuba.
Favorite word? Buddy
Least favorite word? Chillaxin 

Pamela Bridgmon, Director of Kennel Operations

pam@ral.org
804.379.0046 x111
Passion: Outdoor activities
Joined RAL: 9 years ago
Favorite RAL alumni: Pauline (pictured at left). Although Pauline was here when I arrived I was told she was a mean kitty. Lets just say she had developed a reputation that stuck with her. Pauline just had an unusual “meow”. In all the years I knew her she never really bit anyone unlike other pets that have come and gone. She was my office buddy. She beat out people wanting to euthanize her because of her special meow. She beat diabetes but she couldn’t beat an oral carcinoma. Even though she has been gone almost a year, I still miss her and still tear up when I think about her. It was like she was my cat at home, she was just located at my desk.
Best part about the job: too many things to name
When not at RAL, Pam can be found: who knows where
Childhood nickname? Monkey
If you were an animal, what animal would you be? Well a cat of course

Alissa Turchen, Adoption Coordinator

adopt@ral.org
804.379.0046 x100
Passion: Drawing, writing, photography, travel, nature, and animal welfare, just to name a few!
Joined RAL: February 2011
Favorite RAL alumni: Kevin—he’s the most good-natured kitten I’ve ever met! He loves everyone, human, feline, canine, and everything in between. He’s so well-mannered that we use him as our “test kitty” when we cat-test the shelter dogs. I can’t believe Kevin hasn’t found a home yet!
Best part about the job: Getting to know each and every one of our shelter pets and then getting to watch them move on to loving homes and families! It’s bittersweet to say goodbye, but knowing they’re finally going to have a family of their own is a fantastic feeling. 
When not at RAL, Alissa can be found: probably wandering around outside somewhere, I love to explore new places!
Cake or pie? Cake—unless it’s pumpkin pie.
Superhero ability; flight or super speed? Neither—I, like Batman, prefer to use nothing but my own physical strength, dexterity, and ingenuity. 

Maria Medas, Assistant Director of Kennel Operations

maria@ral.org
804.379.0046 x114
Passion: Law and Order, Criminal Intent
Joined RAL: August, 2011 (after 5 amazing years with Richmond Animal Care and Control)!
Favorite RAL alumni: Peaches the cat- that girl quacks!
Best part about the job: Helping animals when they first come to RAL
When not at RAL, Maria can be found: At home writing dorky pop songs.
Favorite word? Reckon
Least favorite word? Boogers 

Cynthia Reed, Volunteer Coordinator

cynthia@ral.org
804.379.0046 x113
Passion: animals, music, books
Joined RAL: July of 2009
Favorite RAL alumni: There have been SO many wonderful pets but I would have to go with Steve, a little white Jack/Chi mix. He was cross eyed and seriously the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. The best part of his whole stay here was to see him go home with his new mom, who had recently lost a dog and found Steve to be the most perfect new companion for her.
Best part about the job: working with a staff and large group of volunteers who all care so much about helping out homeless pets!
When not at RAL, Cynthia can be found: hanging out with my dog, Winston J
Cake or pie? pie

Superhero ability; flight or super speed? Super speed

Suzanne Burdette, Finance Administrator

Passion: animals, knitting, reading, sodoku, hiking
Joined RAL: Thanksgiving 2007
Favorite RAL alumni: Apollo Ono - so loving and adoptable. He had so much going against him (came from a hoarding situation, had ringworm, strange-looking laperm, overweight), but ended up with a devoted following and never quit giving love.
Best part about the job: The animals!
When not at RAL, Suzanne can be found: at home with cats and dogs and family.
Cake or pie? CHEESEcake!
Blue or black ink? Red

Sarah Neighbor, Transport Driver

Joined RAL: I started volunteering 8 years ago and became an employee in July 2010
Favorite RAL alumni: I have fallen for so many animals over the years but my ultimate favorite would have to be Mabel, a rat terrier mix. I first saw her one day at Chesterfield Animal Shelter when I was picking up animals for transport and every time I was there I had to go see her and once she came to RAL and I could really get to know her I fell in love.
Best part about the job: I love the animals of course but with this job I have met some of the most amazing people who I am constantly learning from.
When not at RAL, Sarah can be found: Hanging out with me 2 cats reading a book or watching a movie.
Cake or pie? Cake
Favorite word? Bubble, and I have no idea why.