Operations & Animal Care Team
Tiffany Lopez, Operations Manager
My name is Tiffany, I am the Operations Manager at Wildcat Ridge Sanctuary and I’ve been involved with the sanctuary for several years now with many, more to go. I’m a mother of two teens that keep me on my toes, along with 2 pups, a cat, a rosy boa, two turtles, a tarantula, and a crested gecko.
My favorite thing about the sanctuary is hearing the lions carol in the early mornings when the air is crisp and quiet, it never gets old. Two of my favorite sanctuary cats are Rasta the serval with her quirky attitude, soft eyes and gentle demeanor, and Calvin the tiger, the biggest goofball you’ll ever meet.
Being able to work and make a difference in these cats' lives has been the most rewarding experience of my life and I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Natasha Nemyre, Animal Care Director
I am passionate about making the world a better place for wild cats. Tigers have always held a special place in my heart and my love for stripes and fangs led me to a degree in wildlife conservation biology.
After years of studying wild cats, I had the opportunity to join the team at Wildcat Ridge Sanctuary. The chance to actually care for these incredible cats was too precious an opportunity to pass up. I love taking part in creating a safe and secure space for these amazing cats to live out their lives in comfort, security, and good health.
Two of my favorite cats at the sanctuary are Atticus the tiger whose personality is as big as he is and who never misses an opportunity to show off his swimming prowess in his large pool and Finnigan the caracal, a shy boy with big feels.
I share my home with nine cats, Mabel, Solo, Shadow, Pax, Lolita, Atticus, Noki, Vessel, and Victra and one dog, Delilah (who definitely thinks she’s a 50lb cat).
Gabrielle Gilham, Keeper
Prior to joining the WildCat Ridge team in 2024, Gabrielle volunteered at the sanctuary for over a year.
Originally from New Jersey, she earned a B.S. in Environmental Policy from Rutgers University. Combining her lifelong passion for animal rights with a strong drive to make a difference, she relocated to Oregon to pursue a Master of Studies in Animal Law (MSL) at Lewis & Clark Law School.
Although every sanctuary resident holds a special place in her heart, she especially loves Mr. Moe, the sanctuary’s oldest resident, who is 21 years old! At home, she cares for two beloved fur-babies, Kody and Nellie, who are endlessly spoiled.
Josie Hawkins, Keeper
Hello, my name is Josie. I have been passionate about wildlife from a young age and have always dreamed of becoming an animal keeper. To achieve this goal, I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology from Oregon State University. I am honored to work with the magnificent cats at WildCat Ridge Sanctuary, where I collaborate with a dedicated team of keepers to provide exceptional care for the animals. I strive to make a positive impact on their lives and advocate for animal welfare.
In my free time, I enjoy exploring natural areas, spending quality time with my two cats, Bonita and Momma, and expressing my creativity through crafts.
Vanessa Ply, Keeper
Having almost 20 years experience with exotic cats, as well as sanctuary experience from around the globe, I am honored to be a part of the WCR team. I love connecting with people who want to make a change for animals. Living the tagline “Rescue, respect, repeat”, I advocate for animals to live harmoniously alongside humans, ending the exploitation and trade of wildlife.
I wouldn’t give up the connection, experience and love I’ve had for these cats, except if it meant they never needed rescuing in the first place.
I find it hard to choose a favorite feline resident, but my heart always extends to those who keep that wild side.
Currently residing in our custom built tiny home bus with my partner, dog Amigo and the wildest animal of them all, our toddler.
Caileigh Flowers, Keeper
I have had a passion for wildlife and ecological conservation as long as I can remember and pursued a degree in Wildlife and Conservation Sciences at Oregon State University. There, I gained the opportunity to participate in wild cat research which grew my existing love for these incredible animals. I continued gaining wildlife experience through conducting research and aiding in rehabilitation before coming to Wildcat Ridge. I am happy to be able to continue advocating for wild cat/wildlife welfare and conservation, and doing my part in making the world a better place for animals.
At home I have two cats, Saffron and Loki, and a dog, Freya, and have grown to love all of the cats at the sanctuary, although Felix the eurasian lynx and Hunter the serval have grown to be favorites of mine during my time here.
Barbara Banyasz, Keeper (part time)
Barbara has several years of experience working with a variety of wild and domestic plant and animal species. Ecological conservation and animal well-fare are two lifelong values she enjoys encouraging through her role at the sanctuary and in daily life. Her favorite cats at the sanctuary are Violet and Cosmo—she also loves our two rescue cows, Betty and Curly.
At home, Barbara has two domestic cats of her own (named Mishna and Stinky), a box turtle (named Speedy), and many, many house plants.
Board of Directors
Beatrice Shapiro, Board Chair and Copywriter/Designer
Beatrice has been creating, writing, and designing our direct mail campaigns for several years. She brings a wealth of experience in advertising, having worked as a senior copywriter/creative director for more than 25 years. She is also an on-site volunteer at the sanctuary and helped build many of the wildcats’ habitats.
Beatrice also lends her creative talents to Wildwood Farm Sanctuary & Preserve, Fences for Fido, Meow Village, and other animal welfare organizations. She creates engaging and effective brochures, blogs, social media posts, flyers, and print ads.
In her spare time, she cares for a farm full of rescued sheep, goats, and chickens, along with several dogs and cats. She is also a wildlife rehabilitator and has bottle-fed countless orphaned raccoons, squirrels, and other wild ones.
Ian Ford, Associate Executive Director
Seeing as how my Mom and Step-Dad founded WildCat Ridge, I've been involved in one way or another since the very beginning. I have the scars from BoBo to prove it.:) I have helped with events, rescues, fundraising, branding, outreach, education, building enclosures, acting as a courier for a variety of Sanctuary needs and have even been a keeper.
Currently, I work in the office helping with whatever the Executive Director needs help with...I truly enjoy getting to work with my Mom every day and am thankful for all the time we get to spend together.
Although my primary occupation has been in sales for most of my life, I have always had an affinity for trying to figure out if things can be done more effectively. Working on creating and streamlining systems and protocols that makes life for everyone at WCR easier is what I enjoy the most.
My favorite residents would have to be all of them, but if I have to pick just a few then it would be ZuZu, Chobe , Zach , the Tiger Boys and Howie...then the donkeys. 🙂
In addition to all of my animal co-workers, I have four cats at home as well as one exhausting but lovable dog (Prince)
Stefanie Kraus, Director of Development & Photographer
A designer for a living, and an animal advocate at heart, Stefanie has been involved with animal sanctuaries and rescue organizations for over 15 years. While she loves all animals, she admits to being obsessed with felines.
When Stefanie first visited WildCat Ridge Sanctuary in 2016, she was so impressed that she offered to share her photographs for WCR to use on social media, the website, and merchandise. After many more visits, and falling in love with the sanctuary residents, Stefanie permanently moved to Oregon.
Using her professional experience, Stefanie oversees WCR's fundraising strategy, website, and online newsletter. During the warmer months, she loves to give private tours via AirBnb experiences.
Stefanie lives in beautiful Lake Oswego with her partner, Michael, and their rescue cats.
Jan Vales, Director
My name is Janice Vales. I started volunteering for the sanctuary in 2007 primarily assisting with the auction that year. My work background was in Healthcare IT Support working at Legacy Health Systems until I retired in March 2022. Having an IT background was instrumental in creating an online presence for the sanctuary on MySpace and Facebook along with creating an online auction to sell paintings made by the wildcats.
I am currently working on finding and submitting grant requests as well as working on the committee for our annual live auction fundraiser.
Cheryl Starr, Director
I go by “Starr“ and I’m a native Oregonian.
Growing up on a farm, I love being around all animals, cats being my favorite.
I started as volunteer in 2005 for WCR, mostly assisting with decorations for the annual fundraisers. My favorite cat at the sanctuary, if I had to choose only one would be Noni.
My professional experience and decades of Project Management skills in the graphics industry, help in the planning of the fundraising auctions and events for WCR. I am so grateful and honored to be part of this wonderful organization and for everyone who is involved.
Outside of work and volunteering, I enjoy yoga, cooking and attending concerts. I also love to shop for unique gifts for my special friends.
Linda Melton, Director
As a lover of animals, Linda has worked in the veterinary field for 31 years, primarily in clinical laboratory biotech. She was a practice manager at an animal cancer clinic, and worked in hospice for the last 10 years prior to retiring. She has a BS in business management and has been on the WCR board since 2003.
She is a board director for Friends of Hospice SW Washington, VP of Loving Them Forward (caregiver support), is the committee chair for Life Transitions, advisory board for Hope Dementia Support and volunteers for Senior Heroes, Caring Closet, the Alzheimer’s Assoc., Friends of Timberline and other local organizations.
Her hobbies include photography, traveling, quilling, yoga and cooking.