Meet the Purrfect Pals Leadership Team!

Meet our Team of Talented and Passionate Cat Lovers!

Much like the cats and kittens they help us save, our employees and volunteers at Purrfect Pals are unique. Each brings different experience, talent and perspective to our team and that diversity makes us even stronger. Together we are using our passion, dedication and innovation to provide second chances for the cats and kittens in our community who need us most…

Because Every Cat Matters.

Much like the cats and kittens they help us save, our employees and volunteers at Purrfect Pals are unique. Each brings different experience, talent and perspective to our team and that diversity makes us even stronger. Together we are using our passion, dedication and innovation to provide second chances for the cats and kittens in our community who need us most… Because Every Cat Matters.

Our Staff Leadership Team

Management Staff

Our Board of Directors

Board of Directors

Join Our Board of Directors!

We are pleased to be recruiting for new Board Members to support our organization. We are looking for candidates who possess a passion for cats, leadership skills and experience and expertise in fundraising, business administration, accounting, finance, sales, marketing, law, public relations, project management or event planning.

All Board Members are expected to attend monthly Board meetings (currently held on Sundays in Brier) and actively participate on at least one committee.

If you are interested in being considered as a candidate for openings on our Board, please email your resume to our Executive Director. We look forward to hearing from you!

Learn About our Staff and Volunteer Opportunities!

Join Our Board!

We are pleased to be recruiting for new Board Members to support our organization. We are looking for candidates who possess a passion for cats, leadership skills and experience and expertise in fundraising, business administration, accounting, finance, sales, marketing, law, public relations, project management or event planning.

All Board Members are expected to attend monthly Board meetings.

If you are interested in being considered as a candidate for openings on our Board, please email your resume to our Executive Director. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Frances Walker
Interim Executive Director

Frances has worked as a consultant with nonprofit organizations for the past ten years and comes to us from Third Sector Company. She previously worked in public/global health and global development, and currently volunteers with Rotarians Against Malaria. Frances shares her home with Alice, an adorable 13-year-old Tuxedo rescue.

I am delighted to be working with such a passionate group of staff and volunteers! Purrfect Pals cares deeply about all cats and their people, and I look forward to supporting the organization during this transition period.

Nicole Anderegg
Volunteer Coordinator

I’ve been an animal lover and advocate for as long as I can remember, but everything changed in 2006 when I adopted my first cat…and realized I was truly a cat person. In 2021, I began volunteering at Purrfect Pals and it instantly became my happy place. I waited for the right opportunity to get more involved, knowing I wanted to spend more of my time helping these sweet kitties. Being part of something as special as Purrfect Pals is so rewarding and I feel lucky to play a role in their journey.

Susan Bark
Operations Director

    Susan has been managing the Purrfect Pals Foster Program since she joined our team in 2006. In addition to supporting all of our wonderful foster parents and the hundreds of kitties in their care, she oversees the “Monroe Corrections Kitten and Cat Connections” Prison Foster Program and our “Furever Home” Program for foster cats with special needs. She also manages our Shelter Relocation Program, working closely with the partner animal shelters and rescue organizations who we support.

      (360) 926-8462            fostercare@purrfectpals.org

    Crystal Chiechi
    Outreach Manager

    A lifelong animal lover, I previously worked in the pet care industry for over a decade and know firsthand how a love for animals brings a community together. I started at Purrfect Pals as a volunteer then quickly realized I wanted to spend all my time with these special kitties! It is my honor to be a voice for the cats at Purrfect Pals and share their stories with the public to help them get the second chances they deserve.

    Shawnna Jonas
    Finance Assistant & Black Cat Ball Coordinator

    I have always been an animal lover, but I knew cats held a special place in my heart. I started working for Purrfect Pals after reading their story and mission statement. It was an amazing feeling to find an organization so dedicated to the animals. It warms my heart seeing all the lives we have saved. I truly believe that every cat matters.

    Kelsey Kohlwes, CPB
    Finance Director
      Robin Ralls
      Cat Care Manager
      Adriana Walker
      Adoption Coordinator
      Sierra Wharen
      Clinic Manager
      Frances Walker
      Interim Executive Director

      Frances has worked as a consultant with nonprofit organizations for the past ten years and comes to us from Third Sector Company. She previously worked in public/global health and global development, and currently volunteers with Rotarians Against Malaria. Frances shares her home with Alice, an adorable 13-year-old Tuxedo rescue.

      I am delighted to be working with such a passionate group of staff and volunteers! Purrfect Pals cares deeply about all cats and their people, and I look forward to supporting the organization during this transition period.

      Nicole Anderegg
      Volunteer Coordinator

      I’ve been an animal lover and advocate for as long as I can remember, but everything changed in 2006 when I adopted my first cat…and realized I was truly a cat person. In 2021, I began volunteering at Purrfect Pals and it instantly became my happy place. I waited for the right opportunity to get more involved, knowing I wanted to spend more of my time helping these sweet kitties. Being part of something as special as Purrfect Pals is so rewarding and I feel lucky to play a role in their journey.

      Susan Bark
      Operations Director

        Susan has been managing the Purrfect Pals Foster Program since she joined our team in 2006. In addition to supporting all of our wonderful foster parents and the hundreds of kitties in their care, she oversees the “Monroe Corrections Kitten and Cat Connections” Prison Foster Program and our “Furever Home” Program for foster cats with special needs. She also manages our Shelter Relocation Program, working closely with the partner animal shelters and rescue organizations who we support.

          (360) 926-8462            fostercare@purrfectpals.org

        Crystal Chiechi
        Outreach Manager

        A lifelong animal lover, I previously worked in the pet care industry for over a decade and know firsthand how a love for animals brings a community together. I started at Purrfect Pals as a volunteer then quickly realized I wanted to spend all my time with these special kitties! It is my honor to be a voice for the cats at Purrfect Pals and share their stories with the public to help them get the second chances they deserve.

        Shawnna Jonas
        Finance Assistant & Black Cat Ball Coordinator

        I have always been an animal lover, but I knew cats held a special place in my heart. I started working for Purrfect Pals after reading their story and mission statement. It was an amazing feeling to find an organization so dedicated to the animals. It warms my heart seeing all the lives we have saved. I truly believe that every cat matters.

        Kelsey Kohlwes, CPB
        Finance Director
          Robin Ralls
          Cat Care Manager
          Adriana Walker
          Adoption Coordinator
          Sierra Wharen
          Clinic Manager
          Whitney Whitworth, President
          FareStart
          Matthew Calnek, Vice President
          Microsoft
          Matthew Calnek, Vice President
          Orna Samuelly, Treasurer
          Alaska Airlines

            Orna adopted her cat Tona, her first cat ever, from Purrfect Pals nine years ago at Petco in Issaquah. After she passed, Orna adoption 6-year-old Liki at PetSmart Renton. She was so impressed with the volunteers at Renton PetSmart, that she decided to join them, having time during the Pandemic to help other people and cats.

            She brings 40 years management experience at large companies and consulting firms, most recently as a Director of Financial Planning and Analysis for 10 years at a national communications company.

            Heather Torretta, Secretary
            Community Volunteer

              A ‘crazy cat lady’ to the core, Heather brings her lifelong passion for animal advocacy and community service to the Purrfect Pals board. With years of experience in service and administrative roles, she excels in organization and teamwork. Heather believes opening your heart and home to a kitty companion is a life-changing experience—not just for the cat but for the human too, and wants to share that joy. She cherishes the cats who bring happiness to her home and those whose memories remain forever in her heart—Pete, Max, Fiona, Tot, Katsu, and Mochi—who inspire her dedication to feline welfare.

              Heather is privileged to contribute her expertise to the vital mission of Purrfect Pals. She hopes to honor Kathy Centala’s incredible legacy by supporting and advancing the organization’s life saving work within the community.

              Shon Chaffin
              Board Member
              Alisha Hendren
              Sno-Isle Libraries
              Meg Wood
              University of Washington
              Remembering Kathy Centala
              Founder of Purrfect Pals

              It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Kathy Centala, the beloved founder of Purrfect Pals. Kathy passed on August 16th, 2024.

              Kathy was born on September 11, 1941, in Alpena, Michigan. An animal lover from a young age, in 1988 Kathy took a look around her community and saw far too many unwanted cats and kittens. The only option for these homeless cats were overcrowded shelters with high euthanasia rates. Her heart went out to abandoned cats, and she determined that no cat should be euthanized because they were unwanted.

              Before long, Kathy was accepting stray cats at her home in Brier. Cat lovers heard about her “no-kill” policy and she quickly became “The Mother Teresa of Cats.” Soon dozens of cats became hundreds. Cat lovers volunteered to help care for the cats and raise money to feed them and get them spayed and neutered. She was at the forefront of the no-kill movement and became the face of Purrfect Pals.

              For more than 20 years Kathy worked the night shift at the United Airlines Call Center so she would be able to care for the cats during the day, taking them to veterinary appointments and meetings with potential adopters. She made saving cats her life’s work and relied on donations to supplement her income to cover cat care. She sold hot dogs at Mariner’s games, collected donations in exchange for coffee at rest stops and sent handwritten notes to every donor.

              In 1993 Purrfect Pals moved to its current location in Arlington, where the organization expanded to become of the nation’s most forward-thinking feline sanctuaries with hundreds of volunteers and a staff of professional employees. With a focus on helping all cats, including elderly and infirm cats and those with FIV, Purrfect Pals became a safe port in the storm for cats with special needs. Here, they could receive medical attention, care, and a place to live until they were adopted, or live at Purrfect Pals their entire lives if adoption wasn’t in the cards. All of this was due to Kathy’s vision and dedication.

              Despite her health struggles in recent years, Kathy remained committed to Purrfect Pals and was happiest among the cats and volunteers, supporters, and friends who shared her passion. For Kathy it was always about the work itself and never about her. She lived her last days surrounded by love and friendship, knowing that she touched the lives of thousands of cats and the people who loved them. Her life’s mission continues on, and she was happy that Purrfect Pals is on the cusp of a new expanded medical clinic and other exciting projects to help felines in need. Donations in her memory can be made at https://tinyurl.com/KathysLegacy.

              Kathy is survived by her beloved cat Tock and her several siblings, including her sisters, Maxine, Ginny and Patricia.

              Whitney Whitworth, President
              FareStart
              Matthew Calnek, Vice President
              Microsoft
              Matthew Calnek, Vice President
              Orna Samuelly, Treasurer
              Alaska Airlines

                Orna adopted her cat Tona, her first cat ever, from Purrfect Pals nine years ago at Petco in Issaquah. After she passed, Orna adoption 6-year-old Liki at PetSmart Renton. She was so impressed with the volunteers at Renton PetSmart, that she decided to join them, having time during the Pandemic to help other people and cats.

                She brings 40 years management experience at large companies and consulting firms, most recently as a Director of Financial Planning and Analysis for 10 years at a national communications company.

                Heather Torretta, Secretary
                Community Volunteer

                  A ‘crazy cat lady’ to the core, Heather brings her lifelong passion for animal advocacy and community service to the Purrfect Pals board. With years of experience in service and administrative roles, she excels in organization and teamwork. Heather believes opening your heart and home to a kitty companion is a life-changing experience—not just for the cat but for the human too, and wants to share that joy. She cherishes the cats who bring happiness to her home and those whose memories remain forever in her heart—Pete, Max, Fiona, Tot, Katsu, and Mochi—who inspire her dedication to feline welfare.

                  Heather is privileged to contribute her expertise to the vital mission of Purrfect Pals. She hopes to honor Kathy Centala’s incredible legacy by supporting and advancing the organization’s life saving work within the community.

                  Shon Chaffin
                  Board Member
                  Alisha Hendren
                  Sno-Isle Libraries
                  Meg Wood
                  University of Washington
                  Remembering Kathy Centala
                  Founder of Purrfect Pals

                  It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Kathy Centala, the beloved founder of Purrfect Pals. Kathy passed on August 16th, 2024.

                  Kathy was born on September 11, 1941, in Alpena, Michigan. An animal lover from a young age, in 1988 Kathy took a look around her community and saw far too many unwanted cats and kittens. The only option for these homeless cats were overcrowded shelters with high euthanasia rates. Her heart went out to abandoned cats, and she determined that no cat should be euthanized because they were unwanted.

                  Before long, Kathy was accepting stray cats at her home in Brier. Cat lovers heard about her “no-kill” policy and she quickly became “The Mother Teresa of Cats.” Soon dozens of cats became hundreds. Cat lovers volunteered to help care for the cats and raise money to feed them and get them spayed and neutered. She was at the forefront of the no-kill movement and became the face of Purrfect Pals.

                  For more than 20 years Kathy worked the night shift at the United Airlines Call Center so she would be able to care for the cats during the day, taking them to veterinary appointments and meetings with potential adopters. She made saving cats her life’s work and relied on donations to supplement her income to cover cat care. She sold hot dogs at Mariner’s games, collected donations in exchange for coffee at rest stops and sent handwritten notes to every donor.

                  In 1993 Purrfect Pals moved to its current location in Arlington, where the organization expanded to become of the nation’s most forward-thinking feline sanctuaries with hundreds of volunteers and a staff of professional employees. With a focus on helping all cats, including elderly and infirm cats and those with FIV, Purrfect Pals became a safe port in the storm for cats with special needs. Here, they could receive medical attention, care, and a place to live until they were adopted, or live at Purrfect Pals their entire lives if adoption wasn’t in the cards. All of this was due to Kathy’s vision and dedication.

                  Despite her health struggles in recent years, Kathy remained committed to Purrfect Pals and was happiest among the cats and volunteers, supporters, and friends who shared her passion. For Kathy it was always about the work itself and never about her. She lived her last days surrounded by love and friendship, knowing that she touched the lives of thousands of cats and the people who loved them. Her life’s mission continues on, and she was happy that Purrfect Pals is on the cusp of a new expanded medical clinic and other exciting projects to help felines in need. Donations in her memory can be made at https://tinyurl.com/KathysLegacy.

                  Kathy is survived by her beloved cat Tock and her several siblings, including her sisters, Maxine, Ginny and Patricia.

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