Purr Nation Cat Alliance (PNCA) was founded in July 2018 by Tara Lopez and Stacey Richolson, RVT. Both have worked in many aspects of rescue for several years. During that time, they experienced both the good and not-so-good in different groups. Both felt that there had to be a better way to embrace animal welfare and the cat loving community.
Tara and Stacey first met in September of 2016. Tara was caring for a little kitten, Tic Tac, that had some unusual medical issues that had the vets stumped. Tara was looking for a medical foster that could care for him and his medical needs. Stacey was up to the challenge equipped with her medical background. Together with wonderful veterinarians, they figured out Tic Tac’s issues, and he continues to thrive in Stacey’s care.
Our Founders
Founder – Tara Lopez
Tara graduated from Reinhardt University with a BS in Biology and minor in Business Administration and Mathematics. Her first cat, Sierra, transformed her love of cats into a passion to save them. In 2014, she began volunteering for local animal groups and gained insight into animal welfare. After learning from other animal welfare professionals and trained caregivers, Tara embarked on a journey to create her vision of a gold standard feline rescue – one with knowledgeable leaders, passionate members, and a family of people dedicated to improving the lives of homeless cats. She believes the heart of rescue is made of volunteers, and promotes inclusion, continuing education, and teamwork to accomplish the mission.
In December 2020, Tara chose to leave the (day-to-day) operations in the capable hands of PNCA’s leaders and teams. Tara’s passion, tenacity, hard work, values, and advisement remain a part of the organization through her leadership of the Board Advisory Committee. She and her wife, Brittany, love fostering and supporting PNCA in many ways.
Founder – Stacey Richolson (RIP May 27, 1974 – March 13, 2023)
Stacey Richolson was a Registered Veterinary Technician that graduated from the Veterinary Technology program at Gwinnett Technical College in 2004. She also held a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology from Auburn University. She worked in the Veterinary field since 1996 but exclusively contributed to feline medicine since 2004.
From the time she was a child, Stacey loved cats. She would even “adopt” the neighborhood strays, and tame and take care of them. This passion to help the homeless and helpless cats continues to live on through PNCA’s mission. Stacey believed volunteers are the life blood of PNCA and developed programs to provide medical and behavioral knowledge to assist PNCA’s staff and volunteers on each rescued cat’s journey. Stacey was also the owner of Sophisticated Mane In-Home Feline Grooming and enjoyed providing a fear-free grooming environment for purr-fect, loved, feline companions.
On March 13, 2023 Stacey lost her battle to pancreatic cancer. She left an incredible legacy through her selfless work with felines. We are honored to continue her practices through teamwork, continuing education, and willful heart.
