Meet the Team

Amanda Hodder is the founder of Kitten Rescue Life and remains actively involved in every layer of the rescue’s work. What began as fostering quickly became something deeper. Rescue isn’t just something she did, it’s who she is. From intake coordination and medical decision-making to fundraising, transport, and foster support, Amanda continues to work hands-on with some of the most vulnerable kittens, including neonatal, medical, and special-needs cases. Her personal life is deeply intertwined with the rescue as she balances motherhood, creativity, and community advocacy, guided by a belief in showing up fully for those who need her most, human and feline alike.

Always driven to fill a need, Cassondra eats, drinks, and dreams kitten and cat rescue. Her journey into fostering began unexpectedly while she was searching for a puppy—but the universe had other plans. Instead, she was guided to foster two tiny kitten sisters, Salem and Sabrina, a decision that transformed her life. What began as fostering, quickly turned into motherhood, and Cassondra became a proud kitten mama.

Tragically, at just three years old, her beautiful, long-haired torbie cat Sabrina lost her battle with a devastating neurological Cryptococcus infection. Weeks later, while navigating her grief, Cassondra visited a PetSmart and connected with rescue mentors who would forever change her path. With a background in medical care, she quickly became an integral part of the foster medical team.

As Medical and Foster Coordinator with Kitten Rescue Life, Cassondra dedicates countless hours in medical planning, treatment coordination, and foster support to ensure consistent and compassionate care across the rescue program. Cassondra works closely with veterinary partners, foster caregivers, and rescue leadership to promote best practices and positive outcomes for animals in care.

Guided always by the cats who are her greatest teachers, Cassondra remains committed to rescue work. In a world that often feels like it’s falling apart, the cat rescue community continually reminds her of what’s possible when people with a shared purpose come together to create change.

Lisa Hartle is the rescue’s resident paperwork wizard and professional kitten matchmaker, quietly working her magic behind the scenes to turn applications into forever homes. 

As a military veteran mother of two with two grandchildren, Lisa has a soft spot for tiny paws and the perfect background for the role she so lovingly stepped into. She balances precision and heart as she vets applicants, meets future cat parents, and introduces them to the kittens destined to rule their homes.

A cat lover since birth, Lisa has always had an orange tabby named Tigger by her side (yes, they have all been orange and all named Tigger since she was two years old), so helping cats find loving homes feels less like volunteering and more like destiny. Part matchmaker, part guardian, and full-time believer in second chances, she delights in helping every kitten find their happily-ever-after.

Meet Stacie, our purr-fectly dedicated PetSmart Volunteer Coordinator. With a heart as big as her passion for kitties, Stacie ensures every kitten gets the royal treatment. From training new volunteers on kitten care duties to making sure the weekly calendar is perfectly staffed, Stacie keeps the kitten kingdom running smoothly.

In her role, she makes sure that every day is filled with fresh food, clean kennels, and plenty of playtime, ensuring they're always pampered and loved. And at home, Stacie is ruled by her two adorable kitties Fiji and Jade who bring endless joy and playful antics into her life.

Stacie's journey into the world of kitten rescue began art PetSmart and she's cherished every moment of learning and growing with the kitties. Each kitty's unique personality brings new wave of fun and joy, but the best part of all is helping them find their forever homes with loving families.

Christine Whalley is a cornerstone of Kitten Rescue Life’s most critical work. As our Neonatal Expert and Neonatal & Medical Programs Lead, Christine brings over 20 years of experience as a Registered Veterinary Technician and an extraordinary depth of knowledge in neonatal and complex medical care.

Christine works at a feline-only specialty hospital that KRL is proud to partner with. She serves as our trusted medical authority on our most challenging cases. When a kitten’s life hangs in the balance, Christine provides the guidance, expertise, and calm leadership that helps turn uncertainty into hope.

Through her own hands, Christine has saved hundreds of fragile kittens, and through her mentorship and support, she has helped save hundreds more. Her dedication, compassion, and unwavering advocacy for the most vulnerable are woven into every life KRL is able to save.

Kitten Rescue Life would not be what it is today without Christine’s tireless commitment to kittens and the people who care for them.