BIRDSBORO, PA—The Animal Rescue League of Berks County named Berks County native Ashley Mikulsky Vice President of Development on Monday, February 17. Her hire comes after a half-year search for a candidate who was dually experienced in animal welfare and had extensive experience in fundraising and cultivating philanthropy for non-profit organizations. Mikulsky, a Delaware Valley University graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Biotechnology and Conservation and a specialization in Zoo Science, is also a former ARL employee, working for the organization in 2005-2011 as an Animal Care Technician and then from 2011-2015 as the Director of Development.
“I am honored to be returning to an organization that has been a significant part of my life since I was 15 years old. Over the next several years, I hope to bring credibility and trust to the ARL’s fundraising program and elevate the organization’s status in our community as a leading non-profit that provides an essential and valued service to people and animals alike,” Mikulsky said. Throughout her nearly 10 year career in development, Mikulsky raised more than $9 million for area organizations, most recently as the Regional Advancement Officer for Alvernia University and where she founded the Alvernia University Women’s Council in 2018. Prior to Alvernia, Mikulsky worked as the Director of Development for Junior Achievement of Southeastern PA, where she continues to serve on their advisory board, as well the Delaware Valley Alumni Council and the Alvernia University Women’s Council as the ex-officio chair.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ashley onto the ARL team,” says executive director, Alexis Pagoulatos. She not only brings a historic perspective and the indomitable spirit of the ARL with her, but she understands our local culture and desire to create a more humane community for animals here in Berks. We are so excited that she’s brought her considerable experience and talents to helping the ARL grow so that we can continue to be a safe haven to animals in need.”
Mikulsky, an Exeter Township High School graduate, resides in Flying Hills with her family and her 9-year-old dog, Duke, a German Shepherd, and her 9-year-old, ARL alumni cat, Chiquita.
The ARL also named Andrew “AJ” Haman as its new Medical Manager in January. In his role, Haman oversees the ARL surgical center as well as medical care for animals at the shelter, which can exceed more than 500 animals during the summer months. He also coordinates the scheduling of medical surgeries and procedures of animals at the ARL with shelter veterinarians, local veterinarians and animal hospitals, and triages and treats incoming animals at the shelter.
“I’m excited to join the Animal Rescue League of Berks County to help raise the standards of care for the animals in our facility to try to ensure that they have as pleasant and as short of a stay with us as possible,” Haman says.
Prior to his employment at the ARL, Haman worked for Brandywine Valley SPCA in West Chester, most recently as its Operations Manager. He also worked in various capacities in the organization, including as a Veterinary Technician, Herd Health Coordinator and Shelter Manager.
He resides in West Chester with his 14-year-old pitbull named Porkchop, his Siamese kitten named Maui, and his daughter, Nalani.
Alexandra (Alex) Pelkowski was named as the ARL’s Admissions Manager in November following a nationwide search. In her role, Pelkowski works closely with the public and handles admitting all incoming stray, animal control and owner-surrendered animals.
She also answers questions the public has regarding strays and community cats and TNR (trap-neuter-return) processes. As part of the organization’s new focus on surrender prevention, Pelkowski also offers help and solutions to those who are having difficulty keeping their pets due to housing, financial or medical concerns.
Pelkowski previously worked as the Pet Adoption Center Manager at the North County Animal League in Morrisville, VT. Prior to that, she was a veterinarian assistant at Best Friends Veterinary Care in Nesconset, and North Shore Animal League in Port Washington, both in New York. While earning her Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Vermont, she worked closely with wildlife, including marine animals, raptors and small reptiles, including rescuing and surveying sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico following the BP oil spill in 2010.
In 2016, Pelkowski graduated with honors from American Public University in West Virginia with a Masters of Environmental Policy and Management. She now resides in Sinking Spring with her two dogs, Louis, a 6-year-old border collie mix, and Rye, a 1year-old Jack Russell/heeler mix.
“Ashley, AJ and Alex all come with exceptional experience to improve animal care and raise the level of professionalism at the ARL,” says Pagoulatos. “As our organization evolves and rebuilds itself as a leader in the sheltering community, we are thrilled to have their expertise and experience to help guide us and provide better experiences for both animals and our community.”
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