Rock N’ Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Bedford Hills, NY. Our mission is to both rescue and re-home pets in need. Our primary focus is to assist families looking for a pet that is not only happy and healthy, but a pet that can provide a therapeutic solution for emotional and physical ailments. Although we specialize in cats, we also custom search for dogs, guinea pigs and other pets for approved adopters.
The heart and soul of our rescue is our motto “We Rescue Pets to Rescue People,” and we strive to spread this message with our many community outreach programs including cat therapy programs for all ages (like our nursing home Kitty Clubs), cat wellness programs (like our Kitty Yoga classes) and educational programs (like our Read to Kitty classes) and more!
We welcome volunteers – individuals and groups from kids to seniors – who assist in a variety of fun and interactive job and amazing adopters from near and far who give our pets the happy beginnings and a lifetime of joy that they deserve.
LIVE. LOVE. ROCK. ADOPT
“I cant say enough great things about my experience with Rock N’ Rescue. From the moment I brought my kitten home, he has been the light of my life. Though he has an adorable personality, I know that part of the reason he was able to adjust to me so quickly was because of the care that RnR took of him.”
~ Kristin
Founder
Executive Director
Juli Cialone is a ’90 Cornell graduate with a lifelong passion for rescuing animals worldwide. From rehabbing wildlife as a child, to creating photo documentaries for rescues both big and small, to creating ad campaigns for a variety of animal welfare awareness issues, Ms. Cialone has never ceased in her quest to protect and save the pets we hold so dear. Using her skills as a pro photographer, she has traveled the world documenting both wild and domesticated animals to learn fresh concepts of conservation in order to solve current animal welfare concerns in the USA. In 2008, Ms. Cialone and her triplet sons established Rock N’ Rescue in their hometown of Rochester NY in order to partner with other rescues and allow teenagers to make a difference in their community. More recently, in 2017, Ms. Cialone moved to South Salem NY and Rock N’ Rescue underwent a transformation into an independent 501(c)3 to take its mission on a new path – therapy and wellness.
President
Director of Operations
James is a graduate of Ithaca College and has 35 years of business experience. He comes from the direct marketing world. With an innate talent for connecting with people and understanding market trends, he rapidly transitioned from an entry-level sales role to sales manager. Over the years, James honed his leadership skills and strategic insight, ultimately overseeing all aspects of a thriving business generating $10 million annually. He was responsible for all facets of the business from sales and marketing to financial reporting and delivery on the back end.
James has always had a strong bond with animals and has had pets dating back to his youth. He started volunteering with Rock n’ Rescue back in 2018. After several years he realized that the work he was doing with Rock n’ Rescue was more fulfilling than any other jobs he held. So, he joined RnR full time in 2022 and hasn’t looked back.
His business background was the perfect balance for RnR and allows Juli and Marla to focus on the parts of the job they are most needed for. He has two cats, McSquizzy and Emily, and a dog named Layla. And he just decided to add the guy by his shoulder in the photo and has named him Jobu.
Director of Therapy
Jessica earned her graduate degree from Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Service and has over 20 years of clinical experience. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a Certified Animal-Assisted Intervention Specialist (C-AAIS), and a member of the Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals.
Her clinical experience spans a variety of settings, including outpatient work with children/adults, residential treatment with adolescents on a farm, and early experiences in veterinary environments. Across these roles, she has consistently observed the therapeutic benefits of human–animal interaction, which continue to inform her clinical perspective.
She integrates Animal-Assisted Interventions to enhance emotional safety, increase engagement, and support deeper therapeutic connection. Jessica specializes in working with individuals navigating grief, trauma, life transitions, and challenges with emotional regulation, offering both individual and group therapy. She provides a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where clients can feel safe, supported, and understood.
In addition to her clinical work, Jessica is a foster with Rock n’ Rescue and a dedicated pet parent to three rescue cats and one dog. She approaches each client with warmth and respect, recognizing that seeking support is a meaningful and courageous step.
Foster Director
Kathleen Birmingham has been working with Rock N Rescue for over four years. She began her journey as a high school intern and steadily grew within the organization, gaining responsibility, experience, and valuable skills before stepping into her current role as Foster Director.
In this position, Kathleen works closely with hundreds of foster families, coordinating the care and placement of more than a hundred animals in foster at any given time, while also ensuring proper placement for the many animals arriving through transport. Her organization, dedication, and compassion play an integral role in keeping RnR running smoothly and effectively.
Kathleen has always loved animals, but after beginning her work at RNR, she discovered a true passion for helping those who cannot speak for themselves. You may also recognize her cat, Scooter — an RNR alum who came from a severe hoarding case. Scooter was lovingly rehabilitated by Kathleen and trained to become one of RNR’s therapy cats, helping bring comfort and joy to others!
Animal Care Coordinator
Crystal Pagan is a dedicated Animal Care Coordinator and Veterinary Technician with a deep-rooted passion for animal welfare and hands-on clinical care. With experience supporting both routine and critical cases, she plays a vital role in overseeing the health, treatment, and daily management of animals in rescue and clinical settings.
Crystal combines her technical veterinary skills with compassionate care, ensuring each animal receives proper medical attention, nutritional support, and behavioral monitoring. She is especially committed to ensuring all animals—including nursing mothers and at-risk cases—receive the medical and behavioral support they need to thrive.
In her coordinator role, Crystal bridges the gap between veterinary teams, fosters, and adopters—providing education, guidance, and ongoing support throughout each animal’s journey. Her attention to detail, quick clinical judgment, and advocacy for animals make her a trusted resource within the rescue community.
Driven by a genuine love for animals and a commitment to their welfare, Crystal continues to support rescue efforts that prioritize both medical excellence and compassionate care.
Cat Room Manager
Audrey Abell serves as the Cat Room Manager at Rock N Rescue. She began as a volunteer and foster in 2025, and over time has cared for more than 100 cats through fostering before officially joining the team.
Audrey has felt a special bond with cats since childhood, when she first began fostering alongside her parents. That early experience grew into a lifelong passion for animal rescue and advocacy.
At home, Audrey and her family share their lives with nine cats, all adopted from shelters and rescue organizations. They are deeply invested in their cats’ well-being—even building three catio enclosures onto their home to give them safe outdoor space. Audrey strongly believes in adoption (“adopt, don’t shop”) and the importance of spay and neuter in reducing overpopulation.
In her role, Audrey manages the cat room and meet-and-greet spaces, ensuring everything is clean, organized, and welcoming. She also assists adopters and clients and works closely with volunteers to maintain a calm, supportive environment for both cats and visitors. She is dedicated to ensuring each cat receives the care and attention they need while waiting for their forever home.
Founder
Executive Director
President
Director of Operations
Vice President
Secretary
Marketing Advisor
DVM Board Member at Large
Board Member at Large
Board Member at Large
Fundraising Advisor
Board Member at Large
View our Annual Report for 2024 including revenues, expenses, balance sheet, profit & loss, and more!
We are excited to announce that you can view our Form 990 on our website! This initiative reflects our commitment to transparency and accountability in our operations. By sharing our financial information, we aim to build trust with our donors, supporters, and the community we serve. We believe that open access to our financials allows everyone to understand how your contributions are being utilized, ensuring that we align with our mission and effectively serve those in need. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to make a positive impact!
