Team

Michael Schneider started Pilots To The Rescue back in 2015 to combine his love of aviation and saving animals. Michael is a commercial, instrument-rated pilot with more than 1,200 hours. When Michael isn’t flying, he enjoys spending time with his wife, 4 boys under 7 years of age, and his 80 lb. rescue dog. Michael currently resides in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and flies out of Essex County Airport (KCDW) in Caldwell, NJ.

Cheryl is a passionate animal rights activist and marketing guru. She graduated with honors from Binghamton University in 2007 and started her firm Tools For Talent, Inc. Cheryl’s team has helped PTTR spread awareness about overcrowding in shelters while building an engaged online community and volunteer database.

Cheryl cares deeply about the non-profit work we do at PTTR. Her blog VeginnerCooking.com has a similar mission, to save as many animals as possible.

Amy was a meeting planner at an association management company where she worked with multiple trade, professional and medical associations to plan and execute meetings, conferences and conventions. Once she met her husband and got married, they moved from the mountains to the beach where she became a stay-at-home mom to her two daughters. Now that the girls are older and in school full time, she is ready to put her planning skills back into action as she coordinates all of our missions! In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family cruising the intercoastal waterway on their boat, hanging out at the beach with her family and friends or watching her girls ride horses, which is their current sport and passion.

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Albert developed a passion for aviation early on, aspiring to join the industry after earning a BS in Finance from Rutgers University - Newark. His journey led him to form a professional bond with Michael Schneider, the founder of Pilots to the Rescue. Albert’s company, Wet Wings, specialized in aircraft cleaning and sanitation services for the organization. When their plane underwent maintenance, Albert took charge of ground operations, and since then, he has traveled 60,000 miles supporting their mission.

Ashleigh dedicated eight fulfilling years to teaching kindergarten before deciding to stay home and focus on raising her three children. While she treasures her role as a stay-at-home mom, she also channels her strong organizational skills into her work as an executive administrator. In her spare time, Ashleigh loves traveling, reading, and creating lasting memories with family and friends. Her involvement with Pilots To The Rescue has been deeply rewarding, as it allows her to blend her love for animals with her passion for helping others in a meaningful and impactful way.

Mike Martins is a CFI, CFII, and MEI working on his dream of becoming an airline pilot. He was born and raised in Newark, NJ watching planes fly over his head since he was little. Mike is a lover of all animals with a strong passion for dogs. Upon completing his studies in aviation, he was introduced to this fantastic organization, and could not be any happier. Since then, Mike has helped rescue countless souls with one of his proudest missions was transporting an endangered Mexican Grey Wolf! 

Vikingur Thorsteinsson is a CFI, CFII, and MEI currently working towards becoming an airline pilot. He grew up in New Jersey, and has been an avid animal, and aviation lover since he could walk. Vikingur discovered Pilots To The Rescue at the beginning of his aviation career, and couldn’t believe there was a way to combine his two favorite things into one. When Vikingur isn’t flying missions for PTTR, it's because he’s gotten himself behind the yoke of something else that burns gas and has a propeller.

I began my aviation journey with ATP Flight School in 2021, shortly after graduating from college. Flying has been a lifelong dream of mine, inspired by my frequent travels as a child. Initially, I considered a career in aerospace engineering, working for companies like Boeing or GE, designing planes. However, I soon realized my true passion lay in flying them, not building them.

Two years later, a close friend and fellow rescue pilot, Viking, invited me on a rescue mission. The timing was perfect, as I had been searching for volunteer opportunities while also building flight hours for the airlines. During that mission, we rescued dozens of kittens and cats, and I was deeply moved by the overwhelming gratitude from the local rescue organization. It remains one of my most memorable flights.

After several more missions and conversations with Michael, I knew that Pilots to the Rescue (PTTR) was where I belonged. The kindness, sincerity, and dedication of the people in this organization are unmatched, and I’m proud to be part of such a genuine and heartfelt community.

Jason is a certified flight instructor (CFI, CFII, MEI) and currently works as a corporate pilot based out of Long Island. He began flying in 2020 after earning a degree in Mathematics, discovering that his true passion was aviation. Growing up in the Bay Area of California, Jason spent countless hours at the Oakland airport with his parents, captivated by the planes taking off and landing—a fascination that would shape his future.

At age 12, Jason's family rescued a dog, sparking a lifelong passion for animal rescue. Working with Pilots to the Rescue (PTTR) allows him to combine his love for flying with his dedication to helping animals in need. He is excited to contribute to the growth and development of PTTR's mission, making a meaningful impact through his work.

From New York City Brian began a career in the creative arts early in the 1990s as a theatrical and nightclub lighting designer. He is the founder and chief designer at BOLD, a New York and Los Angeles architectural lighting design firm. He’s also currently helping his husband start a unique pillow business. Given the opportunity, Brian will stop to say hello to every dog he sees. He grew up with two German Shepherds named Zeus and Thor. One was a rescue the other was found on the street. One of his dogs, Noodle, had epilepsy and eventually passed away from cancer. “The decision to take care of a pet should never be dependent on money” he says. He offers pet insurance to his employees and many friends. Brian has flown gliders, biplanes, power gliders, hang gliders and many single engine propeller planes. He currently owns a Cirrus. Brian was one of the earliest volunteers and donors to Pilots To The Rescue. He lives with his husband and his two Brussels Griffons Bodhi and Doozer.

Scott Rickles started in advertising sales straight out of college from Florida State University in 1978. He moved to Atlanta and began working in his father’s advertising rep firm Ray Rickles & Company which was established in Florida in 1952. Scott took over the family business when his father retired in 1988 and still loves advertising and marketing to this day. He joined Michael in Hospitality in 2006 and they still work together on a number of projects planned for 2021. Scott grew up with dogs and cats in the family while helping to raise 5 boys with his loving wife Tracy-Leigh.

Daniel joined Pilots To The Rescue in early 2019 after looking for a way to get involved in animal rescue flights. He came across PTTR and the rest is history! Growing up, his family adopted 3 dogs from various shelters on Long island here in New York. When Daniel isn’t on rescues, he enjoys spending time with family, friends, and his family’s adopted pup.  He has been flying as a private pilot for 9 years with 300+ hours.

President and CEO of Longview Trading, Inc.

ATP, Eclipse single pilot Jet rating, seaplane rated.

Sy grew up with dogs all his life and they surely are his best friends.

After school, Sy went into the garment business and ran a company successfully for over 25 years. He currently serves on two other boards.

Saving these dogs is Sy's greatest pleasure and he is delighted that PTTR makes it happen!

Tim is a passionate aviator with a deep affection for animals. Together with his wife, he dedicates his efforts to supporting animal welfare initiatives, cherishing moments with their beloved rescue dog, Wellington. With a background in law, Tim has steered the helm of leadership within several distinguished Boston startups for over 15 years. Presently, he holds the esteemed position of Chairman of the Board at the New England Legal Foundation.

Hi there! I'm Kyle Kirschner, originally from central Jersey and currently residing in the same area. By profession, I serve as a Production Supervisor at a prominent global manufacturing firm based in North Jersey, conveniently close to PTTR’s main hub. Aviation has been a lifelong fascination for me, dating back to my earliest memories. On my 15th birthday, I embarked on my maiden flying lesson aboard a charming little yellow Cessna 150. Despite my initial struggle to reach the pedals, it was an instant love affair. To date, I've accrued approximately 65 hours of flight time and am diligently working towards obtaining my Private Pilot License, aiming to achieve this milestone within the coming year.

Beyond the skies, my heart is also drawn to the welfare of animals. Growing up, I was deeply involved in 4-H and surrounded myself with a diverse array of pets, fostering a profound love and respect for all creatures. My journey with PTTR began last year when I stumbled upon their inspiring work on Instagram. The organization beautifully merges my twin passions of aviation and animal advocacy, making it a perfect fit for me. Here's to spreading happiness through rescue missions!