The Passion Behind ALTA

Risa’s academic background in planning, historic preservation, and cultural resource management gives her a sophisticated grasp on the industry. Her professional archaeological career began in 1998. She is the primary owner of ALTA and the individual responsible for business development and company oversight.

Alex is the team lead and a co-founder of ALTA. His duties include managing complex, high profile archaeological investigations, mentoring staff, and serving as a technical resource. He found his passion for archaeology at a young age and has never looked back.

Kat is a Principal Investigator with ALTA with specialized training in geoarchaeology. Ms. Kubal has over 20 years of experience in archaeology and cultural resources management in California. She has conducted numerous state and federally permitted projects and has authored or co-authored many types of reports, including archaeological survey reports, archaeological and geoarchaeological testing plans, archaeological evaluation reports, geoarchaeological sensitivity reports, and cultural resources sections in both National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents.

Carrie Chasteen earned a Master of Science in Historic Preservation and Bachelors in History and Political Science. She meets and exceeds the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards as an Architectural Historian and Historian (36 CFR Part 61) and a Caltrans Principal Architectural Historian. She has extensive experience conducting surveys and archival research, project management, and over 25 years of experience preparing regulatory-compliance documents at the federal, state, and local levels. She has worked throughout the United States, and other experience includes preparing Historic Structures Reports and HABS/HAER documentation, agency coordination, and public outreach.

Mr. Newland serves as Principal Investigator for a wide range of ALTA projects. He has over 30 years of professional archaeological experience, with projects spanning California and Nevada. He has a deep background in academic research and cultural resource management projects, having been senior archaeologist at a university research center for 20 years and as cultural resource Director and Vice-President for a mid-sized environmental firm for 6 years. Mr. Newland has conducted and overseen a breadth of cultural resource projects over the past three decades, from small private projects to large, multi-million-dollar, multi-year emergency response undertakings.

Mrs. Radtkey is a Project Manager and Historic Archaeologist who gained wide-ranging experience in California by working in a variety of settings. She completed the Master’s program at the University of Massachusetts that examined a post-colonial archaeological assemblage recovered from Catalina Island. In her role as Project Manager, she interfaces with clients, coordinates staff, and ensures high-quality products are deliverable on time. Melanie is a hardworking and personable being with an enthusiasm for doing exceptional work.

Samantha graduated with a Master’s degree in Human Biology and a specialization in forensic anthropology, human osteology and archaeology. She has international experience working in a variety of setting from assisting law enforcement to analysis of human skeletal remains from archaeological contexts.

Sarah is a professional archaeologist with years of practical field experience. She earned a graduate degree from Cambridge University in 2006 where she studied geoarchaeology and soil science. Sarah applies her knowledge of soils to understand and interpret archaeological sites.

Jamie is a remote sensing specialist with a graduate degree in Cultural Resource Management. Her research focuses on the use of ground penetrating radar to identify buried archaeological resources. She is a passionate individual who is active in academic organizations dedicated to archaeology and historic preservation.

Kyle first learned about archaeology as a career while taking an art history class in high school. He is a professional archaeologist whose research focuses on Behavior Archaeology, hunter-gatherer studies, and analysis of ground stone artifacts. As a Field Director he manages survey crews and is the primary individual responsible for the technical accuracy and integrity of field data.

Nicholas serves as an SOI-qualified Archaeologist and Architectural Historian at ALTA. Nicholas employs an interdisciplinary approach to recording and evaluating the built environment that centers on community and local perspectives while addressing key regulatory requirements. He is a recognized expert in agricultural and industrial history and maintains active engagement with professional organizations.