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.

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.

Heather Warner holds degrees in Anthropology and Russian Language from Beloit College and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Cultural Resource Management at Sonoma State University. Her personal attention to detail and organizational skills are immensely valuable character traits.

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.

Abi is a Senior Archaeologist with ALTA with specialized training in human osteology, physical anthropology, forensic archaeology and paleopathology. With a wide range of academic interests, she is actively working on bioarchaeological studies in Germany, Poland, and Iraq.

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.

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.

Nicholas is a diverse individual who meets the professional qualification standards as both a Historic Archaeologist and Architectural Historian. He holds degrees in History and Cultural Resources Management. He is a recognized expert who studies agricultural and industrial history. Nick grew up in a remote ranching community in Northern California where he heard stories told by old ranchers, lore about his home, and oral histories handed down by community elders.