Board of Directors

BECOME A SPONSOR

The Greater Appalachian and Alpaca Association would not be possible without its amazing lama volunteers and enthusiasts. GALA greatly thanks its Board of Directors for all their dedication to the industry and association.

Do you know a passionate GALA member who would fit the bill? GALA accepts nominations for new members to be voted upon by the membership. Get in touch with Dr. Jane Hamilton-Merritt at limasite98@aol.com

NOMINATE A FRIEND!
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As the current President of GALA, I want to extend a hearty “WELCOME” to GALA, the largest camelid organization in the US! GALA has been in existence since 1986 and from its inception has had as our Mission “to
educate our members and the public about the breeding, raising, and caring of llamas, alpacas, and related camelids and to promote and advance the interests of the industry as a whole”. I hope you’ll agree that GALA offers all the above as you read through our updated website. We
continuously add and update to ensure you get the best of new information. I also promise you will meet an exceptionally outgoing, friendly, caring group of camelid lovers, willing to help and share their experience and
expertise. I encourage you to take the time to acquaint yourself with the information available on our website. We look forward to having you take an active role in GALA!

Barbara Baker

President

Deb Marcou

I have been a GALA member for 13 years and on the Board of Directors for three terms.

I joined GALA to be more informed regarding the llama industry and to also connect with other llama owners. I have made many friends and contacts within the llama community. Their advice and friendship has been invaluable to me.

Vice President

I have been a member of GALA since the day I got my first llamas some 29 years ago. I have served on the Board of Directors several terms and probably too many years to count. I attended my first conference in 1995 and have not missed one since. GALA is committed to educating the camelid owners through its newsletter and its one-of-a-kind annual conferences. I cherish this community of like minded lama owners and think everyone should join for yourself and for your animals’ sake.

Carol Reigh

Secretary

I attended my first GALA conference in 1994, before I even owned any llamas. It was so much fun, and I learned so much, that I have been coming back to conferences every year since then. And during that time, I raised 23 llamas on a farm in Maine and I taught every one of them how to march to John Phillip Sousa’s Washington Post March.

Terry Beal

Treasurer

Steven Harrison

GALA's commitment to supporting new llama and alpaca owners was invaluable to me when I took over the running of the farm. Their resources and mentorship have been invaluable in helping me navigate the challenges and joys of raising a healthy herd.

Joining GALA connected me with a network of experienced llama and alpaca owners and a wealth of knowledge which have helped me gain the confidence I need to raise a happy and healthy herd.

Director

Cindy Millard

Sharing knowledge and the camaraderie of other llama owners is why I joined GALA and I have enjoyed attending two conferences. I am a new member of the Board and learning how GALA promotes so many aspects of llama care and supports education while encouraging new members.

Director

I have been a participant and volunteer with GALA every year since 2013, which was the year I got my first llamas. I believe that GALA has become the premier camelid organization in the industry. With an emphasis on educating llama owners, GALA gives us an opportunity to network with other owners, trainers, veterinarians, fiber experts and amazing vendors. I am honored and excited to be considered for a position on the GALA board. I believe that a strong board is made up of individuals with varied strengths, backgrounds and talents, who together, work to benefit the overall organization. Working with this board is an opportunity to give back the community that has always been there for me!

Steve Silverberg

Director

Jennifer Bidwell

Jennifer has been an enthusiastic supporter of the llama community for many years, beginning with her introduction to llamas through her sons’ work at the local Poverty Hollow llama farm. Though not a llama owner, she has participated in numerous events, including open barn days and International Llama Appreciation Day celebrations, where she helped facilitate educational programs for the public.

She has attended the Big E Llama show and several GALA conferences, where she developed a deep appreciation for llamas and their broader impact on people. Recently, she successfully used training techniques from John Mallon’s GALA lessons to work with Princess Nutmeg, a young and feisty llama.

She is particularly passionate about the unique gifts llamas bring to the world, especially through their involvement in medical contributions and the Pet Partners program, where they offer therapeutic benefits to people in need. What Jennifer values most, however, is the warmth, camaraderie, and kindness within the GALA community. She is eager to give back to this wonderful group and contribute to GALA’s mission as a member of the Board of Directors.

Director

Jennifer has been an enthusiastic supporter of the llama community for many years, beginning with her introduction to llamas through her sons’ work at the local Poverty Hollow llama farm. Though not a llama owner, she has participated in numerous events, including open barn days and International Llama Appreciation Day celebrations, where she helped facilitate educational programs for the public.

She has attended the Big E Llama show and several GALA conferences, where she developed a deep appreciation for llamas and their broader impact on people. Recently, she successfully used training techniques from John Mallon’s GALA lessons to work with Princess Nutmeg, a young and feisty llama.

She is particularly passionate about the unique gifts llamas bring to the world, especially through their involvement in medical contributions and the Pet Partners program, where they offer therapeutic benefits to people in need. What Jennifer values most, however, is the warmth, camaraderie, and kindness within the GALA community. She is eager to give back to this wonderful group and contribute to GALA’s mission as a member of the Board of Directors.

Marcia Dunham

Director

I joined GALA about 35 years ago before purchasing our first llama. GALA was an excellent source of information about caring for these amazing animals as well as networking with llama owners. I have attended several conferences as well as traveled to Peru twice with other GALA members in an exchange program with Peruvian llama farmers. This is my first term on the Board and I look forward to working with other Board members as well as the GALA membership to continue GALA’s important mission.

Jessie Munson

Director

Jessie Munson has worked with llamas and alpacas for over 20 years, building expertise across a
wide range of disciplines within the camelid community. She has exhibited her animals at local,
regional, and national levels, and has trained llamas for performance, cart driving, and packing.
Since 2020, she has also been a registered therapy llama handler with Pet Partners.

Her work is grounded in a strong commitment to education, outreach, and service. Over the
years, she has volunteered at numerous public events, offering educational displays and teaching
classes on topics such as shearing, halter fit, training, and responsible breeding. In addition to her
hands-on work with animals, Jessie is deeply interested in the history of the llama industry and
has contributed to archival preservation efforts and the organization of reunion events honoring
industry pioneers.

She is proud to play an active role in GALA’s mission of promoting llamas and alpacas as
intelligent, versatile, and valued companions. As a researcher herself, Jessie understands the
critical role that funding and support play in advancing veterinary knowledge. Research
programs—such as GALA’s own—are vital to improving the health, welfare, and longevity of
our camelid companions. Contributing to these efforts aligns with her commitment to both the
animals and the community that supports them.

Outside of the llama world, Jessie is currently completing her Ph.D. in political science at the
University of Wisconsin–Madison. She lives with two llamas and one poodle.

History