Amber Acuña, CLL Administrative Assistant

Hello I’m Amber Acuña and I’m honored to be working with you all at CARE!

I’m also honored to be the single mother of the kindest 10 year old therian wild-child I’ve ever seen. We live with our three cats Holly, Victor, and Onyx who all found us as abandoned kittens. I’m currently working to complete my English BA now that my son is older. My son has been my biggest cheerleader and they’re always telling me how proud of me they are! My favorite color is pink and I love exploring all forms of art. The farthest away I’ve ever traveled was to the Philippines when my titas took my sister and I to our family mausoleum to reconnect and reunite.

I really look forward to working with everyone on this mission for caring reformation!

L. Kay Allen, Chief of Programs

L. Kay Allen is a dynamic and agile servant leader with over 20 years of experience in nonprofit and higher education sectors, both in the United States and globally. She has a proven track record of advancing transformative entities, projects, and programs that promote access and inclusion across diverse industries. As a spirited advocate, L. Kay has collaborated with boards, administrators, and community partners, embracing the philosophy of “meeting people where they are.” In her most recent role at a  HBCU veterinary college in the United States, this approach, coupled with her love for animals, enabled her to be impactful in the veterinary medicine and resource development spaces.

L. Kay holds a B.A. in Psychology and an M.S. in School Psychology/Psychoeducational Assessment and Counseling.
Her early professional years were spent teaching and serving in various student and academic affairs roles at a public university.  She then moved overseas,  where she spent 15 years contributing to the development of an Education
City and community development projects, aligning with a country’s vision for growth.

Throughout her career,when presented with the opportunity to serve, L.Kay believes that honesty, humility,
and respect should be at the forefront.  as these qualities are instrumental in building consensus, facilitating collaboration, and fostering excellence…. the work of CARE Changemakers!!

L. Kay is a self-proclaimed foodie who enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her family, especially
being a grandparent to her grandson, and her two grandpups.

L. Kay was Born in Tuskegee, Alabama and raised in Gainesville, Florida

Mikki Arnold, CARE Center and Community Animal Care Coordinator

Mikki was born and raised in Villa Rica, Georgia. She’s the proud mom of twin 16-year old boys. She attended Massey College and spent her career working at municipal animal services organizations, but she’s super happy to start at CARE where, as she described…

I won’t have to keep telling people why they can’t keep their pets.
At CARE I get to help figure out how they CAN keep them.

DDm, Secretary of Shade

With a style that is as eccentric as it is welcoming, Dapper Dan Midas a.k.a. DDm is one of the most idiosyncratic new voices in entertainment. The Baltimore native made his name in the local rap scene establishing himself as a premier live act and songwriter. He has played shows nationally alongside the likes of Dan Deacon, Future Islands, Beach House, and Big Freedia . DDm’s ‘Secretary Of Shade’ YouTube channel where he does live book readings and discusses politics and pop culture has over 21,000 subscribers to date. He has been featured on Netflix, BET, ‘The Hill’ and is considered a rising star in music and pop culture commentary. He currently stars in the short film ‘F^¢k ‘€m R!ght B@¢k’ which was featured at the Sundance Film Festival and Outfest. 

Akisha Townsend Eaton, Chief of Policy, Environmental Justice Division

Akisha brings over a decade of animal law and policy experience to her current role as Chief of Policy, Environmental Justice Division at CARE. Prior to joining CARE, she worked as a managing attorney for the Animal Legal Defense Fund and as legislative attorney and policy advisor at various other national and international animal protection organizations. Akisha is an AmeriCorps alumni and is currently an active contributor to the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) as well as the legal redress, environmental justice, and economic development committees of her local NAACP chapter, which recently awarded her the Prince and Cora Mack Humanitarian Award. 

Akisha has contributed to numerous publications. Her most recent chapters have appeared in the Palgrave Handbook of Animal Ethics, Career Paths in Human-Animal Interaction for Social and Behavioral Scientists and People, Pets, and Policies: Towards Community Supported Animal Sheltering.  She served as a consultant editor and contributor to the Journal of Animal Ethics and associate editor for the Journal of Animal Law.  Akisha has been an instructor, guest lecturer and speaker at numerous law schools, including Georgetown, Duke, Harvard, Lewis and Clark and Tulane University’s International Legislative Drafting Institute.  Her publications have been included in the courses of international law schools.  She has presented at multiple national, state and local animal welfare conferences on recent developments in animal law and advocacy.  She is a former contributor for the Huffington Post and the Dodo and former Diversity Vice-Chair for the American Bar Association’s Animal Law Committee within the Tort, Trial, and Insurance Practice Section. She is a Fellow at the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics.

Akisha received her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center, where she was recognized as a Law Center Scholar and her bachelor’s degree from Stanford University where she graduated with distinction. 

James Evans, Founder & Chief Executive Officer

James is a multi-awarding winning creative strategist and leader with 25+ years of experience developing relationships between organizations and their constituents. His expertise has been utilized across a diverse group of brands, both non for profit, and for profit. Specific brand experience includes: Timberland, Disney, The Mills Corporation, NAACP, Baltimore Health Department, Maryland Health Department, Kennedy Krieger Institute, CVS Caremark’s Project Health, Safe Streets Baltimore and many other brands.

James and his team have initiated several programs, including the groundbreaking Gulf Spay/Neuter Campaign and HSUS’ Pets for Life. He has also played an integral role in HSUS’ Adopters Welcome, Outdoor Cats Research, Stop Puppy Mills, and HSUS’ Spayathon, as well as Best Friends Animal Society’s Outreach Action Team.

In 2019, inspired by Chetana Mirle and supported by Spring Point’s Life of Riley, James founded Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity [C.A.R.E.].

James is a husband, a proud father of five children [two four-legged], a brother, and part of a great group of friends, family, and colleagues.

Winner of the 2022 Maddie’s Fund Avanzino Leadership Award
Saul Zaentz Film Fellow 2024

Jennifer Evans, Chief Operating Officer

Jennifer Evans studied studio art in school and has over 20 years experience in marketing and publishing as both a designer and Art Director. She is the COO and Art Director for Illume Communications and is a wardrobe stylist. 

Jennifer is also the Chief Operating Officer for CARE. As a highly organized logistics expert, she manages CARE’s staff and workflow. Aside from her visual communications and organizational skills, Jen brings an in-depth knowledge of social media marketing strategies and narrative production. Much of her recent work within the animal welfare field has included innovative campaign strategies and production for large scale projects such as Breaking Bias for HSUS Expo 2019, Stop Puppy Mills Video campaign, Petstablished, Let’s Fix This, HSUS’ Spayathon, and HSUS’ Adopter’s Welcome toolkit.

Michelle George, Director, Community Animal CARE (CAC)

Michelle has over 10 years of working experience in an open-intake county animal shelter with services contracted for shelter operations as well as field enforcement operations. While working in most departments within the shelter, the majority of her work experience was gained within Field Services. In the pursuit of the next opportunity or new challenge, she has been able to learn many facets (kennel, adoptions, client care, dispatch, field support, rescue through transport, and more) within animal welfare, never shying from the chance to be a source of information to anyone she meets. Awareness and empowerment are key.  

When away from work, Michelle enjoys spending time with her family, pets, and friends, traveling, and shopping.   

Sloane Hawes, Chief of Research & Development

Sloane Hawes, MSW (she/her) is a scholar-activist who is deeply committed to addressing inequities in human and animal well-being by elevating the wisdom and resilience of marginalized communities. She brings nearly a decade of social work and research experience to her role as the Chief of Research and Development at CARE.

Sloane earned her Master of Social Work with a concentration in Sustainable Development and Global Practice from the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work and received a Bachelor of Arts in Ethnic Studies and Psychology from the University of San Diego. She also holds certificates in Community Consensus Organizing, Animal-Assisted Social Work, and Animal Shelter Management. 

Throughout her career, Sloane has prioritized opportunities to advance social justice, health equity, and belonging in non-profit, human services, and higher education spaces. This has included volunteering with the All Nations Institute for Community Achievement in San Diego, CA, working as a first-year student housing Resident Assistant, co-leading the Social Justice Living Learning Community at USD, serving as the Vice Chair of Programming for the Panhellenic Council of USD, founding the Restorative Justice interest group at USD, and serving on the Board of Directors for Bergen Spay & Neuter Alliance in CO. Sloane is currently serving on the American Public Health Association’s Public Health Social Work leadership committee, the American Society for Prevention to Animals (ASPCA)’s Access to Veterinary Care Community of Practice’s Advisory Committee, and is the Vice Chair of the Milliken Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners.  

Prior to joining CARE, Sloane was the Assistant Director of Research at the Institute for Human-Animal Connection, located within the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work, where she led a research agenda using community-based participatory research methods to examine the intersections of animal welfare, social justice, and ecological justice issues. Sloane also has work experience in direct care and advocacy roles that include community organizing, case management for unhoused people, and supporting families in crisis at an open-admission animal shelter. 

Sloane’s research interests include mutual aid, coalition-building, One Health (Indigenous Knowledge), cultural humility, trauma-informed care, decolonization, and restorative justice. She has contributed to numerous publications. Her most recent publications have appeared in high-impact peer-reviewed journals including the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, Frontiers in Veterinary Medicine, and the Animal Law Review. She is a sought-after public speaker and has presented at multiple national, state, and local social work, public health, and animal welfare conferences on her research. 

In her free time, Sloane enjoys reading, cooking, gardening, and interior design. She lives in Colorado with her spouse, their two children, and their English Mastiff, Penny.

Awanookwe (Uh-one-oo-kway) Kingbird-Bratvold, CARE Center Senior Director, Northern Tier & Professor of Indigenous Sustainability Studies

Awanookwe (Uh-one-oo-kway) (Veronica Kingbird-Bratvold) is Ojibwe from the Red Lake Nation. Since 2017 Awanookwe has worked within her community fostering a healthy platform to showcase the peoples ongoing love for their awesiinyag (animals). 

This work is done through mobilization of animal volunteer work and acknowledgement of her people’s animal work, and also highlighting Anishinaabe values and cultural teachings in regards to all awesiinyag (animals). She hopes this work will change the broader narrative of her community’s relationship with their animals as well as create resurgence of Anishinaabeg cultural teachings and traditional ecological knowledge of relationship with animals within her community. 

Awanookwe is a tribal college graduate, has a B.A. in American Indian Studies, and is a first generation Master’s graduate with a degree in Education. She is currently the Assistant Professor of Indigenous Environmental Studies at Bemidji State University and Founder of Awesiinyag (Animals) Are Loved. Her education, and cultural reclamation and apprenticeship has put her on a path of service around the region for Anishinaabeg cultural resurgence and reclamation.

Minna Knight, CARE Narritive Film Editor

Minna Knight is a graduate of the Electronic Media and Film Program at Towson University in Baltimore, Maryland. She has written, directed, and produced several of her own narrative and experimental short films. Minna has been a web designer and video editor for documentary oriented projects, combining her interests in history, design, and storytelling. Currently she is a film editor at CARE and is eager to continue applying her knowledge of film and media studies to highlight the wisdom and experiences of communities and individuals that have been underrepresented.

Alina M. Luna, Ph.D., Dean, Circle of Learning & Leadership

Alina is an Emeritus Professor of English with twenty-five years of experience in higher education. The first-born American citizen in her Filipino family, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from Russell Sage College in Troy, New York, and her Doctor of Philosophy degree from the State University of New York at Albany. Prior to her departure from Western Colorado University, she was the most senior tenured faculty member of color.

Alina values the importance of helping to maintain others’ integrity and pride; aspects that can be so thoughtlessly dismissed, taken away, or (worse yet), perceived to be non-existent among the marginalized by those in power. She has been dedicated to the well-being and success of her students and honored with seven awards in teaching and mentoring.  She has served as advisor to student groups; coordinator of scholarships and academic curricula; evaluator of faculty performance reviews; Chair of the Communication Arts, Languages and Literature Department; panelist in DEI discussions; and Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Committee. She was also appointed to Colorado’s 2020-2021 Water Equity Task Force by Governor Jared Polis.

Alina’s teaching record includes the delivery of 40+ different courses within English studies ranging from Greek Drama to Postcolonial Literatures, as well as the creation of the Humanities and Diversity Minor which promoted the study of literature and related disciplines in the liberal arts through perspectives and representations primarily informed by diversity, identity, and lived realities.  She has little patience for performative activism especially in the area of racial equity as it can allow institutions to think that those who are BIPOC fail to see how disingenuous their “actions” are.  The leadership of such organizations are deluded since BIPOC are intimately experienced with the machinations of power, in addition to the means and extent to which they have been denied power and paths to efficacy.

A baker and photographer, Alina has been an animal lover since childhood and had regularly volunteered at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. She lives with her husband and their wiggly pup, Ivy, in Colorado.  Alina is deeply honored to be joining the proudly-led BIPOC team that is C.A.R.E. and looks forward to assisting in its comprehensive approach to companion and animal well-being.

Tre Law, Chief, CARE Centers & Community Animal CARE Liaison

Bio: 

Tre had always been passionate about animals. Even as a child, he would spend hours observing the wildlife in his backyard. As he grew older, he realized that he wanted to make a difference in the lives of animals, and that’s when he decided to pursue a career in animal welfare.

With over 10 years of experience in the field, Tre’ has worked in various roles across different states. He started his career in Conservation Law Enforcement in Maryland, where he learned about the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats. From there, he moved on to the Animal Control Administration in the District of Columbia, where he gained experience in managing animal control operations.

Tre’ wasn’t content with just working in one place, though. He wanted to expand his knowledge and skills, so he worked in several jurisdictions in Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and Atlanta. He gained valuable experience in dealing with different animal welfare issues and learned how to adapt to different environments.

Despite his focus on animals, Tre always had a passion for community as well. He co-founded a program in his local Maryland rural area, similar to the Big Brother program, which helped children in need. He saw the connection between animal welfare and the well-being of people, and that’s why he was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Tre didn’t just work in animal welfare, he was also an active participant in the community. He sat as a Board Member for the National Animal Control Association, Maryland Professional Animal Workers of Maryland, and the Dorchester County Public Schools. He used his expertise to help shape policies that would benefit both animals and people.

When he heard about the opportunity to join the CARE team, Tre’ knew it was the perfect fit for him. He was honored to be able to provide his expertise and knowledge in fighting the racial inequalities in Animal well-being. For Tre’, it wasn’t just about helping animals, it was about making a difference in the lives of everyone in the community.

Celeste Morales, Senior Director of Research and Development

Celeste Morales (she/her/ella) is a sociologist and scholar-activist committed to pursuing social justice-oriented research related to the intersections of animals, people, and communities. In particular, she is invested in utilizing community-engaged research approaches that elevate community voices and lived experiences. Celeste has been working in the human and animal well-being research space for the past three years.

Celeste completed her BA in Sociology in 2017 from the University of British Columbia, and her MA in Sociology from the University of Victoria in 2020. She soon after joined the Vancouver Humane Society as Lead Researcher, managing a qualitative research project that explored the barriers to accessing animal services experienced by marginalized groups, and the importance of trauma-informed and culturally safe practices in the animal services sector. Following this, she took on the role of Program Manager where she developed an online program and virtual training workshops to help animal service workers learn how to implement these practices in their organizations. In 2022, Celeste joined the Institute for Human-Animal Connection (IHAC) at the University of Denver as a Research Associate. There, she managed a research evaluation project in partnership with PetSmart Charities. This project focused on addressing equitable access to veterinary care considerations by utilizing community-engaged research approaches, in collaboration with 10 community-based animal well-being organizations working with marginalized and underserved communities. She is thrilled and honored to have joined the C.A.R.E team in October 2023 as their Senior Director of Research and Development.

Celeste is published in the Animals and Frontiers in Veterinary Science peer-reviewed journals, and has presented at multiple webinars and conferences including the Humane Canada Summit for Animals, the International Society for Anthrozoology Conference, and the ASPCA Access to Veterinary Care Conference.

Celeste believes deeply in the importance of the human-animal bond, which drives her passion of working to keep companions and animals together through access to equitable animal and human services and support.

Celeste is a proud Latina, and dog mom to Harvey and Harlow. In her spare time, she enjoys practicing yoga and spending time outdoors with her dogs. She currently lives and works in Vancouver, Canada which is situated on the stolen, unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) & sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations.

Sharon Nordrum, InReach Coordinator, Community Animal CARE [CAC]

Hello, my name is Sharon Nordrum. I live in Laporte, MN with my adult son Andreas and several dogs and 2 cats. My whole life has revolved around the care and wellbeing of animals. My mom was the first animal rescuer in my hometown.

At any one time we would have 3 or 4 dogs in our home looking for their forever homes. I really started helping with this endeavor when I was 12 years old and have never looked back. My first job was a kennel worker at one of our veterinarian clinics. At 15 I was working at both clinics with the money going towards the care of all the foster dogs and cats that came through our door.

When we moved to our current location, we thought that we would be stepping away from rescue work as there are local shelters around us. Oh, how wrong we were! We had only been in our new home for 2 weeks before the first rescue came through the door. He ended up being a foster failure and my son’s best friend. Loner was with us for almost 7 years. We believed he was around 13 years old when he passed away. Loner was just the first of many that have graced our home.

In 2011 I bought my first purebred dog BaWaaJige (2011-2022) and the two of us entered into the world of dog shows/sports. I compete in dock jumping, agility, rally, scent work, hunting and fast cat. I am an AKC CGC (Canine Good Citizen), trick dog, farm dog, fetch dog evaluator. I am also a UKC evaluator for SPOT (Socialized Pet Obedience Test). I am working on becoming a Fit Dog evaluator and a Scent Work judge for UKC. Dogs are not my whole life. I am also an artist. My artistic style is a combination of Woodland Indian/Saami floral and fauna.

I have been commissioned to paint several murals in our local schools. My art has been used in books and for company signs. I also sit on 3 local organization boards. MAHUBE -OTWA, Regional Sustainable Development Partnership and Coalition to Re-Authorize MN Lottery Funds. My life is busy, but full. I can’t wait to dive into working for/with CARE.

Steve Petersheim, Director of Operation & HR

Steve has over 25 years of experience in operations with a specific focus on leadership and HR. He’s helped a variety of firms through startup and significant change, and he’s proud to support the amazing team at CARE.

Steve is committed to sharing love and acceptance in all capacities, whether human or non-human, and he’s a parent to four grown children. He’s always had dogs in his life, at one point volunteering with a non-profit dog training group in his hometown of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and he usually also has a cat somewhere in the mix.

Miguel Ruelas, Director, Community Animal Care (CAC)

Miguel Ruelas (he/they) is a parent to one human and three non-human creatures. Born and raised on unceded Tongva land in so-called Los Angeles, they are a queer, Trans, working class, child of Mexican immigrants and bring a wealth of expertise stemming from a lifetime of navigating the intersections of these identities. He works to build connections and uplift communities who have been historically marginalized and systematically oppressed. 

Miguel has had a passion for animals his entire life and spent the last 7 years in animal well being developing programming and working directly in and with communities. He is a certified community counselor and mediator and is excited to bring their whole self to his position as Director of Community Animal Care and continue supporting the human-animal bond through partnerships with the communities CARE serves and the other organizations and agencies uplifting those communities.

Hakeem Ruiz, Senior Director of CARE Centers Philly/Camden

Hakeem Ruiz is a 29 year old born and raised in Philadelphia. While attending Lincoln High School, Hakeem and other friends started a group called The Block. Years later that friend group went on to become a very successful non-profit called ” The Block Gives Back”. Hakeem became the Vice President and was given the task of hosting block parties, street cleaning events, and networking with the adults and youth of the community. In 2019 the group was recognized by KYW radio as a winner of the Black History Month “GameChangers” award, for the continued efforts in minority communities. 

Aside from community volunteering Hakeem formerly worked in the social work field as a Case Manager before joining the CARE team. Spending parts of 3 years working with at risk youth from ages 13-17 to earn expungement of permanent charges. Hakeem will now be the CARE Center Director of Camden/Philly. He looks forward to being able to continue to create and build connections for more organizations along with CARE and being able to assist an unaddressed need in a forgotten area. Having raised a 13 year old stray dog, Gucci, Hakeem has seen the low points of the animal care system locally and is determined to change it for the better of the community. 

Jessica Suarez, Director of Philanthropy

Jessica comes to the CARE team with a background of working with a diverse group of folks. With a background in psychology, it is a true passion to understand people deeply. Connecting and cultivating relationships throughout her career, Jessica has led DEI initiatives, throughout various organizations bringing in new constituents who have previously been underrepresented.

Jessica is dedicated to finding partners who are looking to amplify the voices of those who are often unheard, whether that is people or, our furry friends. Bringing in the right partners, to amplify the work at CARE, is her greatest mission. 

While in her spare time, she enjoys volunteering at a local organization which provides BIPOC youth with leadership skills and mentoring through hands-on training to farming and gardening. Jessica also enjoys supporting the local animal sanctuary, which provides love and care to animals who have been saved at the last hour. Jessica enjoys hiking in the mountains around Los Angeles with her daughter and partner.