July 28, 2025
This past May, our Executive Director Laura Matanah experienced a traumatic brain injury from a bicycle accident (despite wearing a helmet!). We’re happy to share that she is healing well and is expected to make a full recovery. In the meantime, her ability to work is limited to just a few hours a week. Because of this, the Board of Directors has made some temporary staffing changes to keep things running smoothly until Laura is back at full capacity.
CAA Program Coordinator Abbey Feola has stepped into the role of Interim Executive Director and CAA Program Assistant Kelso Anderson has moved into a full-time role to cover much of Abbey’s previous work.
Why These Changes Were Needed
CAA is in the middle of our busiest time of year! We’re rolling out the Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge, preparing for the Twin Cities Veg Fest, and organizing summer outreach and the annual Plant-Based Bike Crawl — all with the support of more than 200 incredible volunteers. These events require extra help and coordination, so the board decided to shift staff roles and add more hours for one team member.
This change allows Laura to focus her limited time on fundraising, grant work, and long-term planning, which are crucial to CAA’s future.
Timing of the Changes
These interim staffing changes are already in effect and are expected to last through October. We hope Laura will be able to return to her regular schedule in the fall. Her leadership has helped CAA grow in fundraising, outreach, and new policy work, and we’re excited for her full return when she’s ready.
Meet Our Interim Executive Director
CAA Program Coordinator Abbey Feola has stepped into the role of Interim Executive Director. Since Abbey was already working full-time, we’ve reassigned many of her previous tasks so she can focus on leading the organization during this time.
Abbey was a natural choice — she previously filled in for Laura during an extended sabbatical and already leads many of CAA’s core programs. Her strong leadership, dedication, and deep knowledge of our work make her well suited for the job. She also continues to supervise key program staff and will help guide us through this busy season.
“It’s a privilege to step into this role and support the team during such an important time,” said Abbey. “I’m proud of the work we’re doing and excited to see everything we’ll accomplish.”
A New Role for Kelso Anderson
CAA Program Assistant Kelso Anderson has moved into a full-time role to cover much of Abbey’s previous work. Kelso has long been part of the CAA community — first as a member of the CAA chapter at the University of Minnesota, then as an intern and volunteer, and more recently as a staff member supporting our events and outreach. He’s also active in our policy team and hopes to pursue a career in that area.
With his skills, attention to detail, and deep care for animals, Kelso is more than ready for this expanded role.
Both Abbey and Kelso are already familiar faces within our CAA community and will help ensure the continuity of our important work. Feel free to reach out to them with any questions at info@exploreveg.org.
Other Staff Are Also Stepping Up
In addition to the aforementioned staff changes, this interim period has also seen other staff stepping up to do more. Graphic Design, Social Media, and Marketing Coordinator, Sara Olson, has added on the responsibility of leading our tech team on general tech issues and working with volunteers and our contractor on the new website development, as well as additional social media duties. Our Publications Coordinator, Theresa Zingery, has taken on some roles that she doesn’t usually do as well, including learning new programs involved with posting volunteer responsibilities.
Wholesome Minnesota Director Jodi Gruhn stepped up to help publicize our upcoming Target Cruelty protest against battery cages, and Community Organizer Tamuno Imbu has taken on facilitating our August Food Drop and Little Africa Festival tabling, in addition to continuing their usual work.
Volunteers Step Up in a Big Way
CAA wouldn’t exist without our amazing volunteers. When word got out about Laura’s health, many longtime and newer volunteers quickly offered to take on more responsibilities. Laura Hofer and Jared Rolsky stepped up to the Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge Committee. Itzel Herrera stepped in to help with the Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge social media. Many other volunteers have continued their work at outreach events, organizing events, on our tech team, at planning committees, and more. These volunteers are all rock stars and their help is greatly appreciated!
Our Board Is Pitching In Too
The CAA Board of Directors has gone above and beyond during this time, stepping in to support staff and fill in for Laura where needed. Their hands-on help with events and planning has made a real difference and is greatly appreciated. From Hannah Milos’ work on the Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge and Plant-Based Bike Crawl and Lydia Green’s work researching and planning to Heather Dayton’s work with foundation communication, we appreciate everything all the board members have done to help during the transition.
What You Can Expect
Most things will look and feel the same at CAA! We’re still moving full speed ahead on all major events and outreach, thanks to our incredible staff, volunteers, and board. There may be a few small schedule shifts for smaller events, but everything important is still happening — and may even be better than ever!
We’ll continue to update you on who to contact for specific projects. Thank you for your patience during this time and for the ways in which you are stepping up to make sure our vital work continues.
How You Can Help
We are still looking for volunteers to help with our many projects and events. Check out our volunteer page and sign up where you can. You’ll have fun and make an impact.
Additional financial support also helps us continue working for animals and promoting plant-based eating. Any contribution, big or small, helps!
Whatever way you step up to help is greatly appreciated and will make a big difference for CAA and the animals.
