Meet the People Behind Compassionate Action for Animals.

At Compassionate Action for Animals, our dedicated team of staff and volunteers works together to create a kinder world for farmed animals through advocacy, education, and community engagement. 

Meet Our Staff

Meet Our Board

Join Our Board

Meet Our Staff

Laura Matanah (she/her)

Prior to becoming ED, Laura joined CAA events; she brings strategy, evaluation, fundraising, and equity experience.

Laura Matanah (she/her)

Executive Director (on partial leave)

Tamuno Imbu (he/him)

With 20 years in youth/adult work, Tamuno advances community learning; life coach driving sobriety, equity, and wellness.

Tamuno Imbu (he/him)

Community Organizer

Abbey Feola (she/her)

Joined CAA in 2022 after volunteering; now Program Manager organizing initiatives. Past outreach at Macalester/Habitat.

Abbey Feola (she/her)

Interim Executive Director

Jodi Gruhn (she/her)

Marketer, health coach, and plant-based evangelist—coordinates Wholesome Minnesota and inspires active, outdoor living.

Jodi Gruhn (she/her)

Wholesome Minnesota Director

Kelso Anderson

Kelso Anderson

Interim Program Manager

Theresa Zingery (she/her)

Brings 25+ years in nonprofit marketing/communications and CAA leadership.

Theresa Zingery (she/her)

Publications Coordinator

Sara Olson

Graphic Design, Social Media, & Marketing Coordinator

Meet Our Board

Vic Massaglia

Interim President

Henry Patterson

Since 2017, Henry has volunteered with CAA, hosting Vegan Recipe Club and supporting ThanksLiving Potluck; board since 2019.

Henry Patterson

Secretary

Mike Odell

Mike brings 4+ years of CAA service—coordinating major events, guiding teams, and aligning work to CAA values.

Mike Odell

Treasurer

Heather Dayton

Animal advocate with 14+ years in nonprofit leadership. Dedicated to strategic growth & funding for compassion.

Heather Dayton

Andrew Seffrood

ARC veteran Andrew joins CAA; inner-city teacher who led vegan classes and 100+ meetups; senior rescue dog dad.

Andrew Seffrood

Julie Knopp

Comms/education leader Julie directs at Friends of San Lucas; animal advocate and op-ed writer; CAA volunteer since 2015

Julie Knopp

Join Our Board

Interested in joining the CAA Board? Here’s how:

R

01

Read the letter to prospective board members & participate in at least one board meeting.

R

02

R

03

Complete the Prospective Board Member Questionnaire when invited by the board.