OAA Leadership

Staff Members

Vicki Deisner, Esq. - Executive Director

Vicki currently serves as the Government Affairs Representative in Ohio for the Animal Welfare Institute and is currently working to pass legislation requiring cross-reporting of animal/human violence as well as conducting regional workshops on the issue. She was formerly the Midwest Legislative Director of the ASPCA, where she was primarily responsible for legislative and advocacy initiatives in the states of Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky. Prior to that, she served as the Associate Director of the National Water Resources Campaigns for the National Wildlife Federation in Washington, DC; Executive Director of the Ohio Environmental Council; and Ohio Assistant Attorney General, Environmental Enforcement Section, in Columbus, Ohio. Vicki is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association’s Animal Law Committee, and she has developed a resource tool for the Animal Law Committee to assist advocates in working to repeal breed-specific regulations and pass breed-neutral ordinances.

Vicki received her J.D. from Salmon P. Chase Law School at Northern Kentucky University, her clinical degree in Respiratory Therapy from the University of Chicago, her M.S in Physiology from the University of Cincinnati Medical College, and her B.S. in Zoology from The Ohio State University. Vicki resides in Columbus with an indoor rescue cat Buzz, and two outdoor community cats Pumpkin and Shaggy.

Andrea Nadolny - Chief of Staff

As Chief of Staff for Ohio Animal Advocates, Andrea works on all aspects of our nonprofit including donor management, fundraising, social media development, and strategic planning. Andrea interned for OAA from August 2021- 2022, and then worked as an Advocacy Assistant from August 2022-2023. Andrea is currently a junior at The Ohio State University, double majoring in Italian Studies and International Relations with a specialization in diplomacy. Andrea is passionate about nonprofit work and advocating against breed discrimination. She has also been a vegetarian for more than seven years! In her free time, she loves to hike with her dog Watson at local metro parks.

Deb Molinaro - Finance Coordinator

As Bookkeeper, Deb handles the monthly financials for OAA. Deb has served in this capacity for several other companies over the last 35 years. She studied Accounting at Capital University and is currently enrolled at Franklin University working on her degree in Business. Deb resides in Hilliard, Ohio and has two daughters, Gabi & Bella. One dog Zena and a cat Phineas. She loves to garden, cook, and loves spending time with daughters and friends.

Megann Smith - Administrative Coordinator

Megann is currently the founder and director of Paws for Grief. She was formerly the manager at Wood County Humane Society. Currently working toward placement on the national transplant list for a kidney, she is finding herself in much need of a reprieve from the 24/7 life of animal shelter work but excited to continue her journey in animal welfare through education and advocacy with Ohio Animal Advocates and Paws for Grief.

Megann received her B.A. in Psychology from Bowling Green State University with a minor in communications in 2014, and received her certificate as a Certified Pet Loss Bereavement Specialist in 2023.

Board of Directors

Megan Moon - President

Megan has been working in nonprofit leadership roles since 2005, with a focus in animal protection and humane education. Most recently, she founded and served as the President of the Humane Education Coalition, a collaborative organization that provides resources and teaching tools for educators around the world who teach about animal protection, human rights, and environmental ethics. Megan has also been a board member, advisor, and/or committee member for several organizations globally, including Gem City Kitties, Voiceless, Peace of Mind Dog Rescue, UnChained, Mini Acts for the Greater Good, and Human Rights Educators USA. In addition to her volunteer roles, Megan is a skilled nonprofit consultant who invests in and supports organizations for improved strategy, stronger leadership, and capacity building.

Megan received her Bachelor of Science in Humane Leadership from Duquesne University and earning her Master of Arts in Nonprofit Management at Antioch University. She has the Certified Humane Education Specialist (CHES) credential from the Academy of Prosocial Learning and received her Animal-Assisted Intervention certification (CHAIS) from Oakland University. Additionally, Megan is the 2020 recipient of the Weller Prosocial Leadership Award. She is passionate about improving the welfare of all living beings, and she believes education is an essential pillar in creating a more compassionate world. Megan resides in southwest Ohio with her husband and rescue dog, Panda. She spends her spare time on her yoga mat, making music with her husband, and taste-testing new plant-based recipes.

Kailey Leary, Esq. - Vice President

Kailey is the supervising attorney at the David H. Braff Animal Law Center at Cleveland State University, and she directs the operation of the Animal Law Clinic. She holds a B.S. from Case Western Reserve University and received her J.D. from Cleveland State University College of Law.

Kailey has long-held a passion for animal welfare and is always looking for new ways to educate people on the simple changes they can make to support the humane treatment of animals. Outside of her professional practice, Kailey volunteers her time with animals - particularly foxes - and searches for opportunities to deepen her knowledge on animal welfare issues throughout Ohio. She resides outside of Cleveland with her rescue cat.

Chris Riggi, JD - Treasurer

Chris is the co-founder and CFO of Riggi Rescue, a nonprofit organization in Akron specializing in TNR and critical care of cats. Riggi Rescue has led many large-scale trapping projects in the region including the “Campbell Cats” and one in New London. The rescue’s newest mission is empowering and educating Ohioans so that they may TNR in their own communities. His wife, Crystal, is currently teaching TNR classes throughout Northeast Ohio as part of that mission.

Chris has worked professionally on several political issues as well as being a Field Organizer on a presidential campaign and a Campaign Manager for a Cleveland state representative campaign. He graduated from West Virginia University with a BA in History and a Political Science minor. He also received a JD from Cleveland State University College of Law where he worked on immigration law and unemployment cases while also advocating against puppy mills in Ohio. OAA’s mission excites Chris as it allows him to combine his political background, legal experience, and passion for helping both people and animals to affect positive change. Chris lives with his wife, 2 dogs, and 7 cats.

Jazzma Quinn - Secretary

Jazzma is the account manager for a company in Worthington and has been a property manager for almost 20 years. She has been rescuing and fostering animals from a young age and has always had a strong voice for those who can not speak and protect themselves. Jazzma became officially involved in humane work in 2022 via fundraising and event committees to becoming a licensed humane agent in Athens County.

Jazzma holds a bachelor of science in human and consumer sciences from Ohio University and has completed the Humane Society Agent Training from the Ohio Animal Welfare Federation. She has a special passion for humane laws, livestock standards of care, and education. She and her husband live on a farm where they grow their own crops, raise livestock, and take on fosters, rescues, and those who just need a safe space to live out their days.

Dr. Alba Gonzalez

Dr. G is the founder and Medical Director of the Rascal Unit, a mobile veterinary practice providing affordable and accessible care for animals in Ohio. She is also the director of Rascal Charities, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit that helps provide sterilization, wellness, and medical care to individuals in need of financial assistance and community cat/TNR efforts. Dr. G also provides assistance in the investigation and prosecution of animal cruelty and neglect cases with both local and national humane organizations. Dr. G has been assisting OAA as a veterinary consultant for animal welfare.

Dr. G was born and raised in Puerto Rico and obtained a B.S. in Zoology from Michigan State University, a DVM degree from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and a Certificate of Internship in Small Animal Medicine, Surgery and Critical Care from the University of Missouri. She later completed an M.S. in Veterinary Forensics from the University of Florida and an M.S. in Forensic Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University. Dr. G aims to use her experience and education to help improve the quality of life of both animals and humans.

Katie Krafka

Katie has 15 years of business development and sales experience across multiple industries including marketing, logistics, and nonprofit organizations. Her nonprofit experience includes four years with the Greater Cincinnati World Affairs Council and three years with Gem City Kitties in Dayton. Passionate about investing in her community, Katie served as an elected official for Amelia Village, Ohio from 2013-2017. As a council member, she focused on creating a safer and more inclusive place for families and their pets to live.

As a lifelong animal lover, Katie is committed to raising awareness around animal rights and improving the lives of animals in Ohio. In her spare time Katie enjoys being outdoors, whether it's tending to her garden, hiking with her partner and rescue pup, Pippin, or reading on her back porch.

Shelley Lieberman

Shelley owns and manages Athens local pet supply and grooming shop, Friendly Paws. She left Athens after college to work for the Atlanta Braves, The Olympics and other sports teams. Her career took her into alumni development of colleges such as Georgia Tech and the College of William & Mary. After ten years away, she returned to Athens to work at Ohio University for the College of Business.

Shelley was thrown into pet rescue upon her return and was the volunteer Vice-President of the Athens Humane Society for eight years. She founded My Sister’s Paws, a shelter for pets of domestic violence victims in 2013, and most recently set up a fund serving pets of families utilizing Integrated Services – a regional social service agency. This fund provides vet care, supplemental food assistance and medication. Shelley received her undergraduate and master’s degrees from Ohio University. She serves on the board of the Southeast Ohio Foodbank and Athens County Children’s Services.

Whitney Maiden, MBA

Whitney is an experienced marketer and brand strategist with over 11 years of experience in developing and executing innovative campaigns for companies like Abercrombie & Fitch and Scotts Miracle-Gro. She holds a BA in Psychology from Ohio University, where she also played varsity volleyball for four years, and an MBA from the Fisher College of Business at Ohio State University. Throughout her career, Whitney has built a strong foundation in strategic marketing, customer insights, and brand development, with a focus on building brands in white-space categories and delivering meaningful, impactful campaigns.

As a passionate advocate for animal protection, Whitney brings a unique blend of strategic thinking and creative problem-solving to her role on the Board of Ohio Animal Advocates. Her marketing expertise, combined with a deep commitment to improving the lives of animals, allows her to contribute fresh ideas and support advocacy initiatives through effective campaigns and community engagement. Outside of her professional work, Whitney enjoys staying active, learning new skills, and diving into home renovation/interior design projects. She has two pups that she loves dearly (Cliff and Sam) and one very special pup that she lost last year (Norm). She believes in the importance of education and advocacy in creating lasting change for animals in need and she is determined to help make Ohio a place where all animals are protected from cruelty, abuse, and neglect.

Rebekah Ribando

Rebekah is a consultant for a software company that specializes in assisting midsize franchises develop their digital marketing strategy and increase the value of their market deliverables. Rebekah was formerly an instructor at a college preparatory magnet school in metro-Atlanta, where she taught choral music and courses in interdisciplinary humanities. This experience exposed her to a diverse, multi-cultural environment, where she was fortunate to teach first-generation American students. Originally born and raised in the Florida Panhandle, Rebekah’s family prioritized care for and interests in a wide range of animals - snapping turtles most definitely included!

A lifelong nurturer and feline enthusiast, Rebekah’s goal is to take an active role in the welfare of all animals by contributing to the rapidly expanding area of animal care education that has become increasingly accessible to the public. Rebekah enjoys barre exercises, interior design, and baking. A southern girl in a midwest world, Rebekah resides in a suburb of Cleveland with her husband, Jeremy, and Russian Blue, Jerry.