Our Team
Staff
Natalie Ahwesh, M. Ed.
Executive Director, Founding Member
Natalie Ahwesh monitors and evaluates pending policy, regulatory, and legal action at the federal, state, and local levels that may impact animal protection. She works with local stakeholders, including policymakers, law enforcement, and community members, to ensure current laws and policies are being enforced. As Executive Director, she directs and supervises all campaigns, programs, and personnel at HAP, while also spearheading educational initiatives.
Natalie has several awards and accolades, including the 2024 City & State Above and Beyond, 2023 City & State PA Power 100, 2019 Incline’s “Who’s Next” Animal Advocates and PUMP’s and Pittsburgh Magazine’s 40 Under 40 honorees, 2017 Humane Society District Leader of the Year, and is a founding member of The Humane League’s Animal Policy Alliance. She was also awarded a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellowship in 2023. She has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master’s Degree from George Washington University.
Shannon Dickerson, MA
Director of Operations
Shannon Dickerson started with HAP in the fall of 2018 and moved from enthusiastic tabler, to Director of Marketing, to Vice President, and now is the organization’s first full-time paid employee in her Director of Operations role. Shannon is extremely proud of not only the work HAP does, but the way they get it done. She believes in resolving conflicts and coming together to solve animal and environmental issues humanely. Shannon is the founder of Pittsburgh Ploggers, The Hanktuary, and Featherweight Marketing, and holds a BA from Pitt and an MA from the University of Colorado. She has worked as a marketing strategist since 2009 and is an adjunct instructor at Chatham University. She lives in Pittsburgh with her husband, Ryan, two cats, and flock of fluffy chickens.
Janay Coleman
Community & Business Engagement Consultant
Janay Coleman is a youth development leader passionate about empowering young people to lead change. With years of experience designing and managing scholar-centered programs, she strives to ensure that young people are not only heard but equipped to lead. As the Education Program Manager for the Youth Steering Committee at Humane Action Pennsylvania, she supports students in developing advocacy skills, engaging in civic action, and shaping the future of animal welfare and social justice. Janay holds a proven track record of cross-sector collaboration, having partnered with school districts, higher education institutions, and nonprofits to increase access and opportunity for youth. With a strong background in workforce readiness and equity-focused programming, Janay is passionate about creating spaces for collaboration while amplifying youth voices.
Angie Fry
Director of Humane Education
Angie Fry has dedicated more than 25 years to public safety, serving as a paramedic, police officer, and most recently, a humane police officer. For nearly a decade, she has been a trusted resource in Allegheny County on animal cruelty investigations, enforcement, and policy. She has worked with Humane Action Pennsylvania for years, training law enforcement officers on animal cruelty and neglect laws, evidence collection, investigation techniques, and the connection between animal cruelty and domestic violence. Angie officially joined the HAP team in April 2026. In her current role, she develops in-person and virtual law enforcement trainings for agencies across Pennsylvania, supports stronger animal protection legislation, consults on policy development and implementation, and advocates for animals.
Angie lives in the South Hills of Pittsburgh with her boyfriend, teenage son, beloved K-9 partner Anik, a Dutch Shepherd, and police K-9 Edo. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, appreciating nature and wildlife, and exploring new restaurants with her boyfriend.
Tara Guido
Administrative Assistant
Tara Guido is originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where she lives with her husband, twin boys, and two dogs. A graduate of George Mason University with a degree in Communications, she has built her career as an Executive Assistant, known for her organization, reliability, and positive approach.
Outside of work, Tara loves discovering new restaurants—particularly vegan favorites—and spending time in nature with her family and friends. She is proud to support HAP’s mission and contribute to the protection and care of animals
Dr. Darrell Payne
Education Manager
Dr. Darrell Payne is a strategic leader, educator, and process improvement specialist dedicated to helping organizations operate more efficiently and effectively. He serves as the Education Manager for the Less Plastic More Future (LPMF) initiative at Humane Action Pennsylvania, where he leads public education efforts focused on reducing plastic pollution and promoting sustainable practices that benefit both communities and the environment.
With a Doctorate in Community Engagement, a Master’s in Engineering Management, and a background in Information Systems, Dr. Payne brings a unique blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and community-centered leadership to his work. His mission is to empower organizations and individuals to create meaningful, lasting impact through disciplined execution and thoughtful innovation.
Ursula Smith
Administrative Assistant
Ursula Smith resides on Pittsburgh’s North Side and brings more than two decades of healthcare experience to HAP. She began her career as a Radiation Therapist, treating more than 10,000 cancer patients, before spending over a decade as a Medical Transcriptionist, documenting more than 15,000 clinical records. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Management and has expanded her expertise into artificial intelligence, earning a Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals certification and completing an AI bootcamp through StackRoute in partnership with Point Park University.
Ursula is excited to bring her organizational skills, healthcare background, and commitment to HAP’s mission of protecting animals and building a more humane world. Her lifelong compassion for animals began in childhood, when neighbors would call on her to help injured wildlife. She later worked with Animal Friends Pittsburgh, helping rehabilitate feral and abandoned animals find permanent homes. After recently saying goodbye to her beloved cat, Boom Boom, following 13 cherished years together, Ursula remains deeply committed to animal welfare. She is especially inspired by HAP’s recognition that the mistreatment of animals and the mistreatment of people are often interconnected—a truth she believes deserves greater attention. She is honored to support an organization dedicated to compassion for all living beings.
Volunteer Leadership
Sam Ahwesh, Esq.
Compliance & Finance Advisor, Founding Member
Sam Ahwesh Esq. manages fundraising monies and conducts all financial reporting as needed. He has a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master’s in Business Administration from Carnegie Mellon University.
Mahima Amin
Administrative Assistant
Mahima Amin is an undergraduate student on the pre-law track at the University of Pittsburgh. She loves to read and research and so after graduation, she wants to work in the field of international law. Besides international law, she is also interested in exploring sustainable beauty and fashion. She is passionate about animal rights, which drew her to volunteering with HAP. She is eager to bring her experience in legal studies and use it for the work of HAP. In her free time, she loves to read fiction, visit cozy coffee shops, and go on walks around the city.
Janice Bahary, MPPM
Director of Grant Writing
Janice Bahary, MPPM works with our grant writing team, raising funds to support HAP’s initiatives. She is a nonprofit management professional with a background in fundraising, grant writing, policy, and advocacy. She has a bachelor’s from Binghamton University in NY and a Master of Public Policy and Management from the University of Pittsburgh. Janice and her family foster dogs from local animal shelters to help them rehabilitate and become adoptable.
Alexa Bradley
Administrative Assistant
Alexa Bradley is originally from Buffalo, NY, and is loving getting to know more about her new home city, Pittsburgh. She is a 2020 graduate from the University of Notre Dame and currently works in the healthcare industry as an analyst. In her free time, she loves indulging in her love for nature and animals by getting outside. Some of her favorite activities include hiking, amateur mycology, skiing, competing in triathlons, and hanging out in the park with a good book. She is excited to use her analytical, organizational, and detail-oriented skills to help contribute to HAP’s mission of protecting animals.
Chelsea Cavlovic
Administrative Assistant
Chelsea Cavlovic is a Program Manager for Executive Education at Carnegie Mellon University, with extensive experience in higher education administration, program management, and community outreach. She previously managed Study Abroad programs, building expertise in education initiatives. Chelsea earned her bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University and completed a master’s in Intercultural Communication and Diplomacy at Collegium Civitas in Warsaw, Poland. After living and working in the Czech Republic and Croatia, she returned to Pittsburgh, where she’s worked in higher education for the past nine years. Outside of work, Chelsea enjoys leading group fitness classes and spending time with her family and two cats.
Adam Cordes
Event Manager
Adam Cordes and his wife relocated to Pittsburgh in January 2025, eager to get involved and give back to his new community. Adam became the volunteer event manager for HAP in May of 2025. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Music with a minor in Management from the University at Buffalo.
As a vegan and animal lover Adam is passionate about protecting the rights of all animals. At home, he and his wife share their lives with two beloved dogs and a cat. In his free time, Adam enjoys making and listening to music—and cheering on his favorite team, the Buffalo Bills.
Elizabeth Dewit
Grant Writer
Elizabeth Dewit works with HAP as a volunteer grant writer. She holds a bachelor’s degree in professional writing and French from the University of Pittsburgh. As a lifelong resident of Pittsburgh, she is passionate about protecting Pennsylvania’s animals and wildlife. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, creative writing, and spending time in nature.
Aimee Douglass
Director of Outreach
Aimee Douglass authors the HAP blog and has been a volunteer with HAP since 2018. She is an active participant in the Compassionate Living campaign and in 2019 tabled at her first event for HAP. Aimee works in the healthcare industry and has a bachelors degree in Creative Writing from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and a masters degree in Communications with a health care focus from Southern New Hampshire University. She lives in Monroeville with her husband and their three dogs.
Jared Feldman
Strategic Analyst
Jared Feldman is currently pursuing his Master of Information and Data Science degree from University of California, Berkeley, and holds his Bachelor’s degree from Penn State. He is excited about having the opportunity to use data and analytics to help protect animals and promote a more compassionate lifestyle. Jared lives in Pittsburgh with his wife, Emmy, and their two dogs, Kozzie and Winnie.
Jorell Andrei Finez
Web Developer
Jorell Andrei P. Finez is a Full-Stack Web and Mobile Application Developer based in the Philippines with a strong foundation in Information Technology and software development. He specializes in designing and developing scalable, user-centered web and mobile applications using modern technologies including React, Vue, Laravel, Node.js, MySQL, Firebase, Kotlin, and Python. He has led multiple end-to-end development projects, including an award-winning Laravel-based Learning Management System integrating RNN speech recognition for inclusive education, as well as event platforms, mobile applications, and data-driven dashboards. His experience covers front-end and back-end development, database architecture, authentication systems, API integration, UI/UX design, and system deployment.
Lew Fortwangler
HAP Hive Project Coordinator
Lew Fortwangler is an environmental advocate and animal welfare supporter based in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, committed to restoring native habitats and fostering ecological awareness. As a Pennsylvania Master Naturalist and PSU Master Watershed Steward, he volunteers with local organizations to promote conservation, inspire community engagement, and protect the region’s biodiversity. Lew is especially passionate about native pollinator gardens and supports initiatives like Humane Action Pennsylvania’s HAP Hive, which creates vital habitats for bees and butterflies across western Pennsylvania. He also enjoys actively managing and growing native pollinator gardens on his own property, where he works to enhance biodiversity and support local wildlife. A vegan and supporter of animal rights, Lew believes that caring for wildlife begins with caring for the ecosystems they depend on. With 30 years of experience as an internal auditor specializing in business process and IT environments, he brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to both his professional work and his volunteer efforts. He enjoys bird watching, hiking, and exploring the natural beauty of Pennsylvania’s landscapes.
Kathryn Gadd
Outreach Ambassador
Kathryn Gadd holds two MAs (Educational Research from the University of Sheffield and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from IUP) and two decades of experience in nonprofit and local government work. An animal-welfare devotee since birth—basically written into her DNA—she currently serves a small rescue crew of two dogs (Dinsdale and HIlda) and two cats (Kalista and Princess John Elway). There are also 3 goldfish (Comet, Turtle, and Turbo) who somehow made their way into a 60 gallon condominium in her rather small living room. Her long-term plan? Retire somewhere rural and spend her days rescuing as many animals as her heart (and budget) can handle, while quietly working toward a world where all beings live in better balance.
Anmol Gupta
Outreach Ambassador
Anmol Gupta is a passionate designer with a diverse background in architecture and graphic design. With three years of experience in architecture, she has honed skills in master planning, landscaping, and creating meaningful connections between indoor and outdoor spaces.Currently she is pursuing graphic design course from CCAC Pittsburgh. Her transition to graphic design was driven by a desire to merge visual storytelling with impactful design solutions. She continuously looks for methods to make an effect on society through visuals. In free time, she loves to draw and paint. She considers herself a lifetime learner.
Jason Hinkledire
Humane Action Pennsylvania Podcast Host
Born and raised in Claysburg, PA, Jason Hinkledire has loved popular music since he was a kid. After DJing in high school and throughout his 20s, Jason entered the world of trivia hosting in 2010, and in 2014, he broke the Guiness World Record for Longest Marathon as a Quiz Master with 33 hours and 8 minutes of nonstop trivia action! Jason has dabbled in internet radio a few times in the past decade and is now hosting the HAP Podcast. He lives in Virginia with his wife, Janice, and four very fun, very beautiful, and very funny dachshunds.
Jessica Ho
Administrative Assistant
Jessica Ho is a student at Penn State specializing in Macroeconomics. She is bilingual in English and Chinese and also identifies French, German, and Japanese. She loves animals and technology and has had pets such as rabbits. She looks forward to reducing animal suffering by using her research skills.
Shanmukha Harshith Karamala
Web Developer
Shanmukha Harshith Karamala is a web development professional with a Master’s in Computer Science from the University of Florida. He brings skills in web development and machine learning to support HAP’s compassionate mission. He believes that vital resources shouldn’t be hard to find! Using his technical skills, Shanmukha is dedicated to making HAP’s impactful work more visible to the general public, helping others connect with and benefit from animal rights initiatives and the valuable resources provided by the amazing volunteers at HAP. In his free time he enjoys reading books and drawing.
Cheryl Kelly
Photographer
Cheryl Kelly is a graduate of Carlow University with a bachelor’s degree in fine art and art education. She is a pet photographer and teaches yoga part time. In her free time, she explores local parks and cities with her husband and two dogs.
Nicholas Lanza
Graphic Designer
Nicholas Lanza is in the last year of his studies at the University of San Francisco as a Design student. He loves design because it allows for self-expression and the ability to communicate ideas in a fun, powerful and thought-provoking way. Nick strives to create graphics that help to spread the message of HAP. In his leisure time, he enjoys pursuing landscape and wildlife photography, traveling, studying history, and playing the guitar. When not in school, Nick lives back in his hometown of Upland in Southern California. His roommates include a puggle, desert tortoise, and hermit crab.
Jackie Lipenta
Philadelphia Program Manager
Jackie Lipenta serves as the Philadelphia Program Manager, where she’ll help expand HAP’s impact across the Philadelphia region. A Philly native with more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit operations and administration, she enjoys connecting people and strengthening communities.
Jackie is a passionate vegan and animal advocate, and she is thrilled to combine her professional experience with her commitment to animal protection. In her free time, Jackie enjoys volunteering at a local animal sanctuary and coaching runners with Special Olympics Pennsylvania.
Molayo Morakinyo
CRM Admin
Molayo Morakinyo is an analyst with 10+ years of experience turning data into clear, actionable insights to guide prioritization and planning. She has a lifelong commitment to animal welfare, with years of hands-on involvement through volunteering and rescue work.
She joins HAP as a volunteer CRM Administrator, supporting data integrity, database management, and process improvements to strengthen how the team uses its CRM. She brings hands-on experience in Excel, SQL, and Power BI.
Pavansrivatsa Meka
Web Developer
Pavansrivatsa Meka is a recent Computer Science graduate from the George Mason University and a software engineer based in Virginia. He has a passion for web development and enjoys building user-friendly web applications that create meaningful impact. As a website volunteer with Humane Action Pennsylvania, he is excited to contribute his technical skills to support the organization’s mission and enhance its online presence.
Abhi Nadendla
Blog Contributor
Abhi Nadendla is a student at the University of Pittsburgh pursuing a degree in molecular biology. She currently works as a blogger for HAP and is part of the Action Team. She joined HAP due to her love of animals, which she cultivated after working at an animal shelter for the past five years. Abhi is excited to join the HAP team and help prevent animal abuse while empowering individuals to take care of their environment. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies and spending time with her friends.
Chi Nguyen
Blog Contributor
Chi Nguyen volunteers as a web developer. She has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. Joining HAP, she hopes to contribute to the organization’s mission of promoting animal welfare and sustainability through her technical skills and help drive meaningful societal change.
Walter Orange, Ph.D.
Candidate Outreach Liaison
Walter Orange, Ph.D. is a retired mathematics professor, having taught for 25 years at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg. He holds B.S. and M.Ed. degrees in mathematics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and an M.A. degree in Statistics and a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education from the University of Pittsburgh.
Currently, he teaches in the Pittsburgh area as an adjunct professor of mathematics. He has a longstanding interest in animal rights and animal welfare issues. Walter lives in the Shadyside section of Pittsburgh with his wife Anna and their schnoodle Sasha.
Cindy Owens
Videographer
Walter Orange, Ph.D. is a retired mathematics professor, having taught for 25 years at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg. He holds B.S. and M.Ed. degrees in mathematics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and an M.A. degree in Statistics and a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education from the University of Pittsburgh.
Currently, he teaches in the Pittsburgh area as an adjunct professor of mathematics. He has a longstanding interest in animal rights and animal welfare issues. Walter lives in the Shadyside section of Pittsburgh with his wife Anna and their schnoodle Sasha.
Anuj Pahuja
Website Developer
Anuj Pahuja volunteers with HAP as a web developer. He holds an engineering bachelor’s degree in computer science and a master’s degree in computer vision from Carnegie Mellon University. He came to Pittsburgh for graduate school in 2018 and has called the city home ever since. Anuj brings more than eight years of experience as a research engineer and manager in machine learning and 3D computer vision. Passionate about protecting and preserving wildlife, he hopes to use his technical expertise to support HAP’s mission. Outside of work, he enjoys brewing and trying different coffees, playing pickleball, and watching documentaries.
Krish Pandya
Pittsburgh Ploggers Campaign Coordinator
Krish Pandya is pursuing a degree in Computer Science and Biology at the University of Pittsburgh with the goal of becoming a doctor. Alongside his academic studies, he serves as a campaign litter assistant volunteer at Pittsburgh Ploggers, actively contributing to environmental efforts in his community.Krish has a strong interest in leveraging technology to promote environmental and medical concerns. He likes to travel, cook, and play soccer in his spare time.
Kim Piper Bartasavich
Event Coordinator
Kim Piper Bartasavich joined HAP in 2024 to work on events and outreach, including helping to plan our Live Pigeon Shoot Ban campaign and fundraiser. She has an MBA from Duquesne University and has had a +30-year career in marketing, lead generation campaigns, and program management. Kim’s volunteer experience consistently focuses on animal welfare issues. She has done marketing, fundraising and event planning for Farm Sanctuary, Bear Smart Durango, and the Rocky Mountain Wolf Symposium. Kim and her husband recently moved back to Pittsburgh from Colorado and love spending time in nature hiking, biking, and camping.
Emilio Posa
Companion and Farmed Animal Program Manager
Emilio Posa is volunteering as a Companion Animal Project Manager. He has a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from Duquesne University and a Masters of Business Administration from Robert Morris University. Emilio is from the Glenshaw area. Emilio currently works as a Project Manager with a research and consulting firm. He enjoys spending time outdoors, playing basketball, hanging out with his dog, and spending time with his fiancé, family and friends.
Christian Rangel
Web Developer
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Christian Rangel is pursuing a degree in Applied Computer Science with a minor in Creative Writing at Point Park University while living downtown. He enjoys traveling, hiking, tennis, and meeting new people. Joining the website team in January of 2024, he hopes his contributions to the organization can make a positive impact on our local community.
Marianny Rosario
CRM Administrator
I’m Marianny Rosario, with a technical foundation in Salesforce and a current focus on advancing my skills in data analytics. I aspire to contribute my expertise in Salesforce to HAP and actively participate in crafting a durable CRM tool using Monkeypod.
Akanksha Satyarthy
Social Media Manager
Akanksha Satyarthy is a digital marketing strategist with over 9 years of experience in social media, advertising, graphic, and website designing. She loves creating content for HAP and No Plastic Please social media networks. It gives her the power to reach out to more people and spread the message. Akanksha is a fitness enthusiast and lives in Pittsburgh.
Prasshanna Sivanandham
Visual Designer
Prasshanna Sivanandham is a Visual Designer passionate about creating meaningful and inclusive digital experiences. With a background in UX, interaction design, and accessibility, he loves blending creativity with problem-solving to make designs that connect with people. Outside of volunteering, Prasshanna enjoys exploring new design trends, experimenting with interactive visuals, and bringing ideas to life in ways that inspire and engage.
Michael Steinfeld
Grant Assistant
Michael Steinfeld studied psychology at Rutgers University and the University of Vermont and is now looking to make a difference in the lives of animals. In his free time, he enjoys reading, hiking, and playing guitar.
Stephanie Trainer
Videographer
Stephanie Trainer is a German-American filmmaker and graduate of the London Film School. She co-runs the small video production company Cunning Folk Films based in Pittsburgh. With a deep passion for animal welfare / rights she hopes to be able to contribute her video skills to making a meaningful impact with HAP. She lives in Swissvale with her partner and their three pets. In her spare time she likes to hike, read and garden.
Dziyana Zubialevich
Content Creator
Dziyana Zubialevich is a Compliance Specialist at the University of Pittsburgh and is in the second year of her MA program in Education Policy. Dziyana immigrated to the United States from Belarus at three years old, grew up in New Jersey and moved to Pittsburgh in 2018. She graduated from Pitt in December 2021 with her Bachelor’s degree in Politics & Philosophy and in Russian. In her free time she enjoys taking adult ballet classes at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, hanging out with her pet bunny, crafting, and spending time outside. Dziyana has been vegan for over a decade and is passionate about social justice, animal welfare, and sustainability.
