Leadership

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Meena leads the work of LivingKind. Previously, she was a humane education consultant for the Animal Welfare Trust, a senior faculty member at Advantage Testing, and an associate at the Manhattan law firm Shea & Gould. She formerly chaired the animal law committees of both the American Bar Association and the New York City Bar.

A fellow of the American Bar Foundation, she serves on the boards of the Animal Legal Defense Fund and the Mayor’s Alliance for New York City’s Animals. Meena authored “The United States’ Enforcement of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species” (Northwestern Journal of International Law and Business) and co-authored “A Note on Pedagogy: Humane Education Making a Difference” (Journal of the Institute for Critical Animal Studies). She holds a B.A. from Cornell University, a J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law, and an M.S. in Animals and Public Policy from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine.

PROGRAMS DIRECTOR

Kristina Hulvershorn is Program Director at LivingKind. She designs and leads a variety of humane education programs and initiatives, grounded in years of experience as a teacher and leader in public schools.

She is the creator of be the change, a humane education museum housed at Peace Learning Center, and the author of Secret of the Troublemakers. Kristina also co-founded and directs Climate Camp, a summer program devoted to climate and humane education, and is an experienced restorative justice practitioner and trainer.

She earned a B.A. in General & Special Education, completed extensive coursework in nonprofit management, and holds an M.Ed. in Humane Education from the Institute for Humane Education. Kristina believes deeply in the possibility of positive change—especially when people, including children, are given opportunities to act with kindness, creativity, and courage in the face of difficult challenges.

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & ADVANCEMENT

Cary serves as Director of Operations & Advancement at Humane Education Advocates Reaching Teachers (HEART), where she guides philanthropy, communications, and operations supporting the organization’s mission to foster compassion and social responsibility through humane education. With more than 25 years of nonprofit experience, Cary has led development and marketing efforts that have generated over $21 million in philanthropic support and strengthened community commitment through innovative campaigns, donor engagement, and monthly giving. Before joining HEART, Cary served as Director of Development & Marketing at LiftUp of Routt County, where she built a thriving giving program, exceeded fundraising goals, and expanded the organization’s digital presence. Her career includes leadership roles with Routt County Humane Society, W.O.L.F. Sanctuary, and Animal House Rescue & Grooming, where she co-chaired a new shelter capital campaign. Cary earned her M.A. in Speech Communications and dual B.A. 's in Speech Communications and Journalism from the University of Northern Colorado and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Front Range Community College. She serves on the Board of Directors for Haven Hill Animal Sanctuary and on the Board of Directors at Rescue A Golden of the Midwest (RAGOM).

SERVICE LEARNING DIRECTOR

Jeannie has over 25 years of experience working with children and families across educational and social service settings. She holds a Master’s in Education from Bank Street College and a B.A. from Barnard College. She began her career teaching in special needs preschool programs and helped pioneer early initiatives in New York City to support homeless children in shelters and welfare hotels. She later served as Director of Children’s Services at Sanctuary for Families’ domestic violence shelter, overseeing educational, recreational, and therapeutic programs for children of all ages. Before joining LivingKind, Jeannie directed the Early Impact Family Program, providing advocacy, therapy, and support to families involved in the foster care system. She also led Children and Family Programs at the Bronx Ethical Culture Society, where she developed a comprehensive “Ethics For Kids” curriculum.

EDUCATION SPECIALIST

After earning his undergraduate degree from DeVry University, Bob spent 15 years as an IT/business consultant implementing enterprise resource planning systems. Seeking more meaningful work, he enrolled in the Institute for Humane Education’s Master’s program, graduating in 2004. He began teaching humane education in Chicago schools and, in 2005, joined LivingKind (then HEART) to develop its first curriculum and serve as its first humane educator in NYC. Since then, Bob has worked as an instructor, program coordinator, and program director, delivering programs in NYC, Chicago, Madison (WI), and southwest Washington State. He has developed curricula, trained teachers, managed staff and volunteers, and launched local junior and advisory and boards. Bob is also a certified mindfulness meditation instructor and has volunteered with hospice centers, animal rescue groups, and environmental organizations.

PROGRAMS SPECIALIST

Claire supports the design, expansion, and implementation of HEART’s New York City programming. In her role, she collaborates with educators and community partners to bring humane education into classrooms and schools, helping students explore the interconnections between human, environmental, and animal topics. Before joining HEART, Claire worked as a Lead Educator and guest speaker for New Roots Institute, engaging with thousands of NYC students through interactive lessons that fostered empathy, critical thinking, and compassionate action. She brings three years of experience in educational advocacy and program development, with a focus on emotionally centered learning that nurtures empathy and inspires young people to create positive change. Claire earned her B.S. in Psychology from SUNY Oneonta, an Advanced Certificate in Animal Behavior and Conservation from Hunter College, and an M.A. in Animal Studies from New York University.

VOLUNTEER HUMANE EDUCATOR

Alice was a special educator for 37 years. She has volunteered with the Wildlife Center of Long Island since 2007, working as an animal care and education volunteer. Alice partnered with HEART in her classroom for more than 10 years teaching children about the respectful treatment of people, animals, and the environment. She has now transitioned into a volunteer humane educator with HEART.

VOLUNTEER HUMANE EDUCATOR

Lisa is a member of the United Federation of Teachers Humane Education Committee and, prior to working with HEART, taught Theatre and English at Edward R. Murrow High School. Lisa had been drawn to classroom teaching as a theatre professional. She received the Teacher Extraordinaire Award from the Brooklyn Borough President and Distinguished Teacher Award from the New York State Assembly. Upon retirement, Lisa developed a "kindness workshop" for local elementary schools, incorporating the "creative dramatics" techniques she had learned while studying for her Master of Fine Arts Degree in Directing and had used in every class she taught. She endeavors to make a difference for animals and people through her work with a variety of organizations, including RedRover, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and the Museum of Jewish Heritage-A Living Memorial to the Holocaust. Among her current activities, she is training teachers in the use of creative drama activities to foster awareness, empathy, and compassion while also meeting academic objectives.

PROGRAM CONSULTANT

In her work with HEART, Kim has taught humane education programs for youth of all ages in various venues in school and out of school, assisted with curriculum development, conducted teacher training workshops for traditional and non-traditional educators, and managed new volunteers. She also co-designed and taught HEART’s first ever summer camp program. Kim received her B.A. from Goddard College/Green Mountain College and M.Ed. from Cambridge College, in association with the Institute for Humane Education. Prior to joining HEART, Kim worked as a humane educator for the Michigan Humane Society where she taught over 9,000 students in three years. Kim has also been a facilitator for the Institute for Humane Education’s Sowing Seeds and MOGO Workshops.