Our team

Colin Saravanamuttoo

Executive Director (he/him)

Colin has more than 20 years of senior leadership experience in the not-for-profit sector, in addition to strategic roles in the private and public sectors. An engineer by training, Colin has spent much of his career growing brands and effecting transformational change through strategic engagement, often in global settings. A lifelong animal lover, Colin is inspired by the vision of a world where animals live free from suffering and cruelty. He believes passionately that World Animal Protection can achieve impact at scale through its ambitious system change strategy and its pragmatic and solution-oriented approach. Colin lives in Toronto with his wife Colleen and their Bernese Mountain Dog Colombo.

Melissa Matlow

Campaign Director (she/her)

Melissa has been leading successful animal welfare and environmental advocacy campaigns for more than 20 years. She has been with World Animal Protection since 2005 in various roles, working on different campaigns to help wildlife, farmed animals and animals in disasters. As the Campaign Director she oversees the organization’s Canadian campaigns to change government legislation, corporate and financial institution policies, and people’s behaviour to improve protection for animals. She lives in Toronto with her husband, daughter and cat named Patch.

Lynn Kavanagh

Farming Campaign Manager (she/her)

Lynn oversees World Animal Protection’s farming and food systems campaign. She works to change government and corporate policies to improve animal welfare, raise public awareness about the plight of farm animals in Canada, and advocates for a more humane and sustainable food system. Lynn has been working in animal advocacy for over 20 years. She holds a B.A. in Philosophy and an MSc in Animal Behaviour and Welfare.

Erin Ryan

Wildlife Campaign Manager (she/her)

Erin is a skilled and creative science communicator with more than 10 years of experience working on a wide variety of wild animal welfare issues across the country. A Registered Profressional Biologist (RPBio), she holds a BSc and MSc in Applied Animal Biology with the UBC Animal Welfare Program. Erin leads campaigns focused on ending the exploitation of wild animals as pets, in entertainment, and other practices. Erin is based in Vancouver, and a proud member of the Syilx (Okanagan) Nation.

Jade Cooper-Clark

Integrated Project Manager (she/her)

Jade joined World Animal Protection Canada in 2018 after volunteering first as a researcher. She supports the Program team in both our Wildlife and Food Systems campaigns. Based in Toronto, she is a lifelong animal and nature lover committed to the belief that all animals deserve a life free from suffering.

Ester Mora

Corporate Campaign Manager (she/her)

With over 10 years of experience advocating for animal welfare, Ester is a dedicated communications specialist and project manager. She has worked across various areas, from helping protect animals during disasters to creating impactful campaigns. Passionate about driving meaningful change, Ester focuses on finding solutions that make the corporate sector more sustainable and animal-friendly. She believes in the power of collaboration to create a better future for animals.

Tiffany Oliveira

Donor Relations Manager (she/her)

Tiffany is a dedicated professional with over a decade of experience in the non-profit sector. She is passionate about building connections with donors and finds inspiration in their commitment to advancing global animal welfare. Residing in Ontario with her husband and two children, Tiffany is deeply involved in making a positive impact on the world for animals through her work and personal life.

Lindsay Thibault

Donor Retention Manager (she/her)

Lindsay has a degree in ethics and over a decade of experience in nonprofit fundraising, working with more than 20 organizations, including international charities and animal welfare groups. She’s grateful to play a role in helping supporters live out their values because when animals thrive, we all thrive. Living in the Gatineau Park region outside of Ottawa with her partner and Australian Shepherd dog, Berkeley, she loves responsibly exploring nature and local farmers' markets.

Jamie Mahase

Database Coordinator (he/him)

Jamie has worked within a Database CRM role with several non-profits over the past 10 years. Grateful for the privilege to work with such a dedicated team with a shared ambition to Move the World and become the lead agency to improve Animal Welfare and System’s Change for our furry, scaly, and feathered friends.

Elena Seva

Supporter Services and Office Coordinator (she/her)

Elena has been over 5 years with the organization. She loves to connect with our donors and supporters and helps them with their enquiries. She brings international expertise and her passion for animal advocacy to the team. When she is not helping supporters from our Toronto office, she likes spending time with family and taking breaks from the city to explore new nature spots.

Sofia Mussa

Finance Manager (she/her)

Sofia joined World Animal Protection as a Finance Manager in July 2020. She comes with over 25 years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, accounting, budgeting, grant administration and compliance in the not-for-profit sector. Sofia is an enthusiastic and hard worker who enjoys the work she does.

Beth Sharpe

Communications Director (she/her)

Beth has been working in non-profit Communications, leading national marketing strategies, for nearly 20 years. She oversees our brand awareness work, media engagement and celebrity ambassador program. Beth has led the development of several award-winning behaviour change campaigns including winning the Silver Medal in the Social Impact category at the Canadian Marketing Association Awards.

Jeffrey Frey

Senior Digital Marketing Manager (he/him)

Jeff is passionate about advocacy and bridging the gap between people and campaign work. He leverages his expertise to craft compelling digital strategies that not only raise awareness and educate, but also inspire action towards animal welfare causes. His innovative approach to digital engagement is driven by a belief in the power of storytelling and the potential of digital platforms to connect individuals with opportunities to contribute to impactful change.

Lianna Pisani

Social Media Manager (she/her)

Lianna is a believer in using social media for social good, with over a decade of strategic digital campaigning and advocacy experience. She has a Master of Arts degree in communications and culture, and has published research papers, guest lectured, and spoken at conferences on how social media propels social movements. She joined World Animal Protection in 2018 but has been an animal lover and advocate for as long as she can remember. Lianna is especially passionate about protecting the planet and animals for future generations.

Alison Smith

Social Media Coordinator (she/her)

Alison has been with World Animal Protection since 2022 and works to build and maintain online communities and create inspiring content. She is passionate about animal welfare and sharing that with our existing and potential supporters.

Sasha Rink

Senior Web and Content Coordinator (she/her)

Sasha worked in wildlife rehabilitation and emergency animal care before shifting her focus to using digital tools and effective communication strategies to further the field of animal protection. She is passionate about educating people on animal welfare issues and how making compassionate choices can make a big difference for animals.