TEAM BIOS
Joshua Levin, MSW
Legislative & Advocacy Manager
As a Policy Social Worker who is passionate about the intersection of political advocacy and animal rights, Joshua works to deepen public understanding of the legislative process and inspire meaningful participation in shaping pro-animal policy. Drawing on his Master of Social Work from the University of Connecticut, his approach towards legislative advocacy is rooted in grassroots activism and social justice.
Education and coalition building are at the core of his work–ensuring that advocates and policymakers alike are empowered to take meaningful action. Joshua has led grassroots campaigns on preventing rabbit farming expansion and banning second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, presented on a wide range of issues including the rising rates of animal cruelty in the state, ways to peacefully co-exist with black bears, and more, and has helped foster partnerships with missioned-aligned organizations to elevate animal protections as a shared public priority.
Joshua believes that effective policy begins with inclusive collaboration and informed civic engagement. His work reflects the conviction that enduring progress for animals relies on uniting people under the vision that all living beings are deserving of respect.
Susan Linker
President & Treasurer
Susan Biella-Linker founded Our Companions Animal Rescue in 2002. Under her leadership, the organization has grown to include the Valerie Friedman Program Center in Manchester and a 47-acre Animal Sanctuary in Ashford, CT.
Susan is a Board Member of Connecticut Votes for Animals, and the former President of the Animal Welfare Federation of Connecticut, a coalition of organizations working together to advance animal welfare.
Before founding Our Companions, Susan spent eight years at the Connecticut Humane Societyand its Fox Memorial Clinic, holding various roles in animal welfare. She also gained valuable fundraising experience as part of the American Red Cross development team.
Susan lives with her husband, Mitchell, who chairs Our Companions’ Development Committee, along with their beloved dog, Jason, and three adorable cats.
Anne Foley
Secretary
Anne is a retired social worker with more than thirty years of experience as a Connecticut state government policymaker including developing administrative and legislative policy and overseeing state agency implementation of policies, programs, and initiatives in the areas of health and human services. Anne has been an adjunct lecturer at the University of Connecticut School of Social work for over thirty years teaching social welfare policy analysis, political advocacy, program evaluation, macro practice, research, and human behavior in the social environment. She is currently a member of the board of directors of Chrysalis Center, a gubernatorial appointee to the Tobacco and Health Trust Fund board, and co-chair of the Homemakers and Companions Task Force. Anne lives in West Hartford with her spouse Tom, dog Maurice, and cat Johnny.
Andrea Kerin
Director
Fiercely dedicated to protecting wildlife and the environment, Andrea Kerin brings decades of non-profit philanthropy experience to the CVA board before joining CFA. Her admirable professional background includes director of leadership giving from the CT Fund for the Environment/Save the Sound and development positions at the CT Audubon Society and Save the Children.
Andrea’s recent retirement from her job is allowing her more time to devote to the many issues she cares about. This past year she has been involved in developing a local ordinance for Fairfield regarding shelter requirements for outside dogs. The proposal offers a stricter approach than the recently passed state law in providing adequate shelter for any dogs left outside.
Andrea and her husband Chris Kerin, already a friend of CVA, are generous donors to a number of animal and environmental causes. They are the proud “parents” of two rescue mini-Australian shepherds.
Karen Laski
Director
Legislative Board member, Karen Laski, has been an advocate for animals for 58 years, stirred by her parent’s activism in social causes. She and a friend joined the CT Animal Welfare League in 1966 and helped re-home dogs and cats. During that time Karen and her friend opened a dog grooming business called “Lemon and Lime” after they were trained for that skill in NYC. They also went to London and met the Beatles at Abbey Road.
She became active in many causes for people and animals while working at Manchester High School helping students who had problems with truancy.
At various times Karen went to the Hartford, Boston and DC to rally for animal bills such as testing on primates, banning the decompression chamber for euthanasia and several tries to ban circuses that used animals.
She was happy to attend the first meeting for the then unnamed “CT Votes for Animals” in 2008.
Dr. James Lombella
Director
Growing up on a small family dairy farm in western MA, Jim’s love for animals was instilled early in life and his compassion for creatures large and small endures. Through high school he was a dog groomer and later opened a pet supply store and dog grooming facility, partnering with local shelters and rescue organizations for adoption days and providing education on animal nutrition, grooming, and training. After a 14-year career as president of multiple CT State Colleges, public service and giving back to the community has become part of who Jim is. He currently serves as the President/CEO of Connecticut for Animals Education Fund, where he promotes the welfare and protection of animals and environment through education and community outreach.
As a Director at CVA, he is able to continue giving back by working to improve the lives of animals through legislation, advocacy, and community education. Jim’s family reflects his long-time work with rescues; it includes three rescue cats and a rescue puppy, Khali, who stole his heart as a foster and found her forever home.
Alec Medeiros
Director
Alec grew up in Connecticut where he attended University of Connecticut, where he earned a degree in Political Science. Alec and his wife currently own a yoga studio in the area which became his full-time focus. Through the studio, he has met hundreds of people seeking to create positive change in themselves and in the world around them. Helping facilitate this growth has been deeply rewarding, both for individuals and the larger community.
Although this is his first experience with organized animal advocacy, Alec has been a vegetarian for most of his adult life and has always considered the impact his diet and lifestyle choices have on animals and the planet. His study and practice of yoga deepened his belief in living with compassion and doing as little harm as possible to the animals who share our planet.
As Alec navigates the legislative process with CVA, he is reminded of how slow and difficult change can be, with outcomes not always matching hopes. Nevertheless, he is excited and proud to contribute to CVA’s work, knowing that the organization speaks up for animals who would otherwise have no voice. The passion, dedication, and experience of his fellow board members give him optimism despite the challenges. He envisions a future where more people value all animals equally, which could inspire transformative change.
Alec and his wife share their lives with two rescue cats, Vince and Jules, whose love and companionship bring them immense joy. He hopes that through his work with CVA, more people will come to appreciate that all animals—not just pets—deserve compassion, protection, and care.