Melanie Moonstone
Founder and Executive Director
Melanie went vegan in 2014 and dove head first into animal activism, protesting fur, animal testing, circuses, animal rides, marine parks, and more. She had an immediate desire to meet farmed animals and visited Chicken Run Rescue a few times. It was love at first sight, in particular with a huge rooster named Butler. She knew she would rescue birds one day.
As a full time Addiction Counselor, Melanie is always advocating for the “underdogs” who struggle with negative stigma and stereotypes. This has now played a role in rescuing roosters, the “underdogs” of the animal world. She is a recovering alcoholic since 2006 and has found roosters to be a powerful, healing, and spiritual presence in her life.
Melanie has volunteered for Animal Rights Coalition, Minnesota Animal Liberation, Chicken Run Rescue, Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of MN, and began Minneapolis Animal Save. She now puts her time, energy, and focus on Rooster Redemption.
As a full time Addiction Counselor, Melanie is always advocating for the “underdogs” who struggle with negative stigma and stereotypes. This has now played a role in rescuing roosters, the “underdogs” of the animal world. She is a recovering alcoholic since 2006 and has found roosters to be a powerful, healing, and spiritual presence in her life.
Melanie has volunteered for Animal Rights Coalition, Minnesota Animal Liberation, Chicken Run Rescue, Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of MN, and began Minneapolis Animal Save. She now puts her time, energy, and focus on Rooster Redemption.
Amy Leinen
Volunteer Coordinator
Amy Leinen went vegan in 2012, and quickly became involved in rescuing chickens for Chicken Run Rescue, a local chicken sanctuary.
It wasn't long before she ended up with fostering chickens, which led, of course, to having a few permanent companion chickens in her home (currently Melody, Hellen, Subaru, Sweetpea, and Raven) and starting Chicken Butt Microsantuary.
When Rooster Redemption was established, Amy was one of the biggest fans. So when she was invited to be on the board, she jumped at the chance. Roosters hold a special place in her heart.
It wasn't long before she ended up with fostering chickens, which led, of course, to having a few permanent companion chickens in her home (currently Melody, Hellen, Subaru, Sweetpea, and Raven) and starting Chicken Butt Microsantuary.
When Rooster Redemption was established, Amy was one of the biggest fans. So when she was invited to be on the board, she jumped at the chance. Roosters hold a special place in her heart.
Dan Kigelman
Board Member
Dan Kigelman went vegan in 2013 for ethics, environment, and health. He is a regular volunteer with Animal Rights Coalition, helping with the Cuddle Coats program, and tabling / outreach. In his spare time, he enjoys salsa/bachata, reading, and pondering spending time in nature. Dan lives with two cats who keep him in check.
Sammy Barba
Fundraising Coordinator
Sammy Barba began his vegan journey in 2013. Always having a love for animals, PETA2 documentary showed him exactly how his current habits were not aligning with his core values. Seeing many of his favorite bands speak of liberation for animals really clicked for him.
Sammy is a musician, performs in a couple of bands, partners in a production company, volunteers for Animal Rights Coalition, likes to educate on nutrition and environmentalism, is working on starting his own vegan cooking show, "#ShredIt! w/ Sammy Strings," and protests to abolish animal exploitation.
When he's not to busy saving the world, he likes to watch Lord of The Rings, play Legend of Zelda, and snuggle in bed with Juno The Dog, and Gronk The Kitty.
Sammy is a musician, performs in a couple of bands, partners in a production company, volunteers for Animal Rights Coalition, likes to educate on nutrition and environmentalism, is working on starting his own vegan cooking show, "#ShredIt! w/ Sammy Strings," and protests to abolish animal exploitation.
When he's not to busy saving the world, he likes to watch Lord of The Rings, play Legend of Zelda, and snuggle in bed with Juno The Dog, and Gronk The Kitty.
Bonnie Mark
Board Member
Bonnie went vegan in 2010 and has been talking about it ever since. Her favorite forms of activism include cooking for and feeding her friends and having open, honest conversations about compassion, feminism, animal rights and how to live a life that encompasses them all (hint: ethical veganism). Bonnie was born and raised in the city of Chicago and relocated to Minneapolis in 2016. Since moving here, she has been eager to find her little corner of the vegan community and she is so excited to have found that at Rooster Redemption.
If you've ever met Bonnie you probably know that she loves loves loves her cats and talks about them perhaps a little bit too much. When she isn't talking about or spending time with her cats you may find her camping or hiking with her amazing girlfriend Sara, rock climbing at a local climbing gym, cooking/serving/eating delicious vegan food or lingering around dog parks trying to meet new dog-friends.
If you've ever met Bonnie you probably know that she loves loves loves her cats and talks about them perhaps a little bit too much. When she isn't talking about or spending time with her cats you may find her camping or hiking with her amazing girlfriend Sara, rock climbing at a local climbing gym, cooking/serving/eating delicious vegan food or lingering around dog parks trying to meet new dog-friends.
Brent Tilseth
Board Member
Brent Tilseth is a stay at home father, a student working toward an Elementary Education degree and license, a hip-hop artist, and a life-long soccer player. He has been vegan for 5 years, and the lifestyle has been the backbone of his growing family's values. Brent is the kind of person that cares about the well-being of everyone around him, and he is happy to bring his heart and mind to helping the roosters!