Staff
Our work is driven by a passionate belief that the unconditional love of a pet can heal a child.
Melissa Steimer, MPA
Chief Executive Officer
Melissa started her nonprofit career over twenty-five years ago, serving in a development role for an Iowa nonprofit that served at-risk youth with specialized treatment for emotional, behavioral, and psychiatric needs. She went on to serve in numerous executive leadership roles for both local and national nonprofit organizations dedicated to family services, health, and animal welfare before coming to Gabriel’s Angels in June of 2021 to serve as CEO.
Melissa holds a Master of Public Administration and Nonprofit Management from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, a BA in Political Science and International Relations from Creighton University, and an additional certification in Nonprofit Executive Leadership from the Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation at Arizona State University.
She is a Valley Leadership Alumni – Class 40 and served on the Board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Greater Arizona Chapter as Education Committee Chair. As a mom of two young adults and a house full of many dogs, the human-animal bond has been a personal and professional passion for Melissa and drives her to collaborate with more partners across the state to positively impact the lives of youth.
Cara Lee Kiggins, EMPA
Chief Programs Officer
With an extensive background in nonprofit leadership, Cara has both led and crafted trauma-informed programming for survivors of war, torture, and sexual violence at nonprofits in the US and Egypt. Cara holds an Executive Master of Public Administration from Evans School of Public Policy & Governance at the University of Washington, a Graduate Diploma of Forced Migration and Refuge Studies from The American University in Cairo, and a BA in Anthropology from the Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University. She was first introduced to the magic of animal therapy in 2003 while volunteering at a therapeutic horseback riding program, and the transformations she witnessed there have remained with her ever since.
Although she has lived in many places, Cara grew up in Chandler, AZ and is happy to be back home and raising her family in beautiful Arizona. Cara shares her home in Phoenix with her two school-aged kids, two dogs (a big goofy Doodle and a silly Basset Hound), and 9 chatty backyard chickens.
Katy Hansen, MBA, M.Ed.
Director of Development
Katy’s expertise in communication, media, fundraising, business development, event planning and education spans throughout her thirty-year career. She started her nonprofit journey at United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona as the Director of Development for Central Arizona. Most recently, she was UMOM New Day Centers, Associate Director of Major Gifts. She has also been a professional speaker, event planner and marketing specialist for The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, worked as Senior Account Manager and Director of Public Relations for Knoodle Advertising, and was Design Director for The Art Institute of Phoenix. She graduated from Pepperdine University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Communication and worked for KABC Channel 7 in Las Angeles, CA and KPNX 12 in Phoenix, AZ in both news and public relations. She received her Master of Business Administration from Argosy University and Master of Education from Northern Arizona University.
She believes in the importance of always challenging yourself to stay “somewhat uncomfortable” so that you continue to grow in your craft and are ready for whatever life’s opportunities present. A native of Phoenix, she strives for a strong work life balance that incorporates her family, friends, career, and community into her daily routine. One of her favorite pastimes is walking her German Shepherd and Labrador.
Elizabeth Aspland
Operations Manager
Bilingual in English and Spanish, Elizabeth has multifaceted experience in human resources, operations management, accounting and database administration. Born and raised in Arizona, she holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Arizona State University. Elizabeth serves as a key resource for Gabriel’s Angels staff and supporters, providing essential information and support to ensure smooth operations. With a proactive approach, she excels at problem-solving, managing details, and connecting information. Elizabeth is instrumental in keeping Gabriel’s Angels running efficiently, both operationally and strategically.
Outside of the office, you will find her reading, baking, or spending time with her family. She and her husband have two children and two cats, one of which is in training to hopefully become a registered therapy cat to visit youth in need.
Amanda Shain
Marketing & Communications Manager
Amanda holds an Associate of Applied Science in Digital Media Art and Design from Glendale Community College and studied Digital Audiences at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University. Her background includes developing and strategizing content for a variety of media channels, including educational campaigns for the Animal Care and Control department of Maricopa County. She holds an additional certification in Entrepreneurship + Innovation from the Poder Program through Arizona State University and is a Fear Free Certified Animal Handler.
Her current roommates are two high-needs and much beloved dogs and four demanding and exacting cats, all rescued locally in the Phoenix area.
Annie Roberts
Program Coordinator – Partnerships
Annie studied Business Administration and English at the University of Arizona. With experience building and managing customer relationships, crafting professional communications, and collaborating on program development, Annie upholds high standards for maintaining organizational relationships on behalf of Gabriel’s Angels. Her unique skillset is helping to redefine the partner experience as she shepherds and supports the full life cycle of over 60 active school, shelter, and other youth-serving organization partners – all while enhancing the quality of Gabriel’s Angels services and impact in the community.
Outside of work, she enjoys exploring Arizona with her husband and is also a certified yoga instructor.
Rosie Ronnow, MPH
Program Coordinator – Central AZ Volunteers
Rosie holds a Master of Public Health with an emphasis on Maternal and Child Health from the University of Melbourne, which has led her to a career centered around programs that support our community’s youth, as well as a BS in Speech, Language, and Hearing Science from the University of Arizona with a Minor in Spanish. Her background includes a decade of program evaluation, nonprofit work, and volunteer management in various organizations both locally and abroad. Her work at Gabriel’s Angels combines three of the things she loves the most: children, dogs, and volunteers.
After traveling around the globe for many years, she’s happy to be back in her home state of Arizona to raise her family and two rescued Great Dane mixes.
Grace Kondo, MSW
Program Coordinator – Southern AZ Volunteers
Grace holds a Master of Social Work from Boston University, which paved her career path to supporting and advocating for underserved populations. She has worked in various settings from advocacy and community engagement to cancer care and programming for LGBTQIA2S+ youth, which has enabled her to see firsthand the incredible impact that community connections and volunteer efforts can have. Working with Gabriel’s Angels combines her passions for youth, building community, and animal assisted intervention.
Originally from the state of Florida, Grace is excited to be part of the vibrant community of Tucson along with her partner, dog, and two cats.
