Meet the Advocacy Team

Kara Holmquist

Kara is the Director of Advocacy at the MSPCA. She has a law degree from Suffolk University Law School. She has held leadership positions in the Massachusetts Animal Coalition, the Mass. Bar Association’s Animal Law Practice Group, and the Link Up Education Network (a group that addresses the link between animal cruelty and human violence). Kara lives with two dogs, Rosebud and Kona, and three cats: Speckles, Charlie, and Joaquin.

Melissa Ekvall

Melissa is the Senior Animal Protection Research and Outreach Coordinator at the MSPCA. Melissa holds a Master’s degree in Animal Physiology from West Virginia University. Prior to working at the MSPCA, she was part of the Citizens for Farm Animal Protection Massachusetts ballot initiative as Campaign Coordinator. After the successful passage of Yes on 3, Melissa joined the MSPCA family as a Client Liaison at Angell Animal Medical Center. In 2018, she made the move to her current role within the MSPCA Advocacy Department, as Research and Outreach Coordinator. Melissa lives with her husband, son, and their Shih Tzus, Charlie and Fudge.

Lynsey Legier

Lynsey is the Staff Attorney for the MSPCA Animal Protection Division (APD). Lynsey is a former Assistant District Attorney who, for over ten years, specialized in the prosecution of animal cruelty cases. Lynsey vigorously advocated on behalf of those voiceless animal victims who had been harmed by the humans they trusted to keep them safe. She is a resource for law enforcement, animal control officers, other Assistant District Attorneys, judges, and other stakeholders in the criminal justice system. As Staff Attorney, Lynsey supports the APD by addressing legal issues with animal cruelty cases and with the holding of seized or abandoned animals. She also provides guidance in other types of civil actions that could help animals at risk achieve better outcomes, as well as assisting with legislative drafting and other advocacy matters.

Bethany DeZolt

Bethany is the Advocacy and Community Engagement Coordinator at the MSPCA. She received her Master’s degree in Animals and Public Policy at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University and holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations with a Concentration in Conflict Resolution from the George Washington University. While living in D.C., Bethany interned with the ASPCA Government Relations team and developed a passion for animal advocacy. Bethany manages our Community Advocacy Leader Program and assists advocates throughout Massachusetts in strengthening their capacity and advocacy skills. She is from Amsterdam, New York, and currently lives in Boston with her dog, Wally.

Jamie Blackburn

Jamie Blackburn has joined our Advocacy Team in the newly created Housing Policy Specialist position. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Rutgers University and has worked over 15 years in the nonprofit sector, specializing in health and housing policy at the state and federal levels. For the last 7 years, she has volunteered as a foster home for several local rescue organizations, helping to find homes for over 50 dogs. She lives with her family including 3 rescue dogs Ben, Ellie, and Bean and two rescue cats, Mr. Cuddles and Wednesday.

Jamie’s position is instrumental as the MSPCA-Angell is embarks on a new program to develop and implement strategies to create more pet-inclusive housing in Massachusetts.