Our People
Lindsey’s lifelong passion for helping animals and her background in law and policy laid the groundwork for DTA. Lindsey’s practice focuses on issues at the intersection of animal and environmental law, emphasizing the impacts of toxic chemicals and natural resource extraction on ecosystems. Throughout her career, she has perpetuated substantial reform on matters impacting land use, wildlife conservation, and companion animals.
Lindsey holds a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice, a Juris Doctorate ,and a Master of Law concentrating on wildlife law and policy. She is a member of the Washington State Bar Association.
Lindsey Zehel, Executive Director
Rachel is an integral part of DTA and has been with our organization since its founding. She shares her skills and ingenuity to advance the mission and direction of DTA. Rachel has a background in law, economics, and political science. She has worked in nonprofit and public interest law with organizations in Florida, California, and Oregon specializing in immigration law. Rachel currently works in the private sector for a company facilitating tax deferred real estate transactions and self directed retirement accounts.
Rachel is a member of both the Washington State Bar Association and Oregon Bar Association and is active with the Oregon Legal Heritage Committee.
Rachel Kotkin, Director of Operations
Casey is a graduate of Willamette University College of Law, and is a member of the Oregon State Bar Association. She is currently completing a graduate program in Animal Shelter Leadership through the University of Florida, and is very passionate about companion animal welfare. Casey joined DTA through the Virtual Advocacy Internship Program, and is heavily involved in the organization's development and strategic operations.
Casey Shook, Pro Bono Attorney
Born and raised in Paute, Ecuador, Gabriel’s guidance has perpetuated DTA’s success in the region. As a Certified National Tour Guide, Gabriel passionately shares his knowledge about Ecuadorian culture, the páramo ecosystem, and the ever-present threat of extractivism in Ecuador.
Gabriel studied Tourism Development and Management at the University of Azuay and is currently working towards a master’s degree in Teaching Spanish as a Second Language at the University of Barcelona.
Gabriel enjoys salsa dancing, hiking, and traveling.
Gabriel Coronel, Policy Advisor - Ecuador
Belén is a passionate advocate for environmental justice and Indigenous rights. With a background in microbial ecology and Indigenous relational research, she works to defend ecosystems and create spaces where local communities are heard and their knowledge is valued. At Defend Them All, Belén is committed to advancing projects that protect vulnerable environments and the people who defend them.
She holds a Master’s degree in Soil Science and Plant Nutrition through the Erasmus Mundus program and a Bachelor’s in Biology, Ecology, and Management. Her academic work bridges soil microbial ecology and community-led environmental stewardship, including a thesis project in rural Ecuador that combined ecological sanitation with participatory education to address water pollution in remote areas.
Belen Moya, Outreach Coordinator - Ecuador
Marie is a graduate from the law program at the University of British Columbia where she earned Specializations in Environmental and Natural Resource Law, and Aboriginal Law. Marie joined DTA as an intern in 2019 and contributed to several projects in Ecuador that summer. Since then, she has played a pivotal role in our rodenticide campaign efforts in Canada, with local advocates and government leaders widely referring to and relying on her research paper, "Defending Nature Against Rodenticides" (2021) to advance this issue. Marie currently practices commercial litigation in Vancouver, British Columbia.