About Us
Rhode Island Vegan Awareness (RIVA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that has been promoting veganism for more than 20 years to inspire justice, compassion, and respect for all species and the earth. Through public outreach—including TV PSAs, bus ads, film screenings, library displays, Ask a Vegan tables, workshops, and guest speakers—RIVA shares compelling reasons to choose vegan while showing how easy and delicious it can be. With community events, fundraisers, online resources, and monthly meetings, we continue to educate, support, and build a vibrant vegan-friendly community across Rhode Island.
Meet the Team
Laura Barlow
President
Laura Barlow is a recognized vegan activist and animal advocate. She has been vegan for over 27 years. She has been involved with RIVA since the beginning and has served as president since 2009, leading workshops, events, and media outreach. She has appeared on a variety of radio and television programs and has been featured in books and articles, where she has shared her knowledge and passion for vegan living and animal rights.
Beyond vegan outreach, Laura is active in animal rescue, with a particular focus on raising awareness about the importance of adopting special needs animals. She currently shares her home with her three beloved rescue dogs and guinea pig. In addition, Laura holds two masters degrees and is a dedicated special education teacher for students with severe and profound disabilities. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her fur babies and husband, traveling, and discovering new vegan restaurants.
Michelle Mach
Vice President
Michelle Mach has been vegan for 11 years and an active member of Rhode Island Vegan Awareness for 9. Her love of animals started in childhood—reading James Herriot and caring for rabbits, cats, dogs, a goat, and horses—and deepened while studying small animal science at an agricultural school, where lessons on humane care often felt at odds with the program’s focus on animal agriculture and testing.
A nature lover who delights in caring for rescued and farmed animals, Michelle calls herself an “imperfect environmentalist” and lives by the motto, “Do your best and advocate for the rest.” Professionally she advocates for people with Parkinson’s and manages large fundraising events, combining advocacy, marketing, and community building. Her creative outlets include vegan cooking and recipe development, writing, and sustainable fashion.
You’ll find her at the stable, hiking, gardening, practicing yoga, or traveling. She shares her life with her partner Alex, her senior cat Puppet, and her paint horse Cash. Michelle is excited to help RIVA grow its mission and foster education, connection, and community.
Kenneth Nardozza
Treasurer
Kenneth Nardozza has been a dedicated vegan for over 10 years and currently serves as Treasurer of Rhode Island Vegan Awareness. Passionate about community building, he enjoys volunteering at events, judging for Vegan Diced, and lending his comedic talents to fundraisers and outreach efforts. Beyond his advocacy work, Kenneth is a special education teacher who is deeply committed to his students. In his spare time, he loves relaxing with his rescue dogs and spending time with his wife.
Sharon O'Hearn
Secretary and Library Initiative Coordinator
Sharon O’Hearn, a vegan for 13 years, is an active volunteer with Rhode Island Vegan Awareness (RIVA). In her role, she assists with fundraising and educational events and also serves as the Library Initiative Coordinator, helping to further RIVA’s mission. Professionally, Sharon has 26 years of experience in the financial services sector and currently is a director in the product management space. Residing in Warwick, Sharon shares her home with her two adorable cats. Outside of work and volunteering, she enjoys spending quality time with her nieces, socializing with friends, tackling home improvement projects, and expanding her garden.
Alyssa Carlyle
Press Secretary & Board Member
For the past three years, Alyssa has been a dedicated vegan, driven by a deep commitment to animal welfare. Her passion extends beyond personal choices, as she actively contributes to the Rhode Island Vegan Awareness organization. Alyssa regularly volunteers at events, assisting with everything from food festivals to educational workshops. Through her efforts, she helps raise awareness about the ethical, environmental, and health benefits of a vegan lifestyle, encouraging others to consider a more compassionate way of living. In her spare time she loves to spend time with her daughter and husband. She enjoys going on hikes and helping at River Haven Sanctuary.
Dominic Woodruff
Board Member
Hello, my name is Dominic (a.k.a. Nick). I’m a board member of team Riva. I’m all about God, family, and helping the community. In my spare time, you can find me on nature trails, in mosh pits, or at Riva events. Hope to see you at one!
Jason Authier
Board Member
Jason Authier is a chef with more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality world. He joined RIVA in 2020, bringing his passion for great food and genuine hospitality to the team. Outside of work, Jason loves sharing his knowledge by teaching people how to cook simple, delicious plant-based meals. His love for animals and commitment to a kinder, healthier lifestyle inspire the way he cooks and the way he connects with others.
Claire Authier
Claire Authier is fourteen years old and attends North Smithfield Middle School as an eighth grader. She plays bass clarinet in the school’s concert band and jazz band ensemble while also training in pointe, ballet, tap, jazz, and lyrical dance. Claire has been vegan since she was six years old, when her family decided to transition to plant-based living. She loves vegan baking and is always coming up with new recipes with the help of her father, Chef Jason Authier. She joined Rhode Island Vegan Awareness in February of 2024 when gaining interest in the group from her father, who has been a member since 2020.
Joey Dearing
Volunteer and Website Coordinator
Joey has been a vegan for nine years and part of RI Vegan Awareness and have been part of the organization for about a year. She’s from Michigan originally but is now based in Rhode Island.