Fortunate is the child that grows up with plenty of open space beyond the backyard, especially when it includes a famous falconer flying his awe-inspiring raptors over a nearby canyon in Boise, Idaho. After many years spent watching Morley Nelson fly his birds (not to mention countless hours prowling around his mews to see his raptors up close), I was lucky to become a falconer’s apprentice under Morley when I turned 16. I learned how to handle and fly falcons, hawks and eagles, and spent many hours tossing pigeons into the air while Morley filmed the amazing stoops of a Peregrine Falcon for videos such as The Vertical Environment. This experience, plus a college ornithology class, turned my childhood interest in birds into a full-blown, adult obsession.
Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Boise State University, I was disappointed to encounter a job market that was oversaturated with wanna-be ornithologists. I ended up on a different career path after writing a successful grant proposal to expand BSU’s Outdoor Adventure Program to include classes and trips for people with physical disabilities. Managing this program for seven years taught me finer points of running a nonprofit organization and introduced me to some of the most courageous and fun people I’ve ever met.
While working for BSU, I entered their new graduate program in Raptor Biology and spent two years studying the effects of reservoir eutrophication on Ospreys near Cascade, Idaho. A fellow grad student lured me to Alaska in 1991, where once again I found myself working for a nonprofit organization having nothing to do with birds. That all changed in 1997 when I landed my dream job directing the Alaska Bird Observatory, a position I held until my “first retirement” in October 2006. I am presently working for Fountainhead Development, helping them develop a new wildlife sanctuary and exhibits for an antique car museum in Fairbanks. I’ve been unable to stay away from birds, though, and have taken in two permanently injured owls that accompany me to schools to teach kids about raptors and wildlife conservation.
When I’m not working I like to take long walks with my two dogs, go snowshoeing or downhill skiing, tease grayling with my fly rod, and travel with my husband, Jim, to far-flung places to watch and photograph birds.
Curriculum Vitae
Education:
- B.S. Biology (cum laude), Boise State University, Idaho, 1985
- Graduate studies in Raptor Biology, Boise State University, 1987-1991
- Grantsmanship Center of Los Angeles, November 1989
Professional Experience:
- Wild Wings, Etc. – Owner, 2007-present.
- Fountainhead Development – Project Director, March 2007-present.
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Fairbanks Field Office, Fairbanks, AK - Contract Biologist, spring 2008.
- Alaska Bird Observatory, Fairbanks, AK – Executive Director, 1997-2006
- Fairbanks Counseling and Adoption, Fairbanks, AK – Executive Director, 1992-1997.
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Endangered Species Division, Fairbanks, AK – Contractor, 1992
- Boise State University – Project Director, Alternate Mobility Adventure Seekers, 1988-1991; Assistant Project Director, Alternate Mobility Adventure Seekers, 1985-1988; Assistant Director (volunteer position), Outdoor Adventure Program, 1983-1988.
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Endangered Species Division, Boise, ID – Wildlife Technician, winter 1982-1983.
- Morlan Nelson, Master Falconer, Boise, ID – Falconer’s Apprentice, 1979-1984.
Community & Professional Involvement:
- Rotary Club of Fairbanks member, 1996 to present. Board member, 2000-2002.
- Fairbanks North Star Borough Parks & Recreation Commission member, 2007 - present. Vice-chair, 2009-2010.
- North America Breeding Bird Survey - Conduct two Alaska survey routes, 1999 - present.
- Alaska Bird Conference organizing committee chair, 2001-2002 and 2006-2008
- Alaska Dog Mushers Association auction coordinator, 2007 & 2008
- Boreal Partners in Flight co-chair, 2004 & 2005
- Raptor Research Foundation Annual Conference organizing committee chair, 2002-2003
- Western Bird Banding Association 75th Annual Meeting organizing committee chair, 2000
- Alaska Dog Mushers Association board member, 1998-2001
- Arctic Alliance for People treasurer, 1993-1994
- Boise City Mayor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, 1990-1991
- Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Statewide Advisory Board, 1987-1991; IDVR Technology-Related Assistance special advisory team, 1989-1990; IDVR Independent Living special advisory team, 1986
- United Way Fund Distribution Committee Member, 1991
- Physically-challenged Access to the Woods (P.A.W.) advisory board member and budget committee chairperson, 1989-1991
- Idaho Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Conference advisory board and Adaptives/Correctives committee chairperson, 1987
