JULIE WEISS MURAD

Founder and President
Parrot Behavior Consultant

Julie Weiss Murad, affectionately known as The Birdbrain, has been involved with companion parrots for thirty five years. She is a national human/parrot behavioral consultant based in Colorado. She has lectured both nationally and internationally and has written for several avian publications. Ms. Murad employs many ideas of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as taught by Susan Friedman, PhD, founder of Living and Learning with Parrots (LLP) which are based on the use of positive reinforcement. Julie has worked with a number of retailers, breeders, students, aviculturists, manufacturers, companion parrot "owners" and veterinarians to promote an educated awareness of the many needs of companion parrots.

Julie is founder and president of The Gabriel Foundation®, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation established in 1996. Headquartered in Colorado, TGF is dedicated to educating the public about the complex needs of psittacine birds through each of its seven programs: Education and Outreach, Adoption, Sanctuary, Rehabilitation, Rescue, Long-term Foster care, and Conservation, about the need to preserve wild parrots in their indigenous habitats. In 1995, Julie opened The Birdbrain to provide information and product resources to enhance the human/parrot relationship. Always a revenue and support source for TGF, The Birdbrain became fully owned by The Gabriel Foundation in early 2008. All proceeds continue help to support the Foundation’s programs.

Julie has been published nationally and internationally. In addition to her many national presentations, she has been a regular presenter at the AAV, AFA and NAVC conferences and she has internationally lectured in Canada, the U.K., and Japan. She has traveled widely to observe parrots in their natural habitats and learn firsthand the critical importance of in situ conservation programs. She is a member of AAV, and a lifetime member of A.F.A., WPT, A.S.A., IAATE and the Loro Parque Fundación. She is a member of other professional organizations in the animal sheltering community.

Julie shares her home with many animals including a variety of macaws and cockatoo species, Amazons, Grey parrots, Eclectus, Great-bills, Poicephalus, lovebirds, cockatiels, and canaries. At her home, Rancho de los Papagayos, many other rehomed animals can be found: horses, donkeys, llamas, alpacas, dogs, and cats.

Julie’s vision for The Gabriel Foundation has been shaped over many decades with a global influence. She has dedicated her time and resources to providing for the longevity and future of the TGF, its programs and residents with a long term focus on parrot welfare.

nOEL OPTIZ, DVM

Medical Director / Staff Veterinarian

Noel Opitz is the Staff Veterinarian and Medical Director for The Gabriel Foundation.  (And she really hates writing about herself, so please excuse the brevity of this bio.  If you want details, you will just have to ask.)  Dr. Opitz’s love for birds began at age 7 when Buzzy, a little, yellow, gregarious budgie came into her life.  He stole her heart, and she was never the same.  She knew she wanted to be a veterinarian even then.  But those who know Dr. Opitz well also know of her abiding passion for the arts and literature.  For a time, this passion won out, and Dr. Opitz received a degree in English Literature from Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota, and pursued related work.  But her love for animals, and especially birds, remained strong, and she continued to share her life with parrots.  She returned to school to study the biosciences, determined yet to become a veterinarian.  While in school, she worked full time at St. Francis Animal Hospital in Roseville, Minnesota for two years.  She then joined a team at the Minneapolis Medical Research Foundation conducting a study of the brain and behavior.  Although she was accepted into the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004, she deferred her enrollment for one year to complete the research project and assist the team in preparing their findings for publication.  While in Veterinary School, Dr. Opitz felt honored to study under some of the country’s most esteemed avian clinicians and educators, some of whom continue to be a source of information and moral support.  And to each of them she owes a tremendous debt of gratitude.  Dr. Opitz received the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 2009, and shortly thereafter came to The Gabriel Foundation to pursue her dream of serving avian patients full time.  Currently, Dr. Opitz shares her life with seven parrots of her own, and loves every minute of it.            

KAREN VANDERHYDE

Coordinator of Avian Welfare

I started at TGF in February 2007. I currently have two birds: A 15 yr female Blue & Gold macaw named Cosmo who came to me at the tender age of 3 months, and until DNA gender testing, I thought she was a he.  I also have a 13 yr male Grey parrot named Bill who I adopted through TGF. I worked in electronics for many years and as a part time job I started working at a local pet store in Michigan where I hand fed many baby parrots. When I moved to FL I went to work full time at a pet store as the “nursery momma” where I hand fed and took care of many different species of parrot babies. When I came to Colorado in January 2007 for a visit I also volunteered at TGF. While visiting, I saw the other side of what happens to many of those hand fed babies and felt that I needed to help educate myself so that I could help educate many other parrot owners about caring for parrots through all stages of their lives.

I have a deep passion and commitment to try every day and make a difference in the lives of parrots here at TGF and anywhere else I am able. Through years of working with parrots, learning, caring, and educating I am now assisting our staff veterinarian Dr. Noel Opitz.  

TRAVIS KELLN

Aviary Specialist

Travis joined the TGF Aviary team in March, 2007.  His passion for working with and learning more about all animals, particularly birds, brought him here.  In the time he’s been with us, he has learned so many of the birds in his care and enjoys his job immensely.  He has an extensive collection of reptiles (always kept safe and separate from any birds he has at home!).  He is currently “foster dad” to Louis, a wonderful 22 year old Nanday Conure from our Long Term Foster care program.

JESSICA BOONE

Aviary Specialist

I started at the aviary as an intern/volunteer in April and eventually got a job in October 2010 as an aviary technician with The Gabriel Foundation. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. I have a passion for birds but also am the caregiver for several other birds including 3 cockatiels, 2 Quakers, 1 Eastern Rosella and 1 Alexandrine. I am currently providing Off-site Long Term Foster care for 2 Greys (Sam, Samantha) and 2 amazons (Henry and Pickles). I chose to work at The Gabriel Foundation because I wanted to be able to help birds get adopted as well as give care to the birds the way that they should be taken care of. 

PAM EBERL

Administrative Assistant

Pam has been a member of TGF and a regular volunteer (along with her daughter Sara) since 2005.  Her passion to understand how to better care for her own flock, which consists of a Nanday Conure, a Cherry Headed Conure, 2 doves and, most recently, a Quaker parrot adopted from TGF, brought her to our door.  Pam is also an avid equestrian.  Pam’s organizational and office skills, along with her bird care experience, provide a huge asset to the operations at the Aviary as well as at The Birdbrain.

LIsa Bolstad

Administrative Coordinator

I brought home my first bird in April of 1999 – a little cockatiel a friend found in his tree.  I had always been a cat person, but bringing Queequeg home was a life-changing event. In October of that year we took in a quaker parrot who has been my oldest daughter’s close companion for over 11 years. Since that time eight more birds have joined our family. As each one came to live with us it became more and more clear that parrots are extraordinary beings. Because they add so much joy and laughter to my family’s life, I want to do everything I can to make their lives, and the lives of all parrots, the best it can be. 

 Early in 2010 I visited the aviary in Elizabeth for the first time. By the end of that visit I knew that TGF was a place where I would be spending a lot of time.  I began volunteering and by March 2011 I left my job at a medical school in Parker and began working for The Gabriel Foundation. I will be offering administrative support as well as helping in daily operations. I can’t think of anything I’d rather be doing.  We lost Queequeg in early 2009. He is the one that instilled in me a love for birds. I suppose in a lot of ways he never left me at all.

TASHA ANKERICH

Aviary Specialist

Tasha came to Colorado in 1979, fell in love and has been here ever since. In the fall of 2007, after 15 years as a veterinary technician, she left the field to offer her services as a pet sitter - and now has a thriving business. Tasha is a member of two Denver bird clubs: R.M.S.A., and Mountain States Avian Society where she is the current fundraising chairperson.

Tasha is the caregiver to 3 amazing parrots: CJ Featherball – an 18yr old African grey, whose favorite pastime is playing destroy the phone book, or the inside of a brown paper bag and  is the most recent addition to her flock. Then there’s the adorable parrot, Rio, a Blue crowned conure.  Five years ago he was rescued from a neglectful situation by a friend who could not keep him. That’s him in the picture with Tasha. And then there's the love of Tasha’s life, Dizzy, a 12 year old Dusky conure, that she’s cared for since he was a little baby bird.

Tasha helps to rehome unwanted parrots in her non-TGF life and takes pride in working with people who need help with understanding and caring for their feathered friends. Tasha always greets everyone here, birds included, with a smile and a hearty laugh. She’s a great asset to TGF’s flock and makes a real difference her.

Bunni Crawford

Aviary Technician

I like to be called Bunni.  I have worked with animals for 30 years.  My husband and I have no human children but we do have 3 dogs and 6 cats.  All my "kids" are rescues except for my Shih Tzu.  In my spare time I volunteer with Ginger's Legacy, a non-profit group based here in Elbert County.  We assist low income people with the cost of emergency veterinary care.  I am enjoying working here at The Gabriel Foundation and I am learning a lot."

DESSINA DAVIS

Financial Coordinator

I came to Colorado from the California bay area in 2003 and while there was a slight acclimation period, I haven't since looked back.  Growing up, I was always around a range of animals but I never imagined I would actually be working with such amazing ones.  Intimidated and awed, my fondness and appreciation for the work The Gabriel Foundation does for birds has grown immensely. 

Accounting principles are universal, regardless of the industry, and being an independent contractor allows me to move easily between various clients.  From a door replacement company to an off the road tire repair shop, a home based property management firm and compounding pharmacy, I have worked in many less than conventional environments, but nothing as special as this.

I never predicted that Rama, a Congo African Grey who was quarantined in my office when I first started, would make such an impression on me.  He meowed his way right into my heart and still receives multiple visits and treats a day!  My newest crush is Chuck, another CAG who has made a special perch in my heart.  He not only meows, he dances and raps!  It is only a matter of time before I bring one home with me, but until then, I have them all around me when I am at work.  They all bring a smile to my day when I least expect it and most need it.  Along with every single one of the amazing staff and volunteers, these birds make this an extraordinary place to work.  

KELLY HAYNES

Director of Development

Kelly McKee-Haynes has joined The Gabriel Foundation as Development Coordinator. She has over 25 years of experience in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Sales and Operations Management. She is certified as a Senior Human Resources Professional.

She has worked as a Human Resources Consultant for small- to medium-sized organizations, in all types of industries. She has worked primarily for service-driven retail environments, Neiman-Marcus, May Co. Los Angeles, The Denver Dry Goods, and Kacey Fine Furniture.

She is a member of the Society for Human Resources Management, and the National Human Resources Association. She has been past President of the Board of Directors for Ballet Nouveau, State Membership Vice President for Colorado Business and Professional Women’s Network and alumni of the Denver Chamber of Commerce Leadership Denver Program.

Libby Hull

Accounts Payable Clerk

Libby joined the TGF team in July of 2010.  She is originally from Tucson, Arizona and moved to Colorado 13 years ago.  She lives in Denver with her husband, son and two dogs (no birds YET).  Libby comes to us with over 10 years of retail sales, and retail management experience.  In Libby’s free time she enjoys cooking, walking and hiking outdoors, yoga, photography and spending time with friends and family.  

Shauna Roberts

Yahoo, Facebook and Beyond Birdie Basics Coordinator

Shauna has been involved with birds since she was a child. She became involved with TGF as a volunteer in 1999 wanting to help improve parrot welfare and general education to the public. She volunteers all of her time to TGF overseeing our online Beyond Bird Basics, TGF's Yahoo chat group and our Facebook pages. She also is the list owner of the Feeding Feathers yahoo list and especially loves all things cockatoos. Shauna's helpful articles are found at http://www.thegabrielfoundation.org/training.html

Hector Martinez and Brenda Cardenas

Aviary Technicians

Brenda and Hector provide the utmost care for the flock of The Gabriel Foundation that are housed at Acoma. Both have been with TGF for many years and are familiar faces to those who stop by The Birdbrain. Kindness, compassion and exceptional care are just a few of the qualities that Brenda and Hector bring to their jobs. The flock (birds and people) appreciate everything they do daily.

STEPHANIE LOSH

Sales Associate

Positivity is my lifestyle. I spend most of my free time painting, reading, and practicing photography. I have always loved animals of all shapes and sizes, and am a certified fish and reptile specialist. My idol is Steve Irwin.

VETERINARY LIAISONS

Kris Ahlgrim, DVM

Goldenview Veterinary Hospital

http://goldenviewvet.com/

Dr. Ahlgrim has been involved with The Gabriel Foundation since its inception and has provided care to our flock for many years and helped us to develop our avian medical requirements. Dr. Ahlgrim continues to donate time and services to The Gabriel Foundation and we thank her wholeheartedly for her continued support.

Jerry LaBonde, MS, DVM

Homestead Animal Hospital

http://homestead-animal-hospital.com/

Dr. LaBonde has been involved with The Gabriel Foundation even before it hatched. Dr. LaBonde has a reputation that is as well known as his kindness and veterinary expertise and skills. Dr. LaBonde continues to provide resources, support, veterinary care, liaison and his time to The Gabriel Foundation.