WHO
WE ARE
One Earth Conservation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that promotes parrot well-being in the Americas by conducting transformative parrot conservation, taking action to end the wildlife trade, and encouraging in people a strong sense of human connection to all life that results in the well-being of all.
Staff
Co-Director & Board President
Rev. Dr. LoraKim Joyner
DVM, MPVM, MDiv
I have worked in avian conservation in Latin America for nearly thirty-six years as a wildlife veterinarian. The beauty and the power of the people and parrots there draw me to be in solidarity with them and to witness and share their struggle. To be a better partner in promoting the health of individual beings and biotic communities, I became an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister, and a Certified Trainer in Nonviolent Communication. These skills and experiences aid me in promoting the health of humans, for without the flourishing of people, the parrots do not stand a chance, and without the flourishing of life on earth, we humans will live narrower and less vibrant lives.
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Co-Director, Board Vice President & Secretary
Gail Koelln
MS
For as long as I can remember, animals have nurtured me through their beauty and wonder, and I love to care for them. As a child, I was inspired by Jane Goodall and wanted to grow up to be a zoologist like her. I earned a Masters degree in Zoology, but for various reasons left the field. However, over many years I have volunteered for the Wildlife Conservation Society, NYC Sierra Club, Gotham City Networking (leading their Gotham Green group), and Climate Reality Project. As a grant writing professional for more than 20 years, I have worked with a number of animal welfare, wildlife, and environmental organizations. After I met LoraKim in 2014, I finally found my life’s work serving as the Co-Director of One Earth Conservation.
LEARN MORE BY CLICKING HERE.
Conservation Project Manager Assistant
Sylvia Margarita de la Parra Martínez
M.Sc., D.Sc.
I have have worked in parrot conservation in Mexico for 17 years. I think parrots are one of the most fascinating groups of birds and have always been interested in studying them and learning about their biology. Understanding their conservation problems as a biology student, I decided to dedicate my studies and work for the protection and conservation of these species of birds. For many years my work was focused on the reproductive ecology and ecological requirements of medium and large parrot species, such as their nesting habits, food preferences and habitat requirements. I am committed to supporting the study and conservation of birds however I can.
Board of Directors
Board Member
Hector Orlando
Portillo Reyes
I am a wildlife biologist in Honduras. My interest the broad concept of biodiversity, with interest in the ecology of populations and their assemblies, emphasizing parrots. I study forest fragmentation, linking landscapes to their ecological relationships, and the effects of climate variations at local, regional, national and global levels. My life's work is dedicated to the people and biodiversity of Honduras.
Board Member
Eric Kreuter
I am a Partner in the Financial Advisory Services group at Marks Paneth LLP. I specialize in litigation and forensic services, including commercial damages and fraud investigations. My background also includes management, human resources and other consulting services. I am also a specialist in all facets of the construction industry. Last, but not at all least, I am the loving caregiver for a sweet parrot named Pluto, as well as a writer, poet and marathon runner.
Board Member
Joyce Hoffman
I’ve always been interested in things that fly. I have a BS in Aerospace and Ocean Engineering at VA Tech. I worked for Boeing for about 20 years in aircraft performance certification. Most recently, I joined a company called Aviation Partners which designs winglets on many Boeing aircraft. I’ve known LoraKim since our high school years and have visited her and her projects in Guatemala and Nicaragua
Board Member
Aimee White
My sense of adventure, love of the new and entrepreneurial spirit led me to move to the US after finishing university in England. My success in building businesses, global brands, and great teams has taken me around the world with Revlon, Procter & Gamble, Sony Music, and BBC Worldwide. I help businesses and non-profits with change management and to deliver outstanding results, and help people to discover their brilliance.
Board Member
Meredith Garmon
I love education - both learning and educating. I hold Masters’ degrees in communication studies and philosophy, and a PhD in government from the University of Virginia. I completed my theological studies at the Meadville-Lombard Theological Seminary in 2003 and was ordained a Unitarian Univeralist minister in 2004. Since 2013 I have served as the senior minister at the Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation at White Plains, NY.
Honorary Board Member
Hector/Time Bomb
Hector (nickname "Time Bomb"; no relation to our human Board Member Hector!) is our first living wild parrot representative to the Board. A yellow-naped amazon, he was found wandering on the road as a fledgling in Omtepe Island in Nicaragua in 2017. To protect him, Time Bomb was rescued by One Earth Conservation and Los LOCOS, raised in a shower in a hotel and became the first resident of the Rescue and Rehabilitation Center of Ometepe Island. He was liberated back into the wild in 2018, where, as far as we know, he continues to fly free.
Honorary Board Member
Rosa
We are all inspired by brave little Rosa, a scarlet macaw from Honduras, who died in 2016.
Rosa, Pree Palisa (Miskito for Fly Free)!
Your inner and outer beauty lives on and inspires us all to help parrots fly free.
Honorary Board Member
Dusty
Dusty, the cockatiel, at the ripe old age of 32 (as of February 2023), challenges us to remember the multispecies point of view! Gail Koelln and her husband are happy members of Dusty's flock.
Honorary Board Member
Pluto
Eric Kreuter and family belong to Pluto, a 24-year-old Meyer's Parrot. She chose Eric and his wife after her previous caregiver could no longer care for her.
Advisors
One Earth Conservation's work is conducted by its Co-Directors, Board of Directors, and an Advisory Board made up of talented and committed members who believe in our mission and want to contribute, each in their own way. If after reviewing our mission and vision statements above you are interested in joining our Advisory Board, email us at info@oneearthconservation.org. Thank you for your interest!
Joshua Anderson
Communications Consultant
Karen
Windsor
Executive Director,
Foster Parrots
Danika
Oriol-Morway
Board Treasurer,
Foster Parrots