In 2001, I was offered employment by Patti Christie, CVT, RN who had taken ownership 2 years previous.  Since that time, I have been an integral part of the team that makes Avian Suites the highly regarded boarding facility that it is – recognized both locally and nationally.  I have regularly participated in educational opportunities offered both locally and nationally including the U of M College of Veterinary Medicine Avian Emergency and Critical Care conference, the annual Avian Behavior Conferences, workshops with Barbara Heidenreich and Dr. Susan Friedman, Parrot Festival in Houston, TX and the annual Association of Avian Veterinarians convention. 

When Patti was offered an opportunity for a position at The Gabriel Foundation in Colorado, I offered to take over ownership of this much needed business.  Having worked beside her for over 6 years, and having developed relationships with our clients and guests, it was an honor to consider keeping this going.  As a bird owner myself, I know the value of peace of mind that comes knowing that competent people are caring for my companions!  While we will miss having Patti here every day, the team looks forward to continuing the tradition of excellence that she began.  As leader of the team, I am looking forward to more educational opportunities and meeting the special needs of our clients and guests. 

My own flock consists of Alfalfa (12 year old female Cockatiel), Earle the Girl (a female Congo African Grey – named prior to DNA sexing! She’s was hatched in 1997), Gabby (a male Congo African Grey that was a guest at Avian Suites.  Gabby’s mom passed away after caring for him for 15 years.  He was hatched in about 1987), and my newest – a male Rose Breasted Cockatoo named Bijou (adopted from The Gabriel Foundation in 2006.  He was hatched in 2004).

Our Talented Staff Also Helping Care for Your Bird

Brenda -- Manager.  Brenda joined the staff of Avian Suites™ in March, 2003.  She graduated from the veterinary technical program in 2005 and is now a Certified Veterinary Technician.  Additionally, Brenda has completed her coursework to be a Certified Avian Specialist through PIJAC.  Both certifications require extensive continuing education to maintain, which Brenda has enthusiastically embraced!  Brenda's "current" flock includes Sophie (female Congo African Grey), Clark (a rehomed male Congo African Grey), Ziggy (male Cockatiel) and her 2 budgies Mr. Tweet and Bindi Sue.  Brenda is married to Mike and they have a daughter Hana Lin.

Danielle -- Bird Care Assistant.  Danielle is a new team member since May, 2007.  She completed her pre-vet coursework and has been accepted to the U of M Veterinary School starting in the fall of 2007.  Danielle has been working at an area vet clinic for 3 years dealing with dogs and cats and wanted to add to her experience the avian care.  In just a short time, she has been captured by these birds and how they interact with us!  We look forward to having her continue to learn more and maybe she'll be encouraged to specialize in avian medicine.

Cathy -– Bird Care Specialist.  Our regular “volunteer” since, Cathy is a client who wanted to get more bird time without having to add many more birds to her home! Her female Umbrella Cockatoo, Ariel, (hatch date 1995) has been our ambassador at events such as Pride and Pet Expo and is one of the happiest, most well socialized Cockatoos we enjoy here. We so much appreciate all Cathy does to promote Avian Suites. Her background in business ownership has also proved very helpful!!

Kitt -- Certified Vet Tech/Bird Care.  Kitt has been a CVT for 20 years and is currently working on also completing the Certified Avian Specialist coursework.  Kitt joined Avian Suites™ in June, 2002 with only 2 cats (and her husband Steve too!) in her household.  Not surprisingly, she added 2 delightful birds that were in need of new homes -- Alex (male Senegal parrot) and Tribble (male Green-cheeked Conure).  Kitt had always been fascinated by birds and the unique bond that exists between caregiver and feathered companion.  She is truly enamored with her own birds now, and has a great rapport with the clients and birds we care for here.  Kitt continues to add her knowledge and understanding of bird care, husbandry, behavior and medical issues through attendance at conferences seminars whenever she can.

Julie -- Bird Care Specialist.  Julie started out as a client and joined our team doing relief work in 2002.  She has completed the Certified Avian Specialist program and regularly attends seminars, conferences and courses to keep learning more about these wonderful creatures she has committed to caring for.  Her flock started out with Dandy (female Cockatiel).  Soon Daffy (female Cockatiel), Carmen (male Sun Conure) and Curtis (female Green-cheeked Conure) were added -- adopted from MAARS.  Recently, she and her husband Terry added a fifth member -- Buddy (female Senegal parrot) also adopted from MAARS.  Julie works full time in the banking industry.

Melissa –- Certified Veterinary Technician.  Melissa started doing fill in work in June, 2007. She works at a veterinary practice that does not see birds and was looking for a way to get more “bird time”.  Melissa adopted a male Eclectus parrot from one of our clients to add to her household.  She also has a Blue Crowned Conure in her flock. Melissa is mom to a 3 year old daughter so she leads a pretty busy life.

Molly -- Bird Care Assistant.  Molly joined the Avian Suites™ team in 2004 while in high school.  She was also a volunteer for MAARS.  Molly is currently at the U of M majoring in animal science.  She is a natural with the birds and is a tremendous asset to our team here when she is available!  Molly was accepted for an internship at The Gabriel Foundation for the summer of 2007 which will give her a huge amount of experience in husbandry, behavior, medical care and welfare.

Peter –- Bird Care Assistant.  Peter is a recent addition to our team but has already put a lot of time into educating himself through online and in house coursework on avian care and husbandry.  He has spent much time with birds that were owned by friends and is now at a place in his life he can consider adding a bird to his household.  Even though he doesn’t have birds, he has extensive experience with flight!  Peter is winding down a successful career in the airline industry and is having a great time learning all there is to know (we will never really get there though!) about caring for companion birds.

Stephanie -- Bird Care Specialist.  Steph is a Certified Veterinary Technician and has made herself available for relief work the past few years. We have utilized her more regularly and now consider her part of our “flock”. Steph has worked at area avian vet clinics and currently is employed full time at the U of M vet school. She has 3 rescue birds and much experience with special needs birds. Her own flock consists of 2 Cockatoos and a Blue and Gold Macaw. She continues to be a very valuable resource for us.

Avian Suites™ News Flash:  Patti has flown the coop!

Patti Christie, CVT, RN -- Avian Suites™ owner and mentor since 1999 has moved to Colorado with her flock.  Patti has taken a position with The Gabriel Foundation - a 501c3 parrot welfare and education organization.  Patti continues to be a consultant and supporter of Avian Suites™!