Mission
The Mission of IAATE is to promote best practices in the field of avian care, training, and educational programming, and to inspire conservation of avian species and natural world. Through conferences, publications, personal interactions and its website, IAATE fosters the exchange of information and skills that support the highest standards of managing birds for public programs and exhibits.
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About IAATE
The International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators (IAATE) was founded to foster communication, professionalism, and cooperation among those individuals who serve Avian Science through training, public display, research, husbandry, conservation, and education.
Specifically, IAATE recognizes its role in and responsibilities to the continued existence of zoological parks, public and private institutions housing birds. Trainers and other personnel involved in the husbandry and research of birds must have a clear understanding of their individual roles as well as the interplay between themselves, the animals in their care, the communities in which they live and work, and the public which they serve and to which they are ultimately responsible.
IAATE will provide opportunities through which bird trainers can exchange and disseminate current knowledge, research and other information among themselves in professional and social settings. In addition, IAATE seeks to maintain a positive public image by preparing its members to act as ambassadors for the avian community.
IAATE hopes to establish a community of members aspiring to attain the objectives of the Association and committed to its code of professional ethics. IAATE is dedicated to providing and advancing the most professional, effective, and humane care and handling of birds in all habitats.
Meet The Team
Erin Katzner
President
Helen Dishaw
Vice President
Robin Shewokis
Past President
Dave Miller
President-Elect
Melinda Mendolusky
Secretary
Cassie Malina
Chief Financial Officer
General Board Members
Steve Martin
Kit Lacy
Gareth Morgan
Arianna Bailey
Mike Billington
Miguel Santos
Avian Care and Management Committee
Awards Committee
Arianna Bailey
Helen Dishaw
Erin Katzner
Kit Lacy
Cassie Malina
Steve Martin
Melinda Mendolusky
Dave Miller
Gareth Morgan
Miguel Santos
Robin Shewokis
Mike Billington
Kit Lacy
Cassie Malina
Steve Martin
Sid Price
Miguel Santos
Conference Committee
Helen Dishaw
Kenny Coogan
Erin Katzner
Kit Lacy
Cassie Malina
Dave Miller
Miguel Santos
Robin Shewokis
Catherine Vine
Sharon Clay (2018 Host Committee Chair)
Conservation Committee
Gareth Morgan
Jackie Bray
Rebecca Brown
Kim Caldwell
Alex Chen
Helen Dishaw
Megan Geddes
Erin Katzner
Jackie Kozlowski
Steve Martin
Nicky Plaskitt
Ryan VanZant
Miguel Santos
Adam Winegarden
Education Committee
Mike Billington
Ryan VanZant
Suzanne Ackerman
Michael Billington
Curt Cearley
Katie Christman
Kenny James
Sandra Davey
Melissa Hill
Kimberly Lobit
Troy Paisley
Craig Perdue
Kelly Pollard
Enrichment Committee
Dan Blair
Arianna Bailey
Andy Hallsworth
Leia Minch
Monica Poirier
Robin Shewokis
Megan Stankiewicz
Seth Wagner
International Committee
Miguel Santos
Gareth Morgan
Ryne Ferguson
Chad Crittle
Nicky Plaskitt
Joel Romero
Marketing and Promotions Committee
Dave Miller
Kenny Coogan
Helen Dishaw
Erin Katzner
Emma Lawlor
Leia Minch
Miguel Santos
Newsletter Committee
Helen Dishaw
Arianna Bailey
Mike Billington
Dan Blair
Hillary Hankey
Erin Katzner
Cassie Malina
Gareth Morgan
Miguel Santos
Professional Development Committee
Arianna Bailey
Helen Dishaw
Chris Jenkins
Kit Lacy
Cassie Malina
Steve Martin
Melinda Mendolusky
Dave Miller
Adam Patterson
Miguel Santos
Website Committee
Miguel Santos
Helen Dishaw
Amy Fennell
Erin Katzner
Melinda Mendolusky
Dave Miller
Jayne Hardwick (Resource Center)
