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Parrot Partners Canada Learning Center

your flock is waiting

Come Learn with Us!

You couldn't be in better hands than with us!  We have the multi-disciplinary education, experience and understanding needed to fulfill the unique needs of the birds in our adoption aviary and those belonging to any owner.  We make education accessible for parrot caregivers from around the world and our doors are open to all ages and any level of expertise.  As a facility, our mission is to educate on the unique nature and needs of parrots with a goal to increasing respectful and humane interactions with all animals and the earth.  Come join our 'flock'.  You'll be glad you did!
Instructors

Meet Your Instructors

Judith Tennant M.Ed 

Behavior Modification & Learning

  • Graduate degree in the science of learning & behavior modification
  • Professional Animal Training & Management graduate, Natural Encounters Florida
  • LLA for Veterinary and Animal Professionals graduate
  • Principles & Practice of Animal Behavior Consulting, IAABC


Judy is the founder and Executive Director of Parrot Partners Canada.   She has over 23 years experience working with parrots.  She is a member in good standing with The Association of Professional Humane Educators (APHE), the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators (IAATE) and is a Shelter Affiliate with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).  She spends her time living with, loving and training too many parrots to mention by name.

Rachel Thibeault PhD

Grief, Stress & Professional Caregiver Programs

Living with and caring for a wild animal is not easy.  Neither is working in a care-giving field such as veterinary medicine, rehabilitation, rescue or training.  The threat of burn-out caused by repeated micro-traumas, value misalignment, guilt, stress, and grief is ever present.  Simply put, care givers require care if they are to continue to meet their import responsibilities.  Rachel develops programs which are designed to care for the care givers.  She brings to Parrot Partners Canada deep expertise in emotional resiliency and recuperation.  Her therapeutic programs, much like our animal programs, are grounded in science and the practice of positive intentional activities.    

Along with the many awards and honors bestowed throughout her work of over the 35 years, Dr. Thibeault has also been granted the title of 'Officer of the Order of Canada'.  Rachel has lived with and loved conures and amazons. 
Rebecca Melanson RVT, KPA-CTP
Medical, Training & Behavior Modification
  • Registered Veterinary Technician
  • Karen Pryor Academy - Certified Training Partner
  • Fear Free Certified Veterinary Professional
  • Licensed Family Paws Educator
  • Living and Learning with Animals Graduate

    Over 10 years experience working in veterinary medicine and 14 years experience working with birds. Currently Rebecca runs her own training service called Around the Flock and is working alongside DACVB resident Dr. Meghan Connolly to provide the best chance of success when treating behaviour disorders. 

    Rebecca's flock consists of Hodari (African Grey), Chino (Pionus) and Artemis (Cockatiel). 
Stefanie Kotschwar RVT, BSc, MSc
Medical
  • Registered Veterinary Technician
  • MSc Zoo Conservation
  • BSc Zoology


    • Stefanie has a variety of experience having worked in both general practice and emergency and has worked in multiple Humane Societies and Zoos. She came to Ottawa from Guelph to expand her knowledge and experience in the veterinary field. Her special interests include: exotic medicine, nutrition, and emergency care. She hopes in the future to obtain her Veterinary Technician Specialty in Clinical Practice – Exotic Companion Mammals. Currently she works at Lynwood Animal Hospital

    In her free time Stefanie loves to run (raced in the Berlin Marathon in 2015), go on hikes, read, explore her love of art and volunteer with the Ottawa Rabbit Rescue.

    Frank van Boxtel

    Enrichment & Environment

    During his 20+ year career at Critter Jungle (Ottawa's 'go to' location for parrot supplies and consultation), Frank made a name for himself in the parrot community as a knowledgeable and trusted parrot resource.  His knowledge of toys, foraging and how to set-up a safe and enriching parrot environment is second to none.  Frank uses his gift as a well known artist to ensure his creations are not only safe, but aesthetically pleasing as well. 

    Frank has lived with at least one companion animal for most of his life. He currently shares his home a Blue and Gold Macaw, a Timneh African Grey parrot, two dogs and two cats.

    Piper Andries

    Youth Trainer & Coach

    Piper is a graduate of PPC's "Parrot Trooper" Youth Training Program. She is a gifted and intuitive trainer & animal companion. Piper volunteers regularly at the aviary socializing and training our residents. She currently lives with and continues to train four cockatiels, Frankie, Ollie, Poutine & Frodo. She looks forward to introducing children and youth to the joys of safe parrot interactions and training.







    Tina Garbas-Tyrrell

    Canadian Wills & Estates

    • B.A. (Hons)
    • Juris Doctor
    • Bar of Ontario
    • Trust and Estates Practitioner


    Since 2013, Tina has focused on the areas of Wills and Estates Law. She is currently a member of the Law Society of Ontario and the Society of Trust and Estates Practitioners (STEP).  Tina and her family currently live with a sweet green cheek conure called Mango.

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