Sonya is a Florida native, born and raised in West Palm Beach. Her dedication to serving her community is evident throughout her life's journey. She began her career as a lifeguard in Palm Beach, where she spent seven years ensuring beachgoers' safety. In 1987, she received the prestigious Raymond J. Kunkel Award from the Palm Beach Civic
Sonya is a Florida native, born and raised in West Palm Beach. Her dedication to serving her community is evident throughout her life's journey. She began her career as a lifeguard in Palm Beach, where she spent seven years ensuring beachgoers' safety. In 1987, she received the prestigious Raymond J. Kunkel Award from the Palm Beach Civic Association, an honor reserved for individuals or groups that demonstrate exceptional service to the Palm Beach community. Sonya's commitment to public service continued to evolve when, in 1988, she earned certification as a Florida state Emergency Medical Technician, followed by certification as a firefighter in 1989. She had a 12-year tenure with the Town of Palm Beach Fire Department, during which she furthered her expertise by becoming a Certified Paramedic. However, Sonya's passion extended beyond her work in emergency services. Starting in 1983, she embarked on a journey of rescuing parrots, eventually making it her primary focus. Her dedication to these birds was unwavering. By 2023, as The House of Feathers was officially incorporated as a Florida nonprofit with IRS 501(c)(3) public charity status, Sonya's flock had grown to over 50 parrots. Today, The House of Feathers operates on property owned by Sonya and her husband, continuing her commitment to provide a safe and loving home for these feathered companions.
Howard is a native of suburban Pittsburgh, PA, where, as a boy in the woods, he developed a deep appreciation for animals and nature. He received his Bachelor’s (1978) and Master’s (1981) degrees from the Pennsylvania State University, and a PhD degree (1988) from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. Following post-doctoral
Howard is a native of suburban Pittsburgh, PA, where, as a boy in the woods, he developed a deep appreciation for animals and nature. He received his Bachelor’s (1978) and Master’s (1981) degrees from the Pennsylvania State University, and a PhD degree (1988) from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. Following post-doctoral fellowships at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research in Melbourne, Australia, and then at the Yale University School of Medicine, he spent eleven years on the faculty at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. In 2005, he became one of the founding faculty members at the Scripps Research Institute in Jupiter, FL in 2005, where he retired in 2020 as Professor Emeritus. He has held numerous editorial positions on scientific journals and was a regular consultant for the U.S. Public Health Service (National Institutes of Health) as well as various pharmaceutical and biotech companies. He was co-Founder and President of ThymUS Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization focused on science education, from 2001-2013, before vacating that position to focus solely on animal care and welfare. In 2018 he established the Howard T Petrie Charitable Trust, which aims to provide financial support to animal welfare organizations.
Kara, a native of East Hampton, New York, has nurtured a profound affection for animals since early in life. Her journey with animals began when she was just 11 years old, dedicating most of her free time to a local horse barn where she both worked and rode. After graduating from high school, Kara sought a change from the long winters of
Kara, a native of East Hampton, New York, has nurtured a profound affection for animals since early in life. Her journey with animals began when she was just 11 years old, dedicating most of her free time to a local horse barn where she both worked and rode. After graduating from high school, Kara sought a change from the long winters of Long Island and enrolled at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in 2011. After college, she ventured into the service industry, eventually contributing to the opening and management of an acai/juice bar franchise in Boca Del Mar until 2021. However, Kara's enduring passion for animals steered her career in a new direction, leading her to become a veterinary technician assistant at Fondren Pet Care Center in Palm Beach Gardens. In 2022, she was promoted to the role of Office Manager, a role she continues to this day. Outside of work and her involvement with The House of Feathers, Kara, alongside her husband, shares her life with their rescue dog, Lewis, and a family of 10 parrots. Most of these parrots are rescues, including several with special needs. Kara's unwavering goal is to educate and raise awareness within the local community about the unique characteristics and requirements of exotic birds, and to provide a safe haven for birds in need.
Growing up on Lake George in New York, John enjoyed fishing, boating, and spending time with his best friend Buddy, a golden retriever. At a young age, John was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD, leading to specialized schooling for learning disabilities. During this period his passion for animals blossomed. In middle school, John particip
Growing up on Lake George in New York, John enjoyed fishing, boating, and spending time with his best friend Buddy, a golden retriever. At a young age, John was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD, leading to specialized schooling for learning disabilities. During this period his passion for animals blossomed. In middle school, John participated in a program to care for goats, peacocks, and chickens. He formed a special bond with one chicken, Poofs, who would always perch on his shoulder while he completed his barn chores! Throughout high school, John dedicated most of his free time to tending to a barn of 13 horses. After graduation, John enrolled at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, where he earned his degree in Photography in 2011, with a minor in public relations. He initially worked in the service industry and luxury boat sales, but in 2020, he transitioned into a private career in real estate photography, which he continues to this day. After hearing stories of his wife Kara's childhood cockatiel, he and Kara decided to welcome a bird into their own home. They fell in love with a Green Cheek Conure named Jack. Living with Jack, and experiencing his expressive personality, taught John invaluable lessons about the nature of exotic birds. While visiting people's homes in his photography career, John has often encountered neglect, ignorance, and misunderstanding regarding the care of exotic birds, and this experience ignited his passion to dedicate the rest of his life to educating the public on the responsibilities of owning an exotic bird as a pet, and creating a safe haven for birds in need.
Copyright © 2023 The House of Feathers - All Rights Reserved. The House of Feathers, Inc. is a Florida nonprofit corporation, and a copy of our official registration (N23000008822) and financial information may be obtained from the Florida Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free (800)435-7352 within the State of Florida. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the State of Florida. We are also an IRS-designated 501(c)(3) public charity, EIN 93-2534349. Gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law, consult your tax advisor.
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