Meet Our Officers/Directors

Patricia moved to Florida with her family in 1972. Her father and grandfather were both farmers, and Patricia was raised with a clear understanding that animals that interact with humans need special consideration and care in order to thrive. Patricia’s father attended the veterinary program at University of Georgia, where he specialized in Husbandry of Exotics, later passing much of his knowledge on to his daughter. Upon graduating high school in Clearwater, FL, Patricia joined the Veterinarian Technician Program at St. Petersburg Junior College, with the intention of becoming an Avian Veterinarian. From 1990-1995 , she worked as an intern/ veterinarian technician at the Murphy Animal and Bird Hospital in Clearwater, where she was trained in avian care by two of the leading avian veterinarians in the country, Drs. Joel and Katherine Murphy. She also worked at the Murphy’s independent parrot research facility (the Florida Exotic Bird Research Center), where she gained extensive experience in parrot care and handling. She was also involved in the creation of the first vaccine for avian polyoma virus (APV), supplying invaluable blood samples and documentation for Dr. Branson Richie from the University of Georgia.

In the years to follow, it became apparent to her that the need for a sanctuary for owner-released, abused, or neglected parrots was probably greater than the need for another veterinary practice. Consequently, Patricia opened Florida Exotic Bird Sanctuary in 2000, giving up her developing career as a veterinarian in return for a hands-on approach to parrots in need of permanent homes. Patricia is the face and the hands of the organization, lending her vision and passion to create and sustain the Florida Exotic Bird Sanctuary. Her goal is to allow parrots the freedom to “just be a bird,” living out their lives in a natural environment, interacting in flocks in free-flight aviaries. She is also committed to providing education to current and future parrot caretakers, as well as to the general public, regarding the challenges and moral demands of attempting to possess these wild and beautiful creatures.

Born: Birmingham, AL December 10, 1942

Lived in: Chattanooga, TN; Columbus, GA; Crystal River, FL

High School: Baylor School, Chattanooga, TN Graduated 1962

College: University of Chattanooga, BS Business Administration Graduated 1969

Worked in: Insurance, Banking, Sewing, Jewelry, Gemstones, Objet d'art, Minerals

Relationship with Birds stems from my maternal grandfather who began raising Parakeets in the late '40's. My wife Janet, and I have had Lovebirds, Cockatiels, Yellow Napes, African Greys, and presently have three Blue & Gold Macaws.

John Reynolds, a Nashville-based singer-songwriter, is currently writing a musical called “Fly”, about birds—wild, tame, extinct, even music box birds—and whose main character is a very special “special-needs” bird on the adventure of a lifetime! He has also written a musical about animals with Even Stevens, one of BMI’s Songwriters Of The Century (“I Love A Rainy Night,” “Driving My Life Away”) which is currently being shopped. John’s song catalog ranges from placements in major motion pictures and television to the Billboard debut single, “More Beautiful Today”. He has earned a Musician Magazine “Best Unsigned Band” nod for his indie pop band Without Ruth and has performed throughout the United States, Canada and Japan.

John’s work has been hailed by the Associated Press, USA Today, UPI, the Nashville Scene, Music Row Magazine and The Tennessean, among others. In his adopted hometown of Nashville, he has been a featured act at Tin Pan South, The NEA Extravaganza, Lightning 100 Radio, and has performed at iconic venues the Ryman Auditorium, The Bluebird and the Grand Ole Opry. He has had songs on Grammy award winning albums in both Norway and Canada and his songs have been covered by artists as diverse as Jonell Mosser, Gil Grand, Mark McGuinn, Delbert McClinton and others.

John and his wife, graphic designer Kathleen Foster, are the adopted parents of a beautiful Blue and Gold macaw named Crackerjack. “Crackers”, a wonderful special-needs parrot, lived happily with John and Kathleen for 17 years. In 2014 her neurosis took a terrible turn for the worse and when it became life threatening, the heartbreaking decision was made that she needed the professional help and care that only a sanctuary could provide. After extensive research, they chose to bring their “little girl” to the flock at FEBS. She has weathered the transition very well. And as so often happens with these magnificent creatures, she is thoroughly enjoying the bombardment of stimulation that is flock life.

Since bringing Crackers to FEBS, John and Kathleen have committed themselves to the goal of raising funds to build a state-of-the-art flight aviary dedicated specifically to special-needs birds. They are committed to working towards providing these flight aviaries for those birds who are ready to socialize and fly, plus optimal environments for those who are unable to fly or to mix with a large flock. They also regularly donate their time volunteering at FEBS.

These are noble goals for noble creatures. If you are able to donate, your gift is appreciated by all 600+ feathered residents at FEBS, which will give them the gift of “just being a bird!”

Dr Adriana Odachowski grew up in Bogota Colombia. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a veterinarian. Following her father’s steps, she decided to get into the best veterinary school in Colombia to make her dreams come true.After graduating from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2000, Dr Odachowski moved to the United States in 2001 where she met her husband Jeff. Dr. Odachowski was awarded her United States Veterinary Certification from the American Veterinary Medical Association in 2005, after successfully completing an intense test and evaluation process; a qualification very few foreign veterinarians are able to attain.While working to establish her credentials in the United States, Dr. Odachowski worked as a veterinary technician, further broadening her experience in veterinary care. Dr Odachowski has been in private practice in Florida for 5 years. Her areas of interest are small animal medicine and surgery, bird, exotic and reptile medicine and surgery. She is an active member of AVMA, FVMA, HCVMS and the American Heartworm Society. Dr. Odachowski is also a Board Member of the Hillsborough Animal Health Foundation. Dr. Odachowski speaks English, Spanish and French fluently and is a frequent guest on radio’s “ Talkin’ Pets” where she answers pet care questions from listeners, discussing medical and behavioral issues. Doctor Odachowski resides in Lutz, Florida with her husband Jeff, her three parrots Lucas, Paco and Elvis and two Soft Coated Wheaton Terriers, Coco and McGee. Dr Odachowski enjoys scuba diving, road biking, hiking, playing the piano, reading and giving back to the community any way she can. She particularly enjoys inspiring future generations to pursue their veterinary dreams. “I came to this world to be a veterinarian, I cannot imagine my life doing anything different, animals are my passion in life” Adriana Odachowski.

In the years of working with the Florida Exotic Bird Sanctuary as their Vet, I have come to understand the invaluable service they are providing to not only the birds but also the public that need a place to give their birds a lifelong home to. It is my desire to lend my expertise to ensuring the continued health and safety of the Parrots in their care. Every bird that comes to FEBS will be tested and Vet checked by myself to help maintain a healthy flock and environment.