Our Team

We bring different perspectives to the table, and we’re united by our love for this deeply purposeful work.

A woman with glasses and long brown hair standing in an indoor room, smiling with her eyes closed, while a colorful parrot is perched on her shoulder.

Krista Lupas

Co-Founder and Board President

With years of dog training under her belt, Krista made a natural transition into avian behavior and is actively pursuing her CPBT-KA certification. She specializes in flight rehabilitation and loves working with every parrot species.

She believes we must do our best to recreate natural behaviors in captivity, and building slow, consistent trust over time is the key to safe free flight.

A young man wearing glasses, a beige jacket, and a black hoodie underneath is standing outdoors in front of green leafy trees. He is holding a colorful yellow and green parrot on his right hand, and the parrot is leaning towards his face as if about to kiss or nibble his lips.

Gabe Havice

Co-Founder and Board VP

Gabe is a passionate hobbyist with multiple free-flighted conures and macaws. He specializes in ethical parrot care and training.

He believes in building genuine human-bird connections and is dedicated to helping others discover the beauty and freedom of free flight in a safe, mindful way.

A woman smiling with a colorful macaw perched on her shoulder, outdoors with greenery in the background.

Paige Harp

Board Treasurer and Foster

Paige has fallen head over heels for fostering and rescue. Lovingly nicknamed the “Parrot Speech Pathologist,” every rescue bird has taught her something new, and she’s always eager to learn more.

Passionate about ethical free flight, Paige guides birds to thrive and helps fellow parrot owners, building a community of good people and great birds. She is the proud mama of Woo the homing pigeon.

Volunteers

Tim Marshall

Tim became interested in birds at age 9. His father was an avid bird lover, and he had many species of parrots, pheasants, and waterfowl.

Growing up on a farm in Africa allowed him to take care of many different animals, and he grew fond of large parrots. He now has many years of experience as an owner, foster, and trainer. 

Adalyn Cooper

Adalyn is in the 8th grade, and she became interested in birds because her grandma has a conure named Olive. She wanted to learn more about parrots, and she has spent many hours learning about birds, watching videos, visiting sanctuaries, and bonding with Olive.

She wants to make a positive change within the bird community by giving them a second chance and helping to educate others.

Kate Ross

Kate's passion for animals and rescue has always been a big part of who she is, beginning with chickens and eventually leading her to ducks, peafowl, indoor birds, and fostering.

Today, she is fortunate to have three birds of her own, and she loves continuing to learn from them every day. Volunteering with rescues allows her to share that passion while helping birds in need receive the care, patience, and second chance they deserve.

Atom Slaughter

Atom is a parrot enthusiast, OFFCR volunteer, and, most importantly, a bird dad.

When he’s not at school, he hangs out or trains his Quaker Parrot, Sushi. Atom believes in OFFCR’s mission, and is always eager to learn more about these beautiful creatures.

Christa Smith

As a new volunteer with Ohio Free Flight, Christa is passionate about supporting the organization's mission of rescue, education, and avian enrichment.

She is dedicated to helping the community grow by assisting with website updates, sharing uplifting rescue success stories, and supporting club outreach. Christa is proud to lend her time and energy to advocating for parrot welfare across Ohio—with help from her cockatiel, Mr. Biscuit.

Kevin Cooper

Kevin is an animal lover, and he has have many different species including fish, birds, dogs, cats, lizards, snakes, and alligators.

He has passed his love of animals onto his daughter and together they enjoy learning about how to give animals in need a second chance.

Grey Olson

Grey has always had a deep passion for animals and their emotional needs, beginning with traumatized dogs and working their way unknowingly towards parrots.

Grey lives with Max, a beloved Blue and Gold Macaw who runs the show, as well as other parrots and dogs. Max enjoys long walks in the neighborhood, pistachios, and Four Non Blondes.

Avery Tran

Avery has been a dedicated a bird parent for more than half her life.

She has an undying love for all birds, from pigeons to budgies to the largest macaws.

Avery is passionate about educating new bird owners, building trust, and training.

Traci Cooper

Traci and her family and I have a desire to help birds flourish and get a second chance at life.

She is always willing to learn new aspects of bird care, and she is excited to be part of the Ohio Free Flight team.

Questions?

We want to hear from you :)