Hillary Hankey | Executive Director

Hillary Hankey is master falconer, professional animal trainer, and behavior consultant. She has been living, breathing, sleeping, and dreaming of flying birds free for decades. Though she grew up with a childhood bedroom filled with parrots – much to her older sister’s chagrin – it wasn’t until she met a good friend in college that she received formal education in training. She began free flying her parrots outdoors under her friend’s mentorship and continued for many years flying and training birds.

In 2008,  Hillary moved to San Diego, California filled with hopes and dreams, where she started working for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and the San Diego Zoo and trained birds in free flying education programs. In 2013, she set out to find the perfect property in rural, agrarian San Diego county. Through setbacks and triumph, she founded the Avian Behavior ranch, twenty acres with ocean views and glowing sunsets, and set out to realize her dream of creating a space to build an organization based on enriching the human – bird connection.

Originally started as Avian Behavior International, as the organization took on a larger purpose in using the science of behavior through choice based training to enhance avian conservation programs around the world, they transitioned to the Avian Behavior Conservancy in 2025. Hillary has been to release projects from South Africa, Indonesia, to North America. She is on the board of the Indonesia Parrot Project and the African Hornbill Conservation Trust, and is pursing her masters in Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology. Throughout all of this, she has met her match in Andre Mondin, an animal lover that can keep up with the unique lifestyle of living on a farm stride for stride.

Simone Lupson-Cook | Secretary

Simone graduated from The Evergreen State College in 2007 with a Bachelor’s Degree in biology. She has been in the wildlife field for the last 15 years and her field projects have taken her from the western United States to Mexico, Central America, New Zealand, and most recently Midway Atoll surveying albatross. Her passion for birds and the environment started at a young age and she has been a falconer for over 20 years.

Simone has worked with a wide variety of birds including raptors, corvids and parrots. She has worked with and trained birds of prey for falconry, abatement, rehabilitation and release and breeding. In addition to her work with raptors, Simone has also worked on various field projects with songbirds, woodpeckers, ravens, kea parrots and albatross. Recently, Simone had the opportunity to teach ornithology at a private, student-lead high school in Boise, Idaho and was excited to share her passion for birds and conservation with students.

Simone has served on the board of the Washington Falconer’s Association as Northwest Director and head of the Conservation Committee. She has volunteered with various nonprofits working to study and protect birds and their habitats in the western United States and Mexico. Simone is passionate about inspiring people to learn and care about the natural world whether through research, education or hands-on experiences. In her free time Simone enjoys flying her birds, exploring remote and wild places, hiking with her dogs, and growing carnivorous plants.

Patrick Rummans

Patrick Rummans  is an aviculturist, master falconer, photographer, and multi-faceted artist based in Central Oregon.  Specializing in breeding corvids and raptors, he works to advance the understanding and conservation of these species in captivity as a way to better understand them in the wild. Patrick’s passion for birds is also reflected in his photography, which has been shown in multiple exhibitions .

As a master falconer, Patrick’s extensive experience with birds of prey has given him a deeper understanding of their behavior and unique approaches to their training. His dual focus on hunting  with raptors, and their captive-breeding has provided invaluable insights and an even stronger connection with wild birds and their conservation.

In addition to his work with birds, Patrick is a versatile artist, whose creativity spans across various mediums from sculpture, to film and television projects particularly in animatronics.  His major award-winning art has been showcased in numerous exhibitions and competitions nationally and internationally.

Outside of work, Patrick continues to explore his love for birds and art, always seeking new ways to create and learn. His passion for nature, wildlife, and creativity drives his diverse career and personal pursuits.

Aimee Lafayette | Treasurer

Aimee LaFayette was born and raised in Incline Village, Nevada. She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Puget Sound, an MA in Anthropology, and a Certificate in Gender, Race, and Identity, as well as a PhD in Anthropology from the University of Nevada, Reno. Her research focuses on violence, gender, immigration, and transnationalism, with a regional emphasis on Mexico and the U.S. West.

Beyond her academic work, Aimee has extensive experience working with nonprofits.  Aimee has served as AmeriCorps Program Director for the Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation, an AmeriCorps volunteer for Sierra Community House, and currently chairs the Community Impact Committee for the Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation, where she stewards over $5 million in grants annually awarded to local, national, and international organizations. Her MA and PhD in Anthropology enhance her nonprofit work by demonstrating a deep understanding of the complexities of social problems related to gender, culture, and violence, as well as the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of programs seeking funding.

In addition to her nonprofit work, Aimee manages events, competitions, and fundraisers at Franktown Meadows Equestrian Facility, a family business.  Since 2018, she has also owned and operated the only USHJA-recognized riding academy in Nevada, offering high-quality instruction in the hunter/jumper discipline. An accomplished equestrian, Aimee competes in regional and national hunter/jumper competitions.

Lucas Cramer

Lucas Cramer holds a degree in Animal Science from Oregon State University, where he developed a strong foundation in animal behavior, conservation, and hands-on animal management. His passion for understanding animal behavior has driven his career, allowing him to find innovative ways to apply that knowledge to conservation and education.

His journey began in Alaska, where he trained sled dogs and led educational tours on glaciers, sharing the deep bond between humans and working animals with visitors. Later, he transitioned to bird abatement, using trained falcons to naturally deter pest birds from damaging agricultural crops. Through this work, he has reinforced his belief that understanding animal behavior can create sustainable solutions for both wildlife and human industries.

Now, as a professional pigeon trainer and owner of the Crooked River Challenge One Loft Race, Lucas continues to apply his expertise while promoting education and awareness in the field. He also dedicates time to restoring and creating habitat on his property in Central Oregon, supporting conservation efforts through responsible land management.

Beyond his work with animals, Lucas is an avid ultra marathon runner. The challenges of navigating rugged terrain, enduring long hours on the trail, and pushing his limits fuel his determination and appreciation for the natural world. Much like his work with animals, endurance running has taught him patience, resilience, and the importance of adapting to one’s environment.

By combining hands-on experience with a commitment to education, Lucas strives to bridge the gap between human activity and the natural world. His journey is far from over, and he looks forward to continuing to learn, teach, and contribute to the future of conservation.