Meet Jodi Andrews!
Tell us a little about you: I live with my husband Brent. We are both from Maine. Together we are the proud parents of 4 Parrots and one on the way. I have worked for the past 5 years as a Registered Medical Assistant at a Cardiology practice in Sarasota. And spend my Saturdays volunteering at Birds of Paradise.
What is your favorite band or style of music? Country
Where did you grow up? Maine
Any life accomplishments you want to mention? I have 2 Associate Degrees, one in Arts/Paralegal and one in Science/Medical Assisting.
What do you do for fun? I like to shoot pool with friends in my garage which is our own little night club, I like to sit out on the lanai with the birds playing music and watching them dance and I like to socialize on Facebook with my family and friends.
How long have you been volunteering at BOPS? 7 months.
How did you first become aware of BOPS? I became aware of BOPS on my way out of our vets office, where we had taken our two African greys in for a grooming of Nails, wings and beak. On my way out I commented on a beautiful Cockatoo, and Debbie handed me her business card. I tucked the card away and didn't think much of it at that time. Just prior to Hurricane Irma, I was browsing a parrot site on Facebook, and someone was looking for a home for their Amazon Parrot, I responded... I wanted it. They decided on a local family on the East coast and someone had said to me to contact Debbie Huckaby at Birds of Paradise, that she was local and had many birds that needed homes. The light went on and I remembered that she had given me her card. I went online and filled out an adoption application, went to Birds of Paradise and 7 months later, I have been there every Saturday since.
What does your volunteer work entail? Everything from feeding, socializing, helping hang perches, cleaning cages, etc.. there is so very much to do. I do pretty much anything that I am asked or instructed to do.
What is a memorable moment you've had while volunteering at BOPS? Every weekend adds a new memory. And every Saturday is filled with memorable moments.
What is your dream for BOPS is 5 years? I would like to see a full staff of reliable volunteers, an adoption center, More free flights for the birds, and look forward to utilizing the upcoming Free flight training center. I would like to see BOPS open to the public, and see a gift shop and training center added.
What have you learned through your experience volunteering at BOPS? I've learned that there are so many people out there that are buying birds without the education that they should have, which would prevent many of the birds having to come to BOPS. I've learned that every bird has a story and their own personality. I've learned that birds have deep emotions, when they love, they love with all they have, and they will love until they are broken.
Why do you think it is important for others to get involved and make a difference in their community? Because there are so many organizations in every community that need their help. If you have a passion, find something that touches on that passion. Myself, I didn't know I had the passion for Parrots until I went to BOPS. Now, I can't be without it. It's my weekly Therapy session. And I mean that in every sense of the words.
I have never met a woman more passionate and dedicated to what she does than Debbie Huckaby. She has created and amazing destination for any bird who needs a permanent home, or just a stopping place. She does it right. And there is so much more to come. BOPS future is going to be amazing and I am honored to be a part of it.
-Jodi Andrews
