Dr. LoraKim Joyner, Director of Lafeber Conservation

As Director, Dr. LoraKim Joyner:

• Oversees the programs and administration of Lafeber Conservation.
• Provides in-country consultation in avian conservation medicine in Central America.
• Writes and lectures widely on avian conservation, human dimensions of conservation, avian and veterinary ethics, and compassionate conservation.

LoraKim Joyner’s hope for avian flourishing led her to a B.S. in avian sciences and then later to a D.V.M. A later Masters in preventive veterinary medicine emphasized avian research. Consulting in avian medicine and conservation, she worked in the Philippines and Latin America, including Guatemala where she lived for several years. She worked as a clinical instructor and research assistant professor at the Non-domestic Avian Clinic at the College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University. There she later served as the Community Advocate, where she taught ethics and grief management as well as assisted staff, faculty, and clients in dealing with grief and ethical issues. Today she serves as the minister of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Gainesville, Florida, president of Unitarian Universalist Animal Ministry, consultant for Wings of Compassion, a website dedicated to grieving, healing, and hope in avian-human relationships, and Director of Lafeber Conservation. As Director she consults in avian conservation medicine in Central America and lectures widely.