Our Leadership Team

 

The knowledgeable staff at the Ohio Bird Sanctuary bring extensive and varied credentials in both bird care and nature/science education to our non-profit’s mission. Meet our leadership team! 

 

Gail Laux—Founder & Executive Director
Gail established the Ohio Bird Sanctuary in 1988 and has steered its growth ever since. She has a B.S. in Biology from Wittenberg University and three decades of experience in environmental education. 

Emily Tackett — Director of Operations
 Emily Smith, graduate in Environmental Biology from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Emily began her career at OBS as an intern and after two years as the Program Coordinator, she has taken on the role of Director of Operations. Emily oversees daily operations, the Educational Team, and the Junior Naturalist Program. 

Amanda Vanderford—Curator of Birds & Volunteer Coordinator
Amanda is a licensed veterinary technician with 10 years experience in the care and training of birds. She began her career at OBS as an intern and continued to building her expertise through careers at Med Vet and the Columbus Zoo. Amanda oversees the care of the birds and visitor experiences. 
  

 

Abby Bramlage—Preschool Program Development Coordinator

OBS’s many youth education programs are provided by a team of dedicated professionals. Abby has been a part of the OBS family has been dedicated to the organization for more than a decade. She has a degree in Environmental Education and Interpretation from The Ohio State University. Abby has also worked at the Cincinnati and Columbus Zoos in education programs and animal presentations. Abby assists with all programs and coordinates our Preschool programs. 

 

Stephanie Lewis — Bird Care Technician
Stephanie began her career at OBS as a volunteer.  She has over 15 years of experience in the care and training of birds and has become a professional in the field of avian care. Stephanie's role at the Sanctuary is to provide care for birds in rehabilitative care and assist our Curator of Birds in maintaining the highest standard of care for all of the birds.

 

 

Taylor MacDonald - Bird Care Technician

Taylor started her career with the Sanctuary as a Bird Care Intern the winter of 2020. A 2022 graduate from Otterbein University with a degree in Zoology and Conservation Science. Taylor's role at the Sanctuary is to provide care for birds in rehabilitative care and assist our Curator of Birds in maintaining the highest standard of care for all of the birds.

 

 

 

Abby Yates - Program Development Coordinator

Abby started her career with the Sanctuary by fulfilling the position of Education Intern in the summer of 2022. She is a 2023 graduate from Otterbein University with a double major in Zoology and Conservation. Abby assists in the development and implementation of our educational programs and camps.