Kim Klein Dickerson, J.D.
Raised in Southern California, Kim attended the University of California, Santa Barbara. After graduating with a B.A. in Political Science, attending law school and being admitted to the California State Bar, Kim worked with her then husband in real estate investments and their high-tech companies. After having her daughter, Talia, Kim became a stay-at-home mom, devoting her time to raising her only child and helping to raise awareness and funds for various philanthropic foundations.
Just after her thirteenth birthday, Talia and her father were killed when the small private plane they were on crashed into the side of a volcano. The event devastated Kim’s heart and from the moment of Talia’s death forward Kim’s charitable dedication not only grew but became focused on animals in need.
When Kim remarried, she and her husband started to add avian members to their family. With the addition of various breeds of birds, Macaws, African Greys, Conures, Cockatoos, Kim delved deep into the health and welfare of birds and after visiting numerous Bird sanctuaries, rescues and breeders, Kim and her husband Hollis, decided that their goal was to help as many birds in need as possible, hereby starting the For Birds Foundation and taking the lead in fundraising and day to day management.
Hollis Dickerson, B.S.B.A, MBA
Originally from Maine but moving to Nebraska as a youth, Hollis grew up in the Omaha area. As a teen Hollis developed an interest in the martial arts, which led to him learning, training, teaching and owning martial arts schools for over forty years. At first, Hollis operated his schools part time while working in the corporate world but after earning both his B.S.B.A. and his MBA from The University of Nebraska, Omaha, Hollis made the decision to retire from his corporate job to run his martial arts school full time along with operating his commercial investments.
Having always had an affinity for animals, Hollis’s desire to have and take care of Parrots began while in Hawaii with his wife, Kim. After meeting and greeting several Macaws, African Greys and Cockatoos on the streets of Lahaina Hollis fell in love with parrots and from that moment on he and Kim spent their free time and energy looking to both adopt parrots in need and helping others to live an enriching and healthy life. Thus, Hollis joined with his wife in forming the For Birds Foundation where he has an advisory role in administration.
Dr. Brittney Riley, DVM
Dr. Riley was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska and graduated from high school at the Lincoln Science Focus Program (Zoo School). After high school she became a full-time zookeeper and was in charge of taking care of the Lincoln Children’s Zoos bird collection although she was cross trained and able to care for all of the other animals as well. After five years of zookeeping Dr. Riley decided to go to veterinary school. She graduated from the University of Nebraska Lincoln/Iowa State University Cooperative Program in Veterinary Medicine in 2012. Since graduating Dr. Riley has taught veterinary students at UNL, worked as a volunteer veterinarian at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, was an emergency veterinarian in Lincoln as well as in Canton and West Hartford Connecticut. Dr. Riley also practiced at a general veterinary practice in Presque Isle, Maine. Currently Dr. Riley lives with two, two-year-old aliens (parrots), two cats, a spoiled cattle dog and her service dog Dakota who was trained by Domesti-Pups in Lincoln. Here at For Birds Foundation Dr. Riley is both an advisor and hands on professional for all things related to avian health .
Katrina Spessard
Katrina is a passionate, life-long bird lover and dedicated member of the For Birds Foundation. Her love for birds began at a young age, inspired by her grandmother’s diverse collection of avian life around her home. Since she was able to walk, Katrina would assist her grandmother with hand feeding and caring for her birds, developing special bonds with each of them, and a connection to wonderful world of avian life that continues today.
A true advocate for all animals, Katrina has actively participated in local clubs, and has generously given her time and care to birds in need of a safe and loving foster home. In addition, she is the loving owner of Congo African Greys, Lilac Crowned Amazon, Indian Ringneck, cockatiels, parakeets, lovebird, & two goldendoodles. Katrina is committed to raising awareness about the protection and care of all avian life and is generous in sharing her knowledge and assistance whenever needed.
When she’s not sharing her heart with her feathered friends, Katrina is a wife, mother of two daughters, and grandmother of two wonderful little girls. She enjoys spending time with her family, and photographing the people, places, and animals that mean the most to her. Here at For Birds Foundation Katrina is director of our Adoption and Foster care program as well as being our Outreach director.