Who we are
How It All Started
David Nusbaum was a devoted caretaker
of his beloved umbrella cockatoo, Snowflake. When he passed away at age 53, David wanted to help make lives better for exotic pet birds and their owners. Dr. Greg Harrison was one of the beneficiaries of funds to be “devoted to avian research.” Thus, HARCC became a vision to pursue.
Dr. Greg and Mrs. Linda Harrison
Greg and Linda Harrison met at Iowa State University, where he received his DVM degree in 1967. They moved to Florida, where they eventually established their own small animal practice. In the mid-70’s, Greg established the first exclusive pet avian practice in the country, and soon developed a line of organic formulated diets (Harrison’s Bird Foods).
In 1980, when the Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV) was formed, Greg was asked to serve as the first President, and Linda became the early communicator and education chairman.
Together they co-edited several avian medicine and surgery textbooks and other educational materials. Zoological Education Network was founded in 1998 and resulted in 9 years of an annual International Conference on Exotics (ICE) and 13 years of producing a bi-monthly full-color Exotic DVM Veterinary Magazine, as well other professional and client-oriented publications.
Dr. Greg and Linda Harrison
President and Secretary/Treasurer
Greg is a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (Retired) and Dip Emeritus of the European Board of Zoo Medicine (Avian). In his retirement he still participates in oversight of Harrison’s Bird Foods.
Dr. Bianca Zaffarano
Dr. Bianca Zaffarano
Advisory Board Member
Dr. Tia Greenberg
Advisory Board Member
Dr. Tia Greenberg
Daisy Perez
With a background in Medical Office Management, Daisy Perez brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our organization. Driven by enthusiasm and passion, she takes pride in providing the best organizational efficiency possible. As an Executive Director, her goals include establishing a diverse culture and inspiring everyone from staff members to prospective donors about the vision and mission of HARCC. In addition to her primary job functions, Daisy Perez is a licensed Esthetician in the state of Florida and has been certified by the city of West Palm Beach and the UF|IFAS Extension as a “Smart Climate Floridian” for her extraordinary commitment to the environment.
Daisy Perez
Executive Director
Brian McFadden
Web Developer
Brian McFadden
Brian McFadden is an artist and technologist who received his MFA from Parsons in New York. He was introduced to HARCC through his shared commitment to sustainable agriculture with HARCC founders Linda and Greg Harrison.