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

Graduate of Iowa State University, owned a 50% exotic clinic in Lexington, KY (go Wildcats!), started the exotics service at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine and was director of the Wildlife clinic there as well. Begat three kids, betrothed one amazing semi-adult, artisanal bread-baking chemist husband. Is a lifelong coffee-loving vegetarian (although not sophisticated enough to understand the “Bloom” of coffee), lives in Minnesota with two dogs, a cat and 4 chickens who merrily keep the backyard bug-free as mostly backyard lawn ornaments.  She is an avid skiier, snowshoer, kayaker, runner, triathlete, and is on two curling teams (AKA: Getting through Minnesota in the winter), is a LOONS soccer fan and is currently the director of exotics education at VEG – a company that is transforming Veterinary Emergency Medicine!

Dr. Bianca Zaffarano​

Advisory Board Member

Dr. Tia Greenberg

Advisory Board Member

Dr. Tia Greenberg

Dr. Tia Greenberg graduated from Ross University, School of Veterinary Medicine in 1992. Following veterinary school, she completed post-graduate studies in Avian and Exotic Pet Medicine and Surgery at the prestigious Animal Medical Center in New York City. After 9 years of practicing medicine with one of the most renowned exotic animal veterinarians in the country, Dr. Greenberg opened the Westminster Veterinary Group. Dr. Greenberg is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), American Association of Veterinary Dermatologists (AAVD), and the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS). She previously served as Adjunct Professor for the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine, mentoring Veterinary students in canine, feline and exotic animal medicine. She is an active member of the Association for Avian Veterinarians, and the Association for Reptile Veterinarians. She has published numerous articles in veterinary journals and textbooks on exotic animal medicine.

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.