Meet Naomi
The flexibility of the job and the chance to get up and moving were what inspired Naomi to initially tackle the position as an aviary technician. And getting up and moving are what she is often found doing. Naomi loves playing substitute Auntie, and feels perfectly at home running around the yard, with a bucket on her head and a shovel in her hand chasing after children. She decided at an early age that it was a lot more fun to be able to play, play, play and send the children home to mom and dad at the end of the day—smart lady! Consequently, she left the difficult parenting business for the birds; also may be why she chose to work with them!
Although Naomi loves animals, she does not own any pets of her own. This was another reason she was drawn to a job where she can get her “pet fix”. Naomi’s background as a holistic health & nutrition coach also brings an understanding and passion about how pet therapy is beneficial and she is grateful for the opportunity to witness the healing power the birds have brought to many residents’ lives. She loves listening to residents talk about their delight with the life inside the aviary, and in particular the babies! Who doesn’t enjoy babies after all, especially when this enjoyment still allows a full night’s sleep?
Even though training can often be a strenuous experience, Naomi fondly remembers the marathon-8-day-training-seminar she spent with owner Beverly. Naomi’s literal interpretation of instructions provided quite a bit of amusement travelling between cleanings, but caused a bit of a struggle when it came to building bird nests. It wasn’t until Beverly unknowingly used the word “sculpt” that Naomi’s artistic mind was able to master the technique. Hopefully, Naomi wasn’t too offended after noticing how quickly the birds redecorate the very homes that took so long to build!
Another person you may see with Naomi is Bear. Don’t worry, he is quite friendly and certainly helps make her life–and aviary cleaning–easier. So, next time Naomi is in your facility, take some time to get to know her. She brings a lot of useful knowledge along with her playful nature. And, if you happen to see her flitting around with the young birds, try not to be alarmed. Remember after all, she is good at returning children at the end of the day!
