CEO and Co-Founder
Maria Sullivan
Maria Sullivan, a passionate advocate for parrot welfare, is the visionary CEO and Co-Founder of Papayago Rescue House, an organization committed to the well-being of captive parrots. Established in 2015, PRH has grown into a leading force in the field of avian rescue under Maria’s dedicated leadership. Driven by a deep sense of responsibility for the welfare of parrots, Maria co-founded PRH to address the pressing issues faced by these amazingly intelligent beings. Under their guidance, the organization has rescued, rehabilitated, and found loving homes for countless parrots, transforming the lives of both these birds and their adoptive families.
Executive Director and Co-Founder
Brianna Stoddard
Brianna Stoddard, an unwavering advocate for parrot welfare, serves as the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Papayago Rescue House, a leading parrot rescue organization. With Brianna’s passion and dedication, this rescue has become a beacon of hope for parrots in need since its establishment in 2015. Brianna is not only a compassionate caregiver but also a vocal advocate for parrot medical care and responsible ownership. She has actively engaged with communities, schools, and fellow parrot parents striving to raise awareness about the unique needs and challenges of parrots as members of the family. Brianna’s tireless efforts have contributed significantly to promoting the welfare and well being of these intelligent birds.
CFO
Claire Taylor
Claire Taylor, an adopter and a mom to 4 cockatoos, is our CFO. Claire is a CPA and is currently a senior director/controller at BCD Travel. Claire has brought her knowledge, education, experience, and friendship to the Board of Directors, providing financial oversight to Papayago Rescue House since 2015.
Director of Governmental Affairs
Stacie Walters Fujii
Ms. Fujii is a political advocate and strategist with over twenty years of political and federal government relations experience. She is the president and CEO of SWF Consulting LLC, a full-service bipartisan government relations and political consulting firm based in Washington, DC. A student of politics ever since she was a page for Governor Bill Clinton of Arkansas, Ms. Fujii has extensive knowledge of the Legislative and Executive Branches, and a keen background in coalition building, crisis management, civil liberties issues, and international relations. Her vast portfolio includes issues relating to appropriations, defense, democracy building, education, energy, homeland security, human rights, marginalized people groups/race relations, voter protections, and the Middle East. As a public speaker, she lectures on the importance of coalition building, effective Capitol Hill advocacy, and female empowerment in politics. She is a mentor to young girls and seeks to create political opportunities for young people from historically underrepresented communities. An eternal animal lover, Ms. Fujii uses her skills to advocate for increased avian protection. She is a proud bird mom to four sassy parakeets.
Director of Events
Rocio Wallace
Rocio was born and raised in Mexico City. She moved to Georgia in 1995. Rocio Yadira Valencia Salazar, but we’ll stick with Chio as this is her nick-name. From early on, Chio had a passion for dance. That passion would lead her to be part of a Mexican Dance Company where she would thrive and move on to become a dance choreographer. She met her husband, Tony, married him, and had three kids, Brandon, Alex, and Connor. She joined her husband in the world of video production where she learned to produce events as a video assistant. She proceeded to expand her knowledge through hard work and dedication, becoming a black belt in the art of HAPKIDO, a Korean Martial Art. Alongside with her production and event work, she has also started her own printing business. Chio has a passion for life and embraces every challenge head-on. By helping her youngest son, Connor, she found a new passion, helping PRH and caring for our feathered friends. She is an adopted mom to several PRH birds!
Board Secretary / Director of Marketing
Lisa Nettina was a Telecom Analyst, Manager and Engineer in Corporate America for 15 years. Her and her husband Rob have been married for 29 years. After the adoption of their youngest son in 2004, she decided to dedicate more time to her family and become an independent contractor while also getting heavily involved in her son’s school, serving as Secretary, Vice-President, and President for the PTA over a 4-year span. She was gifted her first bird in 2017 from a friend and immediately fell in love. Lisa has been volunteering for PRH for several years and shares her love of sewing to produce CoCo Chanel's vests to prevent her from further self-mutilation. Lisa is a long time volunteer, advocate, ambassador of birds of Papayago. She will do well continuing her journey on the Board of Directors.
Director of Technology
Kai Tillman
Kai Tillman is a testament to lifelong learning, service, leadership, and professional excellence. With advanced degrees in information technology and cybersecurity, complemented by multiple cybersecurity certifications, Kai embodies a deep commitment to advancing his knowledge and skills. His academic pursuits are further enriched as he is currently completing his MBA at Georgia Tech, highlighting his unwavering dedication to personal and professional growth. Professionally, Kai has honed his expertise as a Senior Solutions Engineer, where he tackles complex challenges in information technology and cybersecurity for enterprise organizations. His career trajectory includes significant roles at top Fortune 500 tech companies, working for major retailers in a leadership capacity, and a pivotal eight-year service in the U.S. Army as a Logistics Operations Manager, underscoring his leadership and operational prowess. Beyond his professional and academic achievements, Kai is deeply passionate about animal welfare, an advocate for mental health, and a community leader committed to empowering through technology and education. As a 5x self-published author and an active life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, he extends his influence beyond the workplace, contributing significantly to community uplift and engagement. As the Director of Technology at Papayago Rescue House, Kai leverages his technological expertise and love for animals to enhance the organization's digital capabilities, ensuring it continues to lead in bird rescue and advocacy efforts. His role is critical in driving forward digital transformation initiatives, with a focus on using technology to better serve and protect birds.
Jr. Board Member
Connor Wallace
Connor, 14 years old, knew since he was a wee one that he loved birds. All birds have fascinated and intriqued him. Now that he has been volunteering with Papayago Rescue House for several years now, he understands the demands of having parrots, no matter the size, on young people. We asked him to join our board to bring a young voice to the table as well as help us reach young people who think they want a bird. The responsibility is not like that of a cat or dog and most parents have very little experience with birds to understand what they are committing to. Connor has learned how to give meds, trims nails, hold birds, clean cages, do gram stains, spot signs of sickness in birds, set up ICUs, feed and water, and enjoy true connection with birds in need. We look to develop the jr. program for young people this year with Connor at our lead.
