Alyssa Nelson is the Interim Executive Director of Chintimini Wildlife Center. Born and raised in Washington, she developed a deeply rooted love for the Pacific Northwest. After moving to Oregon in 2016 and growing a strong connection with the Willamette Valley community, Alyssa discovered an everlasting love for wildlife (specifically birds, all birds!) and community outreach. Alyssa also holds a B.S. in Animal Sciences with minors in Chemistry and Fisheries & Wildlife from Oregon State University. Go Beavs!

Alyssa joined the CWC team in 2022 and has since held many roles at Chintimini including titles such as volunteer, intern, and staff member. She brings a wealth of experience, including wildlife rehabilitation in Washington, wildlife research and conservation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and volunteer management at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. When she isn’t working, she enjoys exploring the coast and mountains, volunteering, getting her hands dirty in the veggie garden, thrift shopping for the perfect gifts, and spending quality time with her pets, family, and friends. Alyssa is passionate about inspiring stewardship and fostering a connection between the community, wildlife, and the natural world we strive to protect.

Interim Deputy Director Heather Gibons has always had a passion for Pacific Northwest wildlife, after growing up in the Seattle area and spending her formative years amongst the amazing biodiversity of this region. She is honored to step into this role after previously holding the Development Coordinator position at CWC. Heather has a Bachelor’s of Science from the University of Washington in Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, and she went on to complete a Master’s degree at Evergreen State College in 2020 with her thesis on the unique populations of Hawaiian rough-toothed dolphins. 

Following a move to Corvallis in 2018, she felt drawn to nonprofit work and advocacy, and spent four years working at the Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence (CARDV), prior to spending a year at home to care for her now-three-year-old daughter, Thea. Heather is inspired every day by what she sees in the team at Chintimini Wildlife Center, and the ways that everyone supports each other. Being able to assist in shepherding CWC into a strong, sustainable, and equitable era is one of Heather’s goals in this position. Outside of work, Heather can be seen walking on the beach with her whole family, including partner Paul and two dogs, Autumn and Raven, or enjoying a book and a cup of coffee.

Madison’s wildlife rehabilitation journey began in 2017 as an intern at Wildlife Images Rehabilitation and Education Center in Grants Pass, Oregon. Her passion for wildlife and conservation grew, leading her to obtain a B.S. in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences from Oregon State University. In 2018, she started as a volunteer at CWC and later served as a Wildlife Care intern for several terms before joining the CWC rehab team in 2023. Outside of work, Madison enjoys trips to the coast, reading, and expanding her collection of house plants.

Alicia is a passionate zoology student with a deep love for nature and wildlife. Growing up in Oregon, she spent her childhood exploring its lush landscapes, from dense forests to rugged coastlines, always captivated by the animals that inhabit them. Her early connection to the natural world sparked a lifelong dream to work with wildlife. When she’s not studying zoology or working in our rehab clinic, Alicia enjoys hiking, traveling, and camping. She also has a green thumb, caring for a growing collection of house plants that reflect her love for all living things.

Growing up in Oregon, Maddy could always be found roaming around outside and took many trips to the coast with her family, perking her curiosity about wildlife and the world they live in. In 2019, she earned her Bachelor’s in  Environmental Science with a specialization in Aquatic Biology at Oregon State University. Since graduating, she has spent time traveling and exploring the U.S., and found herself back in Corvallis completing the 6-month internship, volunteering, and completing a seasonal position in 2025 with the Rehabilitation team before becoming a part of the crew in 2026. While not at work, she enjoys playing cards, reading, snorkeling, hiking and spending time with her cat Phia.

Kathleen was introduced to Chintimini in 2012 when her dog found an injured bird in her backyard. Always fascinated with wildlife, Kathleen fell in love with the non-releasable educational bird of prey ambassadors living at the wildlife center and became a volunteer. Kathleen has been Director of the Raptor Education Program since 2017. Trained as a Certified Interpretive Guide, she enjoys guiding people as they explore the Center. She is particularly passionate about vultures! She enjoys birding and spending time with her husband and three indoor cats in her spare time.

Bree first came to the Chintimini Wildlife Center in 2016 as a volunteer trainer with the Raptor Education Program, but she has been in the animal training and wildlife education field professionally since 2013. She has worked in education departments at zoos and outreach facilities across the United States as has degrees in Exotic Animal Training and Animal Science. Bree has a special place in her heart for owls, especially Barn Owls. She is excited to work with all of the raptor ambassadors at Chintimini and help educate the public on the importance of caring for our animal neighbors. 

Lauren is from Pleasant Grove, Utah. She earned an A.S. in Biology from Utah Valley University in 2021, and a B.S. in Zoology from Oregon State University in 2025. During her time at OSU, Lauren completed internships in Chintimini’s rehab clinic, Chintimini’s education program, and an internship working with river otters in Brazil through OSU Global. Lauren also loves theatre and performing arts, and has participated in many plays and musicals throughout her life. When she’s not at Chintimini, Lauren can be found playing video games, cuddling her two dogs, or watching movies.