LoraKim Joyner, DVM

Web Page: http://www.liberatingwings.typepad.com

Profile: Rev. LoraKim Joyner, D.V.M Birds have always called to LoraKim. Since an early age she always had birds in the home, out in the pigeon coop, or eating at the yard feeder. Her hope for avian flourishing led her to a B.S. in Avian Sciences and then later to a D.V.M. where she specialized in birds. A later Masters in Preventive Veterinary Medicine emphasized avian research. Hearing birds call to her heart, she worked in other countries as a consultant in avian medicine and conservation, with an emphasis on parrot conservation. Her hopes for the birds led her to the Philippines, Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Guatemala where she lived for several years. Her work with birds has also included working as a Clinical Instructor and Research Assistant Professor at the Nondomestic Avian Clinic at the College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University. There she later served as the Community Advocate, where she taught ethics and grief management as well as assisted staff, faculty, and clients in dealing with grief and ethical issues. Leaving active veterinary practice behind for a decade, she entered the Unitarian Universalist ministry. She encourages Animal Blessings and Earth Celebrations in congregations and is the president of Unitarian Universalists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (UFETA). She is seeking certification in Nonviolent Communication and is a Sufi Initiate. Today she serves as the minister of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Gainesville, Florida and Director of Lafeber Conservation. As now both veterinarian and minister, she continues her healing work, for her experiences have taught her that the birds cannot flourish if the human heart cannot heal, and the human heart cannot heal without knowing the great depth of suffering and beauty in all life.