Dawn Griffard is the Executive Director of World Bird Sanctuary and a certified Missouri Master Naturalist.

She was born and raised in Buffalo, New York where she studied at Villa Maria College and received a Photography and Fine Arts degree.  She spent 15 years as a Professional Photographer, followed by 7 years with ESPN as an Operations Producer. She eventually found her way to working with Laura L. Wade, DVM, Dipl, ABVP (avian) as her Practice Manager.  While working with Dr. Wade, Dawn found her true passion – wildlife rehabilitation -and became a Licensed New York State  Wildlife Rehabilitator.  She then moved on to become a Veterinary Assistant at the Buffalo Zoo.

In August 2014, Dawn moved to St. Louis to be with her now husband, Mark, who she met while working at ESPN.  In October 2014, she began volunteering at World Bird Sanctuary; a month later was hired as a Naturalist and within a few years became the Director of Marketing and Development.

Why does she love working at World Bird Sanctuary?

• She loves working for the future well-being of bird species and ensuring that generations to come will be able to enjoy them in their world.
• She gets to be surrounded by people who are as passionate about birds as she is.
• She gets to see children’s faces light up when they see World Bird Sanctuary’s birds in education programs.