Leadership transition 2026

A special note from our Executive Director

Dear Free Flight Friends & Family,

As of April 1, 2026, I am stepping down from my position as Executive Director at Free Flight. It is my pleasure to recall with fondness my 34 years with Free Flight - initially working for Dr. Stonebreaker for 17 years, and then as Executive Director when Free Flight transitioned to a nonprofit in 2009.

Free Flight has successfully grown every year. We continue to build upon our mission to shelter, nurture and re-socialize parrots, while educating the public to inspire a lasting concern for the well being of exotic birds. We are so proud of our success in rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming countless parrots through our Relinquishment and Adoption Programs who would have otherwise been stranded.

Among my most favorite ideas, the Junior Docent Program and the Learning Center have become huge opportunities to involve our young community in the perpetuation of the care and conservation of exotic parrots in captivity as well as in the wild.

We are so grateful for the scores of volunteers who choose to give their time in service to the flock’s care. Their support enables our staff to see to the administrative tasks behind the scenes that, while less pleasant, are required to keep the sanctuary thriving.

Moving forward, Free Flight’s leader is someone that most of you know well. She has come up from the bottom - starting as a volunteer intern. She has already been leading the Learning Center for several years, and has been assisting in administration for the last two years. Of course, I am speaking of Isabelle Zapata. The Board of Directors and I have the utmost confidence in her ability to lead Free Flight in its continued upward momentum. I look forward to continuing my service as a member of the Board, as well.

Warmly,

Mary Struble

A special note from our Board President

Dear Free Flight Community,

It is with bittersweet emotions that I share that after 34 years of remarkable service, Mary Struble will be retiring from her role as Free Flight’s Executive Director. Having enjoyed the privilege of working closely with Mary for 14 of those years, I can say with certainty that her deliberate, mission-driven leadership has shaped Free Flight into the vibrant sanctuary we know and love today. While Mary is stepping away from daily operations, we are deeply grateful that she will remain closely connected to Free Flight as a member of our Board of Directors and as a trusted advisor.

On that note, Free Flight’s Board of Directors is thrilled to announce that Isabelle Zapata, M.A.T., M.S.N.P., has been appointed as our new Executive Director, effective April 1, 2026.

Isabelle has been an integral part of Free Flight’s growth over the past decade. Her commitment to enriching the lives of our resident and boarding parrots, alongside her dedication to creating meaningful, educational, and joyful experiences for our visitors, has helped expand the sanctuary’s impact both onsite and throughout the broader community.

Among her many contributions, we are especially proud of how our Education & Outreach programs have flourished under her leadership. Isabelle wholly exemplifies our mission to serve both parrots and people, ensuring that we not only care for our avian residents, but also foster connection, understanding, and stewardship among the diverse audiences who engage with Free Flight.

Her collaboration with Palomar College led to the launch of Free Flight’s American Sign Language - interpreted programming, reflecting her thoughtful approach to expanding how we engage with our community. She has also been instrumental in mentoring and inspiring the next generation through her leadership of our Parrot Camp and Junior Docent programs, cultivating young advocates with a profound commitment to companion parrot welfare and avian conservation.

Isabelle’s passion for the intersection of arts, education, and wildlife is exceptional. She brings heart, integrity, creativity and care to her work, and the Board has every confidence in her leadership as Free Flight enters this next chapter.

Sincerely,

Lauren Alvarez, Board President