Our Team

Our Board is comprised of a group of enthusiastic individuals dedicated to making the world a happier place.

Michael Clancy

Michael Clancy

Founder & CEO

Michael has taken a thought to an action and ultimately a reality. Through personal experience he has built a charity based on a very simple belief, making the World a little Happier, one bird at a time. His determination to successfully engage with a myriad of different people for a common cause has received amazing recognition. As a mentor and motivational speaker, Michael has unwavering commitment to the community and works consistently to dismantle the stigmas surrounding mental health, coupled with his dedication to providing individuals with feathered friends as tools for emotional support, have garnered widespread acclaim. This recognition is not just a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit but also highlights the communal resonance of his mission. Michael stands as a figure of inspiration, embodying pride, humility, and a sense of blessedness in his ability to enact positive change, one person and one bird at a time.

Michael’s efforts toward removing stigmas associated with mental health and arming recipients with tools (parrots) to help combat symptoms and considers himself proud, humbled and blessed to be positioned where he can make a difference

Lyn Healy

Lyn Healy

Director

Lyn’s journey from being the inaugural recipient of a Parrot for Purpose companion to becoming a director at Parrots for Purpose, illustrates her profound connection with living creatures and their therapeutic benefits. Lyn is instrumental in upholding the organisation’s caring approach, ensuring the quality of the companions, and expanding the reach of their services. Lynn’s story is a testament to the powerful impact that these companions can have on individuals’ lives, and she is a beacon of hope and positivity within the Parrots for Purpose community.

Shonna McBride

Shonna McBride

Fund Raising and Volunteer Co-Ordination

After 26 years in retail, Shonna decided to embark on a new journey that aligns more closely with her passions and values. Joining Parrots for Purpose marks a significant shift in her career path. Parrots for Purpose provides Shonna with the opportunity to channel her energy and expertise towards a cause she wholeheartedly believes in. Shonna eagerly applies skills in a new context, working alongside like-minded individuals to make a tangible difference in the world, one bird at a time.

Nigel Irwin

Nigel Irwin

Product, Quality and Safety Co-Ordinator

Nigel is deeply passionate about “Parrots for Purpose,” seeing it as a unique initiative that underscores the importance and benefits of integrating parrots into the community. He believes wholeheartedly in the transformative power of these magnificent birds to bring joy, companionship, and therapeutic support to people’s lives. For Nigel, “Parrots for Purpose” is not just a project; it’s a mission to enhance well-being, foster connections, and advocate for the welfare of parrots, making a significant impact on the community and beyond.

Tegan Clancy

Tegan Clancy

Junior Strategy and Development Co-Ordinatorr

Tegan is the powerhouse behind the scenes at ‘Parrots for Purpose’. As our resident feeding and infant development expert, Tegan has a natural ability to identify and develop character traits when working with our baby parrot chicks.

Tegan is a driving force in assisting with fundraising, networking, communicating and promotion of the organisation and wears her pride on her sleeve.

Sylvia Debowski

Sylvia Debowski

Communication, Marketing Director and Charity Secretary

Sylvia has been an unwavering pillar of support for Parrots For Purpose since its inception, embodying the spirit and mission of our organization with her passion and dedication. Her enthusiasm for our cause is contagious, Beyond her professional commitments, Sylvia leads a vibrant and bustling life, surrounded by her beloved flock of 12 birds at home. These feathered companions are not just pets to her; they are family members, each with their own unique personality and bond with Sylvia. In her spare time, Sylvia immerses herself in the world of her birds, engaging in activities that deepen their mutual understanding and connection. Her life, rich with the chirps and squawks of her avian friends, is a testament to the joy and fulfillment that comes from living one’s values every day.