Welcome to Tailwinds: Raptor Education and Conservation
Our mission:
To advance raptor conservation and environmental stewardship through educational programs and community engagement that fosters a deeper understanding of raptors and their vital role in healthy ecosystems.
Tailwinds was founded by three women.
Tailwinds began as a small, mission‑driven LLC created to provide lifelong care for non‑releasable birds of prey and bring raptor education programs to schools, libraries, and community groups. We are now formally transitioning to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with our application for tax‑exempt status filed.
Meet our volunteer board of directors
Linda Noon
Linda explores her world through education and learning. President and one of the founding members. She has experience volunteering in raptor rehabilitation and education prior to establishing Tailwinds.
Anna Gagnon
Anna has worked with raptors for the past ten years. She started out volunteering for a raptor rehabilitation organization, but discovered her passion for raptor education. She has a particular fondness for Turkey Vultures.
Ari Iappini
Ari Iappini
Arianna Iappini is a conservationist and environmental educator with over 10 years of experience in ecological stewardship, habitat restoration, and community-based education. As a permitted falconer and founder of The Birch Arbor Gardens, she brings a holistic understanding of food webs, ethical land management, and mentorship to her role on the Tailwinds Board of Directors.
Miya Chase
Paula Santana McWilliam
Ari Iappini
Miya is a nature enthusiast. She enjoys being outdoors, biking, skiing, gardening and hiking with the family dog, Lily. Her first introduction working with wild, non-releasable education animals as at the Museum of Science in Boston in the late 1990's. There she fell in love working with birds of prey, small mammals, and a variety of reptiles. We are honored to have Miya as a member of the BOD.
Paula Santana McWilliam
Paula Santana McWilliam
Paula Santana McWilliam
Dr. Paula Santana is a cardiac nurse at Lawrence General Hospital and a dedicated volunteer raptor educator with Tailwinds Raptor Education Center in New England. She brings decades of experience as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, professor, and academic leader, having served as Associate Dean of Nursing at Laboure College of Healthcare a
Dr. Paula Santana is a cardiac nurse at Lawrence General Hospital and a dedicated volunteer raptor educator with Tailwinds Raptor Education Center in New England. She brings decades of experience as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, professor, and academic leader, having served as Associate Dean of Nursing at Laboure College of Healthcare and Director of the School of Nursing at Franklin Pierce University. Holding a doctorate in Higher Education and advanced degrees in nursing, she has led accreditation efforts, developed innovative nursing curricula, and built interdisciplinary research teams in collaboration with institutions such as Stanford University. Semi-retired from full-time academia, she now balances front-line cardiac nursing with community outreach, sharing her expertise and passion for wildlife to inspire learners of all ages.
We wouldn't be here without our amazing group of Helpers!
We are fortunate to have a fantastic group of people who share their time, expertise, and kindness to support and care for our team of birds.
Interested in helping?
Contact us for more information at anna.gagnon@tailwinds.live