Meet Admiral
The Inspiration Behind Nana & Papa’s Nest, Inc.
Admiral – The Inspiration
Before there was Pepper, before there was Pooter, before Tyler or Sam and Toni, before there
was a Ryan, there was a bird named Admiral.
Admiral was a Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo who had a lust for life. The product of careless overbreeding. He was plagued with various neurological issues. Typically, such traits are seen as undesirable in a companion parrot. Still, Admiral’s deficits did not sway Dolly and Kenny from welcoming him into their family.
They knew from the beginning that Admiral would never have a normal life, and that his life would
most likely be cut short by his many birth defects. And unfortunately, they were right.
Young Admiral died in the arms of the people who loved him, the people who gave him a chance at life.
Fly high, Admiral. may you forever be our guardian angel.
Though Admiral has left us, his legacy has not. After Admiral’s death, the husband and wife team was inspired to rescue birds who had been abused, abandoned, or neglected. They called themselves Nana and Papa’s Nest, and in 2017 the organization officially received non-profit status.
Because of Admiral, birds like Pepper, Tyler, Sam and Toni, and so many others get to have a second chance at life.
Admiral lived for only a short time, his gift lasts eternally for the birds under our care.
Fly high, Admiral. May you forever be our guardian angel.
Meet the Team
Meet the dedicated individuals who nurture and protect our rescued parrots.
Melissa Cheney
President – Executive Director
Melissa leads the rescue’s mission to provide compassionate care, rehabilitation, and lifelong sanctuary for parrots in need while educating the public about responsible parrot ownership.
Stephanie Clinton
Development Director
As Development Director, Stephanie leads fundraising, community outreach, and partnership initiatives that sustain the rescue’s mission and expand its impact for parrots in need.
Ann Price
Director of Compliance
Ann ensures the rescue operates with integrity and adheres to all legal, ethical, and organizational standards that protect both the parrots and the mission.
John Price
Web Administrator
John maintains the organization’s website, updates & maintenance.
Jodie Owrey
Vice President & Director of Parrot Care
Jodie oversees the daily well-being, nutrition, and enrichment of every bird in the rescue, ensuring each parrot receives the highest standard of care and compassion.
Sharmell Cheney
Treasurer
Sharmell manages the rescue’s finances with transparency and accountability, ensuring resources are used effectively to support the care and protection of parrots.
Virginia Denardo
Public Relations Director
Virginia promotes the rescue’s mission through community engagement, media outreach, and storytelling that inspires awareness & support for parrots in need.
Nana and Papa’s Story
With a diverse group of volunteers combined with a dozen years of hands-on experience, whose mission is to ensure a holistic, healthy, safe haven, and the well-being of parrots. We take in parrots who are surrendered to veterinarians, animal shelters (who are mostly unequipped to care for birds), and from owners who are no longer able to take care of their birds due to unforeseen circumstances.
Many have been neglected or abused, and are ill, or injured at the time of surrender. Some may never be adoptable and become permanent residents here at Nana & Papa’s Nest, Inc. Parrot Rescue, these are our “Ambassadors“.
Our journey started with a bird named Admiral.
Nana & Papa’s Nest Inc. was formed August 25, 2016 as a 501 (c)(3)
non profit organization. The Rescue is located and operated at 12203 General Mahone Hwy., Wakefield, VA 23888.
