Carin Avila, Executive Director & Board Chair
I often think of the quote, “In the end, it’s not going to matter how many breaths you took, but how many moments took your breath away” by Shing Xiong. RMRP has taken my breath away in so many ways!
Carin Avila
A Colorado Native
Growing up in the shadow of Pikes Peak and seeing the purple mountain majesty every morning was the beginning of a life-long love affair with nature. Fort Collins has been home to Carin, as she spent summers in the Poudre Canyon with family, fishing, hiking, and watching the abundant wildlife in the canyon.
Headed North
Carin journeyed to Fort Collins for college and never looked back. She was a diver on the CSU WAC Championship Swimming and Diving Team and in 1999, she began volunteering at RMRP. While earning her BS in Microbiology and a minor in Anatomy and Neurobiology, RMRP gave her leadership opportunities. It didn’t take long before she was hooked by the raptors and RMRP. The beauty of the birds and the strength in their eyes was all she needed.
RMRP All the Way
Carin volunteered for two years and was a work-study student for two more. Graduating in 2003, Carin accepted the role of Education Director. For 14 years, she shared about raptors and our ecosystems. Her passion to reach the hearts of people through the wonder of raptors, wildlife, and stewardship of our natural environment was rewarding. Additionally, as a wildlife rehabilitator, she gave care to injured raptors, also training volunteers, Educational Ambassadors, as well as aiding in aspects of donor relations. This work prepared her for taking the role of Executive Director in October 2017 to carry the mission to the next level.
Carin believes the work of RMRP is magical and important. She feels a responsibility to the raptors and nature. Protecting and conserving the future of wildlife and wild places must be remembered.
- B.S. Microbiology, Minor in Anatomy and Neurobiology
- Homeopathic Skills Workshop for Wildlife Rehabilitators
- Certified Interpretive Guide – National Association of Interpretation
- Colorado Parks & Wildlife Licensed Raptor Rehabilitator
- Leadership Fort Collins
- Graduate JVA Executive Director Academy
Carin is an outdoor and activity enthusiast. She enjoys yoga, archery, hiking, paddle boarding, camping, mountain biking, scuba, running, snowboarding, rock climbing and heading out on her motorcycle. Anything under the blue skies of Colorado, she is game for!