S k e g e m o g
Raptor Center
Rehabilitation, Education, and Research
Our Team
Our team has over 80 years of combined raptor rehabilitation experience and holds rehabilitation permits from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the US Fish & Wildlife Service.
We are also permitted to possess non-releasable raptors for use in educational programs.
James Manley
Executive Director
Chris Johnson
Assistant Director
James began his work with raptors in 2006 volunteering and training at Wings of Wonder under the close supervision of founder Rebecca Lessard. He has been involved in education programs, rehabilitation work, and various building projects throughout the years. He has held his own state and federal rehabilitation permits since 2009.
James is a falconer and enjoys many other outdoor activities the area has to offer including hiking, canoeing, kayaking, biking, and camping.
Shortly after retiring from the National Park Service in 2013, Chris began volunteering at Wings of Wonder. He received his Basic Wildlife Rehabilitation certificate. For the next 6 years, Chris gained outstanding instruction and invaluable experience caring for and rehabilitating raptors under the tutelage of mentor Rebecca Lessard. Chris earned his own Federal and State permits allowing him to assume the care of two WOW education raptors (Pearl a red-tailed hawk and Jaeda, an American Kestrel). When Rebecca retired from raptor rehabilitation, Chris joined James Manley to help create SRC.
Our Board
Jim Scarsella
Recently retired, Jim Scarsella worked as a Nurse Anesthetist for over 35 years. He was the owner and operator of Anesthesia Staffing consultants, in Bingham Farms, MI until its sale in 2015.
He is an avid artist and craftsman and served as Executive Director at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee until his move back home to Michigan in 2020.
In addition to his graduate work in anesthesia, Jim holds a master’s degree in Corporate Finance and an MBA. Jim currently resides in Williamsburg, MI with his wife of 36 years.
Jim Dulzo
Jim Dulzo is the owner of J Dulzo Tax and Accounting and has provided 20 plus years of professional accounting services experience in both the private and public sectors. Professionally, Jim enjoys all aspects of the accounting practice and is known for his willingness to go beyond the expected while serving clients. His skills and knowledge were obtained, not only from his working career, but also from his college education, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and a Master’s Degree in Finance through Baker College.
Jim is married, with a beautiful wife named Cindy and they have been blessed with six children. During his free time Jim is devoted to spending time with family and attending his children’s sporting events. He is very active in his church where he serves in a leadership role with the youth group and has held many positions in service to his community. He is well known for his willingness to serve with a big smile.
Chris Johnson
Board Members Emeritus
Rebecca Lessard
Rebecca is an internationally respected expert in the field of raptor rehabilitation and education with over 30 years of experience. She obtained a B.S. degree in Biology from Bemidji State University in Northern Minnesota and worked a variety of mammal research jobs.
Rebecca founded Wings of Wonder, a state and federally permitted 501c3 non-profit raptor center. She is legendary for her educational programming and introduced over 10,000 people each year to the wonders of raptors.
In 2021, she started working with the Little Bay Bands of Odawa Indians to design and create the first tribal eagle aviary East of the Mississippi.
Susan Stamy
Susan founded the Braveheart Raptor Center near Twin Lakes, MI in 1991. She specialized in caring for birds of prey, or raptors, and is licensed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
“It’s a miracle that these birds are even alive,” she says. “It goes to show just how strong they are ... how strong their will to live is.”