Staff

John Karger

John Karger

Executive Director

Master Falconer and Founder of Last Chance Forever, John has spent more than 40 years rescuing birds and educating the public, while being a mentor to many. John’s Bio

Kelly Rayner

Kelly Rayner

Educational/Facilities Director

Kelly joined Last Chance Forever over 25 years ago and has been a key part of the project ever since.

Ian Joplin

Ian Joplin

Raptor Technician

Ian began volunteering with Last Chance Forever when he was 14, and has grown up supporting the birds of prey.

Renate Spence

Renate Spence

Raptor Technician/Bookkeeper

While Renate only joined Last Chance Forever recently, she has been a part of the community for over 3 decades, with her work at Kirby Animal Hospital and the San Antonio Zoo. Renate’s bio

Veterinary Services

Dr Melissa Hill in Bird Surgery

Melissa Hill, DVM

Chief Veterinarian/President of the Board

Dr. Hill has provided veterinary services for Last Chance Forever for many years while also running her own successful practice, Kirby Animal Hospital, for over 30 years. Now retired, Melissa still devotes countless hours to helping rescue the birds. Melissa’s bio

Board of Directors

President: Dr. Melissa Hill, DVM (Profession: Veterinarian)

Vice President: Peter B. Krause, AIA (Profession: Architect)

Secretary: Dr. Leo Tynan, III, MD (Profession: Medical Doctor; Methodist Hill County Memorial Hospital board member)

Voting Member: James Suggs, AIA (Profession: Architect)

Voting Member: Ron Kipp, AAZKA (Profession: Director, San Antonio Zoo Nutritional Center)

Support Counsel

Accountant: Frank DiRosa, CPA

Attorney: Roxana Orrell

Attorney: John Economidy

Attorney: John McClung

Minnesota Support: Roger McNear

HMIC, in memoriam: Signa M. Anderson Karger

Volunteer Support

  • Diane Alshouse
  • Marlys Baldwin
  • Sue Calberg
  • Fafnir & Brittany Crow
  • Adam Culpepper
  • Mike & Toni Daly
  • Christel & Jim Danning
  • Carol Darling
  • Jesse Duncan
  • Bill Elmer
  • Catherine Gardner
  • Michelle Garis
  • Richard & Imogene Gawlik
  • Stephanie Gorski
  • Dee Grim
  • Thomas Harris
  • Mike Hinkle
  • Marla Hopman
  • Samantha Jensen
  • David & Nora Justin
  • Carol Johnson
  • Scott Mahan-Miller
  • Marla Mangeri
  • Debbie McGrew
  • Bill, Belinda, & Sarah Montez
  • David Newman
  • Roxana Orrell
  • Carrie Parsons
  • Dawn Roberson
  • Robert Schmid
  • Matt Schweitzer
  • Colin Shinkle
  • Samantha Slimp
  • Julie & Bill Springfield
  • Debbie Stevens
  • Angel Vargas
  • Polly Wilke
  • Andrew & Rebecca Willenbring
  • Alyssa Winter
  • Alexa Winter
  • Keith Wright