Keynote Speaking
Amy Hurst Keynote Speaker
Amy Hurst has significant experience in public speaking, addressing a variety of audiences. Her presentations on overcoming adversity have reached thousands and left a meaningful impact on many individuals.
Examples from lectures include:
“The Purpose in Pain” (Including Boo)
This lecture highlights Amy’s journey through domestic abuse, multiple life-threatening illnesses, and a cancer diagnosis as a newlywed. Inspired during chemotherapy, Amy shifted careers to Animal-Assisted Interventions. She met Boo, a physically broken blind cockatoo whose story of survival mirrored her own. After surgery restored Boo’s sight, their shared resilience became a source of inspiration. Now, Amy and Boo work as a certified therapy team helping others heal.
* Intended for audiences aged 13 and above, appropriate for both small and large group settings
“Boo, 41-Year-Old Cockatoo”
This is an account detailing the experiences of Boo, a cockatoo presumably removed from the wild and transported into the country in violation of regulations, where he suffered years of neglect before being rescued through a police intervention. Initially mischaracterized as unsuitable for adoption due to perceived aggression, Boo encountered further hardship at the local S.P.C.A., including the loss of a toe caused by another bird. Eventually, he was adopted by an individual named Nedra, who provided him with a nurturing home for two decades. Over time, Boo experienced vision loss and additional health challenges, prompting Nedra to seek a suitable environment for his later years.
Ultimately, Boo came under the care of his current owner, Amy, and together they addressed both emotional and physical obstacles. Through advanced surgical intervention at NC State Exotics in Raleigh, NC, Boo’s sight was restored. Presently, Amy and Boo are recognized nationally as a therapy team, using their experiences to benefit others. Boo’s journey underscores the importance of resilience, empathy, unconditional love and unwavering dedication.
*Suitable for audiences of any age, tailored to the viewers. The estimated time is 60 minutes.
“Up Close and Personal with Boo, the Cockatoo”
This session offers an informative and enjoyable introduction to cockatoos in their natural environment, alongside detailed care information for Boo, including husbandry, diet, and crucial aspects of health and wellness at home. Participants will discover how feathers grow, molt, and regenerate, and learn about the role and location of a bird’s preen gland. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of unique parrot anatomy and its functions. Taking place in a supervised setting, this interactive lecture provides a memorable, hands-on opportunity with Boo. “Up Close and Personal with Boo, the Cockatoo” allows you to meet Boo, making it an engaging and educational experience for all ages.
*Suitable for participants of all ages and recommended for groups of up to 50 individuals. The estimated duration is between 45 and 60 minutes.
“Animal-Assisted Interventions”
This session presents a comprehensive overview of therapies encompassed within Animal-Assisted Interventions, including Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT), Animal-Assisted Education (AAE), and Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA). Amy will systematically address the challenges and benefits associated with avian involvement in this discipline, outlining critical qualifications and competencies required for both handlers and their bird counterparts. Furthermore, she will offer an in-depth examination of the differences among service animals, therapy animals, and emotional support animals, elaborating on their definitions and corresponding legal rights. This educational lecture includes practical, illustrated examples to enhance understanding.
*Intended for audiences aged 16 and above. Estimated duration: 45 to 60 minutes.
Custom presentations can be provided if requested.