The proprietors of Flight Plan Rehab, Diane Winn and Marc Payne, have been partners in wildlife rehabilitation since their paths crossed at a conference in October of 1998. When they met, Diane had a small solo rehab practice based at her home in Freedom, Maine, a venture that was active in the off-season of her job as a college professor (Colby College, 1974 – 2007). At the same time, Marc was Infirmary Manager at The Raptor Trust in Millington, NJ, where he oversaw the rehabilitation of several thousand birds per year. Before joining The Raptor Trust in 1986, he’d been Facilities Manager at Lifeline for Wildlife (Ellenville, NY).

Marc migrated to Maine in January 1999, and a few weeks later, he and Diane founded Avian Haven, a wild bird rehabilitation center that expanded from her home base in Freedom. They remained active in both administrative and operational aspects of that organization for more than two decades, growing it from a few hundred birds in 1999 to nearly 4,000 in 2022. In addition to working with birds, Marc oversaw a secondary practice for turtles and other herptiles. From journal articles and book chapters to workshops and conference presentations, since the beginning of their association, Diane and Marc have maintained a tradition of teaching and training. 

For 25 years, Diane’s passion has been aerial insectivores (birds that hunt insects while flying) such as Chimney Swifts, all of the swallow species, and flycatchers such as Eastern Phoebes. Her expertise extends not only to other bug-eating birds such as wrens and warblers, but also to ground-feeders like woodcocks. Marc’s herptile knowhow extends back more than 40 years, comprising experience with all manner of reptiles and amphibians, including turtles, snakes, frogs, and salamanders.  

In 2024, Marc and Diane transferred their 70+ years of combined experience in wildlife rehabilitation to a fresh endeavor. Their new facility was established in conjunction with a homestead tucked into a woodland/wetland setting in another part of Freedom. Inspired by the title of a book by Maryjo Koch, they named the venture Flight Plan Rehab. 

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Other core members of the Flight Plan Rehab team include:

Sue Stone (Associate Caregiver) contributes 10 years of intensive rehab experience that includes specialized caregiving as well as the ability to identify, handle, feed, and house most wild bird species found in Maine.

Deb Huard (Transporter and Photographer) provides 7 years of rehab experience with special skills in communication with rescuers, capture, and transportation.

Terry Heitz (Carpenter) brings 27 years of experience in rehabilitation facility management, including the design, construction, renovation, and maintenance of flight cages for wild birds.