Why choose Flying Higher?
 

• There are experiences in our lives that change us in some way, forever, for the better.  Flying Higher is one of those.
   

• Jo Santiago, Director of Flying Higher, has a proven track record as an exceptional speaker for over 21 years to over 150,000 people in 10 states from Washington, DC to Chicago.
  
   
• Flying Higher provides a huge return for a small investment.  It is a singular experience people remember for not weeks or months, but years.
  
   
• Flying Higher can be customized to fit clients' needs.
  
   
• Flying Higher is an effective and captivating way to educate, entertain, and motivate a variety of audiences.
  
   
• Flying Higher is mobile and available nationwide, Monday through Saturday, daytime and evening.
  
   
• Flying Higher is fully flexible with regard to length, venues and scheduling of programs, and can handle most any size audience in a formal or informal setting.
  
   
• Each program is highly interactive, encourages people to ask questions during and after the program, and may include photo opportunities. 
  
   

Flying Higher can be applied to management, career, interpersonal and motivational life topics. Presentations are typically 45 to 60 minutes in length, but can be lengthened or shortened. The program is available Monday through Saturday, depending upon availability.  Booking reservations as far in advance as possible is highly recommended.


All programs include discussion on:

• What separates raptors from the rest of the birds
   
• Why they are important to our physical and emotional health and well-being
   
• Raptor personalities and behaviors
   
• Raptor survival skills - what they do, why, and how they do it
   
• Communicating with raptors - you already know how

While we are flexible in meeting our clients' needs, please note that in planning all venues the well-being of the birds is of utmost importance to Flying Higher. As with all programs, to ensure the safety of the audience, the birds, and Jo, each bird is tethered to Jo's gloved fist while it is out on display.

Flying Higher is a fully insured company and is permitted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Flying Higher relies solely on its program fees to care for injured and nonreleaseable birds of prey and provide programs for special needs youth including at-risk, blind, deaf and/or other physically, emotionally or mentally challenged youth or children who are ill, abused, inner city, disadvantaged, etc.

Programs For All Audiences

Like us, each bird has a unique personality and story.  Like us, there are no two birds exactly alike.  Hawks, eagles, owls and falcons are so remarkably like humans that when we learn about them, we learn about ourselves.  All programs are family friendly and offer an enriching, engaging and fun experience regardless of age or background.

"As descendants of America's first citizens, all life is meaningful. To have the opportunity to participate in Flying Higher as presented by Jo Santiago was a very special moment at the annual PowWow. The bond between Jo and her birds is truly amazing. Jo brings peace and joy (and humor) to a truly educational, enlightening, family friendly presentation.  If you want to see and become a part of the world of living creatures Flying Higher is the answer you are looking for."         - N. Hardiman, Appalachian American Indians of WV Tribal Liaison "To sit five feet away and look directly into the piercing stare of a hawk is quite a thrill."         - J. Skidmore, Philippi Mennonite Church "The guests with Perkiomen Tours and Travels were so impressed with the wildlife presentation - it was the highlight of their tour."        - S. M., West Virginia Receptive Services

Interpersonal Communications Program

Flying Higher provides insight to management in developing successful interpersonal relationships with their employees and developing employee interpersonal communication skills. By using the remarkable similarities between the behavior of raptors and humans most people are unaware of, Jo clearly conveys techniques for building successful and productive working relationships between managers and employees in a refreshing, enjoyable and memorable way. Innovative by design, our programs are perfect for companies, organizations or agencies looking for alternative ways of inspiring and motivating their employees.

"Jo did such a wonderful job relating the life of animals with the communication of humans and how they are truly alike.  I was very impressed with her knowledge and love of animals and humans. She spoke from her heart and mind. I would recommend her program to children, as well as adults. She's an amazing woman with God-given talent."         - N. Coalton, Diversity Team, Dominion Transmission, Inc.

Diversity Awareness Program

Each species of raptors, and other wildlife, has a job, or "niche" within its environment. A healthy, high-functioning ecosystem is the result of the contribution and interdependence of each species.Similarly, the success of corporations, organizations, and agencies is dependent upon the interdependence and contribution of each employee.

"Jo's Mount Storm presentation was both fascinating and informative.  In a (normally silent) mixed audience of mechanics, electricians, and engineers, she inspired inquiry and discussion generating fresh interest in wildlife conservation.  With a live raptor perched on her glove, Jo delivered the most memorable program in my 30 years of power plant meetings.  I highly recommend this program to organizations wishing to emphasize any (adaptive) message with stunning visuals."         - S. Blaisdell, Chemist, Dominion Generation Mt. Storm Power Station

Safety Awareness Training

While safety meetings or training is a 'must' for most agencies, organizations, and corporations, it need not be mundane. If you are looking for an innovative safety program that will capture and hold the interest of your employees instead of putting them to sleep, Flying Higher is for you. What people learn and retain is maximized when they enjoy what is being presented to them. Flying Higher delivers just that.

Grades K-12 & Youth Organizational Programs

These programs demonstrate how commitment, respect, responsibility and education pave the way to following your passion and living your dream.
Flying Higher also provides an effective remedy for the now recognized "Nature Deficit Disorder†described by Richard Louv in Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature Deficit Disorder, characterized by depression, attention deficit disorder, and obesity, by reconnecting youth to the natural world. The presence of live hawks and owls immediately establishes a powerful connection to nature, and for many opens the door to an enriching and amazing world previously unknown.

"This outstanding presentation not only taught our students about these magnificent birds, it showed that there is a purpose and hope even in challenging circumstances."         - L. Simms, Administrator, Heritage Christian School "The presentations were the best I've ever heard and after twenty years as a teacher and principal, I've heard many programs. [Jo] varied the presentations for the age group [she] talked with. In fact, I went to all the presentations because they were so interesting."         - Dr. A. Tenny, Principal, Belington Elementary School

"The boys and parents all enjoyed it thoroughly and were impressed with not only the depth of your knowledge, but the interesting way you presented the material. Having a live hawk as an educational tool made the information so very real to the boys. I especially appreciated how very patiently you answered every question and how respectful you were of each questioner. Your presentation was the highlight of a very enjoyable experience."         - L. Kenney, Pack #122 Den #10, Boy Scouts of America

College & University Programs

Geared to advanced education and going beyond the textbook approach, Flying Higher provides a living laboratory that is thought-provoking, stimulating, and instills an awareness, understanding and appreciation of the essential inter-relationship between people and the environment.

"My experience with Jo Santiago far exceeded my expectations. Jo was able to explain and defend the necessity for our ecological systems and the purpose we share in it. The intimate setting and wealth of information is more than we get from textbooks."         - W. P., Student, University of the District of Columbia "Very impressive; the presentation was very informative and educational, delivered in an informal humorous way. I have learned a lot and my views and attitudes towards predators have certainly changed. Time well spent!"         - B. C., Student, Howard University "Excellent program - interesting and informative and entertaining too."         - B. W., WV State College Elderhostel Program

Special Needs Youth & Adult Programs

With 14 years experience working with special needs audiences, including deaf, blind, and other physically and/or mentally challenged individuals, at-risk, delinquent, inner-city, rural, or other underserved groups, Jo delivers engaging presentations tailored to meet the needs of her audiences.

"These programs were great for our students - very 'hands on' with live specimens and the small groupings allowed the students to participate actively."         - M. S., Teacher, West Virginia School for the Blind "It was amazing to see how these tough kids were so involved in what you were saying."         - Deb Myers, Program Director, Region 6 WorkForce WV Investment Board "[Jo's] personal life odyssey to follow her own passion and work to enrich other's lives mirrors the goals of YouthBuild USA which is to develop the capacity of at-risk youth to be responsible members of their families and communities."        - Mike Mazzolini, Director of YouthBuild, North Central WV "It seemed that everything you said about following your dreams made the presentation even more exciting. My dream is to become a police officer. Your talking about 'following your dreams' made me want to listen to you. Your presentation today changed a lot of students' perspectives on going to school."         - A. M., Student, Cassadaga Job Corps

Exhibit /Booth Programs

From informal festival settings to formal events attended by high ranking corporate, agency, or organizational officials, Flying Higher provides a professional and tasteful exhibit or booth that is an eye-catching enhancement to any venue.

Winged Wounded Warriors Program

This program is geared to the needs of our United States military, their families and caretakers in Veteran's Administration Hospitals or members of the American Legion, Veteran's of Foreign Wars, or other like organizations in support of our "wounded warriors."  The permanently injured hawks and owls featured in Flying Higher programs are also, in fact, "wounded warriors."  Despite the physical challenges of these winged "wounded warriors," they still lead quality lives and offer a powerful source of inspiration and an extraordinary uplifting experience to all they encounter.

 

"You and Anastasia [the red-tail hawk] were the highlight of the Centennial Congress."         - K. Nelson., Interpretive Services Program Manager, USDA Forest Service "What an outstanding job you did at the National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Convention...your personality and professionalism won the hearts of the Chamber crowd..."         - B. Maultsby, Regional Diversity Advisor, USDA Forest Service "I was especially impressed by your own personal story.  Your advice to "follow your passion" is exactly the advice I give to my own children and also the advice I give to my vets."         - Gene Ochsendorf, Project Coordinator, Veteran's Upward Bound

Have questions? Please Contact Us for more information, program fees and reservations.
Flying Higher accepts all major credit cards and Paypal payments online. Simply click the payment buttonon thePaypal invoice we email to you.*
*There is a non-refundable $50 reservation booking and confirmation fee.