Brian Burns - President& Founder

Brian Burns is a dedicated public servant, lifelong animal lover, and passionate advocate for the humane treatment of animals. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida and has spent 20 years serving in the U.S. Navy’s Special Operations Forces. As an active duty Senior Chief Petty Officer, Brian has built his career on leadership, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to protecting others.

Brian’s love for animals has been a constant throughout his life, but it was not until he welcomed his first chickens that his perspective deepened into a profound sense of responsibility. After witnessing the widespread mistreatment and abuse of chickens across Hawaiʻi, he became actively involved in the rescue community on Oʻahu, working to protect vulnerable birds and advocate for more humane solutions.

Brian is the President and Founder of Trooper’s Chicken Rescue and is committed to building a sanctuary rooted in compassion, education, and responsible care. He believes strongly in community driven solutions and works to raise awareness about the importance of treating all animals with dignity and respect.

Outside of his service and rescue work, Brian finds balance in the outdoors and can often be found hiking, enjoying the beach, golfing, or spending time with his family. He is a proud husband to Patricia, father to Colin and Valentina, and caretaker of a lively household that includes their beloved dogs Slash, Hank, and Piper, along with a spirited flock of chickens: Constantine, Napali, Nugget, Helen, Annie, Scar, Vivian, Teal, Carolyn, Lemon, Meadow, and the unforgettable POOF!

Patricia Xavier Burns - Vice President & Director of Grants

Patricia Xavier Burns is a lifelong animal advocate with a deep passion for the environment, nature, and wildlife protection. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Central Florida, a master’s in Strategic Public Relations from The George Washington University, and professional certifications in Grant Writing and Grant Management from San Diego State University.

Patricia has 2 decades of media experience, working across both editorial and business roles. Her love for animals has long outpaced her husband’s patience, she has adopted more dogs than he ever anticipated and, two years ago, rescued her first abandoned baby chicken Constantine, which sparked an even deeper commitment to animal welfare.

Alongside her husband Brian, Patricia is the co-founder of Troopers Chicken Rescue and is dedicated to expanding access to compassionate care for animals in need. Outside of her work, she can be found hiking, reading, and closely following public policy and its impact on communities and the natural world. She is a proud military spouse, mom to two wonderful children, obsessed with her lively pack of dogs, and manages the island’s most spoiled flock of chickens.

Sydney Cook - Secretary

Sydney Cook is an animal welfare advocate, volunteer, and artist based in Hawai‘i. She brings a compassionate, multidisciplinary approach to rescue and sanctuary work, driven by a lifelong love for animals and the natural world. Sydney supports Trooper’s Chicken Rescue with a focus on building a safe and sustainable future for chickens in need.

In addition to her work with chickens, she volunteers with local rescues and sanctuaries, including Aloha Animal Sanctuary and Poi Dogs & Popoki, assisting with animal care and habitat maintenance for species ranging from goats to kittens. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Better Bunny, a nonprofit rabbit rescue, and believes strongly in collaboration among animal organizations to expand community impact.

To strengthen her sanctuary management skills, Sydney completed the Best Friends Animal Society / Southern Utah University “Running a Lifesaving Animal Sanctuary” certification program in Summer 2024, training in operations, welfare management, and lifesaving program design.

Through her small business, Miluko Collective, Sydney creates art and handmade goods rooted in compassion and connection. Her advocacy is also shaped by past nonprofit work supporting survivors of violence and individuals living with invisible disabilities. She approaches sanctuary work with a deep understanding that healing is not only for animals, but for people as well.

Celeste Walker - Bird & Poultry Rehabilitation Specialist

Celeste Walker has been an active member of Aloha Bird Rescue, Hawai‘i Bird Rescue, and Hawai‘i Chicken Rescue for the past three years. As part of these organizations, Celeste plays a vital role in the care and rehabilitation of sick, injured, abandoned, and vulnerable birds throughout the islands.

Her primary areas of experience include:

• Wound care and management

• Medical assessments

• Administering necessary medications

• Splinting and bandaging

• Transportation of injured or abandoned birds and chickens

• Providing both short-term and long-term housing for birds, chickens, and roosters

Above all, Celeste approaches every rescue with compassion. Her philosophy is simple: every life matters regardless of size. She believes that offering love and comfort to these animals in their most vulnerable moments is just as important as medical care.

Celeste’s training has developed through hands-on experience, mentorship from seasoned bird rehabbers, and her medical background. Together with fellow rescuers, she has helped build a trusted support network known across Hawai‘i for its kind and compassionate care.

Her home and property have become a sanctuary in their own right—filled with birds, chickens, roosters, ducks, turtles, and the occasional bunny, pig, or peacock who finds their way to safety. The welcoming energy, or mana, of her space communicates to all who enter that it is a place of love, healing, and protection for animals.

Celeste’s passion for helping injured animals began when she was a young keiki. Today she continues that calling with gratitude, supported by the resources, guidance, and community of fellow rehabbers who share her mission.

Paddy Sell - Lifelong Farm & Wildlife Rescuer

Paddy Sell is a lifelong animal rescuer whose passion for animal welfare began on the farm where she was raised. Surrounded by animals from an early age, Paddy learned not only to cherish the creatures he encountered daily, but also to understand the responsibility, hard work, and perseverance required to care for those who depend on humans for survival. 

Over the years, Paddy has rescued and rehabilitated a wide range of species—including chickens, pigs, goats, horses, cows, cats, dogs, pigeons, doves, ducks, mynah birds, and even infant raccoons. Some rescues have involved heartbreaking decisions, while others have resulted in remarkable recoveries and second chances at life. Through it all, her priority has always been the health, well-being, and dignity of every animal in her care. 

Paddy has worked independently and alongside various animal organizations to assist, rehabilitate, heal, and rehome animals in need. Her experience spans hand-raising parrots, retrieving injured wildlife, and supporting domesticated farm animals through recovery. She believes deeply that humans must act as the voice, compassion, and guardians for animals who cannot advocate for themselves. 

For Paddy, rescue work is not a hobby — it is a lifelong commitment. She holds a firm belief that helping animals in need should be a shared responsibility, and she models that conviction through consistent, hands-on action. Paddy’s dedication reflects her belief that by protecting and nurturing vulnerable animals, we help them not only survive, but learn to trust, heal, and thrive again.