Jeanine loves many things: her husband, 5 sons, dogs, leadership, and traveling. But she also loves meeting new people and their pets, creating relationships, and helping others through Paws Pet Resort.

Since being struck with a God-given inspiration, she knew that running a business for charity was her calling.

“I had a full-fledged crying breakdown while watching a video at a conference. The video was about creating a business to generate a steady income stream that could be given to charity. I immediately knew this was a business model I wanted to emulate.”

A few years—and lots of planning—later, Paws Pet Resort is her dream come true for that cause!

Sami Jo is our general manager, our head trainer, and a K9 behaviorist. Sami has been with Paws since 2018, coming aboard shortly before we opened our doors!

Sami's passion for dogs started at an early age. As early as she can remember, she was all about dogs. From following in her Father's footsteps in the field behind his hunting dogs to watching dogs work, she had an intense appreciation for canines. Working with dogs was natural for her, considering how much she loves to be around them!
When Sami Jo was able to own her first dog, a German Shepherd named Blu, it changed her life forever. She started service work with Blu and quickly realized search-and-rescue was where their passion lay. Sami and Blu were soon certified to be tracking teams in 2016. However, they're serving the community did not stop there. They love training so much that Sami was inspired to attend Starmark Academy for dog trainers in Texas. Sami Jo graduated as a certified canine training and behavioral specialist. While there, she had extensive hands-on education with basics, intermediate, and advanced off-leash obedience, clicker training, behavior modification, puppy obedience and socialization, nuisance behavior problems, and canine sports.
Now, her pack consists of 4 furry friends who help her live the Paws way. They compete in various sports while being able to volunteer a lot as well. Sami Jo's favorite things about working at Paws are the way they give back, their positive atmosphere, and the living through God in her work.

Hi, my name is Andrea, and I have been with Paws since 2018. I’m formally the Operations Manager here at Paws Pet Resort. However, I transitioned from full-time to part-time as the scheduling manager in the spring of 2024!

Before that, I was the daycare manager here a Paws for years. I love being able to interact with such a large variety of dogs and getting to see all their unique personalities and traits! I have three fur babies of my own: dogs named Lana and Tawnie, and a sassy cat named Pippin. I love visiting with my family, going on hikes, and traveling in my free time. Working with animals is a huge passion of mine.

Hi! My name is Allison. I am the Community Outreach Coordinator at Paws Pet Resort and work in the lobby. I've worked in the dog industry for multiple years and have been with Paws since 2020!

I’ve always loved working with animals and connecting with new people, so I love my role at Paws! I’m married to my best friend, Austin, and we have a daughter and two rescues—a dog named Kona and a cat named Frankie. They are bright spots in our world, and we love playing and snuggling with them. I’m a big family person and love spending time with my nieces and nephews.

I love being part of the Paws team. They are always going the extra mile—going above and beyond to provide the best for our clients and their furry family members. One of the reasons I love working at Paws is because of our generosity. This organization gets to provide more than just care and playtime for dogs and cats. They aim to be a blessing to those around them—to local charities and global organizations. What a powerful, God-honoring thing to be a part of!

Mickelle has been with Paws since 2018. She briefly left Paws to pursue further animal education and experience and rejoined the team in 2021. Mickelle is our leader in animal health and has veterinary industry expertise.

Growing up surrounded by feline and canine companions, Mickelle's love for animals naturally flourished. Her journey into the pet industry began by assisting at a local pet shelter, where she collaborated with the medical team and provided foster care. As her knowledge of animal health expanded, Mickelle's curiosity regarding the ailments and injuries afflicting pets propelled her to pursue a pre-veterinary microbiology degree.

Upon completing her academic endeavors, Mickelle welcomed her bundle of joy, Dorothy, who shared her mother's adoration for dogs and cats and a son, Dean.

Continuing her educational pursuits, Mickelle undertook a training program to obtain certification as a Pro Pet Hero Instructor in Pet CPR and First Aid. Mickelle is dedicated to empowering pet parents with the necessary knowledge to ensure their pets live their best lives while also giving back to the community through her work at Paws. We are excited for her to give back to the community through diligent work and compassionate care for the cherished pets of our remarkable city.

Hi, my name is Ariana. I've been with Paws since 2021 and am the Manager of the Daystay Department!

I was born and raised here in Sioux Falls, SD, and found my forever in my wonderful Husband, Max. Together, we have what we like to call our zoo! We have 3 dogs (Molly, Poppy, and Rosie), 2 Cats (Anastasia and Blueberry), and 3 Reptiles (Athena and Clio - Bearded Dragons and Apep - Ball Python). They are our world! I have always felt my heart drawn toward animals from an early age. Through the years, my passion for working with animals has grown immensely, and I believe God brought me to Paws to make this dream a reality.

One of my favorite things about working at Paws is witnessing a nervous dog or cat come out of its shell, seeing its sweet personality shine through, and melting its fear away! They go home so differently from when they first arrive. It warms my heart when they come back, recognize you instantly, and want your attention.

I'm Sam, and I've been with Paws since 2020. I enjoyed several roles here, flourishing in the daycare and boarding departments before transitioning to the lobby. Once I began working in the lobby, I found my true passion: client care. I LOVE ensuring our clients get the absolute best experience possible!

Growing up, I always had dogs to call family, and now I have two sweet Pugs named Lucy and Gibby. I have always wanted to volunteer and help in the community, but I was unsure how to find opportunities. Working at Paws, I have monthly opportunities because of our mission-minded business and mission statement of "being a blessing to others in the world around us!"
I have always had a passion for working with dogs, and I’m so blessed to get to do it daily as my job!

Addison has been with Paws since 2019. She was born and raised in Parkston, South Dakota. She graduated from Starmark Academy in Hutto, Texas, receiving her Canine Behaviorist and Trainer certification, and has been thriving at Paws ever since!

She currently has a German Shorthaired Pointer named Coors, who is very outgoing, attentive, and loves to learn new things. While in Texas, Addison adopted a pitbull/boxer mix who loves dock diving and is an incredible demo dog. Addison says, "One of my favorite things about training dogs is seeing that 'light bulb' above their head that goes off when figuring something out, and I am excited to train and work with them!" We are very blessed to have Addison a part of the team!

Hi, I’m Hailey. I've been with Paws since 2021. I’ve always been an animal lover. Growing up in northern Minnesota, we always had lots of dogs, so Paws makes me feel right at home. I love coming to work to see all the smiling faces, both human and animal!

Hello! My name is Christine, and I've been with Paws since 2020. I was born and raised in Sioux Falls and attended Roosevelt High School. Sioux Falls through and through!

I have worked in customer service jobs since I was 14! Although I love all the dogs, my true love is cats! I have two cats, Simba and Zazu, and I hope to welcome a dog into our family very soon. In my free time, I love hanging out with my friends and family and learning sign language, and I hope to become a certified interpreter someday. My favorite part of my job is connecting with clients and truly wanting to make a difference in people’s lives, big or small.

Paws has opened my heart with all the amazing volunteer and leadership opportunities. Our passion is what drives us! Not only do I learn and grow in my dog knowledge every day, I learn how to be the good you wish to see in the world.

Hi! My name is Kayla. I work in lobby and daycare and I've been with the company since 2022.

I grew up on a farm with dogs, pigs, and horses, so I have always loved animals. I went to SDSU and got a degree in Animal Science with minors in Agricultural Business, Agricultural Marketing, and Equine Studies. Although I thought my heart was with livestock animals, it has become clear that I have a great passion for small animals. I got my first dog of my own, Jellybean, two months before college graduation, and he is what kept me sane when navigating my way out of college and into "real" world. Currently, my pets consist of Jellybean (Poochon), Peanut (Cava-poo), Josie (Quarter Horse), Chicken (Nigerian Dwarf Goat), and Waffles (Nigerian Dwarf Goat).

Post-graduating, many prayers were needed to help me figure out where I would feel fulfilled working. When I came across Paws and got to experience the environment and the positive impact that is made around the world, I knew this was the place for me! I have impacted so many lives around the community and world through volunteer opportunities, fundraising, and donation drives; while also being poured into personally and professionally through our Leadership group, educational opportunities, and a community of people who invest in each other's growth.

Hi! I’m Kaytlyn, and I’ve been working with Paws since 2024.

I have always loved animals, but dogs have had a soft spot in my heart for as long as I can remember. I grew up having multiple dogs in our home, both pet and hunting dogs, but what changed everything was when I purchased my very own puppy at 13. Sadie Ann was an English Springer Spaniel, and she is what really started my passion for dogs and how they learn.

From there, I have pursued many different occupations with dogs, including a hunting kennel, a groomer, a daycare manager at two different boarding facilities, and a certified veterinarian’s assistant at an animal hospital.

I came to Paws for the first time in 2021 for their Annual Dock Diving event with Sadie, and then again in 2023 with my Dalmatian Pilot. From the staff to the clientele, I knew this place was special, and decided to make the move from Minnesota. Working here now not only allows me to fulfill my passion for working with dogs, but it gives me a sense of community and the desire to help the world around us.

Outside of work, you can find Pilot and me walking around the city, hiking the trails, or at a dog sporting event, where we dabble in just about everything.

My name is Taryn, I've been with Paws since 2018!

Growing up I had a huge love for animals. Being surrounded by dogs my whole life helped guide my way into dog training. My first job was working at a K9 daycare and boarding facility when I was 17. In my almost 2 years there, I received hands-on exposure to dog body language and behavior. My passion grew from there, and in 2015, I completed my 1-year online program through Animal Behavior College for Canine Obedience. At 19 years old, I accepted my first dog training job at Petco. After completing a dog training instructor program, I was promoted to Senior Dog Trainer, and for 3 years, I continued to get hands-on exposure to puppy socialization, solving problem behaviors, clicker training, leash walking, and teaching AKC Canine Good Citizen classes.

While at Paws Pet Resort, I spent several months working under our head trainer, Sami Jo. Now, I enjoy offering a variety of classes to our clients, all of which I love! I am also a dog owner with my Australian shepherd, Frost, and my German Shepherd, Kira.

Hi there! My name is Anna and I've worked for Paws since 2019. Growing up, I got to take care of a range of animals such as Chickens, Goats, Dogs, Cats, and even 14 Cottontail Rabbits at one point. There's a very special place in my heart for animals, and I am so blessed to be working with dogs now! I love playing and creating relationships with animals. When I was a child, I had a dream of owning at least 10 dogs! Recently, I finally was able to have a dog of my own, he is my buddy and he always puts a smile on my face. I feel like God placed him in my life for a reason and I am so thankful.

Hi, my name is Tasha and I work in daycare here at Paws and have been here since 2019. Paws is such a fantastic place, I am so glad to be a member here. When I was young I was able to take care of a range of animals such as bunnies, chickens, dogs, cats, and even hamsters. I enjoy working with animals of all kinds! I was born in New Mexico I came to Sioux Falls eight years ago. When I'm not working I love spending time with my family and friends.

Hi, my name is Madison. I work at Puppy University and do dock diving. I've been here since 2019.

Growing up, I’ve always had a passion for animals, especially dogs, so I knew this job would be a great fit for me. I have 3 dogs of my own. Their names are Dixie, Bailey, and Sargeant. I am a member of Dock Dogs, a K9 aquatics competition sport. My family and I travel throughout the Midwest to compete with other teams during the summer. My dogs have qualified to participate in the Dock Dogs World Championship to compete against other teams from all areas of the world. It’s an amazing experience that you never forget.

Hi, my name is Sophie and I work in Puppy University at Paws! I've been here since 2021.

I was born and raised here in Sioux Falls, and I have two Golden Retrievers, Murphy and Maggie. I’ve always been passionate about animals, and I love meeting new dogs and discovering their unique personalities. I received my degree in Veterinary Technology, and I can’t wait to continue serving others and their pets in the future using both that knowledge and my extensive training knowledge. When not working, I love to spend time outdoors with family, friends, and my dogs. I love trying new things with my Goldens, such as dock diving, obedience classes, dog sports, and more.