Jeanine loves a lot of things: her husband, 5 sons, dogs, leadership, and traveling. But on top of that, she 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 head trainer, a K9 Behaviorist, and our Head of Innovation. 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 love 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 realize search-and-rescue is where their passion lied. Sami and Blu were soon certified to be tracking team 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 she was 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 is the way they give back, their positive atmosphere and the living through God in her work.

Hi, my name is Andrea, I’m the Operations Manager here at Paws Pet Resort! Prior to that, I was the daycare manager for years. I absolutely love being able to interact with such a huge 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. In my free time, I love visiting with my family, going on hikes, and traveling. Working with animals is a huge passion of mine.

Hi! My name is Allison and I am the Community Outreach Coordinator at Paws Pet Resort and I also help out in the lobby. I’ve always loved the idea of working with animals and I also love getting to connect with new people, so I’m excited to step into this role! I’m married to my best friend, Austin, and together we have 2 rescues - a dog named Kona, and a cat named Frankie. They are a bright spot in our world, and we love getting to play and snuggle with them. I’m a BIG family person and love getting to spend 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 am most excited to work at Paws is because of their 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, our esteemed leader in animal health and veterinary industry expertise, possesses an unwavering passion for our beloved creatures that has been ingrained in her since birth. Growing up surrounded by feline and canine companions, Mickelle's love for animals naturally flourished. Her journey into the pet industry commenced by selflessly 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 own bundle of joy, Dorothy, who shared her mother's adoration for dogs and cats. This pivotal moment in her life inspired Mickelle to seek further enlightenment at the All City Pet Care Veterinary Emergency Clinic. Immersed in this environment, she acquired fundamental medical knowledge by working closely with the clinic's esteemed veterinarians, observing orthopedic, emergency, spay/neuter, and regular dental surgeries. However, Mickelle's time at the clinic unveiled a new path for her passion, one that diverted her from direct involvement in the medical field. Instead, her ardor for pet care blossomed into a desire to empower our community and pet parents with comprehensive knowledge of animal health.

Continuing her educational pursuits in the realm of pet health, Mickelle undertook a training program to obtain certification as a Pro Pet Hero Instructor in Pet CPR and First Aid. This prestigious certification opened doors for Mickelle, enabling her to disseminate pet health knowledge and contribute to the growth of our community in addressing real-life pet health issues. Presently, Mickelle revels in the joys of motherhood, raising two delightful and pet-passionate children, Dean and Dorothy. As the pack leader of an English Black Lab and Dachshund, and a supportive wife, Mickelle ceaselessly seeks innovative ways to enhance the knowledge of pet parents, replacing fear with a profound understanding of how their beloved companions can lead their most fulfilling lives.

Within the realm of Paws, Mickelle finds immense pleasure in encountering a diverse array of breeds, each with their own unique personalities. She remains 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'm the Manager of the Daystay Department here at Paws!

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 refer to as our own 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! From an early age, I have always felt my heart drawn toward animals of all kinds. Through the years my passion for working with animals has grown immensely and I solely believe that God brought me to Paws to finally make this dream a reality. One of my favorite things about working at Paws is witnessing a nervous dog or cat coming out of its shell and seeing its sweet personality shine through and melt 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.

Hello, my name is Sam! 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 out in the community but was unsure of 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 was born and raised in Parkston, South Dakota. She graduated Starmark Academy in Hutto, Texas receiving her certification as a Canine Behaviorist and Trainer. She currently has a German Shorthaired Pointer named Coors who is very outgoing, attentive, and loves to learn new things. While in Texas, Addison also adopted a pitbull/boxer mix who is loving 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 moved to Sioux Falls from Bemidji, Minnesota, in 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’m new to the boarding department here, but I’ve worked at other facilities in the past, gaining valuable industry experience. I love coming to work to see all the smiling faces, both human and animal!

Hello! My name is Christine. I was born and raised in Sioux Falls and attended Roosevelt High School. I have worked in customer service jobs since I was 14! I started at Paws in late 2020. Although I love all the dogs I get to see and interact with my true love is cats! We can’t forget about our other fur babies! I have two cats myself named Simba and Zazu and 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, hoping to become a certified interpreter in the future. My favorite part of my job is getting to connect 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.

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, I was 17. In my almost 2 years there I received hands-on exposure to dog body language and behavior. My passion only grew from there and in 2015 I completed my 1-year online program through Animal Behavior College for Canine Obedience. At 19 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 here 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 a dog owner as well with my Australian shepherd, Frost, and my German Shepherd, Kira.

Hi there! My name is Anna. 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. 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 and I work in Puppy University and dock diving. 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 which is known as a K9 aquatics competition sport. That involves multiple disciplines your dog can compete in. 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 that come 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 was born and raised here in Sioux Falls and I have two Golden Retrievers named Murphy and Maggie. I’ve always had a passion for animals and I love being able to meet new dogs and discover their unique personalities. I am currently studying Veterinary Technology and I can’t wait to continue serving others and their pets in the future. When I’m 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.