Gilbert Staff

Paw Commons Gilbert Staff

Taya B.

General Manager

With nearly a decade of hands-on experience in the pet care industry, Taya serves as the General Manager at Paw Commons Gilbert, where she leads with empathy, professionalism, and a deep-rooted passion for dogs. Celebrating eight years with Paw Commons, Taya has been instrumental in shaping the culture of compassionate care that defines her team and location.

Taya’s lifelong love for animals began on her family’s property surrounded by livestock and farm animals. Her fascination with animal behaviors sparked by watching The Crocodile Hunter and Animal Planet as a child—eventually evolved into a career dedicated to canine well-being. Before joining Paw Commons, she spent several years rehabilitating and re-socializing working canines to help them transition from task-driven environments into loving homes. This experience deepened her understanding of trust-building and behavior adjustment—skills she now applies daily to support both pets and their owners.

Over the past 10 years in professional pet care, Taya has developed a special fondness for breeds like pit bulls, which she describes as loyal, intelligent, and often misunderstood. Her favorite moments on the job come when she witnesses a once-nervous pup excitedly pulling their owner into the lobby—proof of a bond built on trust and positive experience.

As a Pet CPR-certified leader, Taya prioritizes transparency and individualized attention. She takes the time to understand each dog’s unique personality and needs, ensuring every guest enjoys a safe, comfortable, and emotionally fulfilling stay. Her guiding philosophy is simple but effective: “Read the room—let the dog drive and navigate the situation. Meet them at their own pace.”

Taya’s leadership style is both hands-on and heart-first. She mentors every team member at the Gilbert location, offering guidance, encouragement, and accountability to help them grow professionally. Her commitment extends beyond the workplace—she is also deeply involved in Arizona high school athletics, having coached within the Chandler Unified School District for 12 years and continuing to support youth sports across the valley.

At home, Taya is surrounded by her three beloved dogs—Kamora, her sweet and perfect Pitbull; Tyke, a talkative Frenchie with a big personality; and Rya, her playful Rottweiler “baby.” Each one reflects a different piece of her heart and fuels her passion for providing the same level of care and connection to every pet she meets.

Favorite Part of the Job:

“Building genuine relationships—with the pets, their families, and our team. It’s about trust, respect, and celebrating the joy that dogs bring into our lives every day.”

Russell D.

Trainer

Russell is a trainer with over 15 years of hands-on experience in the pet care industry, Russell brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and expertise to every training session. His journey began at just 13 years old, volunteering at Friends for Life Animal Shelter, where he assisted with behavior evaluations and discovered a deep fascination for dog communication and body language. Since then, Russell has dedicated his career to helping dogs and their owners better understand one another.

Joining Paw Commons in 2019, Russell has worn many hats within the company — from pet care and evaluation to front desk and management — before moving into his true calling as a professional trainer. His extensive experience across multiple facets of pet care gives him a unique perspective on both canine and client needs.

Russell specializes in emotional regulation and reactivity training, working with dogs who struggle with anxiety, fear, or overstimulation. His approach emphasizes respect, consent, and clear communication, allowing each dog to build confidence and trust at their own pace. He believes that “consent is key” and strives to teach pet parents how to advocate for their dogs’ boundaries while strengthening the human–canine bond.

As a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) and with training in pet CPR and college-level behavior assessment, Russell continues to deepen his expertise through ongoing education and mentorship. His favorite part of the job is helping pet parents and even children learn how to read and interact with their dogs effectively—empowering families to build lasting, positive relationships with their pets.

Within the Paw Commons team, Russell plays a leadership role, having mentored apprentices, led behavior and body language workshops, and supported teammates through problem-solving and collaboration. His commitment to safety and emotional well-being reflects Paw Commons’ mission to care for every dog as if they were our own.

One of his most memorable success stories involved a fearful, reactive dog whose family was on the verge of rehoming her due to her anxiety and inability to climb stairs in their apartment. Through a single confidence-building session, Russell helped the dog overcome her fear—transforming her from terrified to tail-wagging. The dog was able to stay with her family and live a happier, more confident life.

At home, Russell shares his life with Bullet, a clever Rottie mix and former client-turned-family member, along with a lively household that includes a cat, tortoises, turtles, geckos, fish, and isopods. When he’s not training, he enjoys sculpture, spending time in Northern Arizona, and talking about dog genetics and breed-specific traits—his favorite topic of conversation.

Chase B.

Groomer

Chase is a groomer with years of hands-on experience in the pet care industry, Chase brings a compassionate and patient approach to every grooming session. He has been part of the Paw Commons team for over a year, where his attention to detail, empathy, and deep understanding of animal behavior have made him a trusted favorite among both pets and their parents.

Chase’s love for animals started early. Growing up surrounded by pets, he discovered his passion through 4H and FFA programs, where he worked with dogs, horses, sheep, chickens, goats, and rabbits. He fondly recalls bathing and shearing his sheep, Stanley, and realizing how transformative grooming could be—not only in appearance but in an animal’s comfort and happiness. That moment inspired him to pursue a lifelong career in pet care.

His professional grooming journey began in 2020 when he was hired as a dog bather and later earned his Certificate in Dog Styling in 2021. Under the guidance of a skilled mentor, Chase refined his craft and learned to balance technical precision with emotional sensitivity, especially when working with nervous or misunderstood pets. He takes pride in creating a safe, calming grooming experience for every dog, adapting his tools and techniques based on each pet’s temperament and needs.

One of Chase’s most rewarding experiences was working with Athena, a rescued malamute who struggled with fear and separation anxiety. Rejected by other salons, Athena needed extra patience and trust-building. Chase introduced a one-on-one “zoom groom” schedule to help reduce stress and avoid cages. Over time, Athena’s fear melted away, and she learned to enjoy her grooming sessions—proof of Chase’s dedication and compassion.

Chase’s expertise extends beyond grooming. Colleagues often seek his advice on coat care, skin sensitivity, and product recommendations, particularly for dogs with allergies or special needs. He has also trained and mentored new bathers, helping them develop confidence and an understanding of dog behavior.

For Chase, pet safety always comes first. He pays close attention to body language, provides breaks to reduce stress, and uses tools like “happy hoodies” to protect dogs’ ears from dryer noise. He also builds strong relationships with pet parents through open communication, ensuring they feel comfortable and informed every step of the way.

One case that reflects his attention to detail involved a senior chihuahua named Sasha. While grooming her, Chase noticed swelling near Sasha’s rectum and immediately advised the owner to see a veterinarian. The vet discovered an impacted anal gland that could have ruptured without treatment. Thanks to Chase’s quick observation, Sasha received care in time and made a full recovery—demonstrating Chase’s vigilance and commitment to each pet’s well-being.

Outside of work, Chase enjoys hiking and creating art inspired by nature. He shares his home with four beloved rescues: a rabbit named Ghost, a cockatiel named Audie, and two cats, Meadow and Salem. His creativity, empathy, and love for animals shine through in everything he does, making him a valued part of the Paw Commons grooming team.

Tricia R.

Groomer

Tricia is a groomer with over 25 years of professional experience in the pet care industry, Tricia brings a wealth of knowledge, patience, and compassion to her role as Grooming Salon Manager at Paw Commons. Since joining the team in October 2017, she has become a trusted leader known for her gentle approach, expert handling skills, and deep commitment to each pet’s safety and comfort.

Paw Commons Gilbert Staff

Taya B.

General Manager

Russell D.

Trainer

Chase B.

Groomer

Tricia R.

Groomer

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