Scottsdale Staff

Paw Commons Scottsdale Staff

Crysta H.

General Manager

With more than 15 years of experience in pet care, Crysta brings exceptional leadership, compassion, and expertise to her role as General Manager. Having been part of the Paw Commons family for over seven and a half years, she has built a reputation for combining deep knowledge of animal behavior with a genuine love for pets and people alike.

Crysta’s passion for working with animals started in childhood—she was the kid who rescued strays, read every dog breed encyclopedia she could find, and dreamed of one day turning her love for animals into a lifelong career. At just 13 years old, she began volunteering at a local dog shelter, where she learned to handle dogs of all temperaments and discovered the profound joy of earning a fearful animal’s trust. That early experience shaped her dedication to animal welfare and set the foundation for her career in professional pet care.

Over the past decade and a half, Crysta has worked with dogs of all sizes and needs—from wolf-dog hybrids to tiny teacup Chihuahuas—developing a versatile understanding of canine communication and comfort. She has extensive experience caring for senior pets, tripod (three-legged) dogs, and epileptic dogs requiring special attention. One of her proudest accomplishments was raising a puppy who went on to become a certified therapy dog at a counseling center in California, creating life-changing connections between humans and animals.

Crysta’s formal education includes Veterinary Assisting School and Pet CPR certification, giving her a strong foundation in animal health, safety, and emergency response. Beyond her technical expertise, her approach to animal care emphasizes empathy, patience, and respect. She believes every dog should be given the time and space to build trust at their own pace—and finds joy in those quiet, heartwarming moments when a once-timid dog finally wags their tail or leans in for affection.

As a leader, Crysta is known for her hands-on management style and emphasis on communication and mentorship. She believes great teams are built on listening, understanding, and collaboration. Over her years at Paw Commons, she has trained and supported numerous team members, helping them develop confidence and skill while always keeping the focus on what matters most—the well-being of the dogs in their care. Her leadership philosophy centers around calm guidance, active problem-solving, and setting a compassionate standard for both staff and clients.

Building trust with pet parents is another cornerstone of Crysta’s approach. She takes the time to walk clients through their dog’s daily routine, ensuring they understand each step of their pet’s care—from playtime to feeding to special comforts like blankets or treats. One particularly meaningful case for Crysta involved Buddy, a nervous dog who struggled to trust new people. Over time, she earned his confidence through consistency and gentle care. When Buddy later faced a medical emergency during her veterinary externship, he recognized her immediately, allowing her to keep him calm during treatment—a moment that reaffirmed her belief in the power of trust, patience, and compassion.

At home, Crysta shares her life with Anakin, a four-year-old Alaskan Malamute mix with a big personality and even bigger heart. Known for his affectionate “body slams” and playful sass, Anakin keeps her laughing and reminds her daily why she loves working with dogs. Outside of Paw Commons, Crysta enjoys hiking, attending concerts, and spending time with her four-year-old son, Raiden, exploring Arizona’s great outdoors. She’s also passionate about entomology art, blending her love of nature with creativity in unique and expressive ways.

For Crysta, working with dogs isn’t just a job—it’s a lifelong calling. She treats every pet as if they were her own and leads her team with that same philosophy, ensuring every dog who visits Paw Commons Scottsdale feels safe, loved, and at home.

Erica M.

Groomer

With nearly 24 years of grooming experience and a lifelong love for animals, Erica brings passion, expertise, and compassion to her role as a Groomer. Since joining the team nearly three years ago, she has become known for her calm energy, detail-oriented care, and deep commitment to each dog’s comfort and well-being.

Erica’s journey with animals began at just 14 years old, when she volunteered at a local veterinary office after years of showing a natural connection with dogs. Her mother often tells a story that perfectly captures her spirit—when Erica was just three, she managed to befriend an unfriendly dog that no one else could approach. That innate understanding of animals has guided her ever since.

After earning her Professional Grooming Certificate through PetSmart in 2007, Erica immersed herself in continuous education—attending pet dermatology seminars and advanced grooming trend courses to ensure her clients always receive high-quality, up-to-date care. Her specialties include working with senior and anxious dogs, helping them feel secure and relaxed during grooming sessions through gentle touch, steady eye contact, and a calm, empathetic presence.

As Grooming Manager, Erica leads by example—never asking her team to do something she wouldn’t do herself. She’s deeply dedicated to mentoring new groomers, such as her recent trainee Jasmine, who is now thriving under Erica’s guidance. She values communication, teamwork, and maintaining the high standards of care that define Paw Commons.

Erica’s bond with her canine clients runs deep. She recalls moments where her attentiveness helped save lives—like detecting a cancerous mass on a golden retriever named Mitch and early-stage cataracts in another client, Lucy Belle. Her vigilance and dedication ensured both pets received timely medical care and made full recoveries.

Outside of work, Erica loves gardening, reading, doing puzzles, and watching football with her husband. At home, she shares life with her two dogs—Mia, a spirited 16-year-old Maltese mix, and Mattie, a goofy Great Pyrenees–Cattledog mix known for eating everything (including lettuce and sparkling water).

For Erica, every haircut is more than a service—it’s an act of care. She treats every pet like her own, paying close attention to body language, stress levels, and comfort. Her goal is simple but powerful: to ensure every dog leaves looking and feeling their absolute best—with a wagging tail and a happy heart.

Kale C.

Trainer

With nearly two decades of animal-handling experience and over five years in professional dog training, Abigail brings a rare combination of compassion, expertise, and scientific understanding to her role as a Trainer at Paw Commons.

Abigail’s lifelong connection with animals began early—by age 16, she was working as a Kennel Technician, and a year later, she became a Park Ranger, caring for and studying wildlife. Her experience spans both domestic and wild animals, from dogs and cats to a rescued bobcat named Sampson, whom she helped overcome fear of open spaces. Today, Sampson thrives as an ambassador for wildlife rescue—a testament to Abigail’s patience and skill.

Certified through the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA-CTP) and trained under world-renowned experts Terry Ryan and Ken Ramirez, Abigail is passionate about positive, science-based, and choice-driven training methods. She specializes in reactive, high-prey, and high-drive dogs, helping them build confidence and control while honoring their natural instincts. Her philosophy centers on giving dogs agency and respect, believing that empowerment leads to deeper trust and long-term behavioral success.

At Paw Commons, Abigail’s focus is on bridging the communication gap between dogs and their humans. She supports her teammates by sharing her extensive knowledge of canine behavior, assisting with complex cases, and guiding both pets and pet parents toward more harmonious relationships.

One of her proudest moments was working with Maisie, a high-drive rescue dog returned to the shelter twice. Through structured enrichment and tailored training, Abigail helped Maisie find balance—and a forever home where she now competes in dog sports and thrives with her new family.

Outside of Paw Commons, Abigail’s life continues to revolve around dogs. She shares her home with two beloved companions: Eddie, a bearded collie–Aussie mix and affectionate “ball enthusiast,” and Harley, a spirited cairn terrier–beagle mix who excels in barn hunt, scent work, and rally sports. When she’s not training or adventuring outdoors, Abigail enjoys dog sports, photography, cryptozoology, wrestling, and horror films.

For Abigail, dog training isn’t just a career—it’s a calling. Her goal is simple yet powerful: to help every dog and their human live their best, most understanding life together, built on trust, respect, and joy.

Sara J.

Groomer

With five years of experience in the pet care industry, Sara brings a thoughtful blend of skill, compassion, and professionalism to every grooming session at Paw Commons. A graduate of PetSmart’s Grooming Academy, she has honed her craft through years of hands-on experience with a wide range of breeds — from Giant Schnauzers and Pomskies to Standard Poodles — and has developed a deep understanding of the unique grooming needs of each pet.

Sara’s favorite part of her work is witnessing each transformation — whether it’s a simple clean-up, a fresh new look, or a comfort groom designed to help pets feel their best. She takes pride in her ability to balance a firm, confident approach with a gentle, reassuring touch, ensuring that every pup feels safe, calm, and cared for.

Her expertise extends beyond grooming alone. Sara finds great fulfillment in mentoring new groomers, sharing her tips and techniques to help them build confidence and perfect their skills. She believes that growth and teamwork are at the heart of Paw Commons’ mission: delivering top-quality service through the dedication of smart, caring professionals who work together to create an exceptional client experience.

Sara is deeply committed to communication and transparency with pet parents. She takes time to listen carefully to their concerns, explain each step of the grooming process, and provide updates when needed. Her approach builds lasting trust — as seen in her ongoing relationship with clients like Ms. Addis and her dog Bailey, whose comfort and skin care needs Sara attentively manages through product education and compassionate care.

When she’s not at the salon, Sara enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and their dog Lumpy Space Princess, a Rhodesian Ridgeback–Weimaraner mix with a big personality. Outside of work, she loves cooking and is currently exploring medicinal Chinese cuisine, blending her passion for food and wellness.

Sara’s guiding philosophy is simple: “Every pet deserves to feel safe, loved, and understood.” Through her dedication, professionalism, and heartfelt care, she embodies the Paw Commons standard of excellence in pet grooming.

Paw Commons Scottsdale Staff

Crysta H.

General Manager

Erica M.

Groomer

Kale C.

Trainer

Sara J.

Groomer

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