Scottsdale Staff

Paw Commons Scottsdale Staff

Erica M.

Dog 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.

Abigail

Dog 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.

Dog 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

Erica M.

Dog Groomer

Abigail

Dog Trainer

Sara J.

Dog Groomer

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