Staff

LRobinson@PAWSforPeople.org

Executive Director and Founder of PAWS, Lynne has been actively involved with pet-assisted visitation since she rescued her big, red golden, Boo Radley, in 2003. He taught her what the profound impact time spent with gentle, affectionate pets can have, and she found it to be a very simple, yet effective way to help people feel better. After volunteering as the coordinator of a different group’s pet therapy program, she and Boo decided to put the emphasis on individualizing pet visits; in 2005, they founded PAWS for People. Lynne is proud and pleased to have been a part of growing PAWS to the respected and successful organization that it has become. With her two golden retrievers, Tory and Joy, and Moxie, their kitten, Lynne continues to visit through several PAWS programs, as well as work with staff on program development, training, and overseeing PAWS as a whole. She thinks pet therapy is magic. If you’ve experienced a PAWS’ visit, so will you.

MStephan@PAWSforPeople.org

Moira (“Mo”) joined PAWS as the Scheduling Coordinator in July of 2017 and became the Director of Training in 2018. She comes to us with several years of scheduling and organizational experience from working with schools in the area as well as coordinating her family of six. Moira and her husband Ed have four fantastic children Jake, Riley, Abby and Owen as well as two (non-therapy, but we’re working on it) chocolate labs, Bear and Koda. Outside of PAWS, she loves camping, photography, reading, spending time with friends and family, as well as trips to Bethany Beach.

LGarver@PAWSforpeople.org

Laura joined the PAWS staff in February, 2016. She has over fifteen years of Customer Service experience in the manufacturing and printing industries. As Office Manager, Laura strives to keep the PAWS office running smoothly in support of all who share the vision and mission of PAWS for People. Outside of PAWS, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, gardening, and cooking new healthy recipes. Laura and her family also enjoy their two (non-therapy) rescue cats, Bodhi, a Siamese mix, and Ruby, a little gray tabby.

info@PAWSforPeople.org

Karen Powell has been actively involved in training her German Shepherd dogs for over 15 years. In addition to earning numerous titles in AKC competition obedience, rally and tracking, she also enjoys nosework and sheep herding. She attends weekly and monthly private lessons at Top Dog Obedience School under the expert instruction of Betsy Scapicchio and continues her education by attending specialized workshops hosted by Brenda Aloff and Pat Miller.

Karen believes that training can build a strong relationship and bond between dog and owner. Young puppies and dogs of any age can benefit and become good companions and citizens that are a joy to be around.

CRitchie@PAWSforPeople.org

Clarice joined the PAWS staff in August of 2014 as the Coordinator for Community Engagement, and in 2019 became the Director of Events and Operations. Clarice has thoroughly enjoyed working with the amazing PAWS volunteers to share the special impact that PAWS Pet Therapy has in our local community. After many years of volunteering in programs with both animals and people with special needs, Clarice is thrilled to have found a position where she can turn her passion into a profession. Outside of work, Clarice enjoys spending time walking, reading, and traveling with friends and family.

CBryson@PAWSforPeople.org

Cate joined the PAWS staff in November of 2018, having been a volunteer face painter at some of their special events for several years. Her background is primarily in media and communications. For 17 years she was the area’s “at work companion” as midday Lady DJ Catey Hill at 99.5 WJBR. She also hosted the weekly public affairs program, “Focus on Delaware Valley,” where she interviewed Executive Director Lynne Robinson, who helped her gain an even greater appreciation for PAWS, its mission and its impact on the community. Cate is delighted to be a part of an organization that connects and brings joy to people through the healing touch of pet therapy. In her spare time, Cate enjoys spending time with her horse, Lady; her not-ready-for-pet-therapy dogs, Zeus and Roxanne; gardening; bonsai; calligraphy; and, of course, face painting.

Debbie joined the PAWS Staff in September of 2018 as a General Support person and quickly became an Administrative Assistant supporting the Directors of Community Engagement, Volunteer and Site Management, as well as Training. Debbie is very excited about working for such a passionate organization like PAWS. Debbie, and her husband Drew, have two wonderful sons, Nate and Matthew, an awesome daughter-in-law, Anna (married to Nate), and two black cats named Bruce and Gracie. She loves spending time with her family and friends, as well as reading and  traveling.

info@PAWSforPeople.org

Carolyn has been involved with training dogs & horses since she was a young teen!  In recent years, Carolyn & Chayce, 4 year old chocolate lab, have been training and competing in Agility, earning many titles including Master Fast, Standard & Excellent Jumpers. Carolyn successfully lobbied AKC to allow 3 legged dogs to compete in AKC Obedience & Rally, and Ari, her 20 month old yellow lab, is the first 3 legged dog to earn an AKC Obedience Title.  Ari also competes in Barn Hunt and CDSP Obedience.

Carolyn is currently teaching a variety of dog training classes in her barn in Ellendale, Sussex County, Delaware, for dogs of all ages and breeds.  She’s a popular trainer and much in demand. 

RLenoir@PAWSforPeople.org

Rosemarie joined the PAWS for People staff in October 2014 as the Director of Development. She came to us with over sixteen years of income development experience for both large and small nonprofits, along with varied volunteer experiences. As a life-long dog lover, Ro always felt that PAWS would be the perfect combination of her passions – helping people and dogs. Ro is grateful to be with PAWS and working to help ensure that the amazing work being done by PAWS staff and Volunteer Teams continues and grows!

Two yellow labs, Ellie and ‘grand-dog’ Julianna, keep Ro and her husband active and busy. Ro enjoys visiting family, walking, gardening, and volunteering as a UD Cooperative Extension Master Food Educator.

KRosenthal@PAWSforPeople.org

Kate joined the PAWS staff in December 2018. She brings over 20 years of nonprofit experience, serving as staff, volunteer, and trustee with several professional associations and schools. Kate is thrilled to be a part of the PAWS team and loves her work supporting our volunteer teams and partnering sites. In her spare time, Kate enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with her husband, two children, and their (non-therapy) golden retriever, Izzy.

Dawn joined the PAWS staff in August 2019 as the Coordinator for Kent & Sussex Counties & Social Media. She comes to PAWS with over 15 years of executive administrative support service. You may also know Dawn as one of our Pet Therapy Teams with her dogs Kate and Riley. As she takes on this new role with PAWS for People, she is excited to get to know all the teams and sites in Kent and Sussex Counties.

In addition to therapy dogs Kate and Riley, Dawn and her husband also have Tanner, a mini goldendoodle, and three cats, Oliver, Oscar, and Gracie. Dawn enjoys gardening, reading, photography, all things crafty, and going to the beach.