Meet our Pet Sitters and Obedience Trainers

meet the paws-up team

Greenville's only veterinary based pet care team offering obedience training, overnight care, medical services, and daily walking.

Samantha Strauss, LVT

**OWNER | LICENSED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN**
Hi, My name is Samantha, founder and owner of Paws-Up GVL and mom to Matilda (Bernedoodle). I am a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) in the beautiful state of South Carolina and I have been in the pet healthcare industry for over 6 years. I am a Clemson University graduate, go Tigers! Upon graduation, I worked in corporate America for 5 years and found myself questioning my purpose and passion. I am a horse-lover and during my days at the barn, I would find myself in pure bliss and I knew I needed a career path that involved four legged friends. We needed each other. After deep reflection and lots of research, I found my way back to school to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician. I had full confidence this path would fulfill my deepest passions and help me amplify my purpose-providing compassionate care for all animals. My intention for Paws-Up GVL is to provide loving personalized care integrated with my professional veterinary care background in order to keep your loved ones safe, happy and healthy all in the comfort and safety of their own home. We welcome all furry and scaley friends with open arms and paws!

Sonia George

**DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS**
Hello, I'm Sonia! From the time I can remember, I've been drawn to animals. I went from sharing my meals with stray dogs growing up in India and sneaking critters I found into my dorm room, to working in wildlife rehabilitation, to rescue work and establishing nearly a 20-year career in the veterinary field. I have spent the last 13 years at a Veterinary Specialty Hospital focusing on Emergency and Internal medicine, Sonography, Ophthalmology, and Dentistry. During my journey, I found a true passion caring for the voiceless and being a patient advocate. I've been able to draw from my education in animal behavior and learning, as well as to apply this in the field, especially working with mistreated animals. I enjoy being able to provide at home care to animals and consider it a privilege when families entrust me with their extended family members. I look forward to meeting you!

Aleina Griffin

**Dog Trainer**
Hi, I’m Aleina! Dogs have been my number one passion since I can remember. At 12 I started getting involved with AKC obedience training and search and rescue organizations with our family German Shepherd. I currently have two of my own dogs, Caspian (German Shepherd) and Calypso (Australian Shepherd) who I work and title in lots of sports and obedience trials!
I discovered my love for dog psychology and behavior when I trained my personal dogs and when I graduated high school, started the course to become a Veterinarian. After a year of school, I decided the medical route was not where I wanted to be. After I graduated from college, I bought my first working line German Shepherd, Caspian, and through him I have finally taken my passion and knowledge for dog training professionally since 2021. I strive to help every dog live a balanced, fulfilled life by teaching their owners how to communicate with them.

Tessa Kell, LVT

**Licensed Veterinary Technician**
Hi! My name is Tessa, I am a Licensed Veterinary Technician here in South Carolina, as well as Kentucky. I have been studying and practicing in veterinary medicine for the past 5 years. I started this journey in high school as an intern and quickly fell in love with it! I immediately began working as a kennel assistant and worked my way up to technician assistant. From there, I enrolled in Tri-County Technical College to then receive my AAS and adopted my first cat, Poppy! I took my education and commitment to veterinary medicine a step further when I transferred to Murray State University. There, I earned a BAS in Veterinary Technology and adopted another sweet kitty, Eleanor! In the past 3 years I have found my niche in veterinary emergency medicine. Veterinary medicine fulfills my caregiving nature in so many ways I could have never imagined! I truly enjoy pet sitting because it allows me to spoil and care for all the four-legged babies while providing that extra peace of mind during your time away!

Keyiojah Austin

**VETERINARY ASSISTANT**
Hi! My name is Keyiojah (KeyJ). I am from Simpsonville, SC. For as long as I can remember I have always had a passion for animals. I am a Veterinarian Assistant at a specialty animal hospital in the Upstate. Currently, I am enrolled in the Veterinary Technology program to become a licensed technician in South Carolina. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my daughter and my 2 fur babies. I have been in the Veterinary field for 10+ years and truly enjoy every moment. I can’t wait to meet you and your fur babies!!

Elizabeth Cruz

**VETERINARY ASSISTANT**
Hello! My name is Elizabeth. I have been dedicated to my advancing my education of animal care since 2018. From earning a certificate to become a Veterinary Assistant at Greenville Technical College to currently working at a local animal hospital, I have grown a love and appreciation for all furry friends large and small. I would love to care for your four-legged friend the same way I care for my own. Paws-Up GVL grants me the opportunity to easily nurture a bond with all pets by providing love care while you are away! I absolutely can't wait to meet you and your pets!

Cierra Smith

**VETERINARY ASSISTANT**
Hello! My name is Cierra. I am currently a Senior in the Tri-County Veterinary Technology program working towards getting my license as a Veterinary Technician. I will graduate this May and I am currently working at a local general practice in the upstate, getting technical hands-on experience. I am beyond ecstatic to be working in this field. I have had a strong love for animals ever since I was a child. I enjoy working with all kinds of animals and sharing my knowledge with others. I can’t wait to meet you and your furry family!

Emily Nix

**Pet Professional**
Hello all! My name is Emily. Working with animals is something I have been passionate about for as long as I can remember. I went to school for Veterinary assisting and ended up falling in love with the boarding aspect. I have done volunteer work at Greenville Animal Care as well as the Humane Society. I have 7 years of dog sitting experience and nothing makes me happier. I look forward to meeting you and spending time with your fur babies!

Kendjiah Brown

Veterinary Assistant

My name is Kendijah Brown. I am a Clemson grad with a bachelors degree in Animal and Veterinary science. I have always had a passion for animal care and treatment since I was in high school. I have worked at an animal shelter, and general practice animal hospital and currently work at an emergency hospital here in the upstate area. I have my own fur baby named Coco, who is a little yorkie mix that has all the energy in the world! I look forward to meeting you and your fur babies and making sure that they are well cared for and loved!

meet the paws-up team

Bark at Us!