meet the team
MEET THE HOUSE OF PAWS TEAM
Maris sonnabend
Pack Leader & Founder
Born and raised in St. Louis, MO, Maris holds an unwavering love for our city, its people — and their animals!
Maris has spent many years crafting her career to center around creatures of all types. She possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience in providing exceptional care to a diverse range of critters, including dogs, cats, horses, birds and fish. Combining that expertise with her passion for animals, she is now a Certified Professional Pet Sitter who also holds certifications in Fear-Free practices and Pet First Aid/CPR.
Tyler sonnabend
Top Dog & Co-Founder
Tyler is STL bred & raised, and proud of it! A graduate of Parkway South, he continued his education on a full ride scholarship at Hannibal LaGrange while pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice. While he now spends his days walking pups and loving on any creature he comes across, he is a client favorite because of his care and compassion for all living things. Tyler is also one of our experts in handling reactive & anxious pets! When he isn't working, Tyler likes to go to his favorite boxing gym & collect Pokémon cards!
chloe carver
Onboarding Manager & Pet Care Provider
"I'm born and raised in STL and I wouldn't have it any other way! I went to Parkway South High and I absolutely loved the astronomy and drawing class I took there. My favorite season is Fall, too! I used to have a ball python and bearded dragon. Now, I have two sweet kitties named Riven & Nimbus! I got them both when they are kittens and now they are completely bonded. Always snuggling & playing with each other! During school, I was part of the SPARK! Program which led me to volunteer at the Wildlife Rescue center for a few weeks. I plan on going back sometime soon because our local wildlife is important to me! Besides that, I have been with House of Paws for a few years now and it has led me to meet so many types & breeds of animals. I'm also looking into furthering my education on cat behavior."
sam davis
Operations Manager & Pet Care Provider
"Hi, I'm Sam and I don't think I get to claim 'St Louis' as I grew up so far outside the county. I graduated from Pacific High School + attended Four Rivers Career Center for their Health Occupations program. I lived in Texas part time a few summers ago for a job I traveled for but otherwise - Franklin County has always been home. Currently, I have a a 7 year old German Shepherd named Trooper. He is reactive and because of that we live life a little 'different' than most people probably picture. Thanks to him I've gained a lot of experience in handling reactive and high drive dogs. Growing up I had about every animal I could have wanted - everything from rabbits and cats to St Bernard's and Walking horses. I love to travel and also own my own photography business! "
emma halim
Pet Care Provider
"I was born in Imperial, Missouri, lived in Rosebud too for a bit. I have been in Eureka since 2017. I went to Eureka High School. When I graduated I got my general degree at STLCC-Meramec. I am currently at UMSL, majoring in psychology, minoring in criminology+criminal justice. I am set to graduate in December 2024. I have three dogs and three cats. Daisy has been my companion since I was five years old. Athena is my wild child, I adopted her from the shelter. She’s a hound dog so once she gets a scent you won’t be able to get her attention lol. Ruby is my shadow, she follows me everywhere and has never met a stranger. Bandit is a grumpy old lady but we still love her. Goldie and Ellie keep her entertained. Goldie is the most social of the three, she meows at my door until I let her in. She’s a rarity- since she’s a girl and an orange cat. I love horseback riding, particularly jumping! I also play the bass for jazz/orchestral music, and create sculptures! While at STLCC, I ended up winning both first place and best in show at the Art show!"
sarah guardia
Pet Care Provider
"I was born in New Jersey, moved to Massachusetts and then to Missouri! I went to Eureka High School and then went to college at Mizzou! I graduated with a bachelors in Natural Resource Science and Management and am now pursuing an associates degree in Veterinary Technology! I interned at the Ballwin Wildlife Rescue Center and had an amazing time caring for the wildlife brought in. I currently work at Cherry Hills Veterinary Hospital as a vet assistant where we take incredible care of local pets because of the amazing staff! I love to hike, collect wizard statues, read and spend time with family and friends!"
kait eisenhoffer
Pet Care Provider
Keep an eye out for Kait's bio--coming soon!
ryan conley
Pet Care Provider
Keep an eye out for Ryan's bio-- coming soon!
julia overstreet
Pet Care Provider
"I have lived in St.louis all my life! I went to Union High School. I am currently enrolled at Pittsburg State University and only have 3 more semesters left there!! I am going for a Psychology major! After I graduate from Pitt I am planning on getting my masters and then continuing to get my Phd! I have grown up with animals all my life! From horses, dogs, cats, bunnies and hamsters! I have had so many animals in my time growing up and they have been the most important pets in my life!! I love to hang out with my family and friends and be able to spend as much time with my animals as I can! I also love to go on walks and and get as much exercise as I can!"
kate baxendale
Pet Care Provider
Keep an eye out for Kate's bio--coming soon!
cara quinn
Pet Care Provider
Keep an eye out for Cara's bio--coming soon!
emma mcguire
Pet Care Provider
"I grew up in the Chicago suburbs and came to St. Louis for school! I have been at Maryville University for 6(!!) years now and I’m in the final stretch! I graduated in 2022 with a BA in psychology and I am in my last semester of my Masters in occupational therapy. I will graduate December 2024! My pups back home are my heart and soul. I have a sweet black lab named Mackie, and she’s 11. My other pup is miss Trudy, she’s an 8 year old German Shepherd. They are the best and I love them so much I even got a silhouette of their ears tattooed on my ankle! The pup in the photo is Miss Gloria Estefan, she is my aunts dog that they just adopted and she is the sweetest peach!"
jeanne meara
Pet Care Provider
I grew up in the St Louis area and love this city! While I used to manage a restaurant, I love the change of pace of working with animals. I used to walk my neighbors dog for fun and I'm excited to get paid to do what I love now! I currently own one kitty care named Martha. She is 14 years old, she is a calico and is very funny, but I have owned many cats in my life!
Cara iqbal
Pet Care Provider
Keep an eye out for Cara's bio--coming soon!
katherine howard
Pet Care Provider
I was born and raised right here in STL ❤️ I went to Eureka High School and I’m currently enrolled part time at Maryville University getting a degree in strategic communications. My favorite hang out spot is the Wildwood dog park. I love taking my pup up there so she can run around. I also ride horses! When I’m not working or hanging with my pup Molly you can find me at the barn.