Our Team

Kelly Wilson

Hello! My name is Kelly and I joined PawSteps Family in May 2016. I started volunteering at my local animal shelter in South Carolina, as a kennel assistant, at the age of 15 years old. I gained enough experience to get my first job at a local animal clinic, that opportunity led me on this incredible journey into Veterinary Medicine. I had the honor of being trained by South Carolina and Georgia's top Veterinarians and Technicians. After many years of training, hard work, and dedication, I became lead technician at a 24/7 Emergency Hospital in Johns Creek Georgia. Going on to become Head Surgical Technician and Manager for two other hospitals in Atlanta, Georgia. After being a Veterinarian Technician for 15 years, I elected to focus on Practice Management for my next adventure in my career. I am grateful to Jeanne Pennell, who took me under her wing and showed me how to be the best Practice Manager for PawSteps Veterinary Center.

I live in the North End of Rhode Island with my husband, Matthew, our two beautiful sons, Theodore and Henry, and our Teacup Chihuahua, Gynger. My family and I are Disney Fanatics, so we travel to Disneyland and Disney World as often as possible. When we aren't jet setting around Disney, we spend our time going to consignment/antique shops and traveling to our vacation home in the Bahamas.

Jillian Jaena

Jillian's my name, veterinary medicine and crafting are my games. I fell down the rabbit hole into the wondrous world of PawSteps while attending the New England Institute of technology for my technician degree. Through my superhero Vet Tech training at school I was able to defeat the national vet tech exam and become a certified vet tech in 2015. With lots of hard work and my newly acquired superpowers in caring, head rubbing and healing, I was promoted to Lead Vet Tech. From there I perfected these skills even further, enhancing and focusing my power while helping and leading my fellow avengers. I was able to earn the title of Clinical Services Manager along with Kelly to bask in all things technician and patient related. I also occasionally venture into the world of exotic medicine where I can to play with scaly and feathery friends.
I return to my lair covered in hair in Bellingham to power up with my side kick John and our 4 teenage mutant ninja cats Buttons, Shea, Sansa and Mickey Moo Mantle Mellon. We recently added two new superheros in training – canine siblings Jack jack and Lucy – lou. When I'm not donning my surgical mask and my ick-resistant suit of arms I can be found immersed in the world of crafting. There I revitalize my mind and spirit crafting goods for my lair and for my fellow superheros. Or you may find John and I incognito relaxing on our boat or cruising on the bike!

Adrienne O'Rourke

We welcomed Adrienne to PawSteps in November, 2014 as a customer service representative who brought to this position extensive experience in the health care environment. She lives in Mendon with her husband, Tim, and her two sons, Chris and Dan. Adrienne recently opened up her home to rescue tri-pawd Triple – a spunky 1 year old mix breed. Adrienne is an avid runner and has completed 4 Boston Marathons. She is also active in Cross-Fit where she loves to participate in competitions for fundraisers for local charitable organizations. Adrienne consistently receives recognition for the most punctual and professionally attired member of the staff.

Megan

Hello! My name is Megan and I joined the pawsteps family in June of 2021. I’ve always had a love for animals for as long as I can remember. It has always been a dream of mine to be able to work in an environment Where I not only get to be around animals but help them on a daily basis. I grew up in North Carolina where my love of animals started by voulenteering taking horseback riding lessons at our local barn. I moved to Massachusetts in 2012 to go to an agricultural high school to presue my passion for animals. Currently I am going to school to become a diagnostic ultrasound technician in hopes to eventually be a traveling veterinary ultrasound technician. I currently reside in Uxbridge MA with my 9 chickens, and my 2 dogs Ruger and Daisy. When I am not working or doing school work I like to spend time with family, horseback riding, going on hikes and fishing.

Molly Riordan

I joined the Pawsteps team in August 2016 to pursue further training in the veterinary field. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Biology from Clark University in Worcester, MA spending that time shadowing both veterinarians and technicians trying to decide which path I wanted to take. I decided that becoming a tech was the right move and continued my education at New England Institute of Technology. I enrolled in their Associates degree program in October 2016 and completed the program March 2018. After a long summer with my head buried in studies, I officially became a certified tech in July 2018
I currently live in West Boylston, MA with my husband, Jay, and our two cats, Dallas and Moxxi. In my free time I enjoy CrossFit, hiking, motorcycle rides with Jay, and Caribbean cruises with my family whenever we get the chance.

Emily Mancini

Hi I’m Emily, and I joined the Pawsteps team officially in March 2020. However, I had previously interned at Pawsteps in 2019 as well as interning at an emergency hospital. Animals have always been my passion so I went to an agricultural high school and majored in vet studies. I then went on to gain my degree at New England Institute of Technology in Veterinary Technology. I truly enjoy working with anything with fur, feathers, or scales. I have worked at a couple doggy daycares so if I had to pick a favorite species to work with, it would be dogs. At home I have a very goofy dog of my own named Sunny whom I love spoiling in my free time. My goal at Pawsteps is to create a positive experience for our patients and help them to feel their best!

Molly Burgess

Hi! My name is Molly, I recently joined the PawSteps team in November 2021. I've had a passion for animals since I was a kid. When i was 18 I started working as a kennel attendant in a veterinary hospital and grew to love the role of the veterinary technician. From there I decided to pursue a career in the veterinary field. I gained my degree at Massasoit Community College in 2019 and became a certified technician later that year. At home I have one sweet pup named Charlotte who is a rescue from Alabama and is now the most spoiled dog. When I'm not working I can be found photographing weddings, hiking with my dog, and camping.

Ericka Mardirosian

Hello! My name is Ericka and I recently joined PawSteps in July 2021. I have been
studying at the University of Massachusetts Amherst for a Bachelor’s Degree in
Veterinary Technology and will be graduating in 2023. I have had a big passion for
animals ever since I was a little girl. I love working with small animals as well as
horses and cows. So far I have loved my time at PawSteps as everyone has been so
welcoming and I enjoy being able to help animals. When I’m not working, I love
to go horseback riding! I own two amazing cats, Snicker and Rocky, two adorable
dogs, Briggs and Penny, and my new horse, Remi, who I recently bought after the
loss of my horse, Whim. She was a big part of my life growing up and is actually
why I decided to pursue a career in veterinary technology.

Olivia Wilson

Hi! My name is Olivia, I recently joined the Pawsteps team in July 2021. I am currently working towards my Bachelor’s degree at University of Massachusetts Amherst and will be graduating in 2023 with a major in Veterinary Technology. I’ve had a major passion for animals ever since I was a child, owning pets ranging from leopard geckos to hamsters. I currently have three dogs whom I love - named Luna, Ruby, and Finnegan. When I’m not working I like to spend my time fishing, grabbing food with friends, and snowboarding during the winter months. I’m very excited to be a part of the Pawsteps team, and cannot wait to further my career in the veterinary field once I graduate!

Stephanie Massey

Hello! My name is Stephanie, I recently joined the PawSteps team in June 2021. I currently go to school at the University of Rhode Island and have been studying Animal Science and PreVet. I will be graduating in the class of 2024 and hope to further my education and pursue a career in veterinary medicine. I have a big passion for animals and have since I was a child, through working at PawSteps I have learned so much more about working with animals. On my free time I enjoy traveling to new places with my friends, along with going on hikes with my dog Mya. I rescued Mya from Aruba, she is an Aruban Cunucu. I am so glad to be a part of the PawSteps team!

Lindsey Baron

Hi! I'm Lindsey! I just recently joined the PawSteps family in September 2021 after finishing maternity leave. I have always had a passion for animals. When I was 18 I decided to start volunteering at my local animal rescue, since then I've worked as a kennel attendant, dog trainer and vet assistant. For a year I worked at an Emergency veterinary clinic until I had my son in April. After my maternity leave was up I decided to go to private practice and that's where I found PawSteps. Along with my human baby, I have three fur babies Gizmo, Harper and Nala. When I am not working I like to go hiking, do yoga and spend time with my family.

Rebecca Goodnight

Hey! I’m Becca and I joined the PawSteps team in August, 2021. I have always fostered a love for animals, having cared for a variety of pets throughout my childhood, including cockatiels, dogs, koi, and guinea pigs. After graduating from North Carolina State University in 2019 with a degree in Zoology, I worked for two years as the Curator of Veterinary Sciences at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Currently, I am in the Conservation Medicine Master’s Program at Tufts University, and will graduate in 2022. When I am not at work or in school, I can be found exploring nearby hiking trails, birdwatching, and crafting at home with my two chinchillas, Chadwick and Rhys, and my hedgehog, Levi.

Jonathan Goff

Hi! My name is Jonathan and I recently joined the amazing PawSteps team in June 2020. Although starting at PawSteps during the pandemic was quite a challenge, my fellow staff here has been nothing but kind and supportive in helping me pursue my passion of caring for animals. Previously, I received my bachelor’s degree in pre-veterinary science at UMass Amherst. Now, I currently attend Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and plan to receive my DVM in 2023. Although I absolutely love our furry friends at home, I also love wildlife of all shapes and sizes, (especially birds)! In the future, my ultimate goal is to become a veterinarian in both a small animal hospital and a wildlife hospital. Aside from school and work, I am a huge fan of hiking, swimming, singing, spending time with friends, photographing wildlife, and going to the beach. My pets at home are always there to keep me company after a long day, too. I have a sweet Rhodesian ridgeback named Sookie, a sassy quaker parrot named Larry, and two stunning poison dart frogs named Lani and Kai.

Ben Wasik

I joined PawSteps in July 2017 after graduating with a bachelor's degree in Biology from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. Originally from Chicago, I came to Massachusetts with a mix of past animal experience, including raptor and wildlife rehabilitation and working with hoof stock at a zoo. I am now enrolled in veterinary school at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University and am set to graduate in 2023.

Currently I live in the Worcester area with my girlfriend, and have fallen in love with her family's adorably awkward cockapoo, Luna, and their sneaky orange kitten, Juno. When I'm not working at the clinic or studying, I enjoy whipping up new recipes, and as a self-identified bird-nerd, I love birding and exploring the outdoors!