Meet the TeamRiver PawsProfessional Groomers & Adventure Guides in Waunakee

Amanda is the owner and founder of River Paws. She and her fiance Ben live in DeForest with their two kiddos Evie, Kai, dog Journey, and 2 rescue cats, George, and Monkey. Amanda attended UW Madison where she studied communication and Animal Science with an emphasis on behavior. While in school she worked at the UW Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. She enjoys working with many animals but especially loves horses, pigs, cows, monkeys, and of course DOGS! Amanda is fascinated by the communication between us humans and our pets and is continually researching the best way to really understand our dogs.

Kelly Esterholm has been a professional groomer for about 17 years. She has worked in a corporate and private salon setting as well as vet supervised grooming. She lives in Oregon with her husband Max, her daughter Amelia, and her four legged kid, Buffy. Animals have always been a big part of her life, whether it be growing up with dogs, cats, rabbits, or rats! Her favorite part about being a groomer is taking the time to make your pup feel comfortable in her presence. She really enjoys getting to know each dog's personality and making an ever-lasting connection with you and your pet!

Hi there! I'm Steph, and I've enjoyed working as a dog groomer for the past eight years. My journey has included owning and operating my own successful grooming business, Bubbles and Mutts, for a couple of years. I'm thrilled to return that experience to the River Paws team. My love for animals began early on, working with livestock like swine and dairy cows. But when I discovered dog grooming, I knew I'd found my calling, and I haven't looked back since! I genuinely enjoy making your pups look and feel their absolute best, and I'm excited to get to know you and your furry family members.

Hi there! I'm Chloe, and I live in Waunakee with my golden retriever, Bear. I grew up with animals my entire life and have a strong passion for them. During high school, I enjoyed my experience at a local veterinary clinic in boarding and daycare. Most recently, I worked at a local dog daycare for almost two years and learned many helpful training and behavioral strategies that I am excited to bring to River Paws! In addition, I enjoy pet sitting for dogs, cats, hamsters, and sometimes birds! I look forward to working with our staff to bond with each dog and getting to know their personality, as well as helping them grow and succeed at River Paws!

Hello! I'm Elaina. I've been grooming for the last year, but I've been working in private salons, corporate salons, and boarding kennels for the previous 5 years, learning and building my skills. I have loved animals from a very young age. From pet sitting to taking care of my own dogs and reptiles, caring for animals has been a large part of my life. I love forming relationships with every dog I groom and helping them look and feel great!

My name is France (yes, like the country), and I am a dedicated animal care professional based in Madison. I have been involved in animal care since 2015, with a focus on grooming beginning in 2023, and have assisted sick animals at Underdog Rescue/Veterinary Service since 2020. In my spare time, I pursue arts and crafts and enjoy listening to spooky podcasts. I currently share my home with a cat named Felix; however, I grew up with two pit bulls and a variety of goldfish. My passion for grooming began at a young age when I had the opportunity to pet-sit for neighbors and developed a deep affection for dogs. I view grooming as a valuable art form, and it brings me great joy to see a dog leave my care looking and feeling their best. I take pride in providing each pet with a spa day experience they truly deserve.

Hi! I'm Ayden! I was born and raised in Madison, WI, and I've always had a deep love and natural connection with animals. Over time, that love has grown into several years of hands-on experience working with dogs in daycare, boarding, grooming and management. I've cared for dogs of all sizes, ages, personalities, and needs, including anxious, reactive, blind, deaf, and special-needs pups. I really enjoy learning each dog's personality, building trust with them, and making sure they feel safe, comfortable, and cared for. I'm so excited to get to know your pets, create a special bond with them, and love and care for them like they're my own! I'm always looking forward to learning more and continuing to grow in animal care.

I am excited to be joining the River Paws team for the hiking expeditions and this new chapter in my life. Dogs have always been my passion and purpose. Throughout my life, they have taught me countless lessons about kindness, patience, resilience, and becoming the best version of myself. I truly believe dogs represent some of the purest and most loving beings in this world, and I feel incredibly fortunate to spend my life working with them. As the founder and owner of Leah's Dogs, I have spent years grooming and caring for dogs while building a mindful and compassionate approach to animal care. While I have loved every moment of grooming, I have chosen to take on a second role at this stage of my life, and I couldn't be more excited that it is with River Paws. This summer, I am also beginning Reiki training as part of my own spiritual growth journey. My hope is to continue learning new ways to support both people and dogs in living happier, healthier, and more balanced lives. I am looking forward to meeting everyone, building new connections, and sharing many wonderful adventures with the dogs in our care. Thank you for welcoming me to the River Paws family. I am truly excited for what lies ahead.