Meet Our EPIC Staff!
Essential Paws Island Crew
Gabbie Lollar-Trefelner, Owner and Manager
"Born and raised in this beautiful paradise we call home, I grew up with the utmost admiration for animals, which started at a very early age. During my childhood, my family and I were very big in the Motocross industry, leading me to my first profession/career as a Professional Motocross Mechanic. I went off to pursue my degree in Mechanics and worked for a very talented Motocross family whom I call my own. After years of hard work and very many achievements along the way, I knew in my heart that helping animals was still in my calling. I decided to change my path in life and attended Indian River State College for my Business Administration degree. It wasn't until my wife, Kyra Lollar-Trefelner, started grooming again that I realized my true passion. The Pet Care industry! After a few years assisting her and learning the ins and outs of the trade, we decided that our true dedication, love, respect, and admiration for pets was the business we wanted to be in. A few months later, we created Essential Paws with this exact mission in mind. I couldn't be more proud of what we have accomplished along the way and look forward to the many years of serving the pet care industry."
Kyra Lollar-Trefelner, Owner and Pet Stylist
"I was introduced to the pet industry while pursuing my Bachelor's degree in Human Services at Purdue University. Ironic, I know! I needed a part time job to pay for books, and I knew I loved animals, so applied for a bathing position in the grooming department of Petco. I never would have guessed this part time, minimum wage job would become the foundation of my career and passion in life. After graduating college, I entered my field of study as a Recovery Support Technician for those suffering with mental heath and substance abuse problems. Less than a year into my "big girl" job, I realized there was something missing. I missed the dogs! I took a big risk...I quit my salary job and embarked on a path that would lead me home, to Essential Paws. Along my journey, I've had the opportunity to learn from many wonderful grooming and business mentors, one incredibly warm-hearted veterinarian, a few very knowledgable trainers and a LOT of encouraging clients who I now call family. I've worked for multiple grooming salons from West Palm, all the way to Sebastian, eventually earning my title as a Senior Stylist! But I saw a need for something different in this industry I've come to love. My innate desire to help people, combined with my love for dogs has been the backbone of everything this business stands for. Together, our EPIC crew is raising the bar on customer service, and creating a new standard for pet care, and I couldn't be more proud!"
Samey SchaEfer, Day Care Attenedant
"Hello! My name is Samey and I have been with Essential Paws since November of 2017. There have always been dogs in my life. I was always the go-to dog sitter for my friends and family. When I was 18, I graduated early from high school and started volunteering at a local animal shelter every morning.. That's when I realized I wanted to work with dogs for the rest of my life. In a few months, I will be pursing a license in animal training, and being at Essential Paws has taught me so much already. Essential Paws has been such a blessing, I couldn’t imagine working for anybody else. It is truly amazing to work with people that share your passion of caring for dogs in the most genuine way. Every shift I work I can’t help but smile because I know every day is going to be full of fun. Through all the small jobs I have had, I have never felt more at home than I do here at Essential Paws. The crew I work with is truly like another family to me. I am very excited to stay and grow with Essential Paws for years to come!"
Allison Nickey, Pet Stylist
"I've been working in the dog world for over 20 years now. From my first volunteer position at a no kill shelter at age 12, to working for Veterinarians, breeders, groomers and trainers. Over the next ten years I gained knowledge and experience in many different fields, all of them involving dogs. My motto has always been " Love what you do for a living and you'll never have to work a day in your life......" In 2005, I opened my own Boarding, Grooming, Day Care and Training facility for dogs. Ten years later, I decided to sell my business and move to Fort Pierce, where I currently live, along with my Husky/Shepherd mix, "Kairos", my 17yr old, 80lb. African Sulcata Tortoise, "Morla," as well as a tank full of fish, and a bearded dragon named "DeeDee". My love of animals does not end with Dogs alone. My journey has recently lead me to Essential Paws Island Resort and I couldn't be happier to be a part of the Essential Paws Family. I love pampering all of our amazing 4legged guests, and absolutely love working in a facility where the dogs truly enjoy coming for a spa day or some play time. I look forward to being a part of the team here for years to come and am truly blessed and grateful to work in such a Special place with such Special clients, both human and canine alike."
Kyle Caglioni, Front of house
"A Fort Pierce native, I grew up in this amazing town with unlimited access to the beach and the most wonderful people. I grew up west of town, and my parents raised chickens and pigs. So at a very young age, I had the pleasure of learning how to care for, appreciate and find a love for animals. After spending the last year in Orlando working for Walt Disney World, I returned home wanting to serve my community the same way I was taught to serve all guest that visit Walt Disney World. I believe working as a Vacation Advisor and opening Pandora- The World of Avatar, gave me the experience required to bring world class service to this amazing business in the heart of Fort Pierce. As Gabbie and Kyra's cousin, I am proud to represent this amazing business for all it stands for: quality care for both fur guests and their parents. While I may be related to the owners, I'm quickly finding that everyone who visits us through our day becomes a part of our Essential Paws family. I’m so proud to be a part of this crew and cant wait to become aquatinted with all our clients and there fur babies."