Meet Our EPIC Staff!
Essential Paws Island Crew
Gabrielle 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, Daycare Supervisor
"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!"
Shelbi, Bathing Supervisor and Groomer
“Hi! I’m Shelbi! I was born and raised right here in Fort, Pierce Florida. Ever since I was little, I have always wanted to work with animals. While growing up, I continuously thought of what exactly I wanted to do inside the pet industry. When I was in middle school, I wanted to own a pet store.. but as I approached high school, I started considering entering into the medical field and becoming a veterinarian, instead. Soon after I started pursuing that career, I realized that particular job was not the right fit for me. Following my graduation, I enrolled in a course of Dog Obedience Training through Animal Behavior College hoping that would be my calling. Once again, I had a realization that even though I gained so much knowledge, it still wasn’t exactly what I wanted. Currently, I am enrolled in the same college, but now I’m studying to be a certified Dog Groomer. I finally feel like I am exactly where I need to be! I love dogs with a passion and I am so thankful to be able to pamper and care for all the wonderful dogs I get to interact with at Essential Paws on a daily basis!”
Brian, Daycare Attendant
“Hello, my name is Brian. Dogs are my soul. I grew up with them and got into rescues. I started helping with a program rehabilitating abused dogs saved from fighting. To see a completely broken dog go from a scared hollow shell, to a bursting light of love and happiness touched me to the root of my being. I knew at that point where in my life I was supposed to be. Working with doggos isn't a job for me, its my life. It's the only thing that gives me true peace and happiness. Every pup I get the chance to meet I see a unique soul, and having the opportunity to be around them every day truly makes my heart smile. I know in life this where I'm meant to be”
Alyssa, Bather
“Hello! I’m Alyssa and I’m a Florida native. I have been traveling for the past 7 years all over the country in resort hospitality after studying biology at IRSC. I realized I wanted to work with animals three years ago when I rescued my dog-ter living out west. She opened my eyes to what I’m really passionate about. I always grew up with dogs and have a strong love for animals beyond anything else. I started volunteering at Orlando’s largest pet shelter when I moved back to FL as well as working at the Humane Society as an Animal Care Technician. When I found out about Essential Paws I immediately felt a calling for a position to grow even more. I’m beyond happy to be apart of not only a company but I feel as a family to many pups and parents I’ve already came to know in my home here in Fort Pierce!”