Valerie
General Manager
Valerie is a Texas native transplanted in Boston with 15 years in client services. She has a B.S. in Marketing Communications from Emerson College (Boston, MA) and also attended Smith College (Northampton, MA). In former lives, Valerie worked in healthcare, disaster relief and motor vehicle accident claims. Her hobbies include visiting Mexican restaurants, Zumba, and volunteering in the community. Both Valerie and her husband are the proud pet parents of two rescued shih tzu-poodles, Xuxa and Tasha.
Andrew
Senior Dog Handler/Sitter
Andrew was born in Brookline and grew up in Orlando, Florida. He served in the U.S. Peace Corps in South Africa from 2011 to 2013. He brought back two dogs from his village, Maatla (left), which means “strong” in Sotho, and Chanda, a name he got from the movie “Life, Above All.” They are sweet, if high energy, dogs that are good for both running and cuddling with. Andrew has a degree in journalism from Elon University and has experience in photography, which he may use to take portraits of animals one day.
Trevor
Field Coordinator
Born and raised in Ohio, I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for animals big and small. Over the course of my life I’ve helped raise three dogs (a golden retriever named Ike, a cocker spaniel named Mackenzie, and a black lab named Katie) and if a friend ever needs someone to help look after a pet, I’m always happy to lend a hand. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the Ohio State University and have held positions as a constituent and legislative aide with both the Ohio House and Ohio Senate. Eventually, I plan to return to school to study for a Master of Arts in Public History. In my free time, I enjoy reading, exploring new places, and catching up on current events.
Daniela
Field Coordinator
Born in Boston and raised in Revere, MA. I am sincerely in love with animals. I make paw friends everywhere I go! It’s hard to pass by a fur baby and not acknowledge or say “Hi!” Pet obsession runs in my family. Growing up I had all types of animals like bunnies, hamsters, fish, and pups. I had a 5 year- old Yorkie named Charlie and he left us back in 2016. It’s been 2 years and feels like yesterday when I last got to see his cute little face. Charlie motivated me to want to give all dogs a better life– even if they’re not my own, by giving my love to them I felt like this was one way to do it. They really are the sweetest things on earth.
In the future, I plan on becoming a vet tech. I love the outdoors and adventures, I am excited to be with Elliot’s House and continue on my adventures!
Taghi Shaw
Operational Director
Originally from California, Taghi has been living in Massachusetts for the last 15 years. He holds an Associate’s degree from the New England Institute of Art. Growing up as the eldest sibling, he was responsible for caring for his family pets in addition to his siblings. He understood early on how pets are family members too. In former lives, Taghi worked in the financial sector and real estate. Currently, Taghi and his family have a happy American Bulldog- Pitbull Mix, Elliot. In his spare time he enjoys family get togethers, BBQ’s and attending art exhibits.
Olivia
Field Coordinator
Olivia was born and raised in Connecticut where she grew up near her family’s farm. Her love of animals only grew as she took care of farm animals and family pets. She has a bachelor’s degree in History from Central Connecticut State University where she graduated last Spring. She has a passion for playing instruments, sports, cooking, and being outdoors. Her border collie/ black lab mix named Max takes up most of her time at home where she walks him off-leash along the Connecticut river. The freedom of being out in nature with her pup is something she feels is irreplaceable.
Amie
Field Coordinator
Amie is a Boston native and former Chef. She has lived in Las Vegas, Florida, Louisiana, and Georgia. She decided to change her career path when someone asked her, “What is it that makes you happy?” Without having to think about it another second, she immediately responded, “Animals!”. So she sought out her career in the pet care field and found her way to Elliot’s House. Currently, she has a 2 and a half-year-old Golden/Yellow lab mix named Basil Noel, who is the light of her life! In the future, she does hope to use her culinary degree again someday by creating customized organic treats for pets with special dietary needs, and even incorporating essential oils and vitamins into them.
Helen
Dog Handler/Sitter
My name is Helen, and I’ve just moved into the Boston area. I’m so excited to be working with Elliot’s house! I truly feel that animals have made me a better person. I’ve always been surrounded by animals; I rode horses for 12 years, worked on dairy farms, and feel happiest when I am around animals (of all shapes and sizes). Dogs specifically show us such unconditional love and loyalty, and it touches and inspires me to treat others with compassion. They are intuitive and complex creatures, and I feel a strong sense of responsibility for them; people are responsible for our pets’ well being, and I believe it is our obligation to treat them with as much kindness, patience, and love as they treat us.
Rodrigo
Transportation Coordinator
I am originally from Guatemala, I lived there for 15 years before moving to Massachusetts. I currently live in Everett Ma and enjoy being so close to Boston. I have always loved dogs and owned/ trained 4 in my lifetime. I currently have a three-year old Bernese Mountain dog who loves to go to the beach and run into the ocean. One day I hope to become an owner of a pet hotel.
Christian
Senior Dog Handler/Sitter
Christian has had a passion for animals all his life. He never met an animal he didn’t get along with. Additionally, he has a variety of experience working with diverse pet personalities and even rescues. Kindness, patience and consistency in routine go a long way in pet services. Originally from the Boston area, he spent some time out in Florida and decided Boston is his true home. The weather may be different, but the culture and people of the city are incomparable. In his spare time he loves baseball, good company of friends and his ultimate hobby, working on cars.
Victoria
Senior Dog Handler/Sitter
I was born and raised in Wakefield MA and have loved animals my whole life. I’ve volunteered for the MSPCA as well as Mass Audubon and worked for them taking care of their various animals. I currently own two ferrets and a hedgehog and am planning on getting a dog as soon as I get a new place!
Jasmine
Dog Handler/Sitter
Jasmine is originally from Boston. She really loves all animals and is excited to be part of the Elliot’s House team. Currently, she has a horse, two ducks, a couple of chickens, an American bull dog and teacup poodle who she loves so much and considers them to be like her kids. In her spare time her hobbies include working on cards, drawing and a lot of out door activities.