Our Team

ON A SLED TEAM, one dog is not more important than the others.  Rather, it’s all about how they work together to reach their destination.  Just like sled dogs, our team is composed of diverse individuals who all work and learn differently. 


Image

First, we have lead dogs.  They are responsible for guiding the other dogs, and must be alert as they follow the trail and listen for cues from the musher.  They also set the pace for the rest of the team. 

Next, there are swing dogs.  They help steer the team around corners, because although lead dogs decide when to turn, swing dogs are the ones who make sure those turns happen safely. 

Following close behind, we have team dogs.  They make up the bulk of the team and provide both speed and strength. 

Lastly, there are wheel dogs.  They tend to be the strongest members of the team and pull the most weight. 

None of this would have purpose without a sled.  The sled carries precious cargo, including supplies, people, and dogs who are tired and injured. 

At Paws 4 Kids 4 Paws, we try to operate like a sled team.  Now let’s introduce you to our team… 

Board Members

Tricia Sutton standing with her dog Elsa.

Tricia Sutton

Co-founder, President, COO
Board Member
Role: Lead Dog
Loves: Northern Lights
Makes me cringe: Meanness
Favorite Nosh: Chocolate
Dog type I’m most like: Sled dog
What inspires you: Seeing others find themselves and where they fit
Image

M. Henry Van Nostrand

Co-founder, Chief of Partnerships & Relationships (CPR)

Board Member
Role: Wheel Dog
Loves: Critters
Makes me cringe: Shaming
Favorite Nosh: Sweet potato fries
Dog type I’m most like: Pitbull
What inspires you: Experiencing and seeing growth in myself and others
Image

Birsu Bascillar

Board of Directors

Board Member
Role: Team Dog
Loves: Being with my children
Makes me cringe: Oppression
Favorite Nosh: Ice Cream
Dog type I’m most like: Poodle
What inspires you: The beauty of nature

Lead Members

Tricia Sutton standing with her dog Elsa.

Tricia Sutton

Co-founder, President, COO
Board Member
Role: Lead Dog
Loves: Northern Lights
Makes me cringe: Meanness
Favorite Nosh: Chocolate
Dog type I’m most like: Sled dog
What inspires you: Seeing others find themselves and where they fit

Swing Members

Image

Elsa Sutton

Board of Dogrectors
Role: Swing Dog
Loves: Lure coursing
Makes me cringe: Yelling
Favorite Nosh: The rabbit that hides under the front stoop (at least I think it would be if mom would let me catch it… but she won’t…)
Dog type I’m most like: Me - I'm unique!
What inspires you: The Chase

Team Members

Image

Birsu Bascillar

Board of Directors

Board Member
Role: Team Dog
Loves: Being with my children
Makes me cringe: Oppression
Favorite Nosh: Ice Cream
Dog type I’m most like: Poodle
What inspires you: The beauty of nature

Wheel Members

Image

M. Henry Van Nostrand

Co-founder, Chief of Partnerships & Relationships (CPR)

Board Member
Role: Wheel Dog
Loves: Critters
Makes me cringe: Shaming
Favorite Nosh: Sweet potato fries
Dog type I’m most like: Pitbull
What inspires you: Experiencing and seeing growth in myself and others

Volunteers

Bio coming soon...










Tim Smith

Brooklyn started with a Crafting for Canines event and then signed up for our Dogs at Dusk program in 20__. After receiving her Canine Communicator badge, she continued in the Dog Training Apprentice Program through a couple levels. She decided to switch roles and learn to help teach our programs, helping other youth. Brooklyn is amazing with the dogs and with the other students!

Brooklyn

Bio coming soon...










Janice Youngsteadt

    Alumni

    Image

    Mary Hawthorne

    Dog Behavior Advisor

    Role: Swing Dog
    Loves: Life
    Makes me cringe: Bullying
    Favorite Nosh: Whatever I’m bingeing on at the moment
    Dog type I’m most like: Karelian Bear Dog
    What inspires you: Young people throughout the world