Our Staff
Nicole Perkins
Co-Executive Director of Development and Operations
Nicole joined PAW team in 2018 as our Volunteer Coordinator, and quickly became engaged in every aspect of PAW Team’s operations. Nicole firmly believes that every person and animal deserves care and compassion, and is honored to be a part of this organization. She began her non-profit career 10 years ago, and feels most at home when she can multitask in a variety of roles. She believes this position is perfect for her passion for helping animals and their people. Nicole is constantly inspired by the energy and heart of PAW Team’s community of volunteers and helpers, as well as our clients’ dedication to their pets that they love so much.
Briana Shrode
Co-Executive Director of Medical Services
Briana began her journey in veterinary medicine nearly 20 years ago with a small animal and exotics practice in Arizona. She became involved with PAW Team in 2007 and, after leaving private practice in 2018, was able to dedicate more time as a volunteer. After assisting in weekly clinics and utilizing her experience as a veterinary practice manager to develop and strengthen our rapidly growing medical program, Briana took on a permanent medical staff position in 2019. Her dedication to our mission, compassion for our clients and thoughtful approach to ensuring high-quality care led her to the role of Medical Programs Director. Briana is honored to be part of PAW Team, contributing her acquired skills in way that genuinely impacts our community, the lives of animals and the people who love them more than anything. Briana’s home is refuge to a menagerie of rescue and special needs animals and, if any free time can be found, she tries to garden as much as possible.
Camilla Pettle, Medical Services Coordinator
Camilla started volunteering with PAW Team in 2018. It wasn't hard to fall in love with the clients and their furry companions, but at Sunday drop-in clinics and off-site spay and neuter days, she was also energized by the commitment of PAW Team's staff and other volunteers. Camilla's role provides support by responding to questions and scheduling appointments with the clients plus some sought after interaction with the patients. She's had many different careers, but feels most at home when serving others. Camilla feels the assistance she provides is an important way to honor the human-animal bond, which is paramount to PAW Team's mission.
Sam Martinico, Clinic Manager
Sam started her path in animal welfare in 2010 volunteering for her local animal shelter. Sam is originally from Southern California, but just recent moved to the Pacific Northwest from Tucson, Arizona where she got her veterinary technician certification in 2015. Sam has worked in animal shelters, general practice, emergency and integrative clinics throughout her career. Since a young age, Sam has always been drawn to helping animals and knew that she could make a difference in the world one pet at a time. Knowing how important companion animals are to everyone, she knew PAW Team was the right fit to continue to help those in need of veterinary care. When she isn’t working she can be found exploring with her fiancé for new places to hike and eat with their trusty dog sidekick, Luna or found cuddled up at home with their two cats Libby and Bear. Sam is incredibly grateful to be part of the PAW Team family and can’t wait to bond with all of the pets and humans they belong to.
Keely Burkey, Supply Room & Volunteer Coordinator
Keely began volunteering at PAW Team in January, 2022 and jumped at the chance to work with the organization full time later that year. Besides the important work PAW Team does for the community, she also loves the collaborative and adaptive environment that makes it all happen. A lifelong learner, Keely received a BA in English Writing and Literature from Reed College in 2011, and a MA from Portland State University in Writing (2015); she’s currently working towards an Occupational Therapy Assistant degree through Linn-Benton Community College, with which she hopes to help community members experiencing houselessness and extreme poverty. When Keely isn’t helping pets and owners at PAW Team, she spends her time spoiling her own two dogs (Cooper and Pepper) and cat (Officer Wolfpack). You might also find her long-distance running, reading, or gardening.
Megan Burroughs, Program Coordinator
The love of animals has paved the path for Megan's professional life. After 16 years of owning and running a professional dog walking service in San Francisco, she discovered a passion for animal welfare. She spent 5 years working as the Community Engagement and Humane Education Manager at the humane society in Eugene. There, she explored the intricacies of the human and animal bond and became inspired to study veterinary social work. After moving to Portland she began volunteering at PAW Team. She quickly realized that PAW Team's mission is dear to her heart and exactly what drives her dedication to keeping humans and animals together. She joined the team in 2023.