Professional Dog Grooming and Doggy Daycare Caretakers

The River Paws Way

Amanda Masarik - Owner

Amanda is the owner and founder of River Paws. She and her fiance Ben live in DeForest with their two kiddos Evie, Kai, dog Journey, and 2 rescue cats, George, and Monkey. Amanda attended UW Madison where she studied communication and Animal Science with an emphasis on behavior. While in school she worked at the UW Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. She was a technician in the Pharmacy for the past 9 years. She enjoys working with many animals but especially loves horses, pigs, cows, monkeys, and of course DOGS! Amanda is fascinated by the communication between us humans and our pets and is continually researching the best way to really understand our dogs.

Kayla Spahn - Manager

Kayla loves animals and has always worked with them. Kayla has two German Shepherds Porter and Briar. Porter is a year and a half and got her into the sport of IGP. Briar is her new puppy and was bred to be a working dog specifically to excel in IGP. Before doing dog sports, Kayla had a horse that she would compete in hunter/jumps with. Kayla is also in school studying to be a Vet Tech.

Kelly Esterholm - Dog Groomer

Kelly Esterholm has been a professional groomer for about 17 years. She has worked in a corporate and private salon setting as well as vet supervised grooming. She lives in Oregon with her husband Max, her daughter Amelia, and her four legged kid, Buffy. Animals have always been a big part of her life, whether it be growing up with dogs, cats, rabbits, or rats! Her favorite part about being a groomer is taking the time to make your pup feel comfortable in her presence. She really enjoys getting to know each dog’s personality and making an ever-lasting connection with you and your pet!

Natalie Pickhard - Dog Groomer

Hi, I’m Natalie! I have known since I was young that dogs are my favorite people ;). My love for all animals has developed into dog grooming! I started grooming about 5 years ago, learning all different types of haircuts. I’m very excited to grow as a groomer and learn even more while giving your pups the best care possible. I look forward to meeting all of your furbabies!

Stephanie Helt - Dog Groomer

Hi there! I’m Steph, and I’ve enjoyed working as a dog groomer for the past seven years. My journey has included owning and operating my own successful grooming business, Bubbles and Mutts, for a couple of years. I’m thrilled to return that experience to the River Paws team.

My love for animals began early on, working with livestock like swine and dairy cows. But when I discovered dog grooming, I knew I’d found my calling, and I haven’t looked back since! I genuinely enjoy making your pups look and feel their absolute best, and I’m excited to get to know you and your furry family members.

Amy Wilder - Adventure Coordinator

Hello! I’m Amy and I live in Madison with my two dogs, Bane and Ramona. I’m an avid traveler and animal lover, and in my spare time, I enjoy paddle boarding and road-tripping with my dogs, rock climbing, and puzzling.

My animal experience ranges from goat herding on a small farm in Arkansas, working with rescue pets in Wisconsin and Colorado, managing a boarding and daycare facility in Madison, and working as a veterinary assistant in the Milwaukee area. Most recently, I worked seasonally in Skagway, Alaska, guiding horseback tours and handling Alaskan huskies.

I love the unspoken language between dogs and humans and enjoy connecting with owners over their wonderful pets. I especially enjoy bonding with dogs that may need a little more time to warm up to new people – one of the most rewarding experiences in the world is gaining the trust of a dog. I look forward to growing with River Paws and working with the wonderful staff to provide exceptional care for your pets!