Meet the Staff
We are a committed and talented team working to improve the lives of pets. We care about animal health and welfare, as well as customer satisfaction. We love working at Friendly Paws because every animal is treated as if they were our own.
Shelley Lieberman, owner
Shelley Lieberman (she/her) grew up in Athens and received undergraduate and master’s degrees from Ohio University. Leaving Athens to work for the Atlanta Braves, The Olympics and other sports teams, her career took her into alumni development of colleges such as Georgia Tech and the College of William & Mary.
After ten years away, she returned to Athens to work at Ohio University for the College of Business. She found herself thrown into pet rescue upon her return and was the volunteer vice president of the local humane society for eight years.
Shelley purchased the local pet supply and grooming shop, Friendly Paws, in 2010. She founded My Sister’s Paws, a shelter for pets of domestic violence victims in 2013 and most recently set up a fund serving pets of families utilizing Integrated Services. This fund provides vet care, supplemental food assistance and medication.
Shelley recently served on the board of the SE Ohio Foodbank and Athens County Children Services and now serves on the board of the Ohio Animal Advocates. She lives with her very adored cat Stretch and her equally adored adopted dog Mikey. Pictured is Nova who passed in 2024.
Store Staff
Candace
Candace (she/her) is from a small town in Missouri and moved to Athens in 2018. A college graduate, Candace received her BFA in printmaking and ceramics and still makes art in her spare time.
Candace currently has four dogs, three cats and five rabbits that she adores. She also has a little human named Charlie with her partner Zach. She loves to do yoga, make art, hang out with her little family, and read about true crime. Candace is happy she made Athens her home and loves that she works for a great local business, especially since she gets to see cute dogs and cats all day!
Alex
Alex (she/her) was born and raised in Portland, OR but has lived in Athens since 1998 when her husband Geoff got a job at Ohio University. They have raised three kids here and now are “empty nesters”. This is Alex’s second round working at FP, her last stint was in 2011. She spends lots of time with her rescue dog Honey and enjoys hiking, reading, watching old movies, volunteering in the community and working at Friendly Paws.
Atlas
When Atlas (they/them) is not working, they like to spend time outside either long boarding or taking their dogs for a hike. They also enjoy art such as paintings/drawing and other crafty hobbies like embroidery and jewelry making. Atlas was born and raised in Athens, Ohio and is a proud dog mom of Oddie, Willow, and Nova & proud cat mom of Fig, Mota, and Drei.
Skye
Skye is an Athens native who has spent the majority of her life in the area. During an 8 year hiatus in Colorado, she attended Red Rocks Community College where she learned Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design. She returned to Athens in 2010 and completed a degree in Biological Science at Ohio University in 2021. Throughout her time in Athens, Skye’s love for animals led her to volunteer work and ultimately paid positions at both Last Chance Corral and Bella Run Equine. When she is not working at Friendly Paws, She can be found hanging with her dog, Dutch and three cats Paulie, Rocky, and Ripley.
BB
BB is the favorite employee and the customers adore him. He wins Employee of the Month every time and can be found in a variety of sleeping positions around the shop. He loves dogs unless they don’t like him and will play with balls all day long if given the opportunity.
BB was rescued from a feral colony where someone must have dropped him off. Their loss is our gain, we all treasure him.
Hollow
Hollow (she/her) was born and raised in Athens County and has always loved furry friends big and small. Growing up she would convince her parents to rescue, foster & adopt every stray or neglected dog or cat she came across. Now she is happy to continue to help animals by working here at FP and volunteering with local shelters. Hollow hopes to run a farm dedicated to equine therapy and rescue in the future. In her free time, she enjoys playing with her pup and cats, taking spontaneous road trips, walking & hiking, gardening, and playing video games with friends.
Katelyn
Katlyn Gilbert is originally a Georgia Peach but has spent most of her life as an Ohioan. She is a Federal Hocking alumni. Katlyn has one dog named Hank and a cat named Marty. Her favorite way to spend her time is reading, hiking and spending time with loved ones. She also is pursuing a career as a potter under the business name, Sweet Pete Pottery: named after her beloved childhood dog, Peetie. . Katlyn is proud to work in a local store that supports the community and enjoys learning about animal nutrition. The cute pets are a plus!
Pet Stylists
Nina
Nina (she/her) moved to Athens in 2014 from Salem, Oregon. She graduated from Federal Hocking in 2016 and soon after began working at Friendly Paws. Starting off as a bather she decided to take her skills to the next level by training with a previous groomer, as well as attending grooming expos for continuing education. She also received her certification in dog CPR. Nina is a dog mom of a big goofy pup & a cat mom to a handsome kitty, named Dutz. She can’t wait to meet you and your pups!
John
John (he/him) is a recent resident of Athens, Ohio but has lived in the Buckeye State his entire life, having grown up just outside Akron, Ohio. A proud pet lover, his first memories include him playing with the family German Shepard and laying down with his favorite childhood cat. Having worked as a bather for years in Peninsula, Ohio, it was Friendly Paws that allowed him to take the next step in his grooming career and to find his purpose. John loves to read and write about history and to spend quality time with fuzzy friends. John is excited to meet you and your pets and to have them looking and feeling fantastic!