Meet The Team!

Debbie Zastrow Yanagida

Debbie is a founder of Paws That Serve. That Serve with extensive experience training service dogs and supporting veterans through animal-assisted therapy. Her certifications include professional dog training through QC Pet Studies and medical scent detection through CMAC. As a Certified National Crisis Response Team member, she supports trauma agencies across Alaska. With a background in nursing and dental hygiene, Debbie brings compassion and a passion for the healing bond between people and dogs to her work with military families. has extensive experience training service dogs and providing animal-assisted therapy for our country's warriors and those with disabilities. .

Lisa Arner

Lisa Arner is a founder of Paws That Serve and a mother of six whose family’s 24 years of military life have shaped her dedication to service, compassion, and the human–canine bond. A Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, Lisa is also CMAC certified in medical scent detection. She completed Bergin University’s Summer Associate program, studying service dog training and animal behavior. Her volunteer service includes work with the USO Pet Therapy Program, Veterans Affairs, the American Red Cross, and Special Olympics, reflecting her commitment to supporting people and animals.

Mellissa Kitko

Melissa serves on the Board of Directors for Paws That Serve. An Air Force veteran and retired nurse, she has been training dogs for sports, therapy, and service work since 2001. A passionate advocate for healing through canine-assisted interventions, Melissa is a registered Therapy Dog Team member, a certified Crisis Response Team member with National Crisis Response Canines, and a volunteer with the American Red Cross. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to connecting people with the support they need for recovery and resilience while fostering collaboration and empowering others.

Margaret Griffo

Margaret serves on the Board of Directors for Paws That Serve. For more than a decade, she and her canine partners have responded to communities across Alaska and beyond as a certified National Crisis Response Canine Team and a certified National CISM Response Canine Team. A former Team Coordinator for the Alaska CISM Team and a certified First Responder Chaplain, she has also served with the Alaska Police and Fire Chaplains. With a 40-year background in speech-language pathology, Margaret brings exceptional communication skills and a lifelong commitment to supporting individuals during times of crisis, trauma, and loss.

Samantha StClair

Samantha is serving on the Board of Directors at Paws That Serve. She began her journey in dog training in 2006 after developing a strong interest in dog sports and behavior. Her passion for training soon expanded into the world of service dogs when she began volunteering as a puppy raiser—a role that naturally evolved into a career training puppies in her home. Samantha's top priority is helping people build positive, lasting relationships with their dogs through trust, understanding, and love.

Olivia Moll

Olivia plays a key role in the continued growth and development of Paws That Serve. While pursuing her bachelor's degree in English with a focus on editing, she lends her creativity and insight to help strengthen our brand and communications. Olivia also supports our promotional efforts by designing our logo, T-shirts, business cards, and other branded materials that reflect the heart and mission of Paws That Serve.