Board of Directors & Full-time Staff
Board of Directors & Full-time Staff
Positive Paws K-9 Angels is under new management as of May 2022, meet the new team!
Robbi Blackburn
Robbi Blackburn
My name Robbi Blackburn and my certified therapy dog is Ms. Kitty. I have been on the Board of Directors since its inception. Ms. Kitty is the old lady of the therapy dogs, having gone through the second class 6 years ago. I also sit on the Bord of Directors for the Waynesboro First Aid Crew where I have been a member for 32 years and am a lifetime member. I now work part-time for Positive Paws.
Sharon Betlej
Sharon Betlej
My name is Sharon Betlej and I live in Staunton. I'm a member of the socialization team and serve on the Board of Directors. I became involved with PPK9A in March 2021 when I saw on Facebook an opportunity to volunteer. I retired in January 2018 and
since the thrill of retirement had worn off, I began to look for a way to get out in the community and do something different. Not only was working with dogs different from my work life, it also afforded me the opportunity to get outside and play! I volunteered 5 hours a week and absolutely loved it!! I grew up around dogs so it was a good fit for me. In September 2021, I was offered a job to open up Mon-Fri at 7a and help Shelli with socialization. I was more than happy to accept! In June 2022, I joined the board and enjoy working with the other board members to make PPK9A the best and first choice training facility in Augusta County and surrounding areas.
Shelli Crust
Shelli Crust
Hi my name is Shelli Crust and I am the Socialization Manager and Head Trainer at PPK9A. I first came to PPK9A in November of 2020 when I came in one day to meet an adorable Border Doodle Puppy to see if I wanted to keep her. I fell in love instantly and we both came in for socialization. I would volunteer on my days off from my full-time job and I began to watch my Ziva grow up to be an amazing puppy. In August I accepted a paid position and still volunteered on my days off. I fell in love with all the dogs, and wanted to be more of a part in the mission and how much good PPK9A was putting into the community with the Therapy Dog Program.
In February of this year, I was asked if I could be in charge while the previous management was on vacation, I fell in love with the place even more, and realized this is where I needed and wanted to be. PPK9A has been amazing for both myself and Ziva. In March I accepted a full-time position as the Socialization Manager and as a Trainer. Just days after starting my new position I welcomed another fur child into my home, a Blue Heeler named Gibbs.
I am a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. I am a Certified Dog Trainer through the Victoria Stilwell Dog Training Academy.
In my spare time I am working on my next certifications, and trying to train my pups Ziva and Gibbs to be the amazing dogs I know they can be.
PPK9A does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, or political beliefs.
