Sitter Team Pics and Bios

Erin was born in Virginia and grew up in Springfield. She has mostly had cats growing up, including two tortoiseshell kitty sisters. She still has one, who is now 14 years old and still going strong. She loves reading and learning. Erin says, "I love cats because although they seem mysterious and distant at first, once they familiarize themselves with you, they can be so loving and sweet." She is currently going to school at NOVA Community College, soon to be working on a degree in Accounting. She saw the job listed, and knew that as the cat lady in her family, the job seemed perfect as well as getting to spend time doing something she loves.

Ashley was born and raised in Arlington, VA. Growing up, she had a menagerie - 5 cats, two dogs, and 4 hamsters over the years! Currently, she has 3 kitties, Precious, Suki, and Sterling. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, trying new foods, and hanging out with her friends and her sweet kitties. She says she loves cats, "because they don't just love immediately and/or unconditionally; it might take time for a cat to warm up to you, but as soon as they do, they're yours forever. I think that more often than not, the cat chooses the human and not vice versa. Cats also have so many different personalities that go unappreciated when compared with dogs." She is currently working as an Instructional Assistant for elementary students with autism, but decided to join the Cat Sitting by Susan team. "I have always had a passion for cats, and I want to spend all my free time with kitties!" 

Monica grew up in a military family and was born in Panama, but grew up in Alexandria, Virginia. She has always had pets ever since she was a child, and currently has multiple cats! She enjoys singing, going on nature walks, gardening, learning new things, and hanging out with her kitties! She says, "I love how each cat has their own unique personality. I always find cats fun and interesting to get to know." She works for Fairfax County Public Schools, but wanted a "part-time job that I would enjoy and be able to help others, including cats." 

Miracle was born in Fairfax, VA and grew up in Vienna, VA. She had three cats growing up, and currently has two kitties, JuJu and Millie. In her spare time, she loves reading, working out at the gym, and hanging out with her friends. She says, "I love cats because their very unique. I love how energy-based they are and that they take their time to get used to a new place or person. I love their independence as well as their curiosity for life, that I can relate too." She is currently working on earning an esthetician license and is taking online courses for stocks/ cryptocurrency. Miracle decided to join the Cat Sitting by Susan team because, as she said, "I've wanted to work with cats for some time. So, at this point in life, looking for a job and then finding one working with cats was great news for me!"

Dan was born in Crystal Lake, Illinois and moved to Arlington, Virginia when he was 14. Growing up, he had dogs, an iguana, and a cat name Pandora. He recently moved to Falls Church after living in Chicago for the last 5 years. He particularly loves playing with, and caring for, his two daughters, Harper and Sparrow. He also enjoys cooking and is a huge Chicage sports teams fan. He has worked as an animal care specialist and an adoption counselor at the Anti-Cruelty Society in Chicago. He has joined the Cat Sitting by Susan team because, as he says, "While working at the shelter, I really fell in love with cats, and I love being around them and taking care of them."

Holly was born and raised in rural Minnesota. Growing up, she had several dogs and a great many cats, mostly the descendants of a dignified calico named Momma Kitty! Her current kitty is Josie, who joined her family in 2019. Some favorite pastimes include gardening, writing fiction, reading, traveling, and observing Josie as she eyes birds from the window. Holly says she loves kitties because of their "cattitudes," cozy purrs, and how they prowl around like mini mountain lions! She retired from the Air Force in 2018 and recently moved to Virginia with her spouse, who is still active duty, and their daughters. She is a registered yoga teacher and is working on a novel, along with other smaller writing projects. Holly says she decided to join the Cat Sitting by Susan team because "I want to reduce the distress of kitties and their families during times of separation. I know first-hand that it’s no fun to worry or to be the cause of a cat’s distress."

Marielle was born in the Philippines and grew up in Hyattsville, MD. As a kid, she mostly had dogs as pets, but she now has a sweet orange tabby named Killua (Kiwi for short). In her spare time, Marielle enjoys cooking, watching movies, and visiting cat cafés and shelters. She says she has a profound love for cats because hers saved her life in so many ways. "They are so intelligent, full of life and they are also loyal companions," she adds. She is currently a stay at home mom, fully loving on her two kids and her super hunter kitty! Marielle explains, "I actually never thought that cat sitting for work existed! I was so surprised to find the ad online and with no second thoughts, I applied right away. This truly feels like a dream job. Caring for other kitties as I would my own is the best way I can make a difference for other cat parents. I truly believe that as a cat sitter, I can provide assurance that the cats will be loved and cared for immensely."

Leah was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. Growing up, she had an orange and white kitty named Chibbie, and she now has a male tabby named Bruce! In her spare time, Leah enjoys reading non-fiction, taking long walks, traveling, baking, and watching professional tennis. She decided to make a career change to become a cat sitter for Cat Sitting by Susan, and we are so pleased! She explains that, "The company truly understands the immense love people have for their cats and how important it is to know cats are receiving exceptional care and attention when they are out of town. I also love that this is a business dedicated to cats! Cat Sitting by Susan has taken care of my cat and the sitters are exceptional!" Leah says that she loves kitties because of the endless sweetness and cuteness they add to a home, their independence, how wise they are, and their great capacity to love!

Min was born in  Seoul, South Korea but grew up in Centreville and Fairfax, VA. He had a dog, fish, a turtle, and hamsters! He currently doesn't have a kitty, but loves them and hopes to adopt one soon! In his spare time, Min enjoys hiking, camping, traveling, and trying out new foods. He says he loves cats because "I love their characteristics and physique. They are so intelligent and I get fascinated when I watch them leap to high places or squeeze their bodies into tiny places. And of course, their purrs! The bond you create after earning their trust is very rewarding too!" He says that he is currently an entrepreneur, hoping to create something that will bring value to other cat lovers. Min decided to join our team because "I had a very pleasant meeting with Gregg and Susan, I think what they are doing is awesome and I want to be a part of that, how can you say no to an opportunity to be around cats and earn a living at the same time?"

Olivia was born in Alexandria, VA, grew up there, and has had one cat that "has been with me my whole life (which I very much appreciate)". At the moment, she only has the one cat, but would definitely like to have more. In her spare time, she does Zumba on the weekends, and she enjoys going out to the movies, but as she explains, "like most cats, I like to stay inside and relax whenever I can." Olivia says she loves kitties because she feels that she can relate to them the most of any animal, and she feels that they are not always thought of as much as they should be. "Cats are amazing, beautiful creatures who should be appreciated." She is currently working with children as an after-school teacher, and decided to join the Cat Sitting by Susan team because "as soon as I saw the words cat sitting, I was hooked. I previously worked as a dog walker, but I didn’t feel very passionate about it. There were times that I was asked to take care of cats and that was the most fulfilling part of the day. A job where I can be around my favorite house pet, and maybe even learn more about what it means to take care of a cat; what more could I ask for?"

Sydney was born in Washington, DC but grew up in Falls Church, VA. She had four cats growing up, and currently has two, Smokey and Dusty. She enjoys hiking, thrifting, sewing, and volunteering with cats at Petsmart. She loves cats because they act reserved and aloof, but quickly open up and love unconditionally once they get to know you. Sydney is attending college at the University of Georgia and is studying natural resource conservation. She is now back with us caring for kitties for the summer and we're very pleased! She said, "I realized that I could combine my love for cats with a real job, while also giving people the security of knowing that their cat is in good hands."

Gracie was born and raised in Northern Virginia. She grew up with a wonderful dog and three birds. She says that since she was a child, she has had a deep passion and connection with animals, creating a lifetime love for all. She hopes to have a cat of her own one day, and luckily, she has lived with, and helped care for, many roommates' kitties. Gracie loves to spend time with friends and enjoys watching movies in her free time. She explains that she loves cats because of their unique and wonderful personalities, with the added bonus of how affectionate and cute they are. She is currently working towards obtaining a bachelor's degree in Psychology. Gracie decided to join the Cat Sitting by Susan team because of her love for cats, and this is a great way to spend more time with them.

Lilly was born in Fayetteville, AR and raised in Bentonville, AR. She grew up with many cats, the most at once being 8! She currently has 4 kitties, Simon, Fitz, Heiny, and Hermann. In her spare time, she loves cooking, baking, doing mosaics, and spending time with her fur babies. She loves cats because "I love how curious and interesting cats are! I could spend all day watching and playing with them. They are never a bore and never fail to make me smile." Lilly recently moved to the area and she is working towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Systems. She decided to join the Cat Sitting by Susan team because, as she put it, "I have always been one to surround myself with cats. I spent many of my teen years fostering and helping out with my parents’ local cat rescue. I’m passionate about cats and being able to work with them in any way is so rewarding."

Abonesh was born in DC and grew up in Alexandria, VA. She had two sweet cats named Snowflake and Bailey. She currently has an affectionate shorthaired tabby named Nala, who she adores! In her spare time, she loves reading, editing videos, watching movies with Nala, and spending quality time with her family and close friends. She says she "adores cats because they give comfort and compassion in ways that no one else can, like purring and cuddling in your lap. Since cats choose who they want to open up to, I feel a sense of connection and bond with cats." Abonesh is a full-time student at American University working towards a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience." She explains that she decided to join the Cat Sitting by Susan team "because of the company's dedication to providing the best care for cats. Since I have a cat of my own who is my whole world, I know that I would be able to provide love and care for anyone's cat. When I saw the ad for the job I knew I had to apply because caring for other's cats wouldn't feel like work for me, it's something I truly enjoy."

Ella was born in Reston, VA and grew up in Great Falls and McLean! She grew up with two tuxedo cats, Sadie and Splash. She now has a sweet kittie named Sadie. Some of her favorite things to do are drawing and art, enjoying the outdoors, and hanging out with my friends! She loves cats "because, as independent as they are, they are still affectionate and it means so much to have a cat choose to show their love to you. I'm especially in love with how calming a cat's purr is." Currently, Ella is a nursing student at Utah Valley University! She says she decided to work for Cat Sitting by Susan because "I do genuinely love cats and spending time with them and knew that I would love working more with them! I know how important it is for people that their pets are safe, and I could never turn down the opportunity to make sure they are taken well care of."

Ellie was born in Alexandria, VA, but moved to McLean when she was 8 years old. She had eight cats growing up as well as two goldfish and two parakeets. She now has three cats, Thomas, who is 18 and still going strong, and two siblings, Cinnamon and Bailey. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, playing guitar, writing poems, and gaming with her cats next to her! She also loves learning Japanese (she studied it all throughout high school)! Ellie says she loves cats because "they are independent, full of personality, and like people, it takes time to earn their trust. But once you do, they are some of the most loving and sweet companions out there! And of course, they're also extremely cute." Currently, she is studying environmental science at The Ohio State University, and volunteers taking care of the rescue turtles, frogs, and snakes at her local park. Eliie explains that she decided to join the Cat Sitting by Susan team "because I love working with and getting to know all kinds of cats. I also know how worrisome it can be to leave cats for prolonged periods of time, and I want to provide reassurance to other cat parents that their kitties are safe and still getting love while they're away!"

Alexis was born in Alexandria, VA and grew up mostly in the Springfield/Burke area, but has been in Northern Virginia her whole life. She had several kitties growing up and now has two -- a four-year old girl and an eleven-month old boy. In her spare time, she enjoys painting, roller skating, yoga, and hiking. When asked "why do you love cats?", Alexis' response was "How could you not? I love their unique personalities and all their different meows. I adore their independence and affection." She is currently a licensed veterinary technician working at a cat exclusive hospital. She decided to join the Cat Sitting by Susan team "because I can truly tell they love cats. They're dedicated to a cat's wellbeing and that the cat owner gets the best experiecne as well. I think cats do so much better staying in their homes while their owner is away so I wanted to offer my help to owners so there's more oppurtunity for them and their cat to have stress-free vacations."

Taylor was born in Maryland and raised in Northern Virginia. Growing up, she had a dog named Blair and was always surrounded by the pets of friends and family. She now has a sweet kitty named Niko. In her free time, she enjoys baking. Taylor explains that she loves cats because "they have such unique personalities and when you are able to bond with them it makes you feel pure joy!" She is currently going to community college. She decided to join the Cat Sitting by Susan team because, as she says, "I love being around cats and the job I was working was beginning to get too stressful. This seemed like the best of both worlds."

Nicole was born in New Jersey, but grew up in New York. She went to college in Pennsylvania, and moved to the DC area when she graduated. Growing up, her first pet was a Siamese kitty named Cocoa. Since then, there have been many kitties: Pecan, Mustard, Cecelia, Sydney, and, as Nicole puts it, her soulmate kitty Simon, who lived an amazing 20 years! After Simon passed, her family welcomed two Siamese littermates, crazy “meezers” as she calls them, Max and Monty, who keep their household interesting! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, including the "meezer" kitties. She likes to run, cycle, attempts to play tennis, and keeps up with current events. Nicole also loves international travel and exploring different cultures. Her career has been in marketing and business development and she is currently consulting for some local companies. She says she decided to join the Cat Sitting by Susan team because "their sitters have taken great care of my boys when we've been away. I want to offer the same comfort to others who are looking for the best care for their fur babies when they are out of town."

Kiara was born in Pembroke Pines, FL, but grew up in North Miami. Growing up, she had cats, dogs, turtles, fish, birds, rabbits, and guinea pigs -- quite the minagerie! Currently, she has two sweet kitties, Mikko and Mushu. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, going to the gym, completing  puzzles, gardening, and learning new skills and languages. Kiara says she loves cats "because they are very particular creatures. In spite of their nonchalant behavior, they are beautiful, intelligent and purrrfect additions to my life!" She is working as a full-time Licensed Veterinary Technician. She decided to join the Cat Sitting by Susan team because "I love that Cat Sitting by Susan is a local, a family-owned business, and cat specific! Being operated by people who love cats and enjoy caring for them, provides relief and gives comfort to families. I am grateful to be a part of this team!"

Anna was born in Woodbridge, VA and raised in Marshall, VA. Growing up, she had multiple cats and dogs. Currently, she has two cats, Wally and Tobey, and a hedgehog named Tucker! In her spare time, she enjoys playing piano and trying new restaurants. Anna explains that she loves kitties because "I love cats. I love discovering every cat’s personality. Plus, they’re really cute!" She is working as a paralegal, and decided to join the Cat Sitting by Susan team because, as she says, "I’ve been a cat sitter for years and have been looking for ways to do it more frequently. When I heard about Cat Sitting By Susan, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to spend more time with my favorite animal!"