About our Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers

Crystal Chambers

Founder | CEO | Pet Butler

Crystal, the heart and soul behind Pawsatively Golden Pet Care, LLC, has a lifelong connection to the military lifestyle. As amilitary brat and wife to a U.S. Veteran, she proudly continues her family’s legacy alongside her two children, who represent the 5th generation military brats. Having lived in Japan, Korea, Okinawa, and North Carolina, Crystal has called Wilmington home on and off since 1989, cherishing the Port City as her forever home.

Crystal shares her life with her two children and three dogs: Tadashi, a lovable Golden Retriever; Hopper, a unique Staffordshire Terrier/Husky mix lovingly dubbed a “Staffordshky”; and Molly, a spirited Boston Terrier/Pittie mix. Her late Husky, Kenai, holds a special place in her heart. Kenai’s untimely passing in a boarding facility inspired Crystal to build a pet care business dedicated to ensuring pets receive compassionate and trustworthy care while their families are away.

Crystal’s passion for animals started early. As a child, she dreamed of working with animals, collecting Wildlife Treasury cards and immersing herself in learning about wildlife. By 11, she was already caring for neighbors’ pets and homes, gaining valuable experience with cats and exotic animals. Her commitment to animal welfare grew as she volunteered with the Cat Adoption Team in Wilmington and participated in TNR (trap-neuter-release) programs both locally and abroad.

With over 20 years of pet care experience, Crystal took a bold leap in March 2022, founding Pawsatively Golden Pet Care, LLC. Her mission is to deliver the highest standard of in-home pet care, ensuring pets feel safe, loved, and secure in their environment. Crystal holds certifications in the humane treatment of animals from the University of Edinburgh and in dog emotion and cognition from Duke University. She is also certified in animal first aid and CPR and has over 15 years of grooming experience.

Currently, Crystal is pursuing a degree in Integrative Psychology at National University with a focus on animal behavior, with her specialization coursework being completed through the Animal Behavior Institute. This education further equips her to understand and support pets’ emotional and behavioral needs, reinforcing her commitment to providing world-class care.

Crystal believes that exceptional pet care requires a dedicated and knowledgeable team. To ensure consistent quality, she ensures her team upholds the Pawsatively Golden mission of providing compassionate, professional, and reliable pet care.

Through her work, Crystal brings peace of mind to pet parents while offering pets the love and attention they deserve. She is honored to share her passion with families in Wilmington and surrounding areas, creating a legacy of trust, care, and excellence.

Katy Intiso

HR Specialist | Sr. Pet Butler

Katy brings over a decade of professional pet care experience to Pawsatively Golden Pet Care, embodying a commitment to honesty, compassion, and exceptional care for animals of all kinds. Her deep connection to pets extends beyond her professional life and is reflected in her own household. Katy shares her home with Teddy, her delightful Yorkie, two affectionate indoor cats, Pebbles and Baby Kitty, and her current foster dog, Sophie. Always thinking of animals’ well-being, Katy has also been adopted by a neighborhood stray cat who has relied on her for food and care for the past five years. To ensure this stray’s comfort, Katy even built a cozy cat house, providing safety and shelter during bad weather.

Katy’s professional background is as diverse as it is impressive. With over 10 years of experience supervising a veterinary clinic, she has cared for patients with a wide range of medical and behavioral needs. Her expertise spans dog kennels, boarding and daycare facilities, and even breeding, giving her a well-rounded perspective on animal care. Throughout her career, she has developed a deep understanding of dog and cat behavior, as well as the skills needed to handle various situations with calm and confidence.

Katy is certified in PetSaver CPR and Animal First Aid, ensuring she’s prepared for emergencies. She also frequently volunteers with Best Friends Rescue, further demonstrating her dedication to helping animals in need. Her fostering of Sophie is just one more example of her willingness to go above and beyond to provide love and support to animals in transition.

Katy’s wealth of knowledge and compassionate approach make her an invaluable part of the Pawsatively Golden team. Whether it’s administering specialized care, fostering animals in need, or simply providing cuddles, Katy ensures every pet feels loved, safe, and secure under her watch.

Justine Intiso

Scheduling & Coordination Manager | Marketing Manager | Lead Pet Butler

Justine is an integral part of the Pawsatively Golden Pet Care LLC team, bringing a lifelong passion for animals and helping people to her role. With 19 years of experience at the YMCA of Greensboro, including 12 years as an Aquatics Director, her dedication to care and service is evident in everything she does. After relocating back to Wilmington, she now works as a swim lesson instructor and pet sitter while pursuing her Therapeutic Recreation License.

As our top reinforcement trainer, Justine excels in positive reinforcement techniques and is passionate about enhancing the bond between pets and their owners. She plans to expand her expertise by completing her Certified Professional Dog Trainer—Knowledge and Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA) certification, further solidifying her role as a leader in pet training and behavior.

Justine is highly skilled and holds multiple certifications, including pet CPR, ensuring she delivers the highest standard of care to every animal she looks after. Her love for animals extends to her personal life, where she shares her home with Boss, a 100-pound Chow Chow, Boxer, and Pit Bull mix who shares her passion for swimming, and her two cats, Raja, a long-haired Tuxedo, and Picasso, a gray and white short-haired beauty.

For Justine, swimming has always been a therapeutic activity, and she brings this same sense of peace and care to her work with pets. Whether she’s working with clients, providing reinforcement training, or spending time with her own furry family,

Justine’s compassionate nature and commitment to excellence shine through. She looks forward to meeting new clients and their pets, ensuring every interaction is marked by professionalism, warmth, and exceptional service.

Nicki Shaw

Pet Butler

Nicki, a Florida native, has always been drawn to the ocean, the outdoors, and animals of all kinds. Her love for the natural world and her unique ability to connect with people and animals alike have been a driving force throughout her life. Nicki takes pride in her compassionate and understanding nature, which stems from years of diverse experiences and meaningful interactions.

Growing up, Nicki eagerly sought opportunities to immerse herself in the animal world. She volunteered at animal shelters, attended horse camps over multiple summers, shadowed vet techs, and spent time visiting zoos—all with a passion for learning everything she could about animals. Her love for creatures of all shapes and sizes, especially elephants, has only grown over the years.

Before relocating to North Carolina in July 2021, Nicki worked as a bartender for 13 years along the scenic shores of Clearwater and Indian Rocks Beach. This role gave her the chance to meet people from all walks of life, shaping her into the social and approachable person she is today.

Nicki’s journey into professional pet care is deeply personal. She lovingly cared for her two dogs, Elway and Mia, for 13 years. Their passing, just three months apart, marked a profound chapter in her life and gave her the courage to explore new opportunities. Moving to North Carolina was a leap of faith, and joining Pawsatively Golden Pet Care allowed Nicki to channel her love and devotion for her pets into providing exceptional care for others.

Since joining Pawsatively Golden in June 2024, Nicki has embraced every opportunity to grow in her role. She plans to achieve even more as part of her dedication to ongoing learning. Nicki treasures being part of a team that shares her passion for providing the highest level of care to pets and their families.

For Nicki, working with Pawsatively Golden Pet Care is more than a job—it’s a way to honor her lifelong love for animals and contribute to their well-being. Her journey reflects her deep appreciation for building meaningful connections with pets and the people who love them. She looks forward to continuing to make a positive impact in her role.

MaKayla Beistel

Pet Butler

MaKayla joined Pawsatively Golden Pet Care as a student at UNCW, bringing with her a wealth of experience and an undeniable passion for animals. Her journey in animal care began on a ranch, where she had the opportunity to intern under an equine vet. During this time, she played a crucial role in facilitating therapy sessions for recovering horses, deepening her understanding of animal behavior and rehabilitation.

Her love for animals transcends species, which is evident in her home life. MaKayla shares her life with Roo, her lovable yet overly dramatic Pit Bull mix, two affectionate kitties named Neptune and Buggy, two sugar gliders, and a particularly feisty veiled chameleon she adores despite its ill-tempered demeanor. Raised alongside chickens and geese, MaKayla developed a natural ease with range animals, making her our go-to for any farm-based care needs. Her enthusiasm for all creatures extends even to reptiles, showcasing her versatility and dedication to animal care.

Certified in animal first aid and CPR, MaKayla’s quick thinking and calm demeanor shine in unpredictable situations. Her vibrant energy and zest for life are contagious, and animals seem to sense her genuine love and care. Even the most challenging or “spicy” pets quickly fall under her spell—there’s no creature too prickly or shy for MaKayla to win over.

Her knowledge, compassion, and infectious spirit make her an invaluable part of the Pawsatively Golden team, ensuring that every pet she cares for receives the absolute best attention and love.

Corvid Alexander

Pocket Pets and Cat Specialist

Corvid is the youngest member of the Pawsatively Golden Pet Care LLC team, bringing enthusiasm and dedication to every pet care experience. At just 19 years old, Corvid has been with the company in some capacity since it’s conception. While balancing a full-time college schedule, they specialize in cat care and puppy care, with a growing knowledge of reptiles. Their passion for animals shines through in every interaction, making them a valued member of the team.

Over the course of their work with Pawsatively Golden, Corvid has cared for a wide range of animals, including snakes, chickens, rabbits, and even horses. They also have personal experience with a Ball Python named Salem and fondly recall their involvement in trap-neuter-release (TNR) efforts while overseas in Okinawa with their mother. These experiences have shaped Corvid’s deep appreciation for animal welfare and diverse species.

Working at Pawsatively Golden holds special significance for Corvid, as their mother owns the business. The family-oriented culture of the team is one of the aspects Corvid values most, noting how everyone works together to ensure success and support one another. They also appreciate the structure and efficiency provided by the administrative team, which allows for seamless operations.

Corvid is dedicated to continuous learning and growth, having participated in ongoing education courses offered by Pawsatively Golden. Their goal is to one day become a forensic or research psychologist, but they cherish the meaningful work they do now, knowing it has equipped them with valuable skills and experiences.

Corvid is excited to continue growing both personally and professionally while providing compassionate, high-quality care to the pets and clients of Pawsatively Golden Pet Care.

Ashlie Vanhoy

Pet Butler | Groomer

Ashlie joined Pawsatively Golden Pet Care with a deep passion for animals and a wealth of experience. Her journey began in high school when she worked at her aunt’s grooming shop, bathing and drying dogs, which ignited her love for pet care. She is now pursuing her dream by attending grooming school to further develop her skills.

Over the years, Ashlie has gained valuable experience working at a large dog daycare and boarding facility, where she developed strong dog-handling skills and a keen understanding of canine behavior. For nearly two years, she has provided in-home pet care, building trust with pets and their families through her dedication and compassionate approach.

Ashlie actively participates in continuing education to stay at the forefront of pet care. She regularly attends workshops and training sessions to expand her knowledge, including advanced techniques in animal behavior and handling. Her commitment to learning ensures she provides the highest standard of care to every pet she meets.

At home, Ashlie is surrounded by her own furry and scaly family, which includes three dogs (Hulk, Ella, and Pops), three cats (Phoebe, Kiara, and Bambi), a rat named Lily, a guinea pig named Harry, and a bearded dragon named Hamilton. As a mother of three, Ashlie has mastered the art of balancing responsibility and care, bringing those same qualities to her work.

Certified in pet CPR and continually building her expertise, Ashlie is thrilled to be part of a company that shares her passion for ensuring the safety, happiness, and well-being of every pet in her care.

Alyssa Upton

Pet Butler

Alyssa, a proud Wilmington native, has also spent time living in Alabama and Nashville before returning to her roots on the North Carolina coast. An avid college football fan, she frequently travels to Alabama to cheer on her favorite team, the Crimson Tide.

Alyssa is the devoted pet parent of two senior Chihuahuas, Rick and Moose. Her experience caring for Rick, who has medically complex needs, has given her valuable insight into providing specialized care, particularly for senior pets. Alyssa’s passion for older animals shines through in her work, and she finds immense joy in ensuring they feel comfortable, safe, and loved.

Her professional journey in animal care includes working in doggy daycare and boarding facilities, including one in a veterinary setting. She also gained hands-on experience during her time at a pet hotel. However, Alyssa quickly realized that not every pet thrives in a boarding environment. This understanding inspired her to transition to in-home pet sitting, where she can deliver personalized, one-on-one care in a familiar and stress-free setting for pets.

Alyssa is committed to ongoing education, regularly expanding her knowledge to stay up-to-date on best practices in pet care. Her dedication, compassion, and expertise make her an invaluable part of the team. Whether it’s administering specialized care for senior pets or simply sharing a cuddle, Alyssa is passionate about enhancing the lives of the pets and families she serves.