NONA PAWS PET SITTING
The History of Nona PawsÂ
I’ve always been a pet-lover, but my career path didn’t initially take me down that route. After graduating from Grand Valley State University in Michigan with my BS in Psychology and M.Ed in School Counseling, I moved to Florida to begin my career as a School Counselor. I worked at Lake Nona Middle School as a School Counselor for 11 years and for many years was very active in the triathlon community competing in several half and full Ironman triathlons. This led to several injuries including hip surgery. I had to seriously rethink if my body could handle that level of activity anymore. One day after hip surgery my mom said to me, "You should go on a walk. A short walk. Like what normal people do." I told her that that was boring and I would only want to go for a walk if I had a dog to walk. And that is how it began.Â
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While Nona Paws started as more of a hobby for me to stay active, it quickly transformed into my passion and career. I became Pet CPR and First Aid Certified and developed relationships with other pet care professionals. The more the business grew, the more I noticed the need for trustworthy pet-sitting, dog-walking and pet-care services for the Lake Nona community. This need combined with my passion has led me to expand by bringing on the most qualified pet-service providers to assist me. My team is comprised of first-rate professionals who have undergone extensive background checks so you can rest assured knowing your pets are under proper care. We understand that not any two households or pets are the same, which is why we offer customized services to fit you and your pet's unique needs. No matter your personal-pet care plan, you will have peace of mind knowing that your pet can stay in the safety and comfort of your home and maintain their routine while you are away.
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Welcome to the Nona Paws family. We can't wait to meet you!
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Katie Ballard
Founder & Owner
Katie's family
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Our trusted team. Â
Meet Rachel!
Rachel comes to you with over 25 years of pet sitting experience. She comes highly recommended from past clients! As one client shared, “She is very detail oriented, reliable and so caring! My dog always loves when she comes to visit!!” She is knowledgeable with administering medications including pills and injections. When Rachel isn’t pet sitting she enjoys spending time with her husband, Mike of 28 years, daughter Morgan and their 3 dogs and 4 goats.
Meet Kelsey!
Kelsey grew up in Maryland and graduated from Salisbury University with a BS in Biology and BS in Marine and Environmental Science. She relocated to Orlando to work at Sea World where she helped train, feed, and assist in the care of sea lions, otters, sting rays, and fish. A previous employer shared, “Kelsey has always been one of my favorites. She really cares about the animals. When they are sick she really takes it to heart and puts everything she has into making them well.” Now a Lake Nona resident, Kelsey enjoys spending her spare time with her husband Roger, cat Raven, and dogs Summer and Tadashi.
Meet Amy!
Amy grew up on Florida’s Space Coast and graduated from the University of Central Florida with a B.A. in Hospitality Management. Amy enjoys home schooling her 3 girls, fostering children, cruising and baking/decorating cakes. In her spare time she enjoys being a part of the stage kids ministry at her church. She also loves playing board games with her husband Tim and snuggling with their new puppy.
Meet Julie!
Julie grew up in Miami then moved to Orlando in elementary school. She currently attends the University of Central Florida and is pursuing a BS in Biology. Her goal is to work in the veterinarian field. She is currently a Veterinarian Assistant and has experience with animal holds, injections and assists with surgeries. Her employer shared that she is a team player, critical thinker and extremely reliable. She enjoys volunteering at Pet Alliance, figure skating and spending time with her cat O’Malley.
Meet Valeria!
Valeria grew up in Venezuela and moved to Orlando in 2016. She currently attends Valencia College and is working towards a career in Interior Design or Architecture. She currently works at Walt Disney World in their Reservations Department. In her spare time she enjoys working out, catching up on her favorite TV shows and hanging out with her 2 dogs Balto and Hulky.
Meet Olivia!
Olivia grew up on a farm in Copley, Ohio where she helped her family take care of cows, pigs, chickens, goats, and every other farm animal! Olivia graduated from the University of Akron with a BS in Education and Masters in Exercise Physiology. She has worked for many years in a hospital Cardiac Rehab. In her spare time she enjoys shopping, walking, watching soccer, and spend time with her 2 siamese cats, golden doodle, 3 children and husband Brian.
Meet Scarlett!
Scarlett was born in Puerto Rico and grew up in St. Cloud, Florida. She currently attends the University of Central Florida pursuing a BS in Biology. After graduation she hopes to pursue a career in Zoo Keeping! In her spare time she enjoys reading, playing video games, and volunteering at a local wildlife preserve. Scarlett has many fur babies- 2 dogs, 5 cats and a Beta fish!
Meet Izzy!
Izzy grew up in South Florida and is a graduate from the University of Central Florida where she earned her BS in Biology. After graduation she plans to pursue veterinary school. She enjoys spending time with her dogs, Walter and Stanley. When she isn't studying or pet sitting, Izzy enjoys playing video games, spending time with friends and exploring fun foodie spots in Orlando.
Meet Dianne!
Dianne grew up in Saudi Arabia and moved to Orlando after graduating from Clemson University to work for Disney. After 37 years, most of which was in the Financial department for Disney Vacation Club, Dianne is currently enjoying retirement! When she is not with our furry friends Dianne enjoys traveling, triathlons, and spending time with her family. Dianne has two dogs- Bella and Sydney!
Meet Danielle!
Danielle grew up in West Palm Beach and relocated to Orlando to work at the VA Hospital in Lake Nona as a Clinical Psychologist. Danielle graduated from University of Florida with a BS in Psychology and a BA in Religion. She then went on to earn her MA and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Texas Tech University. Danielle became introduced to Nona Paws Pet Sitting first as a client for her 2 cats and dog, Winnie. She has always had a deep love for animals as she has been involved with volunteering at a horse rescue, monkey rescue, a humane society, and a big cat rescue. Her sister managed a Pet Smart and would often bring home sick/injured animals. Danielle found herself helping her nurse back to health hedgehogs, bunnies, cockateels, hamsters, toads, frogs, turtles, fish, as well as cats and dogs! Danielle enjoys running, crocheting, and baking in her spare time.
Meet Jaime!
Jaime grew up on Vancouver Island, British Colombia and went to the University of Victoria where she earned her Bachelors in both English and Art History. She then moved to Japan where she taught English and met her husband. They relocated to Orlando to be closer to family. Jaime loves running and met a current Nona Paws sitter at her run club. After hearing how fun it is to be a pet sitter, Jaime couldn’t resist joining our team too! When she isn’t pet sitting, Jaime enjoys spending time with her husband Mike, 2 children, and their dog.
Meet Kristina!

Kristina is a home grown product of Lake Nona as she moved to this area when she was in 4th grade! As a student she attended Moss Park Elementary, Lake Nona Middle and graduated from Lake Nona High! She remembers when Narcoossee Road was a 2 lane road with cows on each side. Kristina currently attends University of Central Florida majoring in Business Economics. When she isn’t busy studying and pet sitting, she enjoys hanging out with her dog Cookie!
Meet Michelle!

Michelle grew up in Orlando then went to Wilmington University where she earned her BS in Political Science. She is currently working on her Masters in Administration of Justice. Her sister became a pet sitter at Nona Paws and raved about it so much that Michelle wanted to join our team! Michelle enjoys cooking, going to the beach and Disney with her 2 children and husband John.
Meet Sofia!
Sofia was born in Venezuela then moved to Florida when she was 11 years old. Except for one year in Utah she has spent the majority of her time in Orlando! She graduated from Freedom High School and currently attends Valencia College. Sofia plans to transfer to the University of Central Florida to complete her BS in Psychology. Sofia has 1 mini goldendoodle named Luca and enjoys photography and dancing flamenco!
Meet Allyson!
Allyson was born in Miami but spent most of her childhood growing up in Colombia. She came back to Florida when she was in the 7th grade and then graduated from Lake Nona High School. Allyson currently attends Valencia College and is studying engineering and business. She plans to transfer to the Univeristy of Central Florida in 2025 to complete her undergraduate degree. Allyson has had hamsters and bunnies of her own and has taken care of several family members pets. When she isn't pet sitting, Allyson enjoys yoga, pilates and tennis.
Meet Becca!
Becca was born in Springfield, IL and just recently moved to the St. Cloud area. She is currently attending Valencia College and plans to transfer to the University of Central Florida where she will finish her degree in Special Education. She is active in her community as she loves volunteering at Harmony High School, coaching elementary students volleyball and playing pickleball! When she isn't pet sitting she is spending time with her boxer, Riggley, sitting by the pool, and enjoying the Florida sun!