Volunteer of the Year
2024 Volunteer of the Year:
Pam Gasway
Introducing our 2024 Volunteer of the Year – Pam Gasway!
Pam has gone above and beyond in her dedication to Paws & Think, and we are so proud to celebrate her as our Volunteer of the Year!
She is currently volunteering as a therapy team with her amazing therapy dog, Luciano. Together, they’ve been an integral part of every one of our programs, Paws to Heal, Paws to Read, Paws Around Town, and Paws to Comfort, where they serve as a compassionate crisis response therapy team.
But Pam’s impact doesn’t stop there. She also joined our Grants and Philanthropy Committee, where she quickly earned the well-deserved title of Silent Auction Queen thanks to her creativity, resourcefulness, and tireless efforts.
Whether she’s sharing her heartfelt experiences as a therapy team, promoting our mission in the community, or encouraging donations for events like Tails of Celebration, Pam is always shining a positive light on Paws & Think.
Thank you, Pam, for your extraordinary commitment, kindness, and passion. We are so grateful for everything you do!
2024 Lead Volunteer of the Year:
Nina Esbin
Announcing a new accolade to complement our Volunteer of the Year is the distinguished title of Paws & Think Lead Volunteer of the Year. This recognition celebrates those extraordinary individuals who devote a significant 2-5 hours each week to support our programs or assist with vital administrative tasks. And it is with great pleasure that we present the honor of 2024 Lead Volunteer to Nina Esbin!
Nina has been an essential part of the Paws & Think family for well over a decade, and her impact continues to be felt every single day. As our Training and Evaluations Coordinator, Nina plays a vital role in shaping the future of our therapy team program.
She helps oversee every step of the training and evaluation process—coordinating assessments, mentoring prospective volunteers, and guiding them through the journey to becoming a registered therapy team with Paws & Think. Thanks to Nina’s leadership, so many volunteers and therapy dogs have found a welcoming and supportive entry into our community.
What’s even more remarkable is that Nina continues to serve in this role even after relocating to Denver, CO. Her dedication, expert knowledge, and deep passion for our mission transcend state lines, and we are so fortunate to have her continued involvement.
Nina’s leadership has helped build a strong and compassionate volunteer community, and we simply couldn’t imagine Paws & Think without her.
Previous Volunteers of the
2023 Volunteers of the Year: Deb and Sid Zachary & Cindy Cale
2022 Volunteers of the Year: Carolyn Ausbrooks & Lauren Colbert
2021 Volunteer of the Year: Marsha Thomas
2020 Volunteer of the Year: Kathy Janes
2019 Volunteer of the Year: All Volunteers
Watch the video of how our volunteers supported the community during the pandemic.
2018 Volunteer of the Year: Debbie Ryan
2017 Volunteer of the Year: Lynsey Smith
2016 Volunteer of the Year: Wendy Hendricks
2015 Volunteer of the Year: Diane Aurand
2014 Volunteer of the Year: Susan Pratt
2013 Volunteer of the Year: Margaret Drew
2012 Volunteer of the Year: Tom Janes
2011 Volunteer of the Year: Lisa Snyder
2010 Volunteer of the Year: Carol Davenport
2009 Volunteer of the Year: Rhaya Shilts
2008 Volunteer of the Year: Debbie Feltz
2007 Youth Volunteer of the Year: Sara Gibson
2007 Adult Volunteer of the Year: Jodi Van Slyke
2006 Youth Volunteer of the Year: Amanda Clevenger
2006 Adult Volunteer of the Year (inaugural): Jill Boyer
2005 Youth Volunteer of the Year: Leslie Hannah
2004 Youth Volunteer of the Year (inaugural): Keith Diemer
