Meet Our Amazing Staff
Maranda Gatlin
I was born into a military family and grew up moving around quite a bit. I spent most of my childhood in Hilliard, Florida, until high school. I then moved to Colorado for a few years for a change of scenery and attended college there as well. A few years later, I moved back to Florida and recently bought a home in Folkston with my husband, Bryce.
I always knew I loved animals from the moment I was old enough to understand what the veterinary field was. I have always gravitated toward animals and have had quite a variety of them throughout my life, loving each one dearly. I started working at Full Circle in Callahan when I was a teenager and stayed there for about three years before moving out to Colorado. After returning to Florida, I began working here at Southern Paws and have called this place home ever since.
I currently have three dogs, some fish, and a few yard lizards that have made my patio their home. Stella, Ruby, and Bucky are all sweet babies with very different personalities that keep my days full of love, laughter, and constant ball-throwing!
Stella is my pit bull mix and is the kindest, gentlest girl who loves a good sunbathe. Rubie is my heeler mix and my little shadow; she loves being wherever we are and making sure everyone in the house stays in line. Bucky is my Lab/Catahoula mix and the baby of the family. He loves balls, sticks, toys, and enjoys a good snuggle.
Rescues are my favorite breed; they fill my husband's and my life with so much love.

Pictured above is Maranda and Bucky
Skyler Johnson
I was born and raised in Charlton County, but most of my family is from Pennsylvania. I graduated from Charlton County High School in 2022 and attended Georgia Southern University until my boyfriend, Will, and I moved to St. George in 2024.
Animals have always been a very important part of my life. At a young age, I started riding horses with my Uncle. I was always raised around dogs, whether it was Pepper, my Nana’s Australian Shepherd, or my Stepdad’s hunting dogs. When I was younger, I always told people I wanted to be a vet because I love animals so much. I never thought much about it because what little girl doesn’t want to work with animals all day! I changed my mind a lot, going from a restaurant owner to a pediatric nurse. I finally made my decision in the summer of 2025 to become a vet technician, and I am blessed that Tara decided to take a chance on me.
I currently have three dogs, a cat, and a gecko. Bella Mae, Bocephus (Bo), and Chapo are my babies. Bella and Bo are pitbulls that we got from a friend, and they love to tear up anything and everything. Chapo is a hound mix that was found on the side of the road. They are all VERY different, but we love them all equally. Rugar is my tabby baby and loves to be lazy. My leopard gecko, Pascal, was a present from Will and is honestly my easiest animal.
My animals keep me going, and I am so blessed to have them in my life.

Pictured above is Skyler and Bella
