About Our Team | southernpaws

Meet Our Amazing Staff

Maranda Gatlin

I was born into a military family and grew up moving around quite a bit. I have lived in Hilliard, FL, and then in Colorado, where I finished high school and attended college. 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 worked and volunteered at a veterinary clinic as a teenager before I moved to Colorado, and I continued down that path when I moved back to Florida. From there, 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 to sunbathe. Ruby 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 that I wanted to be a veterinarian because I loved animals so much. I never thought much about it because what little girl does not want to work with animals all day?

I changed my mind about my future career several times, going from wanting to own a restaurant to becoming a pediatric nurse. In the summer of 2025, I finally decided to become a veterinary technician. I am incredibly blessed that Tara decided to take a chance on me and give me the opportunity to pursue my passion.

I currently have three dogs, a cat, and a gecko. Bella Mae, Bocephus—Bo for short—and Chapo are my babies. Bella and Bo are pit bulls that we got from a friend, and they love to tear up anything and everything. Chapo is a hound mix who was found on the side of the road. They all have very different personalities, but we love them equally. Rugar is my tabby baby and loves being lazy. My leopard gecko, Pascal, was a gift from Will and is honestly my easiest animal to care for.

My animals keep me going, and I am incredibly blessed to have them in my life. I look forward to continuing to learn, grow, and care for animals through my work as a veterinary technician.

Pictured above is Skyler and Bella