MEET OUR TEAM!
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LEXIE LEDYARD | Founder
With an unconditional love for all animals, Lexie is up for any task from dog walking to ranch sitting. She graduated with a degree in Finance and a minor in Commercial Real Estate from the College of Charleston where she spent her extra time fostering with the local shelter and leading trail rides around the historic rice plantations. Lexie is a lifelong horse girl who has worked in barns and ranches across the country exploring different disciplines from fox hunting to moving cattle. As a child, she studied the dog encyclopedia for fun (no joke). With a lifetime of knowledge of caring for horses, cats, and dogs, Lexie could not be happier to offer Powder Paws’ services to the Steamboat community.
Hometown: Kennett Square, PA
Favorite Dog Breed: English Lab, Corgi, or Papillon
Hobbies: Her dog (Huck), horses, photography, music, snowboarding, fishing, and exploring -
PETER MARSDEN | PACK LEADER
Hailing from the mountains of North Carolina, Peter is an avid music and outdoor lover. Peter has always had an affinity for animals, big or small. People love him, cats adore him, and dogs simply can’t keep their paws off of him. Peter has many hobbies and is a talented musician. In his time off the trails, you can find him spinning tunes at local venues, playing disc golf, or rafting. During his years living in Steamboat, Peter has been a raft guide, snowmobile guide, honey expert, and worked in some of Steamboat’s finest restaurants.
Hometown: Boone, NC
Favorite dog breed: Aussie
Hobbies: Music, disc golf, rafting, flow arts, skiing, snowmobiling, climbing & hiking -
CHLOE ELLIS | PET SITTER / DOG WALKER / RANCH CARE
Originally from Pennsylvania, Chloe moved to Steamboat during the 2023 winter season to work at the resort, and we were so lucky to find her shortly after her arrival to town! Chloe keeps herself busy pet sitting and especially enjoys serving our South Valley clients. Chloe grew up ski racing and coaching at a small mountain in Pennsylvania. She raised show pigs in her county 4-H and served on the livestock judging team in college at Penn State. Chloe loves all animals, especially Labs. She grew up with Labs and has fond memories of taking them hunting from a young age. Chloe’s love for animals expanded into her studies as well, and she majored in animal science at Penn State.
Hometown: Lehigh Valley, PA
Favorite Dog Breed: Labrador retrievers
Hobbies: Skiing, paddle boarding, hiking, and all things Philly sports -
LAUREN EIDT | KITTY EXPERT
Lauren is a true Colorado native and has been in Steamboat for 17 seasons. She loves the outdoors, camping, hiking, yoga, and reading. Outside of Powder Paws, Lauren practices Reiki and holds ceremonial spaces for her clients. You would be hard-pressed to find someone more caring or empathetic than Lauren. She absolutely loves all animals, big and small. We love Lauren for the compassion and empathy she shares with all our clients and team members. She has always had animals in the house—from dogs and cats to even turtles and bunnies. Lauren has 3 cats at home now and has rescued several older cats over the years to give them space to relax in their last years of life.
Hometown: Monument, CO
Favorite Dog Breed: Husky and Malamute
Hobbies: Reiki, energy work, yoga, cats, being outside, reading, riding on the E-bike -
EMILY DURGIN | PET SITTER / RANCH CARE
A true horse girl and animal lover at heart, Emily got her start in Steamboat as the Equestrian Coordinator at STARS. Emily loves getting down to EDM and sharing a Mambo happy hour pizza and calamari with her best friends. From her job to the gym, she always puts forth her best effort. One of her fondest steamboat experiences includes spontaneously entering and winning the tube rodeo at river fest!
Hometown: Fargo, ND
Favorite Dog Breed: Vizsla
Hobbies: Horses, weightlifting, hiking, reading -
MAKAYLA SWIGERT | DOG WALKER / PACK LEADER
Originally from Fort Collins, Makayla came to Steamboat in the summer of 2024! She studied at CMC in Glenwood for her BA in human services. Outside of her studies, she is a true outdoor enthusiast. From being a raft guide on the Colorado to a lift operator at Sunlight Mountain Resort, she’s all for spending time outside. Makayla’s joie de vivre emanates through her passion for animals (especially Boxers), skiing, and hiking. She looks forward to sharing cuddles and adventures with your pets.
Hometown: Fort Collins, CO
Favorite Dog Breed: Boxer
Hobbies: Skiing, hiking, rafting, the outdoors, music, and animals -
JULIA WALKER | DOG WALKER / ADMIN
Julia relocated from Denver to Steamboat in 2010, intending just a weekend visit — but like many of us, she found herself rooted in the valley many years later. With a strong background in healthcare, Julia has spent years dedicated to caring for others. Since becoming a Steamboat local, she’s built a vibrant life with her husband, two children, and a lively menagerie that includes two dogs, two cats, two rabbits, an aquarium, and even an axolotl! Her deep compassion for animals and people alike shines through in all she does, making her an invaluable part of the Powder Paws family.
Hometown: Denver, CO
Favorite Dog Breed: Shelter Mutts!
Hobbies: chasing her tiny humans around, boating, dirt biking, rock hounding and anything artistic -
GREYCE FRANCO | PET SITTER
Greyce has a huge heart, especially for bunnies and Philly sports (go birds!!). Her favorite kind of bunny is a Mini Rex, and she has her own dog, Moab, and kitty, Lola. She moved to Steamboat from Gunnison, CO. When she’s not dropping in for dinner visits and peak season overflow, Greyce enjoys committing her time to contributing to the Steamboat community. As what seems to be a requirement for the Powder Paws Team, Greyce loves the outdoors, exploring, and camping.
Hometown: Edison, NJ
Favorite Dog Breed: Labs, Goldens, and dachshunds
Hobbies: Reading, camping, spending time with loved ones, happy hours, and pottery -
LEILA VORHIES | DOG WALKER / ADMIN / RANCH CARE
Leila is originally from Seattle but grew up with 3 dogs in the mountain town of Sandpoint, Idaho. She moved to Colorado in 2023 to attend Colorado Mountain College, where she's pursuing an associate’s degree in Outdoor Education and a bachelor’s in Ecosystem Science. A true outdoor enthusiast, Leila spends her free time anywhere the fresh air flows! She’s been passionate about working with animals since she was a kid, has worked in many shelters, and she always brings a bright, social energy to every visit. Leila also has hands-on ranch experience—a huge bonus for our large animal clients!
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Favorite Dog Breed: A good old-fashioned mutt—especially the quirky, funny-looking ones that are impossible to define but full of personality.
Hobbies: Skiing, hiking, rafting, canyoneering, and climbing
Want to join the pack?
If you are interested in joining the Powder Paws team, please send an email to contact@powderpawssteamboat.com with your resume and a little about yourself!
Join Our Team