Current GVRA Client Keeps Tails Wagging at Pet Boarding Facility in Hartwell

When Azaria Hickmon enters the dog kennels at Tilley’s Pet Villa in Hartwell, Georgia, several of the dogs yelp and jump with delight, knowing Azaria is there to take them for a walk at the pet boarding facility. Although Azaria has only been on the job for two months, several of the dogs recognize her when she enters the room and can’t wait to be cared for by her. During each shift, she walks the dogs from the kennel into the outdoor fenced area so they can play with each other. 

Katherine Tilley, the owner of the facility, said Azaria has acclimated herself to the boarding atmosphere in a relatively short period of time. “Azaria has a great can-do attitude,” Tilley commented. “She’s a self-starter. We try to make everything repetitive for her, and she has picked up on the processes quickly. In two months’ time, she is accomplishing her tasks with little supervision. She is doing a great job, and we feel fortunate that she is one of our employees.”

Azaria’s interest in pets leads to dream job 

Azaria’s love for animals began at an early age. Around age seven, Azaria got to touch a horse as part of her therapy. When she was 10 years old, Azaria’s family gave her a puppy and a cat. 

A recent high school graduate, Azaria no longer has pets of her own, but she is still interested in animal welfare. “Everywhere we go, people's pets always seem to be drawn toward Azaria---walking up to her, wanting her attention—they want to be petted,” said Melissa Hickmon, Azaria’s mother. “She loves animals, even ones that exist in the wild. Birds and squirrels also come up to her. With pets, I think cats are probably her favorite.” 

Azaria’s high school teachers introduced Azaria and her mother to GVRA’s services. To date, she has received vocational counseling, job training, and job placement services through GVRA and Progressive Abilities Support Services (PASS). PASS, a GVRA provider located in Savannah, delivers supported employment services such as resume writing, mock interviews, and resources that strengthen self-advocacy. Gina Jones, a supported employment manager at PASS, is Azaria’s job coach. If Azaria requests onsite job support, Jones is available to help her complete her tasks.

Hickmon praised the referral process, mentioning she easily applied for services on Azaria’s behalf at the Athens office. “The GVRA staff members are knowledgeable and helpful. We’ve been working with GVRA and PASS for about a year, and Azaria’s case is still open. Based on our experience, I would recommend GVRA to potential clients. Azaria loves her job!” Hickmon exclaimed.

Azaria excels in new role, in part thanks to PASS supported employment 

Jones echoed Tilley’s sentiments regarding Azaria’s attitude and work ethic. “It took me a little while to find the right job for Azaria, but I’m convinced she is in the most supportive environment possible,” Jones stated. “She is thriving at Tilley’s Pet Villa. She is an incredibly sweet person who is always willing to pitch in and help. Azaria’s smile lights up any room she enters and it’s a pleasure working with her.”

Azaria works at the boarding facility three days a week, for a total of six hours. After letting the dogs play in the outdoor area, she returns them to the kennels. Some of the dogs have siblings, so Azaria pairs them and places them in the correct kennel. She also folds clean towels and keeps the food and water bowls clean. 

“Miss Gina is Azaria’s job coach. She accompanied Azaria on the first day of work and stayed with her throughout the shift,” Tilley shared. “But by the second day of work, Azaria said she was comfortable completing her tasks without the supervision of her job coach. It’s been a joy to watch her progress in this job.”

Tilley occasionally checks with Azaria just to be certain everything is going smoothly. “I’m looking forward to Azaria’s next step, which will involve feeding the dogs. She grasps the concepts quickly,” noted Tilley.

When she is not tending to the animals at Tilley’s Pet Villa, Azaria works as a caregiver for her grandmother. According to Hickmon, Azaria has been a caregiver since she graduated from Hart County High School in May of 2024. Her grandmother has mild dementia, so Azaria provides emotional support. She also performs light household chores and answers phone calls. Azaria cares for her grandmother approximately three days a week for five hours each day.  

“Azaria loves her current position at the pet boarding facility. I have never heard her complain about it,” Hickmon shared. “When she finishes her shift, she is excited to tell me about the different cats and dogs she cares for. This job is so perfect for Azaria!”

Related to: 

• Success Story