The Team
Haley Sinn-Penfold
The original Sensible Surrogate, I was born and raised in Boulder. I've spent my whole life surrounded by all kinds of critters and have been raised to treat animals with the same kindness and compassion as I would show to people. I have a deep love for animals and it has become my passion to care for them. Generally, animals can feel that love and return it to me tenfold. I've been pet sitting and house sitting for over seven years.
I graduated from CU with a degree in art history. I considered the possibility of going back to school to become a veterinarian. But I saw a lack of an existing alternative to kenneling for pet owners who must leave town, so I started The Sensible Surrogate to help solve that problem.
I am an Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer (#16880) and a member of both Pet Sitters International and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. I am insured through NAPPS, as are all of those who work for me, in the event that something should go wrong. I am also pursuing accreditation through both organizations.
I have also completed the Colorado State University Extension Master Gardener Program and have a Colorado Gardening Certificate. I've also been through the Scotts/Ortho Training Institute. This knowledge assists me in the proper care of your plants and gardens while you're away as well as keeping your pet safe when it comes to poisonous plants, pesticides and herbicides. I also own and operate a small gardening business – Redstone Valley Landscape & Garden. This allows me the freedom and flexibility to care for your animals and to coordinate with the rest of the Surrogate team. I believe you will find the combination of my knowledge and experience of plants and animals as well as sense of general home aesthetic and environment to be impressive.
Erin O'Malley
I grew up in Elizabeth, Colorado, and am currently a senior at CU studying humanities. I've been around animals all my life. I've been surrounded by dogs, cats, goats,rabbits, lizards, hamsters, birds and turtles and have had the great pleasure of owning six different family dogs. Our labs, retrievers, Springer Spaniels, terriers and Rhodesian ridgebacks have been my companions, each possessing his or her own unique temperament and personality. I find that being in the presence of dogs is both rewarding in the physical and psychological sense for the sitter and the canine. I feel honored to help any pet owner in any situation in which they are unable to tend to their pet. I love the outdoors and enjoy hiking, biking and walking with any furry friends. I am highly organized and take pride in my care for your home and pets.
Ryan Philipsborn
I have been keeping, growing and propagating personal aquariums for almost a decade. I'm originally from Chicago and I have a degree from CU in sociology. I worked as a manager at Aqua Imports from 1999 to 2004, selling and maintaining freshwater aquatic aquariums, saltwater coral systems, and reptile systems. We also maintained and serviced the reef systems and marine aquariums under contract at over 150 local businesses and residences throughout Boulder and Denver.
My personal philosophy behind my own aquarium systems and the systems I have maintained is that they are a living piece of art and should be maintained and viewed as such. I focus on creating an environment in which all animals can thrive and live at peace as well as grow and spread through different parts and levels of the system. My tanks are set up to awe a viewer and keep them interested as well as deliver a sense of serenity, wellness, strength and knowledge. I prefer reefs for my own personal aquariums, but I also work on marine aquariums and freshwater systems maintaining the same ideas and principals.
I now live in Denver and work in Human Resources, but I haven't lost my zeal for the life aquatic. I keep it up maintaining my own reef tank and reptile terrarium as well as working for The Sensible Surrogate as the marine life and reptile specialist. I look forward to making your home aquarium a calmly mesmerizing base for tranquility in your home.
Tobin Caldwell
I'm originally from northern Arizona. I moved to Boulder in 2006 to be with family and pursue a degree in geology at CU. I love animals and they love to do all the things I love to do - run, hike, be in the snow, climb, play ballgames and be outside! I come from a family of animal lovers and am a longtime employee with my aunt's Boulder-based business, Chloe Cards, that specializes in pet photography and media. I enjoy every aspect of dog personalities and feel that humans and dogs bring out the best in one another. I look forward to caring for your animals to bring out the best in everyone.