Board:
Erika Pasieczny, President
Timothy Mangus, Treasurer
Aliris Lopez, Foster Care & Community Education Specialist (Bilingual, Spanish)
Ally Martinez, Veterinary Science & Care Advisor
Sonia Marquez,
Sara Mehdizadeh, Social Media and Communications
Our Story: Family, Rescue, and the Power of Second Chances
I’m Erika Pasieczny — educator, rescuer, and founder of Scales and Tails, El Paso’s only 501(c)(3) reptile and exotic pet rescue. I’m also a wife, mom, and woman with a house full of animals and a heart full of purpose.
This rescue began from a deep love for animals and people. After years as a principal and a life surrounded by pets, I saw how animals heal and teach.
With my husband Will, a prison and national guard chaplain, and our kids Sammy and Sara, we turned our home into a space for second chances. We care for creatures while promoting empathy and responsible pet ownership.
Scales and Tails is a community — connecting community members, veterans, students, and pets through compassion.
Thanks for being part of it. ❤️
Timothy Mangus (Treasurer) is the dedicated Treasurer of Scales and Tails, bringing his expertise as a seasoned financial advisor to support the organization’s mission. With years of experience guiding individuals and businesses toward financial stability and growth, Timothy ensures that Scales and Tails operates with transparency, accountability, and sustainability.
Beyond numbers and spreadsheets, Timothy has a lifelong passion for animals. His love for reptiles and exotic pets fuels his commitment to helping Scales and Tails rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals in need. Combining financial savvy with compassion, he plays a vital role in keeping the rescue on solid financial footing while making a real difference for animals and the people who love them.
Aliris Lopez (Foster Care & Community Education Specialist) is a compassionate and driven Registered Nurse and Veterinary Technician student with a specialization in wildlife care and conservation. With a deep-rooted passion for animal welfare, Aliris is committed to bridging the gap between human and animal healthcare through education, advocacy, and hands-on care. Her mission is to foster a safe and nurturing environment for all pets and wildlife, while inspiring communities to take an active role in responsible animal stewardship. Whether in clinical settings or out in the field, Aliris dedicates her skills and heart to promoting the well-being of animals and educating the public on best practices in animal care and conservation.
Ally Martinez (Veterinary Science & Care Advisor) brings extensive veterinary technician experience to our board, with a strong background in reptile health and husbandry. While she has worked with a wide variety of reptiles, her specialty lies in the care and handling of larger species, including tegus, monitors, Burmese pythons, and reticulated pythons. Her knowledge of advanced reptile medical care, nutrition, and behavior ensures that our rescue residents receive the highest standards of well-being. Ally’s expertise and passion make her an invaluable advisor in guiding veterinary practices and supporting our mission to provide the best care possible for every animal.
Sara Mehdizadeh (Social Media and Communications) is a high school student and lifelong animal lover who has grown up surrounded by reptiles, birds, and exotic pets. As the daughter of the founder, she’s been hands-on in rescue work from a young age—helping care for animals, assisting with adoptions, and learning what it takes to run a nonprofit. Now, as the Social Media and Communications Board Member, Sara uses her creativity and tech-savvy skills to help share the rescue’s mission, promote adoptions, and connect with the community. With a heart for animals and a passion for storytelling, she’s helping grow Scales and Tails one post at a time.
Rescue
We provide immediate care and shelter for abandoned, neglected, or surrendered exotic pets.
Rehabilitate
Our team offers specialized medical care, nutrition, and behavioral support to prepare animals for adoption.
Rehome
We carefully match rehabilitated pets with loving, responsible owners who can provide lifelong care.
Educate
We offer community programs to promote responsible exotic pet ownership and conservation awareness.
