Board Mambers:
Erika Pasieczny, President
Timothy Mangus, Treasurer
Sonia Marquez, Director of Educational Outreach (Bilingual, Spanish)
Ashlie Romero, Director of Turtle and Tortoise Welfare
Ally Martinez, Veterinary Science & Care Advisor
Sara Mehdizadeh, Social Media and Communications
Erika Pasieczny, (Founder and President)
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)
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.
Sonia Marquez (Director of Educational Outreach)
Sonia Marquez has been working with animals since 2016 and developed a special passion for reptiles and exotic animals after discovering how misunderstood they often are. She found working with reptiles to be deeply therapeutic and believes that caring for animals can help people build confidence, patience, empathy, and stronger communication skills.
Sonia's journey with Scales and Tails began when she, her husband, and their daughter visited the rescue simply to meet the animals. They quickly fell in love with a snake named Rusty and decided to adopt him. As Sonia likes to say, they adopted Rusty—and Scales and Tails adopted them.
As Director of Educational Outreach, Sonia helps connect the community with reptiles and exotic animals through educational programs, outreach events, and hands-on experiences that promote understanding and compassion.
Ashlie Romero (Director of Turtle and Tortoise Welfare)
Growing up, turtles were always part of Ashlie's life. Some of her favorite childhood memories are early mornings spent with her grandmother feeding, watering, and caring for them. Watching the love and dedication she gave those animals taught her that turtles are more than pets—they’re family.
What began as a childhood passion has grown into a lifelong commitment to turtle care, rescue, rehabilitation, and education. As part of the Scales and Tails Rescue team, she is dedicated to advocating for proper turtle husbandry, supporting rescue efforts, and helping others understand and appreciate these incredible animals. The goal is simple: to ensure every turtle receives the care, respect, and second chance it deserves.
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.
